Children | Antwi

Tribute from Children

Dear Daddy,

Ever since you left on that dreadful Thursday afternoon, life has changed and has never been the same. In a split second the father who genuinely loved us and lived his whole life to make us better people was no more. Without notice our biggest cheerleader had departed with his strong, powerful and inspirational voice. I can still hear Maa’s voice so vividly screaming, “Daddy, daddy, daddy So ri!.” I still see Adelaide pacing helplessly by your bed side hoping you would somehow open your eyes to say something. We cried and prayed our hearts out, did all that modern medicine had to offer, but in the end, the will of the Lord prevailed, and nothing we did as humans could intervene.

Who are we to ask God questions, and so we are haunted by the ever-present question, WHY?? Why can a man so strong, so young, and so healthy leave so suddenly? Why would such a God fearing, and God-loving man, a man who has made such an impact the lives of so many, and left an indelible mark on the planet depart so suddenly? How we wish you could have stayed just a little longer. Perhaps stayed a week longer to see your two daughters receive their graduate. You could have waited for two more months to witness the birth of your two grand children. Oh… How we wish you stayed three more months for your retirement after 32 years of faithful ministry. Something you looked forward to so keenly. Oh! how Maa would have loved for you to stay few years longer to finally take a break and enjoy life with her bestfriend of forty two years.

You made our education your primary priority, and invested heavily in it at the very beginning. You believed in us and gave us the confidence we needed to achieve. You called out the greatness in us long before it was a reality. I remember how as a medical student I will try to stop you from calling me a doctor, but nothing could hold back those forceful words, “Wo Ye Doctor.” Indeed those powerful words continue to inspire me even today.

Spiritually, we couldn’t have asked for a better father. You were a versatile man of faith. A true soldier of the cross who fought fearlessly for your master. You didn’t think about what you will get, you just loved God faithfully, and lived everyday to please him. You were excited about your Maker’s work and pursued it with such alacrity. You were not just a minister on the platform, but as you rightly titled your last book you were an authentic minister whose ministry was even more evident at home. It was quite remarkable how you would wake up every single dawn with Maa to worship God with your sweet melodious voice. And when we would later meet as a family, you made it a point to be present at every devotion to bless us with deep insight into the things of God. A day would not pass without you praying for us or actively waging spiritual warfare on our behalf. Vic is grateful for you intercessory prayers that saved Mawena after a life-threatening illness. Diana also recollects and appreciates how for five years you stood by her in steadfast prayers for the seed of the womb. The rest of us are very grateful for supporting us in our endeavors. We will all be forever thankful for serving as our spiritual mentor and teaching us what faith is all about. Not just faith that moves the mountains or heals the sick, but Faith that endures fire and tribulations. On your dying bed when all hope was lost you garnered enough strength to sing;

Wo da so yɛ Onyame, Wonsakra da. 2x

Efritete Wo yɛ Onyame, naɛnnɛnso Wo yɛ Onyame

Wo da so yɛ Onyame, Wonsakra da

We found it most inspiring that not even death Nor sickness could shake your faith, let alone stop you from worshipping. Even in your darkest hour you persisted to praise and worship this unchanging God.

Daddy, today your children want to thank you for introducing us to “YOUR GOD,” yes, your God, and being a living example on how to serve him faithfully. Thank you, thank you, thank so such. We also thank God who by His grace made you our father. We even find it a humbling privilege to be called your children. Before you left you told us you had reached a place where everybody was wearing white. We are confident that you have received your white gown together with your many crowns, and have joined in the heavenly worship. Oh what a beautiful sight. We cannot wait to see you in heaven to hug you and kiss you.

For now, we take consolation in the words of Isaiah that “…the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace..” (Isaiah 52:2). The very nature of your death gives us inspiration in the saying that for a Christian, there is no such thing as premature death; rather the LORD provides an early reward of unimaginable joy that no eye has seen, nor no ear has heard. Again, Scripture reminds us that “When David had served God’s purpose in his generation, he fell asleep.” (Acts 13:36). Daddy, you have served God’s purpose in your generation, and the fruits of your labor are evident for all to see. Generations will forever remember your great works and selfless service to the LORD. YOU ARE NOT DEAD BUT ASLEEP.

Daddy, ayekoo… Mo ni adwuma. Nyame nyira wo, na onhwe wo su, until we meet again in heaven.

We love you,

Your dearly beloved Children,

Eunice, Vic, Diana, Kwame, Sammy, Adelaide, Bea, Paa, and Maame Serwaa