Death is inevitable undoubtedly. It stings in sudden fashion many a time. It leaves in the heart of the living, pain and sorrow of losing a loved one. However, to the children of God, this death is gain, according to Apostle Paul. We shall rise again not unto damnation but unto glory at the return of Lord Jesus Christ. This is guaranteed through belief in Jesus Christ and His teaching on one hand, and living a life for Him on the other.

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, Lead Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo officiated the funeral service of the late Sister Lydia Poku- Akubia at our church in Hohoe, in the Volta North Apostle Area. Sister Lydia was the wife of District Rector Alexander Poku-Akubia (Likpe District – Volta North Apostle Area). The Lead Apostle was accompanied by Lead Apostle Samuel Oppong-Brenya (Northern Ghana), Apostles Charles Asare (Accra Apostle Area), Timothy Akubia (Host), Richard Osei (Volta Central) and a number of District Rectors and Deputy District Rectors from the Volta North, Volta Central, Volta South and Accra Apostle Areas. Over 700 members and mourners were in attendance.

Lead Apostle Ohene-Saffo on this occasion provided comfort for the mourning congregation with a bible word from Daniel 12:2; “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Delivering the sermon, the Lead Apostle, entreated the members not to allow sorrow overtake their hearts. He expressed optimism in the fact that, the dead in the Lord shall rise again, this is our faith, he said.  He admonished the congregants to choose in this life whether to rise to everlasting life or everlasting contempt. According to the Lead Apostle it is only those whose names are written in the lamb’s book of life who would rise to everlasting life.

The Lead Apostle however stated that, no one can stand before judgment throne of the Lord, for judgment is pure. “For us to escape the judgment, the Lord Jesus came to the earth, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life”, he emphasized. “This is the truth; after death, there is a life; after death, we still have the opportunity to be redeemed. This depends on your faith, whether it is in the Lord Jesus Christ or in miracles” the Lead Apostle exhorted. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and all other things shall be added unto us.

Concluding the sermon, the Lead Apostle stated, “let us be reminded, dear brethren, some will rise to everlasting life, some others will rise to damnation. Consider this, choose your portion while you serve the Lord now”.

Life of Sister Lydia Poku Akubia
Sister Lydia was born on 15th October 1963. After completion of her middle school education, she trained as a beautician, a vocation she adored so much at the time.

Sister Lydia got married to her husband, District Rector Alexander Poku-Akubia and converted to the New Apostolic faith. She was baptized and sealed in the year 1990 by Apostle Mark Amafu of blessed memory. She has since been a pillar of support to the husband in the discharge of his ministerial duties.

Sister Lydia left Hohoe to the Upper West Region of Ghana where the husband was transferred for work purposes. While there, she supported the husband to revive and relaunch Tandabori and Eggu congregations. She was a role model for the members who were predominantly women. Her special interest in the Sunday school positively impacted the attendance and lives of the mentioned congregations.

In 2011, the husband was again transferred to Accra, where she joined the Madina Congregation. She was a faithful member of the Women’s Group and Welfare Group till her demise. She and her husband never forgot their home congregation while on their sojourn. They have been a pillar of support to the congregation in Hohoe. She became more regular and conspicuous upon their movement from the Upper West Region to Accra. This accorded her the opportunity to visit home more often since the distance had been shortened. She contributed her quota to the development of the Hohoe congregation. Her affable and peace-loving nature endeared many to her. She would hardly pass without exchanging warm pleasantries with members with special interest in children and nursing mothers.

Incidentally, on Sunday August 14, 2022, Sister Lydia attended her last divine service at her home congregation, Hohoe. In the evening of the same day, she took ill, and was rushed to a health facility. In less than 24 hours, on Monday August 15,2022, the strong energetic pillar, succumbed to the icy hands of death.

Fare thee well, faithful servant and pillar of support to God’s work.

We shall rise and meet in everlasting life