Rev Kunle Salami (1961 - May 14, 2018): Adieu, we shall meet in the Golden City, the New Jerusalem!
It was the wee hours. Most men on our side of the globe were deep in sleep. I came across a FB posting with some of your pictures and a caption suggesting the loss of a soul mate. I needed the details, so I could at least sympathize with you. Even then, that early, when the posting hit FB, there were already over twenty reactions. In my drowsiness, I managed to read about six or so laments which ended up being another of those tales of the unexpected ... you have breasted the tape!
Why it has to be the turn of Rev Kunle Salami, Senior Pastor, of the Ado Ekiti based Chapel of His Glory, the church base of His Grace and Glory Ministry International Incorporated, our dear "Brother K.S" at such a young age, this early, I can’t understand. Pray, would I ever? Naturally, owing to your large life, it’s been torrents of tributes. I should shy from crowding it up with my version of my understanding of your person and interactions with you, however, I can't but say a thing about a worthy friend. More so, despite the distance between us, you always kept calling, asking about my welfare! You were indeed a friend my dear Brother K.S!
I recall our first contacts as toddlers at Great Ife in 1980/81. I had a fleeting commitment to the "follow up" of young Christians who were just being admitted into the then University of Ife. As I write, I remember our meetings around Fajuyi Hall and along with Engineer Dele Shittu, we kept sharing the faith, encouraging those precious young fellow students to keep the faith, have a firm grip on the Master and avoid the iniquities and temptations that abounded in the University environment. Later, I moved on to exploiting my passion for Christian literature and Drama, but you continued with follow -up. The zeal with which you carried on was legendary. You went on as with the strength of a horse. I still recall those dusty shoes and sweats as you kept doing it for the Master. What was the motivation? Couldn't you have been overcome by the need to have a "sense of belonging" or to exploit the “pleasures” in sin? Happily, not so for Brother K. S! Your mission was compelling - rescuing as many as you possibly could for the kingdom. By the testimonials I have heard from phone calls and emails of fellow brethren of the Evangelical Christian Union, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, shocked about your rather early exit, I am positive that your reward is now within reach.
You were practical and visionary. I recall our discussion on why you had to cap your academic attainments with a PhD. You felt you needed to attain a PhD when you still had the strength. You then went on to bag a Doctorate in Fish Breeding. You were very sincere and gave realistic suggestions. Many testimonials to this litter the social media. I recollect how in your passion for and commitment to the work of the Kingdom back then at Great Ife, you co-founded the famed "Word Men". At the time, you were all virtually boys, but were indeed men of the Word – His Word. Your co-travelling Word Men should be glad about your eventual contribution to extending the frontiers of the Kingdom - Dr John Idowu, Brother Lanre Adeboye, Engr. Femi Adesanya, Pastor Tunji Akintayo, Rev Daniel Adeniyi and Prof Rev. Femi Olojede now Femi Oluwafemi".
In closing, I celebrate you, who not merely converted to Christianity from the Muslim faith but left landmarks on this terrestrial ball for Christ. After your demise, I listened to one of your messages where you were enthusing the spread of the Chapel of Glory which you founded at Ado Ekiti to 44 and possibly more now, worldwide.
Adieu Brother K. S, take heart my beloved brother, Rev. Tokunboh Salami (your younger brother), your dear wife and best friend Rev. Mrs Modupe Salami, your lovely children and grandchildren, the Evangelical Christian Union family (we are ever proud of you) and indeed members of the Chapel of His Glory worldwide.
We are consoled that indeed, you have fought the good fight, you have finished your course, and have kept the faith. We are persuaded that by His Grace, you merit that priceless crown of glory. Says Apostle Paul the sage: "Henceforth there is laid up for me (you) a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me (you) at that day: and not to me (you) only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." – 2 Timothy 4: 8.
Adieu, Adieu, Adieu brother and friend!