The sad news of the home call of our dear sister in the Lord, Mrs. Banke Lawale brought a flood of memories to me. I first knew her as a member of the WXL when I joined the society in 1982/1983. I knew her to be rather quarrelsome and contentious just like many of us were in those days.
Then, she became the President of the society in 1985 and a sudden change came over her. She told us she was born again and repeatedly counseled members to do the same as well. I noticed that she gradually became meek, long-suffering and very prayerful.
When we talked about “enemies” and people or relations who were constant adversaries, she always said “Emi ma a n pray fun won ni - I just continue to pray for them” I wondered at the time how I could ever pray that God should bless my enemies. It was much easier to ask God to punish them.”
She was totally reliant on God and was fond of starting her prayers with the song, “I have no power of my own, I have no power of my own, I rely on you Holy Ghost help me, I have no power of my own
Whenever she was commended for anything she would sing the song “Take glory Father, take glory Son, take glory Holy Ghost, You deserve them all.” Whenever she was asked to pray for a family that had hosted the WXL she would start by singing the song
“Your marriage shall be a blessing, your children around your table, you will see your children’s children, thus says the Lord of Hosts.”
Mrs. Banke Lawale was very active in the Counselling and Evangelism groups of the church. Her great faith made her to dare to ask God for big things. She was the one who suggested that the WXL should buy a bus for evangelism.
At the time, I thought this was a daydream and she hammered this idea on and on until the society embraced it and surely God did it for us. I had the privilege at her invitation, to attend various Christian fellowship held in her house and other places. These fired my faith in Jesus Christ.
She bore her personal challenges well; with dignity, unusual grace and joyous spirit as a true Christian. However she never lost her tongue when there is need to correct any perceived wrong action or uphold a good principle.
Mrs. Banke Lawale has run her race. She has kept the faith. She has fought the good fight of faith. Assuredly, there is in store for her the crown of righteousness which the Lord Jesus will give her in His eternal Kingdom. All considered, Mrs. Banke Lawale has won the battle! Sisters, I will miss her. We all will miss her. Let us cherish one another while there is still time.
LESSONS
Let the life and times of Mrs. Banke Lawale ginger us up spiritually.
1. She asked members of the WXL to be born again. Are you born again; truly and sincerely? Does your life manifest works of the flesh such as mischief, anger, hatred, discord, jealousy, idolatry, witchcraft, sexual immorality, selfish ambition etc or does it reveal the fruit of the Spirit – love, meekness, patience, long-suffering, joy peace, kindness, faithfulness, self control etc?
2. She was enthusiastic about God, always to be found in the place of worship and prayers. What is your attendance like these days at Church services and Christian fellowships?
3. She showed her faith by her works in God’s service. In both the All Souls Church and the Church of the Transfiguration, she was an ardent worker for the Lord on various committees including Evangelical and Counselling. What work do you do for God?
4. Because of her level of faith, she recognized that Jehovah God is big and boundless; hence she had great dreams about work believers should do in the Church. That was why she suggested that we buy a bud for evangelism. How much can you dare to ask God for? How much do you encourage the WXL to do for God? Is your emphasis on what the society should do for you or on what you should do for our society?
5. It was apparent in her countenance that the joy of the Lord was always her strength. She was usually joyous and chatty. She was on top of her challenges and did not allow them to rule her. Sisters, life is full of challenges and tribulations but Jesus Christ has overcome for us. Cheer up! All our problems will be resolved by God, one by one and our joy shall be full. It is great faith that gives peace and joy in the face of challenges. Pray for such faith.
6. She went to be with the Lord rather early, indeed much earlier than any of us would wish. This reinforces the fact that our time may be up at anytime regardless of age or state of health. Are you prepared and ready for the day? Tidy up your mind and relationship with God and other people. Release and forgive those who have offended/harmed you.
7. It is significant that I really cannot remember any of the clothes, shoes or jewelleries that Mrs. Banke Lawale ever wore, yet I keep remembering things she said and did that had an impact on me. Let us strengthen the things that remain. The world and its glories pass away, all too soon.
PRAYER
O God our Father, we thank you for the life of Mrs. Banke Lawale. We pray that her soul find eternal rest and peace in Christ Jesus and that it shall be well perpetually with her children and family. We ask that each of us will be enabled to love and serve you so that at our own passing, it shall be evident that we are truly yours. Help us to impact the lives of people around us for good. Empower us O Lord to fight and win the good fight of faith.
For members of the WXL, we ask for the good health and long life so that we may serve you more in Jesus mighty name.
Odun yio jina si ra ni oruko Jesu, Amin.
Funke Osotimehin
From WOMEN CHRISTIAN LEAGUE (WXL) TRIBUTE TO MRS BANKE LAWALE April 2011