You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day—and not only to you but to all that have longed for his appearing. It's hard to think I'm not going to see you on this planet anymore. It feels like a dream. I can't believe I'm standing here reading your tribute. Somebody wake me up. You told me we will remarry after 10 years, Sweet, where are you, it's a few months to our 10th anniversary my love and here you lie helpless on this bed. A few months ago, you asked me to write your tribute for you to read and know exactly what I will say when you are no more. I regret not minding you because you would have known how I feel about you at the hardest point of your life, and this maybe would have comforted your soul on your hospital bed. I didn't do it because I didn't know who was leaving first, and never thought death was so close. Sweet, as we affectionately called each other, we were best friends, two wonderful pals, we were phenomenal, no one dared to understand us, and we were one of the few families that lived supernaturally on earth, with two amazing little angels. We were true lovers and the love we shared affected everyone around us. People gave testimonies of how our family life had encouraged them to work on theirs. We won the hearts of many families because of the love we showed to their children. Our joy was to create a world where children feel safe, loved, and respected. You were the driver of my dreams, only you believed in it. I dared to dream because someone was there to help to make it happen. I succeeded in handling the CCC Children Ministry Choir because you were there to support me, I succeeded in bringing a community of children together in Maduma where we first lived after we were married because you were there to support me, I was able to establish ARTLAND because you were there to support. You were fun to be with, our happy moments were like heaven on earth. Yet, we had our fair share of the challenges every marriage goes through. We had our own special challenges that no man on earth here can explain or try to understand not even you and I, and so let all men be liars and only God be true. Our Union and everything that happened in it has taught me much about the sovereignty of God. Sweet, I know how much you love us and how you would have wanted to live a little longer with us, but God even in his sovereignty did not impose death on you but when you saw the perfect version of yourself and the mercies and love he showers on us, you couldn't help it but continue to dwell in eternity with your maker. Farewell my love, Sweet, if I say you will forever remain in my heart you are the only one that feels the same way I feel. I am proud, I am happy our paths crossed, I am proud I married you, I am proud to be the woman chosen to lead the generations after you. If God wills, I will give them the most precious values you've left with me: Your life of faith, Your peaceful nature, Your life of worship, The songs you sang, Your hard work, Your Godliness, Your time management, Your honest heart, Your big heart of love and commitment, Your generosity, Your humility, Your reliability and dependable nature. We still cherish you deeply in our hearts. Odo, this place you own in our heart no one can take it. All in all, it was a glorious journey, very challenging but worth every bit of it. So, we can't be ungrateful. I sing how great thou art. Akwesi Nante Yie, Odo Da Yie, Daakye Bi, ye wo anidasoɔ se ye be hyia biom.
Dorcas Brefo DonkorWidow
Oh, Daddy, you broke our hearts. Especially me, I have always hated the phrase goodbye, there was never a time Kobby and I said goodbye to you without crying heavily. Today I have to say the hardest goodbye without having you wave at me. Daddy was my biggest fan and our greatest role model. He taught us lots of good values, good songs, and the fear of the Lord. I made him proud, and Kobby made him laugh. Daddy never failed us, he always had solutions to all our problems whether Mommy liked it or not. Today Kobby and I are remembering Daddy for the great memories we shared, all the nice and historic places in Kumasi, Accra, Cape Coast, and Takoradi he took us, and all the people we met around him and the wow experiences we had with him. He was special, one of a kind, our best friend. Daddy had a great sense of humour we always had a reason to laugh anytime he was around. There isn't a day that goes by without thinking of you. We don't understand much of all that is going on now, but we've been taught by you and Mom to trust in God always and say it is well with our souls. Thank you Daddy for everything .......and.......... goodbye.
Nana Ama Dokuaa Brefo Donkor (8) and Praise Elyon Brefo Donkor (6)Children
"Your friend is your needs answered...When you part from your friend, you grieve not; For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence..." - Khalil Gibran As sons nurtured in the womb of Prempeh College, the bond that binds the 94/96-year group is not mere friendship or comradeship. It is family and brotherhood. That is why we are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear brother, Senior Emmanuel Brefo Donkor, affectionately called EB. There are many words to describe EB. He was a gentleman's gentleman. You will hear this description about EB from anyone who came into contact with him. He was compassionate, humble, and friendly. He was the embodiment of generosity and cheerful giving. Whether it was his time, his energy, or his treasure, E.B. gladly and willingly gave to whoever was in need. EB's years at Prempeh College were spent in Pearson House and his mates at Pearson recall there was never a dull moment with EB around. He was always so full of life, animated, and excitable. Life was a joy to our brother. EB loved to have a good laugh as we would sometimes tease some of our mates. We would often tease EB that he could not use any impolite words as the other boys did because it was against his gentlemanly creed. Whenever he appeared on the scene, he brought warmth, laughter, and good cheer. Life on Prempeh Campus was a joyous experience for many of us because of people like EB, who always saw the lighter side of life. EB had a free spirit. It did not matter whether you were his peer in class, his junior, or his senior. He saw everyone as a friend and as a brother. This quality enabled him to build meaningful connections, networks, and relationships with his fellow Amanfoɔ. A leader and a critical thinker, EB possessed an acute sense of insight and maturity, enabling him to build critical leadership skills that saw him become the Assistant Dining Hall Prefect during the 1995/96 academic year, a role he executed with courage, sacrifice, and a lot of heart. As a man of faith, EB never neglected his God. In every situation, he upheld the Christian values of love, patience, forgiveness, and prayer. We Christians live every day with the blessed assurance that those who die in the Lord are not really dead, but only sleep in the bosom of Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. Paul wrote that “If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God” (Romans 14:8). EB's passing has filled the 94/96-year group with a lot of grief. This grief has awakened us to new values and deeper appreciation. Grief can cause us to reprioritize things in our lives, recognize what’s really important and put it first. This grief has heightened our gratitude as we cease taking the gifts life bestows on us for granted. Fare thee well, Senior EB! May the good deeds you sowed on earth be your heavenly crowns, and may Christ whom you have believed receive you onto Himself, granting you eternal rest till we meet again.
Tribute by the 94/96 Prempeh College Old StudentsAmanfoɔ
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 We gather here celebrating a brother whose mortal remains lie before us. The heavens rejoice as they welcome a faithful saint home. We believe our brother is in a better place and heaven is richer by his presence. Our hearts are heavy yet with joyful hope and thanksgiving to God for giving E.B eternal rest from the toils of life. E.B joined Transformation Center, a branch of Calvary Charismatic Centre right from its inception in 2018 with his wife and children. He was a member of the Council of Elders from 2020-2021 and remained a faithful and committed member until his demise after a short period of ill health. Though we expected him to recover quickly and join us in sweet fellowship, God saw he was tired and wrapped His arms around him, calling him home. E.B was active in SCD, he loved to sing and had the opportunity to minister a few times. He wholeheartedly participated in all activities and showed care for other brethren. He was a man of few words and exhibited godly character. The church enjoyed and is still benefiting from the family business Kiddie Artland. It is said, the measure of life is not its duration but its contribution. When we consider what you contributed to the church, we have much to be thankful for. To the church, you have departed but to God, you have arrived home. Emmanuel, you fought a good fight; you have finished the race and you have settled in the Lord’s vineyard. We are thankful that God will reward your faithful service with the crown of life. E.B. Donkor, may your gentle soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Father. Amen!
Calvary Charismatic Center, Kumasi City MallIn Memory of the Late Emmanuel Brefo Donkor