Josiah Idi Musa, Pastor in charge of Peace House, Zion Mission,Lafia,marked his 50th birthday anniversary in the presence of family and friends at Peace House Resource Centre, Bukan Sidi, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Politicians, clergies, and monarch converged en masse to celebrate with the outspoken but humble man of God.
Among the politicians who attended the celebration were Senator Philip Aruwa Gyunka, representing Nasarawa North District,Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District and singer of Yoruba folk song , Ajekun iya, Dino Melaye.
In their separate goodwill messages, Senator Philip Gyunka described the celebrant as a rare gem whose build up was hinged on the fear of God and service to humanity, irrespective of odds.
Senator Dino Melaye, in his characteristic way, began with a song titled: THE CHURCH IS MARCHING ON.
Then came the showering of encomium and prophecy on his legislative colleague, Senator Philip Gyunka, describing him as "one nigerian with multiple competences", adding, "Gyunka is a perfect gentleman per excellence. And I prophesy that there is a greater responsibility for you in 2019, in Jesus name!"
The vocal and and fearless Senator Dino later turned to the celebrant, Pastor Josiah, and said thus:
"You are a man of God for real. I will say happy birthday to you, sir.
"When Senator Gyunka wanted to stop by, he told me you are an authentic man of God who speaks the truth. So, I was more encouraged to come because I love the truth.
"And Nigeria is where we are today because we lack the truth and afraid to speak the truth.
"But I want to use the occasion of your birthday to call on every Nigerian that in an unjust society, silence is a crime.
"Truth is scarce in Nigeria today that is why we are where we are.
"We must be emboldened in our spirit to speak the truth to power. We must conquer fear, and speak the truth at all time.
"Every Nasarawa State indigene, every Nigerian must decide to either work in the light of credible altruism or we perish in the darkness of disturbing selfishness.
"We all have one life to live. Like I always say, if you speak the truth, you die; if you lie, you die. So, why not just decide to speak the truth and die?
"Pastor , Sir, God will prolong your life, uphold you, and you will continue to speak the truth.
"In the old testament, men of God and prophets were change agents. When a city or a king was going contrary to the will of God, God sent His servants to go and warn those kings.
"Unfortunately, these days, not many of our pastors carry out that responsibility. Many have commercialized their consciences. Many have nullified their callings. But we thank God for you!
"Please, at all times, speak the truth to power. If the Councillor of your domain is doing what is wrong, tell him the truth; if the Chairman of your Local Government Area is doing what is bad, tell him the truth; If the Governor of your State is doing what is not right, tell him the truth; Buhari is doing what is wrong, speak the truth to him, because truth has no colour and has no volume-you can't increase it and you can't decrease it.
"God bless the church, and thank you!", Dino Melaye visibly and confidently charged.
