An Unforgettable Act of Kindness in Scotland
In the summer of 2006, Ayo Akerele, now senior pastor of Rhema Assembly in Ontario, Canada, arrived in Aberdeen, Scotland, to pursue an MBA at Robert Gordon University. With only £200 and no accommodation, he faced a daunting start. A friend in the United States connected him with Pastor Wilfred Emmanuel, a Zimbabwean chartered accountant and RCCG pastor in Aberdeen, who agreed to host him temporarily. This marked the beginning of a transformative relationship.
A Mentorship Built on Love and Sacrifice
Pastor Wilfred accommodated Akerele for six months, driving him to school, providing a cell phone, buying bus tickets, and instructing him not to buy groceries. When Akerele brought groceries anyway, Pastor Wilfred and his wife were genuinely upset. Akerele recalls, "His love broke me in the most beautiful way." Pastor Wilfred also sponsored Akerele's MBA graduation and continued to support him after he married and moved out.
Planting a Church in Fraserburgh
Pastor Wilfred was sent by Pastor Chris Gbenle to pioneer an RCCG parish in Fraserburgh, one of the toughest mission fields in Europe. Starting with one or two people, he bought a keyboard and prayed for a keyboardist. Akerele, who had not revealed his musical ability, began playing the keyboard, becoming the church's keyboardist. For three years, Pastor Wilfred picked Akerele up every Sunday without fail.
Financial Support in Times of Need
On two occasions when Akerele could not pay rent, Pastor Wilfred contacted Pastor Chris Gbenle, who issued cheques to meet the need without hesitation. Pastor Chris, a trained medical doctor who left his profession to serve God, mentored Pastor Wilfred and modeled Christ-like humility, compassion, and commitment to truth.
An Enduring Bond
Over 20 years later, the bond remains strong. Pastor Wilfred continues to check on Akerele's family and ministry. On a recent trip to Zimbabwe, he told Akerele, "Pastor Ayo, I always knew God had something great for you. My joy knows no bounds seeing you step into it." Akerele reflects, "The love he showed me planted a seed that has never died. That is the enduring power of genuine love."
