It is Saturday, 1st May 2021, about a half past 10 AM. The Kumasi Central Choir sings the hymn, “Beyond where clouds no more appear nor night the world enshrouds, a mansion’s there prepared for me …”, and deep within ourselves, the hope in the goal of our faith is renewed, that is, to be with the Lord when He appears.

There, in front of the altar of grace, lays the mortal remains of a dedicated sister and wife of Apostle Amos Osei-Du, Vida Osei-Du. Led by Lead Apostle Oppong-Brenya in a funeral service, a gathering of Apostles, ministers, brothers and sisters have congregated in loving memory of our dear sister, who passed on into eternity on February 5th 2021.  He was assisted by Lead Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo of the Southern Sector of Ghana, Togo and Benin and Apostle Timothy Akubia of the Volta North Apostle area.

The bible text for the service was read from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thought of peace not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”

In quite an emotional and personal tone, the Lead Apostle began the sermon recounting the love and the good works of the late Sister Vida: “Sister Vida, the wife of the servant of God, your Apostles of whom God offered you one for a husband, your children, the congregation which you loved, your family, your loved ones and the choir have gathered around you to bid you farewell. You have served God and His Church.”

“I am not here to sing praises about you, else I will have a lot to say. You are a woman with a good and generous heart, you served the church faithfully. During this era of covid when Sepe-Tinpom Congregation no longer had a place to worship, you requested that I permit you to build a chapel for that congregation of which you indeed laid the foundation before your death. May the Lord bless you.”

With reference to the text, the Lead Apostle consoled Apostle Osei-Du and encouraged him to remain faithful to the Lord for God does not make mistakes. That, he should remain fervent in prayer especially for the Church and his family and never to be slothful in his duty as an Apostle. “The Lord gave you your wife and He has called her home; whatever the Lord does is good!”

I know the thoughts I think towards you
The Apostle explained how Israel sinned against God and was taken into captivity for several years by King Nebuchadnezzar. They cried to God for help and at a point in time, the prophet admonished them to seek for the peace and prosperity of a city in which they were enslaved.
The promise by God to the Israelites in exile to return to their land after 70 years was likened to the promise of Jesus’ return. The New Heaven and the New Earth the Lord promised us will be fulfilled. After all sufferings and afflictions, the Lord will return to take us home as He promised us.

Let us follow the Lord Jesus faithfully
The Lead Apostle admonished the congregation to “follow the Lord Jesus Christ and remain under His protection so that we do not fall prey to the adversary who wants to destroy us.” He admonished the bereaved Apostle to be more prayerful and “the Lord will continue to show His greater love to you. Remain faithful to the Lord, the Lord will bless you in your going out and your coming in, till the Lord comes to take us home and His glory is revealed.”

Also in attendance were all Apostles for both Northern and Southern Ghana, Bishop Kyeremeh, retired Apostles Dzattah, Pidah, Jantuah, Nketiah and retired Bishop Morgan Dadzie. Other District and congregational leaders from Kumasi, Accra and other parts of Ghana also attended.