Until very recently, women in the New Apostolic Church were not handling front-leading roles in congregational life. However, their contributions to the growth and stability of the Church over the years did not go unnoticed and could not be discounted, just as it was in the days of the early Church. One of such key women figures who has supported the growth of the Church in Accra with all she had, is Sister Dr. Lucy Brakohiapa.  

On the occasion of her 80th birthday, on Sunday 17th July, 2023, Sister Lucy was paid a surprise visit by District Rector Arhin (Accra West), together with the ministers and choir from Madina. This was a pastoral care visit to celebrate the special occasion with her family, as well as show appreciation for all her selfless work alongside her husband District Elder Dr. Brakohiapa, who retired in 2007. Retired District Elder Solomon Kyere was also there to support.

Sister Lucy joined the New Apostolic Church in 1979. In the same year, she was adopted by the then Shepherd Isaac Nantwi Kankam, sealed by Apostle Gottfried Rockenfelder. Having a firm belief and acceptance of the doctrine, she joined the choir with her amazing soprano voice and was very active in the subsequent years until early 2020, when age caught up with her. For decades, especially in the 1980s – 1990s, the name “Auntie Lucy” was very popular within the Accra district.

She has been a champion and campaigner for women’s health and well-being, as well as family nutrition for the past 30 years. As part of her support for the growth of Sunday School choir at Osu, she would make banana and milk ice lollies every Sunday to motivate and encourage the children. Many of those children are now Priests, choristers, youth leaders and NAC website reporters.

In the mid-2000s, she took it upon herself to visit congregations in Accra to teach expecting and new mothers basic and affordable nutritional ways to improve the health of their infants. She continues to support women and children’s health and other initiatives in the Church.

Happy birthday Auntie Lucy. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.