TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF THE LATE JOSHUA GBEVE
Josh, our God caused our
paths to cross sometime in 2010
Our first encounter was
in relation to my book ministry of which my graphic communication designers
happen to be your close friends and roommates. You and your roommates were
hospital enough to share your room with me.
You were indeed a
destiny-connector and a divine helper
As our friendship grew, I
once had a beautiful dream about you which I could not share with you during
your lifetime; I wish I had. The Lord told me in that dream that you were a
destiny-connector and a friend-for-keeps. Our ten-year friendship unveiled these
truths and proved that you were indeed a precious gift from the Lord. Not only
did you literary share your office at KNUST with me to facilitate my academic
and research related activities. You also introduced me to the Chevening
Scholarship which by God’s grace we both successfully applied.
Josh, you were an
authentic Christian
You
were a true lover of the things of God; you loved prayer, God’s word and fellowship
with other believers. We used to pray together and share God’s word both
physically on the top of your office building and at the KNUST Botanical Garden,
and virtually through conference call, WhatsApp and zoom. You were humble, selfless,
sober, generous, gentle, patient, prudent, affable, faithful, reliable, tenacious and
forgiving. Thanks for all the sweet fellowships we had together. Your life
continues to inspire me to love the Lord more and more, and give more attention
to His kingdom and righteousness. I will always remember you for your inspiring
quotes including the following: ‘you cannot almost make it to heaven,’ and ‘there’ll
be no rebels in God’s kingdom’.
Why have you left us suddenly?
When at the dawn of 30th
November 2020, I heard of your sudden death from your wife, it sounded like an
expensive joke but it turned out to be painful news. You were sound and fit
when you came to my office at KNUST on the 24th and 26th November
2020. You took several photographs of our mutual friend Dela and I on the 26th
November but we did not take one together with you, except your unintended appearance
in one of the shots I took. Perhaps we never thought you were indirectly
bidding us farewell. You called me on phone on the 27th November when
you were on your way to register your dream company, which you successfully
did; only for you to die on the 29th November 2020.
Josh,
your sudden death has humbled me and created a big vacuum
But your Maker had
permitted it to be so although your loved ones count it as a great lost to
humanity; we are proud of your great legacy which are worth emulating. As you are
being laid to rest today (30th January 2021), may the faithful God
remember your good works and generosity. I have no iota of doubt in my heart
that you have entered His eternal rest.
Richard Obeng Mensah,
author of Wisdom Thoughts. The writer is an award-winning author of 7 books and
over 250 articles. He is also a certified life and
leadership coach, a lawyer, a law lecturer, a doctoral researcher and a
blogger. Blog: www.richard-obeng-mensah.blogspot.com Email:
richardobengmensah@gmail.com © 30 January
2021.
*Joshua
was a User Experience Specialist, a Chevening Scholar and a Senior Staff of
KNUST.
