HAPPY FRED – A MAN OF GOD

Yesterday, a dear Pastor whom I know for almost twenty years, passed away, leaving behind a wife and three beautiful children. Pastor Fred Happy, was truly a happy man, and a good and faithful man of God…gentle, loving, kind and humble; at the same time, firm and strong, where required.  I am honoured to know him.

He came to Hyderabad in 2003, as a young missionary, and started the Redeemed Christian Church of God. God enabled Pastor Happy to establish three more such gatherings in Hyderabad, and one in Delhi, over these years.

In a day and age where young people are interested to have a ‘great’ life of comfort and luxury, Happy Fred as a young man, wanted to follow His LORD and Saviour, and be His disciple and His witness, wherever the Master chose to lead him. Pastor Happy lived all his life, to bring glory and honour to His Redeemer. I had the honour of knowing him, and also preaching at the Church, quite a few times over these years.

He was struck with cancer, and the LORD chose in His wisdom, to allow it to trouble him. At a young age of 48 he was called home. Though there is pain in the hearts of his family, and the family of God that he left behind, but there is none, who is sad at this tragic turn of events. Pastor Happy left behind a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to the LORD, leaving it an example for others to follow. The churches which God enabled Pastor Happy to establish, are in able hands, and are thriving. What a life it is, for the glory of God!

Death is the common factor for all who are born into this world. It leaves pain and anguish to the family, and to all the loved ones, left behind. However, the Bible, which is the written Word of God, speaks so beautifully about those who die. It is about those who die in Christ, and not all who are born and will die. “13…Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labours, and their works follow them.” – Revelation 14:13

How would it be with us, if God were to call us today? Let us ponder about this essential and inevitable question, in the light of John 3:16 – “16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”