If you’re looking for a Man of strong faith that will allocate 99.6% of his daily earnings to mission work and use the rest .4% barely left to force him by Ewa Agoyin & Agege bread for his house to eat; then look for Oloye. Very fearless in an open love for church works. Oloye? Ask the people that knows him well they will lost count of numbers of times no food to eat in his house so that a church can thrive. A Boss who indeed is a Boss. We thank God for all the testimonies I’ve read about you. All is now well. Tokunbo Akinyemi Mutual Assurance

Oloye, the news of your death really shocked my entire family and church family. (My children especially still can’t stop asking what happened, because you were still with us nearly a year ago) I didn't first know how to respond to the news, but was numbed , shocked and pained. But God is good, and He's timing differs from ours. So today, I celebrate the life of one of God's Great Generals, Pastor Theophilus Martins or should I say Oloye. when I heard about your demise, I choose to believe it wasn't true or real, since my husband and I spoke to you 2 weeks prior. I then started looking for your pictures and videos we have from Lagos, Nairobi Kenya(when you and mummy Judah named me Mary Slessor) and to the US. Even just from barely a year ago, after your missionary journeys and work in South America, you decided to check on us in Maryland. Pastor Martin, how do I begin to describe you sir? You are a true and great man of God, a missionary to the core, a selfless giver, always thinking about others but himself, a chronic soul winner, a lover of God and man, a burden bearer, a big brother indeed. Your jokes are heart-warming and cracks-up everyone, your advices and encouragements always runs deep. Christianity world-wide, and RCCG has lost a Gem. But like we know "Earth's Loss, is Heaven's Gain". We'll all miss you dearly. Though it's difficult not to cry as l write this, we are not mourning like those without faith. For the Bible says in 1Thessalonians 4:13-14, " Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." You ran and finished your race at God's appointed time. We are consoled that we'll see you again at Resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:51 says, "......The trumpet will sound, and those who have died will be raised to live forever, and we will all be changed...." To my dear sister, Pastor Catherine, Judah, Funmi, the entire family, Praise Tabernacle(Praise T) Family and Garden of Peace brethren, may the Lord God console and uphold everyone at this time. We're all in a race that we are called to, may the Lord help us to run and finish it well. For the day and time no one knows. Oloye, your Legacy lives on, Good night my dear big brother in the ministry. Good night! 👇🏿 https://www.facebook.com/1249822476/videos/10222017996419536/ https://www.facebook.com/reel/581115370110408

When we heard the news, we began by thinking we could save you but in the end, all we can do is to honor you. Our incredible and beloved brother, Pastor ‘Tunde Martins, who with his lovely wife, ensured a safe birth of our first child at the Redeemed Camp about 30 years ago, and subsequently accommodated us in their humble apartment unit for several months! You opened your heart and restored our trust in humanity. You sacrificed so much to bring happiness to everyone around you and we’re definitely going to miss your jokes and coy smile, especially when you would, suddenly and unexpectedly, give up something so dear to you for others to enjoy! Rest in the everlasting peace and joy of our Creator and Heavenly Father. Amen 🙏🏽

Tribute To My Brother & Friend Pastor Theophilus Martins. I never thought l will be doing this for you my beloved Pastor. Our plan was to have a bigger thanksgiving service than the one we had on your birthday on the 8th of June, you danced and praised God so much. Whatever happens our God remaineth God and we give Him praise. My dear Oloye and Oga mi as l fondly call you was a man that loved and feared the Lord so much. He decided he had wasted so much time before his convertion and so ran with his assignment with so much vigour as if he knew time was short. Family was everything to him, so he gave the best humanly posible, celebrating all their successes and milestones. Pastor was a dependable friend, always ready to support at all times and encourage to achieve success. He was such a humble man. His house in the camp was the most visited in his estate especially during special programmes. As long as he got a little corner to lie down, no privacy at all and it was okay for him.His focus was for people to come and be blessed not his or family comfort. We had a lot of fun time together.( You always said : aye wa fun eniti o proud) He was a good pastor, well loved by his congregation. Very jovial and yet very firm.Thank you for all the many opportunities you gave us to stand on that alta. I never knew end was near. Though you were so lean physically but to the very end you were so full of life. Anytime we visited there were no dull moments. You were still running the church, doing what you could do about the mission field, planning how to go on mission as soon as possible. With a heavy heart l bid you farewell.Fully convinced that you finshed well. Soldier of the cross take your rest and receive your many crowns from your maker. I miss you so much dear brother. Iyawo Oga mi, sister kate, Judah and Funmi, you did so well taking care of Pastor. May the Lord be with you. May peace and comfort from the Lord find you at this difficult time in Jesus name. You all will finish well serving the Lord.

Pastor you first knew of me in October 2001 when I got married to Seun and for someone who has never met.me in person you opened your house to us to spend two weeks honeymoon. I felt loved from your family, your wife Aunt Kate my sweet Aunt. You were respected highly amongst your peers, your family and wherever you went. You always left a shining light because you were truly God’s servant. Your humor and smiles were never a miss. Your encouragement to us as a young married couple was a blessing to us. Rest in peace big brother, our Pastor God has got your now.

My favourite Pastor, Pastor Theophilus Martins. Never a full moment during the services and your preaching. You chastise in love, patiently counsel, totally committed to church planting and growth (missions). Pastor Martin's, you are forever in my heart as God used you to help those of us trusting God for the fruit of the womb in Garden of Peace in the year 2010. When we get to church usually @ 7am for the Saturday meeting, you were always on time. You never liked us coming late. God indeed used you to trust Him and strengthen our faith since you had been in our shoes before therefore you knew where it pinched most and God backed you up. He answered our prayers. Thank you for answering the call of God upon your life, thank you for your selfless service to the ministry. You are a rare gem. We love you but Jesus loves you most. Sleep sweetly in the bosom of our Lord where the streets are made of pure gold.

Visiting you in Lagos, then, from Jos field is still fresh in my mwmory. You gave me a Toyota Camry and some money to facilitate my mission work.You were always a blessing and great encouragement. Eventually, your home became my resting home whenever I was in Lagos. You and your wife always made sure I was comfortable.Thank God my wife and I could make it to your bedside to talk and pray with you before your ascended to glory.You will always be remembered for all youve done for the Kingdom. Sleep on Beloved

It's hard indeed for me to say goodnight, Oloye!!!

This is the man who made me to love God the more, who demonstrated in practice how to lead and serve. This is a hard one for us his son's, but our comfort is that he is in a better place. Rest in peace great labourer in the vineyard. Daddy we miss you.

PASTOR THEOPHILUS MARTINS He was a man with a benevolent heart and great passion for soul winning. There are great testimonies from multitude of voices across all churches over the world, communities, and societies, speaking of the humorous nature, good works, goodness, kindness, and gracious heart of Pastor Martins. 👉 A man who was strong, rich, and gave to many abundantly. 👉 A man who became weary, weak, and feeble yet gave so much generously. 👉 A man who laboured hard in the mission field: burnout, suffered from sickness, hunger, emptiness, dying, and even death—without anything to himself. Pastor Martin , the one I fondly called Pastor White, my only ""Oyibo Pastor'"", my Jaiye-Jaiye Daddy, my beloved senior brother, and a true friend in Christ. He gave all to the church and to the world, like Jesus, our Lord and master, the horn of our salvation, who became poor so that all would be rich. O, Lord, my concern Oh, my heart is in deep reflection. Food for thought on the principle of giving and receiving, which is eternal, the law of the Spirit, and life in Christ Jesus. 👉 Pastor Martins was a great man who knew and enjoyed so much the joy of giving. My question? 👉 Did he truly enjoy the joy of receiving as much as he gave in life and on earth? 🙏 Luke 6:38 [38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again. 🤏 My deep concern 💪🏻 I mean the blessings of replenishing, restoration, refreshing, and renewal that the tender heart; deep calls to the deep can only give in return. A kind and pleasant word, a gesture of appreciation, commendation, privileges, kindness, a cup of water, love, a holy kiss, the loving touch of the brethren, a warm hug, joy, and laughter. I had a dream twice, on the 10th and 17th of November, 2023, and a loud voice. Yes, I heard a voice. "The departed righteous one will always speak, leave a clue, and speak again after death." 🤏🏻 Pastor Martin appeared in a gathering with open hands to receive from His master the reward of stewardship with a heart of accountability. A loud voice:- "I will give an account of all my work and all work done to me. Yes. My account and record are open, and I can see all I gave to the world." 🎁, all I received  🎁 and all the things denied me 😀 My victory over all things and the last enemy called death. ✋✋✋✋✋✋ To all the true believers all over the world who made Pastor Martin enjoy on earth the joy of giving and also the blessings of receiving in good measure 🙏 Surely a great account is open unto you on earth and in heaven, of great reward in Jesus Christ name amen. From- Pastor Gloria & Temisan Omagbemi

Your Excellency,The Son of God,Man of God and True Believing Child of God. You inspired me to Foreign Mission,You supported me and family in all things. You are a man sold out for the work of God,The Apostle Paul of Our Generation. REST ON PASTOR ,YES REST IN HIM WHO CALLS YOU FRIEND.

This is surreal! To be writing a tribute to Oloye at this time was least expected and is not an easy one! Where do I start from? Is it our days in Garden of Peace, Falolu when we met this amazing man or the years we served the Lord together? His commitment to the Lord and his carefree spirit was off the charts! His sense of humour was unparalleled! It was hard to get Oloye annoyed. His carefree attitude was sometimes upsetting, but you can’t get him to be angry or “serious”, no matter what. He always poked fun at me and that his laughter- unforgettable! He was a giver par excellence! He can give the coat off his back. We used to tease him that the only thing he can’t give away is his wife, Kate! My biggest regret is that I didn’t get to talk with him when he was sick, but we trust that He who holds the world in His hands will uphold Sister Kate, Judah, Johaan and all of us in Jesus name! Words fail me… I’ll stop here…It is well!

Pastor Martins was a man with a good heart, a father to all, a man with multifacet talents and insight. A friend, a giver of help for all, his sacrifice is without limits, his stories and tales of exploit lighten the room. May His memories be forever.

My dear pastor Martins,we see you Sir in haven!❤

Daddy, your humours and impactful messages with experiences and life lessons to live by wont be forgotten and your lovely bowties . An addicted and committed missionary. Your legacy lives on. . .

Pastor, you are a good and caring father to all. You never wavered in giving good advice to all who came in contact with you. We love you dear Pastor but God loves you more and our only comfort is that heaven has gained a saint

Pastor, you are a good and caring father to all. You never wavered in giving good advice to all who came in contact with you. We love you dear Pastor but God loves you more and our only comfort is that heaven has gained a saint

Pastor Martins, You were a father to many. You impacted many lives both directly and indirectly. Your love and commitment to God and His work was palpable. You left all to pursue Him, a path only few tow in life. Our consolation is that you are sleeping in the bossom of your Saviour. Mummy Martins, the Lord comfort you in this trying time; may He strengthen you to carry on the legacy he built and left behind. Adieu Pastor Martins.

If there's anything I can say of a certainty, it is that though daddy Martins is no longer here but will always be in our hearts. Your memory lives on dad. Daddy Martins was a father indeed that will be truly missed but we are comforted with the fact that you are resting in the Bossom of your father. No one knows daddy Martins and remain at the same level except you are not ready to move. Dad forth good fight of faith and conquered. Rest on Daddy Martins

We have fond memories of when we were neighbours on Falolu street. We dare say that You and your lovely Wife-Kate are the best neighbours we have ever known . We recall how you gave us a room in your house to sleep on our wedding night because of the number of guests visiting from everywhere . We could never forget your “husky” voice especially when calling out for your Sister “Yeti”. We learned a lot about humility, service to God and humanity from our various interactions . We were shocked to read about your passing from an online article on Thisday. May God grant your soul eternal rest. We also pray that God grant Sister Kate, your lovely children and entire family the fortitude to bear the loss. Rest in peace Mr. Martins!

Daddy, the news of your death was a really shocking one. The consolation we have is that you are in a better place. We’ll miss you so much, your impact in our lives will forever be felt. Continue to rest in Gods bossom and enjoy the mansion he has built for you.

Hmm Pastor Martins or Brother Martins as I fondly called him! You were the only one who called me "Omowunmi Grace". You were Brother Lanre's (omi) best buddy; we just knew you loved and cared for him genuinely. We could see the pain in your eyes when you had to officiate his funeral just 2 years ago! I visited you in Atlanta last year and I can't believe I am writing a tribute now. You were indeed a good kind person. A man of God! You have done and served the way God wants us all to serve. May your soul rest in peace!! You will be missed! I pray God's comfort over your darling wife and your children. Amen

Uncle Tunde it was so sad to hear about your passing. You were always positive and welcoming to all. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

Daddy it is still so unreal to me that you have departed the earth, it’s so difficult to say goodbye. My heart is so heavy, I am going to miss you so much

I'm still short of words and yet to get over the shock. I wish I could put my thoughts into words to express how this feels. Writing a tribute in your honor was the last thing on my mind. I didn't see this coming, I wish I did. I would have spent some time to let you know how much I have come to appreciate your love, your sincere desire to see everyone fulfilled and happy, your encouragement to me and for all I do, and your faith in the grace of God over my life. You saw me as your younger sister and treated me as one yet you honored God in life. When you knew I was upset with you at a time when you were our Pastor at GOP, you made efforts to makeup and that was endearing to me. I saw a lot of humility in that and I forgave and forgot about it so easily. I understood how would want good for people and you would sometimes offend them for their good. You spent yourself for God and your love for Him was undeniable. I remember how you said Psalm 2:8 was God’s word to you and you were taking the nations for Him. You truly did! You were waiting to be back on your feet to resume your assignment but your maker said you have finished your quota. I celebrate the grace that carried you through in spite of any discouragements around you. You were focused on the goal. Like Apostle Paul, you pressed on the mark of the high calling of God and I'm certain you got it. I remember how you trained me by fire by giving me impromptu preaching assignments that have helped me as a Pastor today. It taught me to always be prepared and helped my boldness -thank you for the opportunities. How do I forget our talks and how you allowed me to relate so freely with you? We would yap each other so much and sometimes I wondered why you were not upset with me. Rather, you took everything as a joke. We would have unending lists and you would crack me up, and misunderstand my points intentionally, just to make me take action in the direction you were advising. I remember you would always end our conversations with “The Lord bless you, the Lord keep you” Thank you for listening to my heart cry and even when I thought you might not understand, you did! Your demise hit me so hard but God knows it all and we surrender to him. You are at peace now and no longer in pain. I have seen people reach out to me to tell of how you were a blessing to them. You sponsored one to do his MSC! And many more you helped to be educated and make something meaningful of their lives. Some talked of how you brought them to Christ. What a great legacy you left. Dear Pastor Martins, thank you for believing in God’s grace in my life. You followed my programs and sent encouraging words. You even had an invitation waiting for me to come minister in your church whenever I visit Nigeria. I believe the Lord knows that your dear wife and children are safe in His hands and I'm certain you have sown precious seeds they would harvest for generations to come. Good night my dear Man of God, Pastor, Daddy in the Lord, and Big Brother. I look forward to seeing you at the feet of Jesus and we will have joy forever. Adeyinka Are

Daddy, the news of your death came to my family as a rude shock and left a sore taste to the birthday celebration of my wife. As my wife succinctly put it “ this has spoilt my day”. We love you and we appreciate your style of delivering the word of GOD. It’s said that “words spoken are hearts seen”. You always talks and preach in a most simple, common and extraordinary manner and form, very straight to reason and truth and they are always your hearts seen! Personally, I do imitate your simplicity, sense of humor, charisma, straightforwardness and saintly dexterity both in Insurance industry and church planting. They are costliest virtues you bequeathed to us that will always occupy a conspicuous space in our hearts and that’s the place in our hearts, we shall always get used to call your name-PASTOR MARTINS. Of a truth, “goodbye” is the saddest word for me to say here, but there’s no doubt; if we meet again, we’ll; we shall smile but if not, certainly; this parting is well made. My condolences to Mummy Martins, Joan(a friend of my daughter Real Ezeukwu), the entire family members and the RCCG-GARDEN OF PRAISE. High Chief Jude Harley Ezeukwu (UGOCHIZITELU ORLU)

Tribute to Pastor T Martins A man of God, he loved and carried out God instructions out without looking back. A missionary… Church planter. He preached God’s words with sense of humour. He would illustrate his sermons with relevant jokes, He had established/ plannted many churches over length and breadth of the world. God brought us together in year 2001, when he attended RCCG convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then we became close... He loved God and his family so much. He would be greatly missed. My prayer to God is to uphold his family and the church of God worldwide.

Rest on Daddy Praise, an amazing man and father to many children .You lived a remarkable and exemplary life, and were a blessing to all. Thank you for touching our lives and for giving me a special name, Joan. 🕊️🤍 ~Signed Maro Joan Agbaire

Uncle Tunde (as I fondly called you when I was a little girl, back then at 56 Olonode street) was a gentle man to the core. He was the exact replica of this father facially and in manners. Thank God I saw you last year in a RCCG church in surulere, Lagos and you fondly called me my pet name. You loved God and His works so much. Sleep well my dear uncle. God will keep the rest of your family, both immediate and extended.

Pastor Martins, you lived your purpose. You loved Mission works, cared for Missionaries. Thanks for the Moments shared with you, your lovely wife& Children-Olubunmi Olushola on, behalf of Israel Monye family.

Since you were transferred to Garden of Praise, you showed love to my family and to every congregation. You were blessed to preach the word of God with a good sense of humour. When I was tired of my state, you encouraged me to be thankful to God and I felt like you didn't understand what I was going through but I obeyed. Not long after your advise, God change my story and gave me all I've been praying for. We will always live to remember a great man of God you were in your lifetime Pastor. You were very dear to our hearts. We would remember your words and laughed. It was always a memorable experience for anyone who encountered you. Your demise is a hard pill to swallow but I take solace in the fact that you served the Lord with all you had, propagating the gospel across nations. That alone consoles me even though everyone of us sorely miss you and I'm sure that angels are rejoicing because of you. May uphold your wife and children, family and the Church. Rest on Pastor Martins. 😢 Bro Femi Ogunkoya

A man of God , he loved and carried out God’s instructions without looking back. A missionary. Church planter. He preached God’s words with a sense of humor. He would illustrate his sermons with relevant jokes. He had established / planted many churches over every length and breadth of the world. God brought us together in the year 2001, when he attended RCCG convention in Atlanta, Georgia and since then we became close. He loved God and his family so much. He would be greatly missed. My prayers to God is to uphold his family and the church of God worldwide. Pastor Wale Adeleye

You were committed to the call till the end .Your impact in ministry was undeniably visible through your passion for Missions . You had a love for God not just in words but in deed and focus .; you were unstoppable in your pursuit of kingdom advancement. We will miss your fatherly kindness and moral counsel as you always have a word of encouragement to offer us anytime we called. May the lord comfort Mummy Catherine, Judah and Joanne greatly. Rest on in the blossom of Jesus. Pastor & Pastor Mrs Efema Akioya

Your works will forever live on, we love you Pastor Theophilus Martins. Rest in the Bossom of the Lord.

Daddy you thought us the meaning of love, selfless service and persistent in pursuing goals. You never rest or give up on anyone you perceived that needs help. You follow up on people untill you bring out the best in them. I can never forget your jokes, advice and your favorite song "Aye raye , Aye raye....Aye raye lapata ti mo gbojule". If the choir did not sing this song then service has not ended... Words like "Ogbologbo nie", "Koburu", "Put your trust in God" Songs like Eko akete ilu ogbon and the likes, this memories we will keep with us forever Daddy. Ma sinmi lo laya Olugbala, REST IN PEACE (BABA OLOYE)

Daddy, you are a General, a father, a pastor, a mentor, a friend to many, your fatherly love made me closer to you, you are always looking out for me, my success in my field is very important to you, Pastor Martin's there is no dull moment with you Daddy. Garden of Praise children, Adult, teenagers, elders and your ministers miss you so much. But we know you are in a best place at the moment because we can't question God. We Love and miss you Baba mi OLOYE.

Pastor Martins, you were a wonderful being, always interested in making an impact in the lives of those who cross your part. You will surely be greatly missed. You were a rare gift to our generation.

I met Pastor Martin's at Garden of Peace and during our couples class, he will always advice, joke and pray with us all and I am happy he was our officiating pastor on the day of the wedding in 2013. Then he became our Pastor at my current parish Garden of Praise. I was very happy to see him again because his preachings were always great. You will be greatly missed Pastor Martin's.

Pastor Martins was an amazing person to me and family. A Man of God to the core,my mentor, encourager,giver. You told me i should make nothing less than 2nd class upper, you still asked me the last time i saw you even on your sick bed. I am pained my Pastor that you had to leave soon but i am consoled that you are in a better place. Sleep on my amazing and jovial pastor. I wont forget so many times you will say it was at Ojota that my husband picked me up from and we will laugh over it. Its well. Rest on.

Oloye, You were special,unique,priceless,a treasure and an outstanding shining light that lit the lives of people who came in contact with you. Your perspective to life was different from others.You saw things from the lens of the kingdom of God. You sought a purposeful life while others were struggling for titles. You cannot die but live forever in my hearts and the hearts of all you touched. Adios my Bossom friend!

Oloye, You were special,unique,priceless,a treasure and an outstanding shining light that lit the lives of people who came in contact with you. Your perspective to life was different from others.You saw things from the lens of the kingdom of God. You sought a purposeful life while others were struggling for titles. You cannot die but live forever in my hearts and the hearts of all you touched. Adios my Bossom friend!

Pastor Martins was a father and a mentor to many, especially me. He was an example of what it means to be disciplined. Rest on sir.

I don’t know where to start from, words cannot really describe you but you are an icon, a great father, you inspired me to join children church after two years of waiting and through that, God answered my prayer. You talk to me like my father which my biological father could not do. You gave me courage that no matter what am going through, I should believe, praise and trust in God, which it has been helping me, even when am not in church, you will call to follow up. You have done so much for me and my family. It is so hard to believe that you left to be with the Lord so soon. I’m so pained and heartbreaking when I had, but who am I to question God. The Lord will be with the seeds you left behind, they shall do greater works and the generation after you shall be blessed. Baba Oloye, My Pastor, Theophilus Martins, You are a real man of God, May your soul Rest In Peace.

Pastor Martins was not just a pastor to me, he was many things (a father, teacher, mentor, disciplinarian ). He has a great sense of humor that I can’t forget in a hurry. (He got jokes) He was a selfless man that puts the work His father first, he’s so full of compassion that he cares for anyone and everyone around him asking for nothing in return. The only man I know that relates with everyone regardless of their status. PTM will call me Omo Fugar in Yoruba (meaning a child born in Fugar). PTM will call me regardless of the time difference and pray with/for me, saying Ayo e a kun(my joy will be full) all of this I do not take for granted. One of your prayers for me God answered. Baba Oloye will stop at nothing to make sure those on mission fields are fed, clothed and most importantly have encounters with Jesus. I know for a fact that you are with your Maker chilling and cracking the angels up with some holy jokes. Rest on God’s General! Rest on Pastor Theophilus Babatunde Martins!! Rest on Baba Oloye!!!

This is so heart-wrenching. Our dear uncle Oloye! I reminisce about those cherished days in Surulere, where you stood as a beacon of light for everyone around you. Your humor, laced with profound wisdom, created an atmosphere of joy and enlightenment. I hold close the memory of your last words to me, particularly the valuable advice you shared about my Dad. Your guidance has been a steadfast pillar of support for me and the children since we lost your dear friend, my late husband - Charles Lawson. Your friendship and unwavering support will forever be etched in our hearts. As we bid farewell, please convey to your dear friend "Charlie," as you affectionately called him, that we continue to love and miss him dearly. Rest in the bosom of our Lord, dear uncle Oloye! Your legacy of goodness and your role as a Great Man of God will be remembered always. Rest in peace, Great Man Of God!

A great missionary of our time, Rest In Peace. You ran a good race and you left a remarkable legacy in the Lords vineyard. It is well and shall remain well with the wonderful family and Church you left behind. Fare well my great father in the Lord, Amen!

Although I never knew Pastor Theophilus Martins personally or intimately, his children, Judah and Johaan, reflect the kind of person he was, someone who was full of life, funny and very intelligent. I am confident knowing that the Lord knew him and he knew the Lord. May His gentle soul rest in peace, and my heartfelt love to the Martins family 🤍

Words at this point in time have become aliens to my thoughts, considering the level of griefs that my soul encountered over the departure of my pastor, Theophilus Martins. While I do not mourn like the unbelievers who have no hope, his physical absence leaves a vacuum that only God can fill. Where do I begin from? Is it the chapel of Mercy encounters or the Praise Tabernacle parish, where I was privileged to serve as the foundational Asistant pastor to this amazing man of God, who through his unequal generosity and giving grace paid the first five year lease of the church rent without a single input from the parent parish , bought all the musical equipments, used his entire funds to renovate and equip the church to the finest state of art, gave scholarships to as many congregation young members who couldn’t afford one, sent people on mission work with his personal funds, paid for the two landed properties that housed the PRAISE TABERNACLE and HOUSE OF PRAISE parishes of RCCG, using MUTUAL ASSURANCE as collateral with the bank and gave me, the first mobile phone, NOKIA 3310 that I ever used in my life . Theophilus Martin was persecuted, yet he stood strong in faith. He was demoted, yet, his bow abode in strength, radiating joy in the midst of altercations. He was ridiculed by those whom he had poured his life into as an offering, yet he never replied his critics both in public and private. What an amazing strength of character that we need today! Even in the midst of the excruciating pains that his mortal body was going through, his sense of joy and humor never left him, cracking jokes to the amazement of those who came to pay solidarity visits. His passion for mission was exceptional. I remembered when he shared the vision of full time ministry with me. I almost dissuaded him not to, but his faith for supernatural supply and sustenance was greater than I could imagine. I became the first individual at that time to sow the sum of sixty thousand Naira into that vision of global church planting as his asistant pastor. That was all I had at that time. God has been faithful. He has rewarded me with amazing harvest with that little seed of year 2000 Sir, I love you despite the fact that we disagreed and yet, the depth of respect and honor I had for you never diminished. Tears have not stopped flowing since your departure. Two days before your exit, you appeared to me in a dream and put gifts into my hand. I knew your time was up after the dream and sensed the impartation of Mission and church planting grace you transferred to me through that encounter. What a joy!! We will see somebody sir, when the body and soul will meet together in the resurrection morning. I believe that you fulfilled the numbers of your days. You fought the power of death with faith unflinching. Nevertheless, the righteous perishes for the evil days to come and the merciful are taken away to rest in the bosom of their Savior. I’m glad for the privilege of spending together, the remaining days you had left. We met almost on daily basis; sharing the word and praying together Good night sir, to a man of valor and see you in the resurrection morning. The seeds you left behind shall be mighty upon the Earth and the generation after you shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in your house and the works of your righteousness shall endure forever.

A tribute To The Greatest Explorer I met Pastor Martins through his daughter, Johaan who happens to be a close friend and course mate of mine. I remember seeing her regularly on calls with him. (In her words, “Chill, I am talking to my Daddy”) Oh he loved her and she loved him. (I remember that exam season and how he made sure she read her books which indirectly motivated us too 😂) I remember the joy with which she shared the stories of his adventures to various nations on earth or was it how kind and generous he was? (Was the Children’s Church TV or the Church projects or the open hands to people staying in the camp house and many more we didn’t know about) He was always willingly to help everyone that was in need. You can’t leave his presence without laughing or smiling. Such a happy soul. Pastor Martins loved the Lord with his whole heart and served him with all his might and resources. Our consolation is that he is resting at the bosom of our Saviour and that we would meet again. Heaven is happy to have you, I can imagine the angels and saints laughing at your jokes, sir ❤️ Thank you for living a life. When we see your children, we have no doubt that they had a great father. Judah and Funmi are such a lovable people, you can’t just but love them. Till we meet again 💕🥹

You insisted I return for my BSc. and you practically supported me to be my best. You honor my family by agreeing to be the Chairman at our wedding and you have never stopped supporting and guiding us. Adieu Daddy!

I remember when we went for Children Choir competition at RCCG camp and we stayed in the same accommodation with you. I witnessed your kindness and love first hand. You are a great person sir and I’m glad you were a part of my life.

I was privileged to know Pastor Tunde Martins through my affectionate childhood friend and brother, Engr Adeniyi Victor John over five (5) decades ago. Pastor Tunde Martins was a quintessential "OMOLUABI". He was passionate for the work of GOD through evangelism and the other church activities. Tunde held his love and responsibilities to his beloved wife and children dearly as well as for his extended nuclear family as well as family in the body of Christ. Almighty GOD will send HIS Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen his family and loved ones. May his gentle soul find peace and rest in the bosom of our Saviour Jesus Christ 🙏 Adieu. Adewunmi Adebimpe

Pastor Theophilus Martins....I'm happy I met you in this life time sir. I laugh when I remember how you cared for me as a father, scrutinizing every boy that you saw me with, wanting to know their intentions around me... I always looked forward to attending camp programs bcos ur house was always open to us anytime we wanted and we were rest assured we wld have somewhere to stay. Your house in Haggai estate was always full. How many pastors would do this? I looked forward to hearing your stories you share in church when you get back from your mission trips. My favorites were Nicaragua and Guatemala 😊You were not only a pastor sir but u were indeed a father to many. Both to the young and old, you were always willing to give advice and counsel always. It hurts that you left early but we are comforted that you are with our lord Jesus and this is to say good night for now Daddy till we all meet on the resurrection day..❤️❤️🕊️🕊️

He was a good man with great sense of humor , a lover of people and very well loved. May his soul continue to rest in peace. Bimbola Kasumu

RIP

words are not enough to describe your positive impact in my life... I am here today because you took me up intentionally (its obvious people that knows me with oloye when he was alive Can relate) ... As long as I live, your memory will last in my existing .... Mummy PP, please b Strong ... God be with you through it all.... Rest in peace Oloye!

Lord Jesus, please uphold my Mummy at these time of need, blessed Holy Spirit succour and support the family in Jesus name

Oloye! A rare gem, amiable lecturer and pastor, brilliant man! Full of life and there's never a dull moment. Rest in peace Oloye. You'll be greatly missed Kemi Ogunmekan

You know a great man by the legacy he leaves behind… Sir we have seen how much of a great man you were through the lives of your children, your family, friends, church community and the memories you left with them. In the eyes of the lord you were a great man indeed, for you loved and served him till the very end. As you’re dancing in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that the good Lord comforts those you left behind. You did well sir, you lived well sir, rest well Sir.

Rest in peace sir. May God Almighty grant you eternal rest. Amen.

Baba Oloye, we didn’t have any time to say good night but that morning, we had the mind to call you. As I have told you before, you taught me to take God’s work as His own mot taking any glory. Our relationship in mission started with the work of Victory House Wichita and others. Our las work together was in Dominican Republic where we planted one Church and adopted two others in Puerto Plata area. You were a lover of God’s work and put in your best without looking for any reward. You spent and you were spent. Your works are following after you while the Master is saying well done thou faithful servant. The Master will uphold your family and the brethren you kept as sheep of God. Good night. We shall meet on the resurrection morning. We keep on with the works you left behind. You were one of God’s General that cared for the plentiful harvest in many nations. Pastors Samuel & Debbie Sorinmade and CWC MELROSE.

You were literally my favorite pastor ! There’s no one like you! You were an Angel and you’d continue to remain one. You’d be sorely missed! I love you so much 💗

I'm still in shock as I never expected this in the next 20 years but who are we to question our maker ,hmmm still looks like a dream but I had solace that you lived a life worthy of emulation.You are a father to all ,you taught us about forgiveness, giving, humility etc, Being in your presence brighten up the darkest and sad mood even when I'm not happy. Just one existence has touched many lives,Aso Ibora fun eniti ko nireti 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. You are always a legend even at death,no word can describe you.May the good Lord be with My Mummy,Juda and Funmi to console and strengthen them 🙏🙏🙏🙏 Adieu my darling Daddy till we meet to part no more.Sun re Oloye Pastor Theophilus Martins 🙏

You gave the world kids that bring radiance and joy wherever they are. For this, thank you very much, Sir. Keep resting in the bosom of the Lord

You can tell he was a good man from the way he raised his kids, rest on sir❤️

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