For a long time, Friday, May 14, 2021, will remain in the memory of family, church members, friends, associates and colleagues of the Senior Pastor of Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, Rev. (Dr.) Israel Kristilere, as he marked his 50th birthday with thanksgivings, prayers and testimonies. Despite the COVID-19 restriction, the event, held via Zoom, was remarkable because it afforded a large number of persons who have had contact with the Pastor in the past years the opportunity to demonstrate their love and appreciation to the cleric.
In the testimonies that followed the praise and worship, Rev. (Dr.) Kristilere’s first daughter, Dr. Heritage Kristilere, thanked him and appreciated him for being an amazing father over the years, while the amiable wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Mary Kristilere, described him as a loving husband and father, who will do anything not just for his biological children, but also for anyone. Pastor (Mrs.) Kristilere, who has been married to the cleric for twenty-four years said: “Over the years, I have seen his large heart, how he loves selflessly, unreservedly and to God’s glory. We have raised not just our biological children but also sons and daughters in our homes and I have seen how he accepted everyone, as he would always look at the good side of every one.” Praying for her husband, she said: “As he is not always satisfied with yesterday’s wins or victory, but always looking for new lands to conquer. For him, it’s all about God.”
Giving testimony of her husband, Pastor (Mrs.) Kristilere noted, “From the date you took up the pastorate of the Church in November 2006 till date, we can testify that God has used you mightily to grow the Church spiritually, numerically, structurally and the performance within the fold of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.”
In the sermon he delivered at the occasion, the President designate of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. (Dr) Israel Akanji took his Scripture from Psalms 126, which he said talked about the past, the present and the future. Rev. Akanji explained that the Psalm spoke about the experience of the Israelites, when God removed them from captivity, which, at the time, appeared to them like dream.
Admonishing the celebrant, Rev. Akanji said: “God will use more of you. God will break record and set new records, such that you march on from glory to glory. It is not a time to relax yet as you are still moving on. God always gives us room to do more because He never puts us in situations we will not need Him, as He will always give us room to need Him.”
He encouraged Rev. (Dr.) Kristilere to depend more on God and be a committed servant, even when he does do not see results adding, “hold on to the Lord and continue to be a workaholic for the Lord.”
The high point of the event was a prayer for the family by President of Nigerian Baptist Convention and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev. (Dr.) Olasupo Ayokunle and testimonies of Church members, friends and associates throughout the world.
