The head of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) has urged pastors to prioritize their health by scheduling regular medical checkups. In a statement, Rev. Dr. Daniel Mbaya said he was concerned about the frequency of sudden death incidences in the church, the latest being the demise of Rev. Vincent Alaku on October 6, 2024.
Rev. Alaku, who was a minister with EYN church in Maiduguru city in the Northeast region of Nigeria, slumped and passed on as he was ministering during a worship service.
Sandra Alaku Stephen, a family member of the deceased pastor, told Christian Daily that Rev. Alaku died while he was dedicating a child as part of the church ordinances. “Doctors told us that Rev. Alaku died of cardiac arrest. God gives, and He takes,” said Stephen.
The church’s worship service ended abruptly as members of the church were thrown into disarray following the collapse and the untimely death of Rev. Alaku. Malikson Papaman, a member of the Church in a tribute to the Rev said: “My heart bleeds as I struggle to come to terms with the loss of our beloved pastor”.
“His powerful message still resonates in my mind, as he emphasized the importance of family unity in worship. Little did I know it would be his final sermon… I'm honored to have been under your guidance. Your legacy will live on in our hearts,” continued Papaman.
Rev Mbaya said the assembly was shocked and grieving the sudden death of Alaku.
“The EYN family mourns the loss of Rev. Alaku, a dedicated servant of God. May his memory inspire us to live with integrity and compassion,” said Rev. Mbaya.
Dr Mbaya, emphasized that pastors and church staff need to take care of their health as part of living a purposeful life.
“We don’t have control of time; many factors can take us away. If we live in sin there might be no time to correct that. Let’s cherish every moment we have and strive for positive impact,” Mbaya admonished his church members.
Rev. Mbaya prayed for Pastor Alaku’s family, seeking God’s comfort and strength during this difficult time.
The Rev. Timothy Hammajam, District Secretary of the Church Brethren of Nigeria (EYN) in the city of Maiduguri, described Pastor Alaku as “a visionary leader with a focus.”
