Today, June 6, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi is turning 85. Now, if your idea of an 85-year-old involves rocking chairs, early bedtimes, and complete confusion over how to use a smartphone, you clearly have not met the convener of the Global Crusade with Kumuyi.
As a part of his digital strategy team, I have a front-row seat to some part of his daily life. Let me let you in on a secret: the man operates at a speed that puts Gen Z to shame. We do not worship him, and we definitely do not idolise him, because he would be the first to shut that down. But looking at his life, you cannot help but celebrate the sheer grace and energy God has packed into him.
This is what working closely with the tech-savvy octogenarian is like.
If you think your late-night TikTok scrolling is intense, try keeping up with Kumuyi’s study habits. It is completely normal to call him at 1am or 2am to sync on a project and find him wide awake.
When he picks up the phone, his voice is sharp, and you can almost always hear a distinct background noise. It is never television or mindless noise. It is always the sound of a lecture, a leadership resource, or a Christian podcast that he is listening to in his study. His discipline is unmatched. While the rest of the world sleeps, he is staying up to craft messages, read new materials, and prepare his mind.
