Service of Songs

1. Opening Prayer2. Songs of Praise3. Bible Reading 1 (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)4. Hymn - Nearer My God to Thee5. Bible Reading 2 (Romans 6:1-9)6. Tributes7. Special Song8. Exhortation9. Prayer for the family10. Hymn - Abide With Me11. Appreciation12. Closing Prayer

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Mr Olarewaju Oluwatosin was born on 18th of April in the year 1983 at OnikanHospital, Lagos Island, Nigeria. Between 1989-1994, he attended St. Peter’s Primary School (U.N.A), Shomolu, Lagos. He then later proceeded to Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos for his secondary education.He moved to the United Kingdom and settled in Belfast, Northern Irelandwhere he met and married his wife, Donna Olarewaju. He was a member of RCCG Place of Victory for All Nations, Belfast where, he met with the Lord and experienced a radical life transformation that was visible to all who knew him. In the last few months of his life, he served fervently: He was a committed member of the evangelism team; He started a prayer group meeting every Tuesday to pray; He joined the believers’ class and also enrolled in the School of Disciples. In both, he was a faithful and dedicated student of the Word.

He visited people regularly in hospital, taking food for them, praying for them and doing all he could to meet their needs. He was a prayer warrior and was known to call brethren regularly to offer them a word of prayer. On 17th June 2012, he travelled to visit his family in Nigeria. Whilst in Nigeria, he passed away unexpectedly on 21st June.He is survived by his wife, Donna Olarewaju and also by four children: Aaliyah, Abiodun, Faith and Zara

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FIRST BIBLE READING (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

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FIRST HYMN: NEARER MY GOD TO THEENearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.Refrain

Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God to Thee.Refrain

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.Refrain

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.Refrain

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.Refrain

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.Refrain

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SECOND BIBLE READING (Romans 6:1-9)1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

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SECOND HYMN: ABIDE IN MEAbide with me; fast falls the eventide;the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.When other helpers fail and comforts flee,Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;change and decay in all around I see;O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour.What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;ills have no weight, and tears not bitterness.Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?I triumph still, if thou abide with me.Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

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I have only just lost you,The pain is hard to bear.Still I will go through life,Knowing that you’re up thereI sit here remembering all the lovely times we shared,The talks, the laughter, of every one you cared.I am told the pain will ease in time.And I will think of him without a tear.In the mean time, I will carry on loving The children for whom we both caredKnowing that you are smiling down on usfrom heaven up there With all my love

Mrs Donna Olarewaju

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Oluwatosin Olarewaju, on the 3rd of June, you came forwardto share with the church the testimony of the miraculousway in which the Lord had helped you to give up yourprevious life and embrace a new life in Christ after a wordwas spoken over your life in a church service. Since thebeginning of the year, I have seen the transformational workof Christ in you.After the testimony you shared, I told the entire Church thatI would never forget you and I gave a glowing testimony ofthe first time I met you, how you came running towards mesaying “I heard that a Church has started in Belfast” and yousaid that you had come to be part of it. You asked how youcould get involved and ever since, you have been a memberof the family here in Place of Victory for all Nations, Belfast.In reflection, my comments about you on 3rd June wasindeed a Matthew 3:17 moment: “This is my beloved sonin whom I am well pleased.” The Lord wanted the Church tostart to celebrate your life!Over the last three months, you have impacted the lives ofpeople and you continue to do so even in death as manypeople embrace Jesus Christ after hearing your story. Manytestimonials are pouring in of how you ministered to people’slives and how generous you were. As a soldier of the cross,a disciple of Christ and a saint of the Lord, you will be sorelymissed. Your infectious and sincere smile and child like faithand humility will remain with us forever. Indeed precious isyour death to the Lord and to the Church.Till we meet to part no more. Rest in Peace.

Pastors Chris & Angela Ifonlaja

Oluwatosin Olarewaju, I cannot by any means boast of a long friendship or of a deeper acquaintance but I can claim a keen fellowship. Over the past few months my eyes, which were once closed to your presence were open to behold a flame burning brighter and brighter for God. You were a surprise, a very refreshing stream of fire. Very challenging and yet very humble. Your heart for unity, for drawing people together and not leaving anyone out remains on my mind. The simplicity with which you talked and the conviction and sincerity with which you prayed. You were a light that we needed to see. Your tongue would often slip and you would call me “brother”, but I knew that meant that you considered me a friend, you considered me a brother in Christ and, for that I give thanks. When I think about the girls, I see you in them. You have left behind a legacy that will carry on until eternity. You were right on schedule with God, fanning the flames of fire and helping us all rebuild altars of prayer, as a result our lives will never be the same again. Indeed we can say, if not for God and Bro Tosin. Rest well my brother, we were of short acquaintance but deep fellowship and as you rest you are a cherished memory. I am keenly aware that you are now one of the cloud of witnesses surrounding us - o what comfort and challenge that is. Till we meet again on that beautiful day, rest well.

Sis. Sindile Moyo

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May your spirit soar in freedomMay you rest in perfect peace May the music of the angelsBe the sweet sounds that you hear.As you’re rocked in Heaven’s cradleWhere you’ll never shed another tear.I’ll wear your memory proudly,My brother...my friend.May my love for you reach Heaven aboveUntil we meet again.Yours faithfully, Your sister,

Elizabeth Bolarinwa

Please know our loving thoughts embrace you. To your family, may the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort them now and in the days ahead. We take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us. With heartfelt condolences.

Sis. Charlotte Nakimbugwe

Your flame put out too soon, Brother Tosin! Small but mighty man of God. School of Disciples will not be the same without you, your curious questions about the things of God always thought provoking. Last conversation with your head servant was about your short trip and apologising ahead for missing the next class, how I wish I could have held you back! Always respectful of everyone. Also wondered how you could pack so much food into that small frame of yours. Bro Tosin, rest well in His bosom.

Bro. Funsho Abogunrin

It was just yesterday I saw youAlways full of smiles and giving a warm handshake

It was you I saw serving in His courtsMoving around, giving your time

You spoke to me every time you saw meYour face remains plastered in my memory

Never could I tell it was the last Never could I know time was nearly upNever could I imagine you gone so soon

I still come into His courtsBut your smile won’t be welcoming meYour handshake won’t be propelling me

You have touched someone, your zeal carries onI will continue to smile more, knowing you are in a deserved placeMuch more filled with smiles and warm handshakes R.I.P Tosin.

Layi and Anuli Ola-Olaniyi10

TRIBUTE TO A SOLDIER OF CHRISTDeath is part of the destiny of every man; that we know, but sometimes it makes us sad when our beloved ones go so soon. Oluwatosin Olarewaju caught the fire of the Holy Ghost and was passionate about the work of the Master, as he went about doing good works among the brethren in the house of God and in the community in which he lived. (Acts 10:38) Although it seems to us that he slept in the Lord too quickly, what matters are the words in the Bible taken from Psalms 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints”. The evaluation of existence and useful acquaintance is not based on the number of years we lived but on the positive impact we make on the people around . We were privileged to know and to relate with him for a very short period, yet the memory remains indelible. Bro Tosin arrived at church early, worked across several departments in the church, and related to everybody without sentiments or prejudice. He visited the sick brethren in hospital, prayed for and with people at every opportunity. He liked to share with people the little he had and he spoke freely his mind without pretence. He was committed to evangelism and loved encouraging people. He was a lover of children, particularly his own children and wife. God used Bro Tosin to start the School of Disciples’ prayer fellowship every Tuesday in Place of Victory for All Nations. What else can we say of a man who gives everyone his or her dues in respect, honour and love (Romans 13:7-8).

We need to remind ourselves that some birds are not meant to be caged for too long; their feathers are just too bright for the cage (Isaiah 57:1-2). The very day our brother passed on, eight (8) people gave their lives to Master Jesus; An indication of a life in the Spirit of God. He used to ask “...why did God forgive me, after all my dirty life style? I don’t understand.” Now he should understand and we should as well. We are encouraged (1 Thess. 4:13-18) that Bro Tosin is with the LORD; for God is not the God of the dead but the God of the living. For Christ says our brother is asleep (John 11:11).

When a fellow Christian sleeps in the Lord, we say “Till we meet again”. The entire family of Place of Victory for All Nations, Belfast says: “Bro Tosin, WE SHALL MEET AGAIN!”

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1. Opening Prayer2. Songs Of Praise 3. Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 4. Hymn: Nearer My God To Thee 5. Bible Reading: Romans 6:1-9 – 2 6. Tributes 7. Special Song 8. Exhortation 9. Prayers For The Family 10. Hymn : Abide With Me 11. Appreciation 12. Closing Prayer

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

BIBLE READING:1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Order of Service

Programme for the Funeral Service

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Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.Refrain

Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God to Thee.Refrain

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.Refrain

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.Refrain

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.Refrain

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.Refrain

HYMN: NEARER MY GOD TO THEE

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What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away; change and decay in all around I see; O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, and tears not bitterness.Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

BIBLE READING:Romans 6:1-9

HYMN: ABIDE WITH ME

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Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away; change and decay in all around I see; O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour. What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; ills have no weight, and tears not bitterness.Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Order of ServiceProgramme for the Interment Service

HYMN: ABIDE WITH ME

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrow surging round?In Jesus’s presence nought but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?In Jesus’s keeping we are safe, and they.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers

It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,and Jesus call us to heaven’s perfect peace.

HYMN: PEACE PERFECT PEACE1. Opening Prayer2. Hymn: Peace Perfect Peace3. Exhortation4. Interment5. Closing Remarks and Prayer