TRIBUTE TO ‘ENGINEER’ BY ‘COACH’ – JULIET MAWUNYO ADDO

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;…. knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” 2Co 4:8-9, 14  

“ENGINEER!” This has been my opening word in all of our conversations for close to a year now and your response still rings so clearly in my ears: “Hey coach, what’s up?”

Our conversations at church and other functions became lengthier after I got to know you were in St. Peter’s, Nkwatia. As a ROSECAN, you straight-away became my SPEROSA brother.

I was so excited when you expressed interest in studying Electrical/Electronic Engineering at KNUST and I started calling you “Engineer” even before you called to inform me that you had gained admission. I knew our relationship would grow from being just SPEROSA siblings to being ELEESA siblings. I was grateful to God that I was going to have a junior course-mate at church and we began making many plans concerning how you were going to graduate with a First Class, vacation internships for you, online courses you would be interested in, etc. Indeed, a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

I deliberately wore an ‘ELEESA’ t-shirt to visit you in the hospital in January and my announcement as I got into the room was this: “Engineer! Engineers don’t get sick so hurry up and let’s go home”. Today, I feel like screaming: “Engineer! Engineers don’t die so wake up and let’s go home”, but I refuse to despair as one who does not have hope because I believe you have just moved on.

As we celebrate your life, I would like to recount two of the decisions you made, and the things you did that will remain with me forever:

1. I was glad when you decided to fellowship with EPSU-KNUST on campus and even went on to join the Evangelism wing. I remember our conversation one Sunday evening when you had just returned from what we call an “Evangelism Storm”. You admitted that you did not say much because it was your first time, but promised that you’d speak more at the next opportunity.

2. I was surprised when you called to inform me that you were going to stay on campus, the weekend after your first semester vacation, to partake in “School of Prayer”. Most students are eager to come home after first-year first-semester and very few stay (I didn’t stay when I was at that stage either!). God knew it would be your first and last, and I am proud of you for staying to pray and build up yourself in His word.

Engineer! How come you called to tell me you had gotten your drivers’ license and I never got to be driven by you? We were supposed to watch ‘Rush Hour 3’ together, I was to visit you on campus (you actually contributed 10 Ghana cedis to that effect), and we had a pending lunch-outing but God’s appointment with you was more important. It is not by chance that the last day we met (May Day in your home) we watched the movie “FIREPROOF” with Ama. Borrowing some lines from “FIREPROOF”, I say, “Fireproof “ does not mean that there will be no fires: it means that though fire may come we are protected and safe.

Your demise hurts but we thank God for a High Priest who is familiar with all our pain and grief. Jesus Himself was despised and rejected of men, a MAN OF SORROWS and acquainted with grief. HE is with us through this fire and so the flames will not consume us. We are walking through this fire with the comfort of His rod and staff. We will come out of this fire like Daniel and his friends: the hair of our heads would not be singed; neither will our coats be changed; nor will the smell of fire be on us.

I miss you already but I will see you soon. I am waiting for that DAY when the trumpet shall sound.

“I’m waiting; I’m waiting on You Lord. Though it’s not easy; I’m waiting on You Lord. It is painful; but patiently I will wait. While I’m waiting, I will worship. While I’m waiting, I will serve You. While I’m waiting, I will not faint. I’ll be running the race, even while I wait”. (Words of John Waller’s “While I’m waiting” in “FIREPROOF”)

So fare thee well, my friend, may your soul rest in perpetual peace! And I trust that the Great Lord will richly reward you for your great works on earth, and protect you until such time that we shall meet again. Good night Engineer!

Selah.

Sent via email to Wofa Joshua on 16th June 2010, 8:40am. 'Woakafu Mawu daa.'