Parents In Faith

People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7) We are celebrating the remarkable achievements of Dr Philips Osaren Emokpae, a trailblazing Pastor, academic and entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on our community and the global Missions of Foursquare community. Just like David of the Bible, who was a complex person but a true lover and worshipper of God, so also Osaren Emokpae is a man after God's own heart. He is kind, generous and empathetic. He is a man of faith, wisdom, integrity, sensitivity, unyielding courage, and passion with tenacious leadership skill. Along with him to be honored , is Osaren's generous, honest, hardworking, humble, and hospitable wife of almost 44 years . Born 69 years ago into this world, Dr Osaren had an amazing encounter with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on September 29, 1991. At that time he was on the Board of a reputable company serving as an Executive Director. His wife, Imose was very instrumental to the husband's spiritual transformation. Like apostle Paul, brother Philips Osar Emokpae surrendered all to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and his life became an epistle to his contemporaries in the office and later to every category of people -the low and the high levels in the society and within the body of Christ. He had his Theological Training in the United Kingdom and United States of America. Osaren served at several leadership positions in Foursquare Nigeria as CFM leader at the local and national levels. A Mission minded couple, his family single handedly planted and nurtured the Foursquare Church, Ehor until the church attained the status of a zonal headquarters level. Later they planted their first Foursquare Church at Crystal Estate, Lagos and Lakeview Church which became a zonal Headquarters church along with the daughter churches they planted . Dr Osaren who had earlier been ordained as a Rev in United Kingdom under Foursquare, Britain, was ordained later by the Nigerian Foursquare Church. In recognition of God's grace and gifts in his life, Osaren was appointed an Executive Counselor that qualified him a seat at the National Executive Council in Nigeria's Foursquare Church. Because of his special interest in training, he started Foursquare Institute of Leadership and Futures Studies for training and development of leaders within the Foursquare Church in Nigeria and other Christian Organizations. Dr Osaren Emokpae was one of those who conceptualized the McPherson University and was later appointed as one of the pioneers of the University's Board of Trustees. On the International scene, Dr Osar Emokpae planted and nurtured some Foursquare Churches in Europe before he and his wife fully embraced missionary work and went into Mission fields in the Caribbean where they planted some Foursquare Churches. In recognition of their contributions, Dr Philip Osaren Emokpae was installed and appointed the first National Leader of the Foursquare work in Trinidad and Tobago. The appointment enabled him to participate in regular meetings with leaders from International Church of the Foursquare Gospel on Mission work. His wife was subsequently ordained a Reverend in the Foursquare Church, USA. On his academic excellence, Osar has demonstrated unwavering dedication to education, inspiring countless students with their passion and expertise. He studied at various universities beginning from the ancient city of Calabar and proceeded to the Cosmopolitan University of Lagos, Nigeria where he had his MSc degree in Economics; and Century University, USA, where he had his first Doctorate degree in Philosophy/HR and later earned a second doctorate degree in Business Administration/ Organisational Resilience (DBA) at the University of Hertfordshire, England before proceeding to the legendary Oxford University, United Kingdom for Organizational leadership. and from there, he proceeded to Cranfield University where he obtained another Master's degree in Managing Organizational Performance. Dr Philips Osaren Emokpae's groundbreaking research has advanced his understanding of organisational Resilience, paving the way for future generations. As a respected scholar, Osaren mentored and guided students during his teaching career at the University of Lagos, his Alma Mater, fostering a love for learning and academic excellence. He is a fellow of the Institute of Marketing, Fellow Institute of advertising, Fellow Management Consulting and pioneer president of the Media Independent Association of Nigeria, A prolific writer and anointed speaker with the gift of the gab, Dr Osaren Emokpae writes on reputable international platforms and also speaks at many international conferences. Osaren and his wife who had served on the Board of several companies in Nigeria, have successfully bridged the gap between academia and industry, translating innovative ideas into real-world solutions.Their entrepreneurial vision and venture had created jobs for many Nigerians, stimulated economic growth, and improved people's lives. The Emokpaes are employers of labor with a difference, providing atmosphere of motivation, opportunity, reliability and prosperity for their workers, even after their retirements. Philips Emokpae has served as a role model, demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision. His commitment to community service has positively impacted countless lives including many Generals in the Army of the Lord. My wife, Modupe Olubukola and I, salute both of you, Dr Philips Osaren and Rev Imose Enoma Emokpae for your exemplary lifestyles, leadership qualities, and beacons of hope to the oppressed. Both of you have been successful entrepreneurs and academics as Rev Imose transversed in her university academic pursuits from the ancient city of Benin where she bagged a degree in linguistics, as well as university of Lagos and capped it up at the legendary Oxford University to become a multidisciplinary business woman with an unparalleled strategic business management. Thank God for the successes achieved by both of you. But remember the saying of Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, the former British Prime Minister: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" God bless you. Richard Olajide & Modupe Olubukola Oloidi Senior Pastor Riverdale Foursquare church, Georgia USA ---Awaiting the Lord's coming!