The ECWA Church, Putoki—venue of the funeral service—was filled to capacity as ECWA executives, clergy, and sons and daughters of the church from different parts of the country gathered to bid farewell to the respected cleric and elder statesman of the church.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, who conveyed the heartfelt condolences of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the entire people of Gombe State to the ECWA family and the bereaved household.
The Deputy Governor described the passing of Rev. Misal as a celebration of a fulfilled life, noting that attaining the age of 85 was “a divine bonus added to the biblical age of 70 allotted to mankind.”
According to him, the large turnout at the burial was a clear testimony to the humanity, humility, and positive impact that Baba Rev. Bello Misal had on people during his lifetime. He further stressed the need for gratitude to God for granting the family the rare privilege of laying hands on the body of their loved one and giving him a befitting burial, especially at a time of heightened insecurity when many families are denied such opportunities.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the deceased’s lifestyle, describing him as humble, respectable, and widely respected, urging members of the family and the younger generation to emulate his virtues and commitment to God and humanity.
Several speakers at the occasion paid glowing tributes to the late cleric. They included an ECWA Trustee, Rev. Isaac Laudarji; ECWA President, Rev. Ayuba Bagat; the representative of Bala Waja, Alh. Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed in the person of the District Head of Gelengu, Mr. Manu Yerima and the representative of the District Head of Degri, Mr. Abdu Zargina. All speakers extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing him as humble, hospitable, compassionate, peace-loving, and a source of encouragement to many during his service as a missionary, teacher, religious leader, and community builder.
Members of the family, friends, and well-wishers also took turns to share testimonies, describing Late Rev. Bello Misal as a gentle, down-to-earth man who touched countless lives positively and left enduring legacies of faith, service, and love.
The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. Professor Bitrus Sarma on the topic “Blessed Are Those Who Die in Christ,” drawn from the books of Revelation 14:13 and Acts 23:36. He admonished the congregation to live with eternity in view, reminding them that all of life is vanity and that what truly matters is one’s eternal destiny. He warned against the love of money, which he said has driven many into destructive behaviours, including stealing, stressing that ill-gotten wealth attracts curses and calling for genuine repentance.
The vote of thanks was delivered by a former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. John Lazarus Yoriyo, alongside the General Secretary of ECWA, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, and Mr. Adamu Misal. They expressed deep appreciation to the Deputy Governor, the Government and people of Gombe State, ECWA leadership, and all individuals and groups who contributed to the successful burial of the late cleric.
Jack.A.Tasha,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
