Gospel singer, Frank Edwards, has joined several Nigerians and Christian leaders in mourning the passing of renowned evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai. In his tribute, Frank Edwards recounted a deeply personal experience from his childhood, revealing how the late clergyman’s crusade played a life-changing role in his healing and spiritual growth.
It would be recalled that news of Uma Ukpai’s death was officially announced through a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, which boasts over 1.2 million followers. The post confirmed the evangelist’s passing and described him as a dedicated servant of God who lived a life of faith, miracles, and global impact.
Frank Edwards Shares How Uma Ukpai Changed His Life
In a heartfelt message, Frank Edwards revealed that at just 8 years old, he was suffering from severe asthma and pneumonia — two health conditions that made his early years difficult. However, his life took a miraculous turn after attending one of Uma Ukpai’s crusades in Enugu, where he was completely healed. The experience, he said, was a defining moment that deepened his faith and inspired his lifelong devotion to gospel music.
According to Edwards, the memory of that crusade remains vivid in his heart, as it marked the beginning of his journey toward both physical healing and spiritual transformation. He described the late evangelist as a true general of faith who dedicated his life to the propagation of the gospel and the salvation of souls.
In his post, Frank Edwards wrote:
“At age 8, I got healed of asthma and pneumonia in one of your crusades in Enugu!! Thank you for impacting the world in a special way!! YOU FINISHED WELL, PAPA. REST ON 🤍🙏🙏🙏”
Tributes Pour In for the Late Evangelist
Following the announcement of Rev. Uma Ukpai’s death, several notable personalities from the entertainment, political, and Christian communities have expressed their condolences. Many have praised his decades of tireless evangelism, describing him as one of the most influential spiritual leaders in Nigeria’s history.
Uma Ukpai’s ministry touched millions of lives across Africa and beyond through crusades, teachings, and humanitarian works. His messages of faith, love, and transformation inspired generations to embrace Christ and live purposefully.
About Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai
During his lifetime, Uma Ukpai was a prominent Nigerian Christian leader, international evangelist, and preacher. He founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational ministry headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The ministry was known for organizing large-scale crusades and community outreach programs that spread across nations.
He was also a respected member and one of the founding fathers of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), where he played a pivotal role in fostering unity among Christian denominations and promoting evangelical missions.
Rev. Ukpai gave his life to Christ in 1958 and went on to devote his entire life to spreading the gospel. His teachings focused on faith, healing, and the supernatural power of God. His passing marks the end of an era but leaves behind a legacy of spiritual revival and countless testimonies of transformation.
Final Tributes
Frank Edwards, in his concluding note, expressed gratitude for the life of the man whose ministry impacted him so profoundly. He prayed for the comfort of the Ukpai family and urged believers to continue upholding the late evangelist’s mission of faith and love.
He wrote, “Papa has finished his race. Heaven rejoices over a soldier who never compromised his calling. Thank you, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, for being a blessing to my generation and many more to come.”
Indeed, the legacy of Uma Ukpai lives on in the testimonies of people like Frank Edwards and countless others who encountered divine healing and transformation through his ministry.