Popular Akwa Ibom Pastor, Runcie Mike, died two days after officiating the funeral service of one of his members.
Pastor Mike who was the Lead Pastor of The Evening Church in Uyo , Akwa Ibom capital officiated the funeral service of Miss Joy, the 36-year-old daughter of Eddy Ekpenyong, the Station Manager of Comfort FM, at Mbak Atai in Itu Local Government Area of the state on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
The Pastor whose church is located at the Shopping Mall, Tropicana Centre, Uyo was said to have died on July 1 in Uyo.
Also read: Pastor Ezekiel Atang’s remains interred in his hometown
Survived by a wife, Enobong, a medical doctor and two young children, he was said to have died after a brief sickness.
In a viral video seen by Straightnews online, the Pastor was seen weeping helplessly during the funeral service of his member until another Pastor unconsciously collected microphone from him.
When the news broke, many of the church members thought it was fake news.
But the leadership of the church later confirmed the sad development.
“In this time of grief, we enjoy the body of Christ to hold us up in prayers and most especially, His immediate family,” the church leadership announced.
Posting a video of Pastor Mike at a burial service on Friday, Debbie Iteh said: “I’ve never seen an officiating Minister weeping this hard before during a funeral service of one of his church members whom he buried yesterday (Thursday).
“When I saw this video yesterday, I felt this man had something running through his mind at the moment that could make him so emotional, today the sadden news of his dead hit social media. Same person officiated a burial yesterday? Died today?
“People are really going through a lot but can’t open up to even the closet people around them. God please show Mercy. Rest On Pastor Runcie Mike God bless your soul.”
Eunice Obed Ufford, a member of the church also shared her thoughts on the development.
Eunice wrote: “I’ve been up since 2 am looking out from the window, staring into the heavens completely lost in thoughts.
In January this year when going through a very tough time in my life I reached out to check up on you, firstly it was when you posted about the bike race it didn’t sit well in my spirit but you were very excited about it and so I just prayed and trusted God for a safe trip.
‘‘After the event I lost my peace and reached out on Instagram, Messenger, Sms but no response which was very unlike you. Below is one of the messages I sent, I kept saying live Sir, please don’t die and I didn’t know why.
‘‘Dear Lord we cannot question you for you know and do righteousness upon the earth, father please, do not give us up to the evil expectations of the enemy. And even when our hearts are weak strengthen us, thank you for the life of Pastor Runcie Mike. Please comfort his beloved wife and his tender children, please Lord do not let his God given vision die. Amen!
‘‘To everyone like myself going through a tough time please do not quit, keep hanging on. Pay deaf ear to the blabbing tongue’s of men. When it seems like things are not working out be reminded that survival is a great achievements. Evil has an expiry date. Jesus is Lord.”
On his part, Gospel Edoho, said: “So Sad and hard to bear. So much tears in my eye right now. Pastor Runcie Mike agreed to be in our church next month without a cost. He told me “Gospel I want you to succeed” He told me Gospel whatever you need from me let me know. The Publicity was just about to kick off.
‘‘O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Cor. 15:55. I console with The Evening Church and pray for God’s grace and ability to bear this transition to Glory. Pastor Runcie Is Gain.”
