TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED WIFE MRS. PHILOMINA OSEI (OBAAPA PHILO)
Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labor, and their works follow them.’
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”- Stephen Grellet
Today, we celebrate a life that labored well, loved deeply, and served faithfully. My heart is heavy, and words fail me. To stand before you and speak of my beloved wife in the past tense is the most painful and shocking thing I have ever had to do. The pain is real. The void is deep. Yet in the midst of grief, I choose to bless the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21). I affectionately called her ‘Mama Philo’ or ‘Obaapa Philo’ and she, with so much love and joy, called me ‘Daa’. That name carried warmth, partnership, and a lifetime of memories.
Mama Philo was a woman of wisdom. When she spoke, people listened, not because her voice was loud, but because her life commanded respect. Her heart was wide. She loved people without conditions. She never met and related to anyone as a stranger. To the young, she was a mother. To the old, she was a daughter. To the hurt, she was a comforter. Her home was an open door, and her arms were always ready to embrace.
She was a woman whose love and care for her children was unmatched. She poured herself into raising them with devotion, discipline, and tenderness, and that same heart of a mother reached far beyond her own home. She extended that love to those who were not her biological children: welcoming them, feeding them, praying for them, and treating them as her own. In her, many found a mother.
She was industrious and hardworking. (Proverbs 31:13-15). Through her diligence and commitment, she supported our family and our children. While she took primary responsibility for the home, we managed both home and ministry through combined effort and partnership.
She carried responsibilities with grace, and she did it all with a smile. She was truly a builder of our home. If I am standing here today as a minister of the Gospel, a great part of it is because of her. She was the brain behind my success. She supported my ministry in diverse ways, through prayer at midnight, through wise counsel, through sacrifices we never spoke about, and through service she rendered quietly. She stood behind me strongly in all seasons, in seasons of lack and seasons of abundance, in seasons of dryness and seasons of fruitfulness.
Obaapa Philo, was a strong pillar behind me in my ministry and secular work. She affected many lives in all the places we have worked (Bekwai krofrom, Bekwai, Essumeja, Dadease, Ofoase Kokoben, Konongo, Akropong and Nyankyerenease).
Mama Philo had a charitable heart. She gave to those in need even when we had little. Her kindness was genuine. Her boldness for truth was clear. And her encouragement lifted many who were about to give up. Many people are standing strong today because Asafomaame Philo spoke a word of faith in their lives.
As Asafomaame, she took her role seriously. She committed herself to doing the work of God. She was a woman of prayer, a woman of the Word, and a woman of service. Her labor is visible in the Church. She was instrumental in the establishment and nurturing of Guild Fellowship at Essumeja and Ahwiren Methodist Societies in Obuasi Diocese. She was also a committed member of Women's Fellowship and SUWMA. She related very well with church members. The seeds she has planted in many other places will continue to bear fruit for generations.
Her love for me was special. She made sacrifices for me that only heaven can reward. She denied herself so that the ministry could move forward. She protected me, she believed in me, and she prayed for me consistently. She was truly a help meet, a partner, and a crown to me. (Proverbs 12:4).
Again, my beloved wife, Obaapa Philo, had an unmatched sense of humor. Anyone who came into contact with her can attest to this fact. She would go any length to put smiles on people’s faces. One simply could not be bored in her presence. When I was angry or sad, just one humorous remark from her would calm my heart and lift my emotions with joy.
Though I believe you have been called by God for eternal rest, you will forever remain in my heart and mind. I am so grateful for your numerous services and sacrifices for me, our children, family and the body of Christ. I had wished that we could live together for many years to reap the fruit of our labor. But the Almighty God knows best. (Isaiah 55:8) - His ways are not our ways, but we trust Him).
CAN 324(stanza 1)
Da yie, dɔfo fonafo,
W' edwuma abɔ adze;
Ahomgye pa, siar mbordo
Na dɛw mapa nyɛ wodze.
Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w' nsie,
Adzesaa ahyɛ sum, da yie!
VERY REV BRIGHT YAW OSEI HUSBAND