​Aps. Dr. Felix Elvis Antwi

Tribute by Mrs. Comfort Antwi

 

It is like a dream to me. Daddy you have slept for too long. I don’t hear your sweet voice that wakes me up every dawn to pray. What I know is that it is not too long that Rev L.A. Nyarko, Rev Kyei, and Rev JC Quaye all of blessed memory and Rev David Mills, joined us together in holy matrimony and we became one flesh. Ever since that time, we have been closely knit together such that we became inseparable. You never told me you were going to depart this soon and most especially at a time such as this when I need you most. These forty-two years we spent together and 32 years of ministry is like yesterday. You told me you have not regretted spending all these years with me. This separation is unbearable, Oh! Agya Akwesi, my beloved husband, I affectionately called you “Daddy”. The pain of losing you is more than I can bear.

 

Your love and company was that of a million people even though we had an empty nest. You showed so much love such that you were willing to die on my behalf. About 30 years ago when I fell in the Volta River during one of our treks, you were the first to jump into the Volta River to save me even though you could not swim. What manner of love is this? No wonder when we were rescued from the river, we were mysteriously wearing each other’s shoe to the amazement of the team who rescued us and also as a testament of our divine love. You have been true to me all these years. You have no room for unforgiveness. You are open to all who come to you. The scripture is indeed true that “your banner over me is love.” You never completed any sermon without showering your praise on me. At one point, you called me your secretary, which all your audience knows about. I told you that you were my first born. It was a pleasure to care for and play that motherly role to you. When you always got home, the first name you called was “Maa” as you affectionately called me. This was always said in that childlike tone. Now I don’t hear you call me. Oh daddy sori na adia akye.

 

We did not compare in many levels: your level of education, your eloquence when you mounted the platform, your charisma and your great people skills. However, the depth of your love eliminated all my deficiencies. You took the time to bring me up by dissecting the word to me at my bedside, encouraging me to pray in English during our morning devotions, sharing your preaching assignments with me during conventions. You have given me so much exposure in life, and you have made me discover what I could never have done in a million years. Above all you drew me closer to God.

 

I thank you so much because whatever I could accomplish in these 32 years of ministry, I owe it to you. In this ministry you covered me with so much glory, your presence with me in my meetings was a great encouragement. Together we conquered the world and subdued the evil. Scripture is indeed true that “the Lord gave the nations to us.” You were a great husband to me and I thank you for all we shared. Thank you for not just being a husband but an extraordinary husband. Daddy, Thank you for helping raise our children in the fear of the Lord. I thank you! I thank you! Thank you for loving the kids, thank you for giving them the best education that a parent could ever give. Today their accomplishments testify to your love and fatherly care.

 

A few days before you departed, you never ceased expressing your appreciation to me. I did not know it was your way of letting me know you were about to depart. During your Easter convention sermon you said it before the whole congregation that “this is the last time I am preaching.” I did not get it till the day you finally passed. This is because of a truth you never ministered or shared the word anywhere after that utterance. I believe your father has called you to glory. You have made it to heaven which is fulfilling to know but the separation is an ordeal to me Agyaa Akwesi! You know you were my only friend, provider, and protector. How do I move on without you?

 

Daddy, I was holding your hands when you took your last breath. I cannot forget the words you whispered before you took your last breath “I love you”. Daddy eh! Agyaa kwesi! Respond to my call! You have been quiet for too long. I look at your picture and I feel like you are coming back soon. I hear a knock and I think you are behind the door. Daddy you have departed but I still cannot believe it. Lord, help me! I have lost my gem! I have lost my beloved! I have all the children around me but I am still lonely. Daddy I’ll miss you so much. I will miss your unique worship ministry; I miss your charismatic dance and the anointing you bring in church meetings such as “Sure! Sure!” and ‘preach on, nyira no be flow totototo… “. I am going to miss the times when you tease me. I am going to miss the fun we shared with our children and grandchildren. I will miss you every morning because you were my prayer partner and praying alone each morning is not the same without you.

 

Thank you Daddy, “Me Papa”, me dawase, God bless you for all you brought into my life. Agyaa Kwesi, nante yie! May the Lord keep you for me! I would eternally love you! I am eternally grateful. Your great memories will forever stay with me. I cannot stop my tears!

 

Your Beloved Wife,

 

Maa