"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.” — 2 Corinthians 5:1

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
— John 11:25

There are some goodbyes that words can never fully express. Standing here today to pay tribute to my beloved husband, Stephen, is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Stephen was much more than my husband. He was my friend, my confidant, my counsellor, my Bible Study teacher, my prayer partner, and above all, God's precious gift to me. For many beautiful years, we walked through life together—sharing dreams, raising our children, celebrating victories, enduring challenges, and learning every day to trust God through every season. Today, as I stand before you, my heart is heavy with sorrow, yet filled with gratitude to God for the privilege of sharing life with such an extraordinary man.

I first met Stephen over 40 years ago while I was in my third year at Sefwi Wiawso Training College. At that time, he was a Carpentry Instructor at Abetifi Vocational Training Institute (AVOTRAIN). It was during one of my vacation breaks that our paths crossed. Unknown to me at the time, his mother, Madam Sophia Biri, had taken a special interest in me. Stephen had expressed his desire to marry a lady from his hometown, and his mother, believing I would be a suitable companion for her son, approached my family with that intention. After discussions between our two families, both families gave their blessing to the union. Following our cherished family traditions, a date was agreed upon in 1985 and Stephen and I entered into a customary marriage. That beautiful beginning marked the start of a lifelong journey of love, friendship, faith, sacrifice, and partnership—a journey that God graciously allowed us to share for many years.

Having been raised in the Catholic faith, I joined my husband after our marriage in 1985 to worship at The Church of Pentecost, Abetifi Central Assembly. Although this meant embracing a new church tradition, I did so wholeheartedly because we shared one common desire—to build our home upon the foundation of God's Word. By God's grace, we nurtured our marriage through love, prayer, faith, and the wise counsel of our church elders. Together, we were determined to build a home that would honour God and become a blessing to others. The Lord blessed our union with wonderful children: Josiah, our beloved twins, Michaella and Stephenia and then Paulina. Watching our children grow under God's care was one of the greatest joys and privileges of our marriage.

As Stephen's career progressed, his work required us to relocate to different parts of the country. Our family journey took us from: Abetifi-Zuarungu- Assin Fosu-Biriwa-Accra. Each place became a significant chapter in our family story. Every relocation brought new experiences, friendships, challenges, and opportunities to trust God. Wherever the Lord planted us, we remained committed to serving Him faithfully while pursuing our professional responsibilities. Together, we served in God's vineyard and dedicated ourselves to building a home founded on faith and love.

Stephen was a man of unwavering principles, discipline, and determination. He was hardworking, focused, and committed to excellence in everything entrusted into his care. It was therefore no surprise that many affectionately called him “Mr. Determination.” Once Stephen committed himself to a task, he pursued it with dedication until it was accomplished. He believed strongly in the dignity of work. To him, work was a gift from God and providing for one's family was not simply a responsibility—it was a sacred duty entrusted by God. He never saw caring for his wife, children, and household as a burden. Rather, he embraced it with joy, commitment, and love. As his wife, I was blessed to stand beside him throughout that journey. Together, we worked hand in hand to build the home God entrusted to us.

Stephen's love extended beyond our immediate family. He had a generous heart and willingly supported his siblings, nephews, nieces, relatives, and many others who needed assistance. Our home was always open to those who needed shelter, guidance, encouragement, or support. Over the years, some nephews and nieces lived with us and became part of our household. Others received financial, emotional, and educational support that transformed their lives. Education was especially close to Stephen's heart. He believed education was one of the greatest inheritances anyone could receive. He often said that material possessions could be lost, but knowledge and education could never be taken away. Through his generosity, many young people were given opportunities to build better futures. Our home became a place of love, learning, hope, and opportunity—a testimony to Stephen's compassionate spirit.

Stephen was not a perfect man, and ours was not a perfect marriage. Like every couple, we experienced challenges, disappointments, and difficult moments. However, we remained committed to the vows we made before God. Whenever challenges came, we turned to God for wisdom, strength, and direction. We learned to forgive, understand, support one another, and continue walking together. Today, I can only thank God for sustaining us and strengthening the bond we shared.

Stephen devoted the greater part of his professional life to the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), where he served with dedication, integrity, and excellence. His commitment to national development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and all who worked with him. He also served faithfully in the Church of God in various capacities, dedicating his gifts and time to the advancement of God's work. On 21st June 2017, as part of the Public Service reassignment process, he was transferred from his role as Executive Director of NVTI (now TVET) to the then Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, where he served as Director of Research, Statistics and Information Management. He embraced this new responsibility with the same passion, professionalism, and commitment that defined his life.

After decades of dedicated service, Stephen looked forward with great anticipation to retirement on 22nd August 2019. We dreamed of spending more time together, enjoying our children and grandchildren, and continuing to serve God in new ways. But life unfolded differently from what we had planned. While he was on compulsory leave preparing for retirement, our lives changed unexpectedly. In June 2019, we entered a season we never imagined. Yet even in that difficult period, Stephen never lost his faith. He continued to trust God, believing that the same God who had guided him throughout his life would continue to sustain him.

Seeing Stephen, a man known for strength and resilience, become weak was extremely difficult for our family. Our children had never known their father to be seriously unwell. Watching him face that season was painful beyond words. But we refused to give up hope. We sought the best medical care available while continuing to pray and believe God for healing. God answered our prayers—not exactly as we expected, but in His own perfect way. The Lord gave us almost eight additional years with Stephen. Those years were a precious gift. They allowed us more time to love, talk, laugh, pray, and create memories that will remain forever in our hearts. They gave Stephen the opportunity to continue guiding our children, blessing our grandchildren, and strengthening our family with his wisdom and faith.

As I reflect on the final months of Stephen's life, I often wonder: Did you know your journey was coming to an end? Was that why you called our daughters home and shared your life story with them—the places you had lived, the schools you attended, the institutions you served, and your journey in ministry? You told them you wanted to prepare your curriculum vitae, hoping that a consultancy opportunity might come so you could continue contributing your knowledge and experience. Looking back now, I wonder whether God was quietly preparing you to leave your story and legacy with the next generation. Was that also why you insisted that all our children return home so we could travel together to our hometown and reconnect them with their roots? Perhaps God was allowing you to create one final collection of memories for us. The songs you sung each day; your favorite of which was “ S3 )ko no twa mu'a, y3 b3 soa ahenky3w w) Jerusalem foforo . Each time you sung this, our hope was ignited and our hearts leaped for joy as you seemed to have already caught a glimpse of the New Jerusalem.

During these years, we experienced the overwhelming love of God through His people. Our church leaders, pastors, elders, retired apostles, ministers, doctors, relatives, friends, and well-wishers stood with us. They prayed with us, encouraged us, shared Holy Communion with us, and strengthened our faith. Their support reminded us that we were never alone.

Stephen, I will never forget how often you said: "When I recover, I will publicly testify about the goodness of God and tell the whole world how exceptional a wife you are." You looked forward to that day. You even had your car repainted white because you imagined dressing in white and driving to church to testify of God's faithfulness. You always told visitors that my love, care, and dedication helped sustain you through those difficult years. Those words remain one of the greatest gifts you left me.

One lesson you always taught our children was the importance of marriage. You encouraged them to honour their vows, remain committed to their spouses, and never give up on each other. Your own life became a testimony of those words. During your final days, you prayed over our children, their spouses, our grandchildren, and even generations yet unborn. You blessed them and placed them in God's hands. Today, those prayers have become a precious inheritance that we will carry forever.

Steve, perhaps you knew your earthly assignment was complete. Perhaps God, in His mercy, allowed you to prepare us gently for this moment. Thank you for the years we shared. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for the memories. Although my heart is broken, I am comforted by the assurance that you have finished your race and now rest in the presence of the Lord you loved and served faithfully.

Until we meet again, my beloved husband, rest peacefully. Your legacy lives on. Your love remains forever.

I love you, Stephen.