Last week was not a pleasant one for some of us. It was undeniably not delightful one at all after it became obvious that one of our respected Elders and great worker in the vineyard of our Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Bulus Dalyop Vou of the Church of Christ in Nations, (COCIN) LCC Nassarawa Gwong, Jos transited to glory to be with our creator. BULUS GAMBO writes.
THOUGH I left COCIN LCC Nassarawa Gwong Jos, in Jos North Local Government Area for Bassa, another council area of Plateau State for over two years now, this former church of mine christened “Victory Sanctuary”, will forever be a part of me. Firstly, apart from the fact that the church indeed rejuvenated my faith in Christ, I still have many bosom friends and spiritual mentors back there who have continued to encourage me to confront issues of life with tremendous dignity and respect. I cannot also forget to mention my in-law and one-time Elder of the church, Mrs. Jennifer Yarima and one of the Associate Pastors of the church and Divisional Police Officer of Nassarawa Gwong Jos, Rev. SP. Musa Hassan who along with me as the three musketeers have been working out our salvation as we anticipate the coming of our Lord in no distant time.
While Christ tarries however, the three of us have continued to work together more closely navigating the corruptible paths of life and its evident discouraging system for greatness and victory in all and every circumstances. However, while yours sincerely has been on the side of the congregation and not until later when I left the church that I was ordinated a Patron of the Boys’ Brigade, both Mrs. Yarima and Rev. Hassan had the rare privilege of working with the deceased more closely. With all pleasure however, we were both Patrons with the deceased and also worked during the 40th and 50th anniversary celebrations of COCIN Nassarawa Gwong with all pleasure. For Yarima who worked more closely with the deceased Elder Dalyop in the church council for about six years as his assistant secretary, the pains were too much to absorb.
All this while, I never knew that Elder Bulus Dalyop was battling with ailment and was off and on with his physical being. A couple of days back, Mrs. Yarima called me and informed me that we have lost a great man in the church. Understandably, after she disclosed this; I immediately awaited for the worse news I had not heard for a while. After a deep breath, she found the courage to confirm to me that, Elder Dalyop was no more.
So jerked, I asked many other questions, almost forgetting that our God does His things at His appointed time but for a reason, questions such as, “How comes? Was he sick? What happened?
“Our Elder has been facing some health challenges in most recent times which never overwhelmed him until recently but I know that he will greatly be missed by all in the church and even beyond,” was all she uttered. Not wanting to torture her any further considering their closeness, I resorted to comforting her and praying to God for the soul of the departed to find eternal rest with the Lord.
Ask anyone in the church and the response would be that the Late Elder Bulus Dalyop lived a Christ like life to the end. At first, though we were some distance apart. I never knew that the deceased knew me by name not until a stunt which prompted him to call me by my full name. It was the first time we opened a fruitful chapter of an interesting discourse. After my first encounter, we continued to have cherished moments together before I eventually left the church for my present place of abode.
In her tribute, Mrs. Jennifer Yarima who regarded the deceased as one of her mentors noted with great sadness and pain that though the exit of her mentor was so shocking, the man really positively lived a good life, helped many to stand firm in Christ and never to lose hope in him. Elder Dalyop was a sincere personality and always ready to listen to any issue anyone wanted him to address and for advice. He was a very humble leader who never placed himself above others. Yarima learnt a lot from him in the council in terms of church administration and leadership quality. He was a man cherished by all and called ‘My Oga’ by Yarima herself.
Speaking during a sermon, Rev Musa Hassan advised Christians to always be prepared for death which can come at any point in time. He noted that this perilous times are not moments for Christians to continue to toy with their Christian life but move closer to God so as to receive his blessings and make heaven their home.
Speaking while conducting the funeral rites, leading Pastor of the church, Rev. Cletus Gwam spoke of the gentility of the deceased, noting that he was a man of peace and a leader who was willing to listen to all. He prayed God to comfort the entire family and the congregation and his work place considering his contribution to better the lives of many in our society.
Elder Bulus Dalyop was born on the 6th of April 1958 at Ku-bwin (Fass) in Gassa, Ropp District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area into the humble family of Catchiest Da Dalyop Vou(Retired) and Ngo Kombo Dalyop Vou of Gassa. He attended LSB Primary School, Gassa now Model Primary School, Gassa between 1967-1972 where he obtained his First Leaving Certificate. He was thereafter admitted into Gyel Commercial College Bukuru now Zang Commercial School, Bukuru between 1973- 1977 after which he obtained his General Certificate of Education, (GCE).
The late Dalyop then proceeded to the University of Maiduguri, Borno State to study Medical Science Laboratory Technology from 1971-1981. The deceased also attended other short term courses including Tele-medicine at Indrasprastha Apollo Hospital India in 2013 and had his COCIN Theological Education by Extension (TEE) respectively.
The late Elder who was until his demise the Head of Medical Instruction Technology Unit, (MITU) dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized by Rev. David Tyos at COCIN LCC Nassarawa Gwong on the 19th December 1998. He was a devoted communicant member who served the Lord in various capacities in the church.
The church service was attended by many individuals including former President of COCIN, Rev Prof. Dachollom Datiri, Chairman of RCC/PCC, Jos, Rev. Gyang Bot, COCIN Headquarters leading Pastor, Rev Sylvester Dachomo, Rev Michael Ogabari, Rev Moses Chagumi, Rev Bitrus Bagos, Rev. Mangai, Rev. Domnan Nanfa, and Rev. Pwajok Bok as most of the ministers served in the church when he was the council’s secretary.
