Deaconess Matilda Sobogun, at 70, reminds us of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” She lives sacrificially, even as a Brigade Commandant. In her devotion, she willingly gives her all to the Lord. Deaconess Sobogun, a humble widow, is extraordinarily generous out of her love for Jesus alone by her example that resonates with a nameless widow in the Gospel of Mark chapter 12; our Lord Jesus is shaming the Scribes, both then and now, for their exploitation of widows, flaunting wealth, and seeking places of honour and respect. 

One of the things I enjoy in reading the Bible is the glimpses it gives of ordinary people, time, and places. Unlike a nameless poor widow whom Jesus observed her contribution to the treasury of the Jewish temple, Deaconess Maltida Sobogun at 70 is not nameless. Deaconess Sobogun, as a Christian widow, brings to the limelight how to understand whether the generosity of a poor widow should be taken as an occasion for praise and not for lament. Generosity, especially of a poor widow, can become a cause of lament when the generous widow’s action illustrates the perils of institutional religion whereby the Temple/church establishment manipulates the generous widow into parting with what little she possesses. Deaconess Sobogun, at 70, brings to the fore the “Crisis of Faith, Crisis of Love” through her quantitative ministry, giving her most to God and humanity.

Deaconess Sobogun, at 70, is a model to be imitated for her generosity and not someone to be pitied as a victim of cultural or religious exploitation. Deaconess Sobogun at 70 is an example of giving out true love, ministry, and Christian faith even when inconvenient or unnoticed. Deaconess Sobogun, at 70, summons the church to raise and support widows who are likely to be victims of cultural and religious exploitation. Deaconess Sobogun’s ministry is an encouragement to others that Jesus notices them and knows what they give and what it costs them to do the ministry. Deaconess Sobogun, at 70, makes us wonder what Jesus thinks about the institutions that operate in His name today.

Jesus sat down against the treasury and ‘beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury…. And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which made a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, this poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury.: for they all cast in of their superfluity, but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living (Mk 12:41-44). Jesus’s explanation tells us the true nature of discipleship. This passage with a message resonates with Deaconess Sobogun, a faithful Christian widow who VOLUNTARILY gives everything she must to serve God passionately. Mama Matilda Sobogun treasures her family, prioritising their happiness before her own. There is nothing she cannot do for them. 

My path crossed the Soboguns family in the early 1990s during one of my revival ministrations at William Memorial Methodist Church, Ago Ijaye, Lagos. The program was organised by the Methodist Evangelical Movement of the local church under the leadership of Papa Adeyemo (Baba White). In 1997, the Methodist Praying Partner facilitated the Nigeria Methodist Professional Fellowship with the blessing of His Eminence Sunday Mbang. The second fellowship centre after the Deaconess Bella Ademola Fellowship Centre, Lagos Island, was the Sobogun Fellowship Centre at Aguda, Surulere, Lagos. Among the notable members at the centre were Lawyer Olojo (SAN), and Hon Dimeji Longe, a former Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly. The Soboguns were very dedicated to the growth of the fellowship. Before Coming Alive, a weekend 24-hour prayer and fasting, the Methodist Praying Partner facilitated a weekend discipleship training, Wesley School of Prayer and Discipleship (WESPLE). Papa and Mama Sobogun and some other members of Ago Ijaye led by Baba Adeyemo attended the training. I became very close to the family.

In 2002, at age 49, Deaconess Sobogun lost her husband. It was indeed a trying time as far as we were all concerned. Deaconess Sobogun neither cast “two mites” nor “twenty mites” into the treasury; she cast herself as Jesus’ treasury. By this self-surrendering to Jesus, Deaconess Sobogun, at 70, as a living epistle, provides us with some lessons worthy of note and emulation, a passion for God demonstrated with dexterity. A mirror that tells others there is a God in Heaven. 

Deaconess Sobogun is devoted to God. She is devoted to Jehovah. She embraces the Old Testament concept that the presence of God especially hallowed the temple. Deaconess Sobogun lost her husband 21 years ago at age 49. Despite her tragic condition and experience, she would not be discouraged from doing what she could to support God’s mission so dear to her heart. Her religious fervour eclipses her physical and social interests.

Deaconess Sobogun remains a selfless person. She does not calculate her resources to determine whether she can afford to serve God voluntarily and with passion. Deaconess Sobogun, at 70, has a heart that beats with gratitude for Heaven’s gracious blessings, and that is all that matters now. Deaconess Sobogun is uniquely generous and passionate in serving God and humanity.

Deaconess Sobogun, at 70, remains a testimony as a believer in Jehovah’s providence. Even though she gives her entire time, gifts, and business to God, she trusts that the Lord somehow would care for her and her children. Deaconess Sobogun, at 70, remains confident that the Lord is her Shepherd, and she would not “want” (Psa. 23:1). Such sacrificial trust is rare in times like this.