Contents

A Book of Remembrance: Foreword 2

Tribute from Waidi’s mother, Dorothy 4

Tribute from Waidi’s brother, Komla 5

Tribute from Waidi’s Uncle Alex on behalf of the Kpikpi 7

family

Tribute from the Alawe family, Nigeria 9

Tributes from Waidi’s uncles and aunts 9

Tributes from Waidi’s cousins 12

Tributes from City of God Church 20

Tributes from the Newfrontiers churches in Ghana 27

Tributes from the Newfrontiers churches in West Africa 30

Tributes from the Newfrontiers churches World-wide 33

Waidi’s personal testimony 42

A message written by Waidi about salvation in Jesus 44

Christ
A Book of Remembrance
Foreword
by John Kpikpi
Elder, City of God Church
Apostolic oversight of the Newfrontiers churches in West Africa

We have called this a book of remembrance precisely because that is what it

is. Waidi‟s death at the age of 27 has caused us all to stop in our tracks, to
evaluate ~ and re-evaluate ~ the race that God has set before us. We want
to give opportunity for his relatives and his many friends and co-workers in
the vineyard of Jesus to express something of what Waidi meant to them.
It is about Waidi, to help us put on record what we have come to know about
him.
It is for you, to help you see what a life given over to God can achieve even
in so short a time.
But above all it is to say thank you to Jesus Christ our Lord who has
demonstrated again that he still dwells in human flesh today and can
transform and make himself known through ordinary human beings like any
one of us.
Waidi was a real star who shone very brightly for a little while. We were
privileged to share in the light that God gave through him.
It was clear, from quite early on when he found Jesus Christ as his Lord, that
he had decided in his heart that only Christ mattered and he devoted himself
to worship him and to serve him.
Waidi was my son in the Lord as well as my co-worker in the kingdom of
God. We served together on the Eldership Team of City of God Church and
also on the Apostolic Team that oversees the planting of Newfrontiers
churches in the West African region. His grasp of God‟s truth was awesome

~2~
and this made him a real source of wisdom and strength as we handled the
huge issues which confronted us daily in our work among the churches.

Throughout everything his passion was to see people saved and brought into
the kingdom of God. A passion that must have come from the
thoroughgoing change that took place in his life when he himself met with the
living Lord Jesus. He loved the church, the people of God, and gave himself
to caring for them. As a matter of fact, during the last few weeks of his life,
the only time you could get any great conversation going with Waidi was
when you mentioned the new church in Asesewa.
We‟ve laughed together, prayed together, sorrowed over errant souls
together and rejoiced in great victories together. He has been a great
companion in many of my journeys to serve our churches in Ghana as well
as in other nations such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea as well as in the
UK.
He opened up many new areas for our church to plant new cell groups in
places such as Shiashie, Ashaley Botwe Old Town, Nmai Djorn, University
Farm etc. Only last year, he pioneered our church plant, City on a Hill
Church, in Asesewa among a new people group called the Krobos. So from
planting cell groups, he became a church planter.
Waidi has walked along the
track that God has laid
down among us. Following
their salvation people are
equipped through in-house
leadership training to be cell
group leaders and after that
to move on to planting
churches. Last Sunday,
when we gathered together
all our leaders, who were at
various stages of this
training track themselves, to talk about Waidi‟s death, the mood was
surprisingly victorious. Many said they would also like to leave as great a
legacy as Waidi left behind. His death, far from discouraging many, has
become an inspiration for our emerging leaders. We are sure we will see
many more Waidi‟s coming through into leadership positions, planting cell

~3~
groups and going on to plant churches so that this part of our world and
beyond will be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the seas.

Waidi, enjoy your time with the Lord. We‟ll see you again later. John
Tribute from Waidi’s mother, Dorothy
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.
He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and
show myself to him." John 14:21
Waidi was moved and deeply touched by these words of Jesus ever since
he got saved. He pressed on making disciples of Jesus to the very end.
He was born on 16th May, 1979. He was of mixed race ~ half Nigerian,
half Ghanaian ~ but was nurtured by the remarkable Kpikpi family.
His maternal uncles and aunties loved, cherished and cared for him. The
Kpikpis place great importance on education and they took great care to
ensure that Waidi received a good education ~ in fact, he was educated
up to the university level. He graduated from the University of Ghana,
Legon in the year 2003. Waidi and his brother, Komla say thank you,
Uncles and Aunties, for persevering in the legacy that your late parents
left for you ~ “Help one another.”
Waidi loved caring for people and he
cared for us as a family too. His
temperament was cool but he wouldn‟t
side with any wrong-doing. Whether old
or young, he would see that the right
thing was done.

If I should write everything I want to

say about Waidi, it would have the
volume of a book. He always had the
welfare of his brother, cousins and
friends at heart.

~4~
Oh, my smart and clever son, I didn‟t know at the hospital that that
would be our last time together. You knew I loved you so much but as I
read Psalm 115:3
“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.”
I say to you that this is exactly what He has done for you and you will
live with Him. Rest in peace. Sleep well. Do agbe. Amen.
Mum

Tribute from Waidi’s brother, Komla

I‟ve known Waidi for 24 years. He was a man of integrity. The word
„integrity‟ holds so much meaning that I can not go into. Throughout our
lives together, every minute was a learning process. He was soft-spoken
but very firm.
He was always interested in what I was doing in order to make sure
that I did what pleased the Lord ~ for that was what he lived for. He
always advised from God‟s point of view and wholeheartedly helped me
through to see why it should be God‟s way every time and not my way. I
greatly admired him and rejoiced in my heart that I had him as a brother.
I sort of always hid in the glory that surrounded him.
At home he was father and big brother to me and a husband to my dear
mother. He played all these roles perfectly, even in his last days. I dearly
loved him ~ he was all anybody could dream of having around.
Waidi lived his life in the service of God. He served him with all his
heart in all aspects of his life. He was like an excellent wife to his
husband who was God. Between Waidi and God it was like „to death
do us part‟ ~ but I believe in death, they are even closer. He lived an
exemplary life for me and, I‟m sure, for many of you. We mourn this
great one but we also celebrate his short but very fruitful life. He was
fruitful and some of you are testimonies to his desire to serve God. He
preached and lived the life of Christ. Day or night, rain or shine, in
richness or poverty, in sickness and in health, Waidi lived to please the
Lord and to serve Him.

~5~
Words alone can not express how much I want to say about my brother.
What then does his short life teach us? Well, it encourages us to make
every day of our lives count. We should make a difference for God. He
has called us to Himself, not to conform to the world but to be
transformed as we walk with Him. Waidi did just that. We should find
what the Lord has called us to and work at it to perfection. We have no
excuse. Waidi is an example so it means we can also make it. We can
also „write‟ (by the way we live our lives) a good tribute for ourselves as
Waidi has done. All we are saying about Waidi is not just to give you a
good story ~ it‟s true about him. This was because he lived these things
we are saying about him. We are still alive now; we owe it to ourselves
to write a good tribute for ourselves before we are called home.
What also can we learn from his falling asleep? Well, we read in
1Thessalonians 4:13: “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant
about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have
no hope.”
Waidi has fallen into a deep sleep and will wake up someday. We will be
joined to him in Glory. He has fought the good fight and won, he has
run the race marked out for him to perfection. What are we doing about
our fight and race? Let us encourage one another with these words. We
mourn this great man, but let‟s also celebrate his life for he has left a
legacy worth following.
“The sun has one kind of splendour, the moon another and the stars
another; and star differs from star in splendour. So will it be with the
resurrection of the dead. The
body that is sown is
perishable, it is raised
imperishable; it is sown in
dishonour, it is raised in
glory; it is sown in
weakness, it is raised in
power; it is sown a natural
body, it is raised a spiritual
body. If there is a natural
body, there is also a spiritual body.” 1 Corinthians 15:41-44

~6~
Dear Mother, do take heart for our dear one, Waidi, is happy with the
Father.
Komla

Tribute from Waidi’s uncle, Rev. Mac-Kpikpi, on

behalf of the entire Kpikpi family
Waidi Joseph Edem Kwaku Allawoe was born on 16th May, 1979 at
Kadjebi to Mr Lamidi Allawoe of Nigeria and Dorothy Edem Kpikpi of
Vakpo. He began his school career at the E.P. Primary School in Vakpo
where he completed Class One to Five before moving to Ho to complete
Class Six at the Dora Memorial School. Here his football talents were
recognised as he was appointed as goal-keeper of the school team. Waidi
was a pupil at the Experimental JSS in Ho and from there gained a place
at Mawuli School where he read science and served as a student librarian,
finishing in 1997. In 1999 Waidi entered the University of Ghana at
Legon where he read Zoology. He graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of
Science degree. Thereafter, he did his National Service with the City of
God Church, which had an incredible impact on his Christian life. Waidi
became an uncompromising minister of the Word of God there and in this
ministry, his sterling gifts of hard work, standing for and defending the
truth, love and affability quickly emerged and were visible to all who
came to know him.

Early this year we heard that Waidi was not well. Medical tests revealed
the alarming news that Waidi had Hepatitis B. We do not know for
how long Waidi had had the virus, undetected, but it now became
apparent that it had caused damage to his liver which the doctors said
medical science could not treat or reverse. Many, many people prayed for
Waidi but sadly, on 14th April, 2007 he died at the University Hospital
at Legon. We are taking this as God‟s will for Waidi and trusting that,
though we do not understand why this has happened, it is all in God‟s
perfect plan for Waidi. God gave Dorothy, Waidi‟s mother, this verse
from Psalm 115: “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.”

~7~
To us, Waidi‟s logo was: Love and Truth. He was the gem of his grandparents,
the late Rev. and Mrs. A. D. Kpikpi and the entire Kpikpi family. Sweet
Daffodil, why have you hastened away so soon?

Sweet Waidi,
So you were in terminal pain
But you didn‟t show it.
You were bearing all that pain
And yet you looked calm.
I couldn‟t believe it.
Aha, the truth was that
You weren‟t alone!
Jesus the Christ
Whose faithful and committed servant you were
Was bearing the pain with you.
Yes - that was why!!
Waidi, our son,
Into your Father‟s good hand
You committed your soul
Surely, He will grant you eternal rest
Rest in His Peace!
Hede Nyuie!
Uncle Alex

~8~
Tribute from the Alawe family, Nigeria
Right from childhood Waidi was very intelligent and could always
answer questions very well. He grew to be a quiet and humble person.
He was very upright and became a pastor with an apostolic mission. We
expected him in the future to evangelise his Muslim family members in
Nigeria but his early death has prevented this.
Rest in perfect peace, Waidi. Amen.

Tributes from Waidi’s uncles and aunts

From Aunty Irene
I miss the smiling face, the soft-spoken response to my call, “Wai!” ~
“Yes, Aunty” ~ with the smile, the broad smile.
Rest in peace, rest in perfect peace. We shall meet on the Resurrection
Day.
Aunty Irene

From Uncle Walter

Even the young flower buds fall!
Occasionally, not too often though, I find a flower bud, the pretty petals
just unfurling, which has fallen to the ground. I pick it up and inspect it
keenly to see the point of excision, looking for a clue as to who or what
could have so callously cut down what promised to be the most lovely of
all blossoms. And there is none. The best I can do is to discard it, burying
it back in the soil and hoping it would nourish the rest.
That is what has happened to us. Waidi was a most lovely, peaceful,
gentle and tender ~ and yet a very strong ~ soul, of formidable spirit.
First a son, he was also a nephew, and a brother and a cousin. He was
so young (he had not matured to be a father of children yet, nor a
husband of a wife) but he achieved as much as a grandfather could. At
such a young age he was cut off from the land of the living. We look for
reasons and find none. None, because God is not bound to give us one ~

~9~
for, He it is who plants and He, the same who harvests. And he does so
at His will.
Waidi, I sigh a heavy sigh in my breast as we cast your tender body to
the earth but I lift up my eyes and rejoice at your sturdy but gentle spirit
going on, living on. For your gentle spirit never dies. He never grows old,
nor does he retire. He lives forever more and is always happy because he
is in the company of the Lord, our Lord. Blessed are you, son, nephew,
brother, cousin, Waidi, because you have lived in Him who is Lord and
have fallen asleep in his arms where you are safe. Sleep well!
Uncle Walter

From Uncle Evans

I know just two things about Waidi: his gentle nature and his passion
for evangelism. We will forever miss him.

From Aunty Dora

Waidi! You were a true servant of God, a lover of Jesus, a very
passionate worshipper, evangelist and preacher. You were so humble,
calm and generous but humorous. So kind, loving and concerned about
lost souls. So soft spoken, but powerful in the declaration of the Gospel.
So young in age, small in stature but very matured and a giant in spirit.
That‟s the nephew I had. We have not lost you because we know
exactly where to find you. In heaven, you are in Jesus‟ bosom where
there is no more pain or hurt.
Waidi, you will forever be remembered for your good deeds.
Joy and peace are now with you.
Your sweet, loving aunty, Dora

From Aunty Clara

Waidi, why did you leave us so early? We knew the pain you were going
through was so much but we thought it would pass and you would be
well again.
I remember when Uncle Lawson and I were by your side when you were
on your sick bed. You held his hands and asked “Uncle, will I get
better?”

~ 10 ~
Oh, Waidi! We shall forever miss you. You were so kind and ready to
assist when the need arose.
We love you but God loves you most.
Aunty Clara

From Aunty Yaya

A bright light is suddenly put off in our midst. Its distinctive voice is
gone forever. The worker hangs up his gloves. There is deep silence
but…
Waidi was my darling. When I was teaching in Vakpo in the early 80‟s,
he was the only grandson in the house during the old age of his
grandparents. Imagine the love we had for him! Waidi was the first
baby I was able to comfortably carry at my back. Since I was almost the
last-born, I had nobody to carry when I was young. When I carried him
at my back and we were conversing people would ask who I was talking
with. He was small but clever and could communicate without any
difficulty. I took him with me to Accra for the week-ends. I treated him
as my first-born.
One day Waidi helped me to catch a thief in my room. He had hidden
under my bed. Being still so small, Waidi was able to spot him. He
quickly drew my attention to the intruder and the thief was caught!
That earned him the name “Police” from Tasi Affoe.
Waidi became the one boy among my girls. I am lost for words to
describe my relationship with Waidi. He visited us in August last year,
prayed with us, and shared with us from Psalm 20, especially verse
seven:. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the
name of the LORD our God.” Little did we know that that was his last
visit to us.

Waidi, you‟ve fought the good fight, you‟ve finished the race and you‟ve
kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for you the crown of
righteousness which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will give to you on
that day (“ Timothy 4: 7-8). Waidi, rest in perfect peace. Do agbe.
Hede Nyuie. Dzidzo le ηutifafa me. Amen

~ 11 ~
Tributes from Waidi’s cousins
From Mr. and Mrs Nyaku (Uncle Joe and Aunty Mabel) and
children
Waidi, it seems like a dream, but it is true. We have tried to fathom out
the Hows and Whys to no avail. Why at this age? Why this way? But
who are we to question God? When he says “Yes” no one can say no.
You joined our family in Ho and attended the same basic school as your
young cousins. They can vividly recollect the protection and care you
gave them at school and at home. You willingly helped them, through
little games, to learn. You were hard-working both at school and at
home. You always woke up very early and arrived at school very early.
You were so humble and polite and always eager to learn. Selorm and
Selase will not forget your smiles. Your smiles, even in times of sickness,
moved a lot of hearts. Your humble response to calls ~ always with
“Yes, Aunty” ~ attracted the admiration of friends and relations who
visited us. The way you appreciated the least favour or gift given you
was so amazing! Waidi, you were wonderful. We cannot find the
appropriate words to describe our sentiments about your death.
Our whole family cannot forget our last visit to you ~ we were bringing
a meal you requested ~ only to be told you had passed away! What a
shock! Truly a vacuum has been created, but we know you would not
want us to grieve too much for we can hear you say “Death is nothing at
all. I have only slipped away into the next room. Make no difference in
your tone; wear no air of solemnity or sorrow. I am comfortable in the
arms of Lord. All is well”
Wai, may the Good Lord grant you eternal rest. Amen

From Mrs. Attah (Akuvi) on behalf of Mawunyo, Kafui, Akpene,

Vinolia and Michael
Now the labourer‟s task is o‟er,
Now the battle-day is past
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last.
~ 12 ~
Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping
John Ellerton (1826-1893)
The words of this poem are in our minds as we write this tribute to
Waidi. Waidi was full of compassion, generosity and godliness. His faith
in Christ is a legacy he has left for the family which we will forever
cherish. Added to this was the great effort he made in evangelism and
this has become an inspiration for us.
One thing that we remember so well is how he hosted the Attah family
to dinner in July last year. This was characteristic of him. He always
ensured that the relationship was kept intact and strong. Also
characteristic of Waidi were his humility and his respect for all human
beings. These things were so conspicuous that no one could fail to notice
them.
It is with sorrow and pain that we pay tribute to our beloved cousin.
We have lost a very dear one, an inspirer, indeed someone we looked up
to as far as purity, righteousness and obedience were concerned. He
actually fought the good fight with all his might during his relatively
short life.
Our wish was that he had stayed with us longer than he did, but the
Lord needs him most. Our consolation is, therefore, that he is in the arms
of the Lord.
Fare thee well, Waidi.
Hede nyuie, Waidi.
May your soul rest in perfect peace
Akuvi

From Godwin and Patrick Kpikpi

Waidi, as we knew him, was always mild, gentle and pleasant with a
lovely smile that truly reflected his nature. Any time you encountered
Waidi, no matter what the conditions were around him, he would
always tell you, “To the Lord be the glory”. He considered every bit of
his life as being in covenant with his Maker so we were not surprised to
see him live up to the challenge during the course of his illness. We can
~ 13 ~
confidently ask, “Has Waidi ever offended anyone?” As he departs, we
see Waidi as a celebration of true life, from whom we all have something
to learn. Even though we would all wish to have had Waidi with us
much longer, we know that Waidi would also say, like Jesus, "My
Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will,
but as you will…." Matthew 26:39a
We love you, Waidi, but the Lord has called you. Goodbye.

From Clottey Richard Anang

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is
coming, when no-one can work. John 9:4

Waidi, your night has come too suddenly. It was only on 26th
December, 2006 that you encouraged to start a church in Navrongo,
telling me that it was in God‟s plan to send me there. You went further
to promise me, “Clottey, start it and I shall be there to preach.” By the
grace of God, the church started on 18th March, 2007. You haven‟t
preached in this church yet and now you have gone home. Who have you
detailed to preach in this church in Korania, Navrongo? Your death has
reduced the known trio ~ Clottey, Waidi and Kafui ~ to a forced duo.
All we can say now is: “…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thessalonians 5:18
Waidi, rest in peace.
Clottey

From Rosemary Forson

Waidi was one of the most thoughtful, generous and warm-hearted
persons I knew. He was one of my favourite cousins, my cell leader and
my pastor.
It is a shock to realise I will never see him again till we meet in Glory.
He fought the good fight, he ran the race and pressed on to take hold of
that for which Christ took hold of him. Though the pain of separation is
almost unbearable, I am absolutely sure he is in a good place now. I only
ask that God gives us grace to go through this difficult time.

~ 14 ~
From Atta Forson
One day Waidi and I decided to walk to the Church Centre from my
house. It is only a thirty minute walk but I was amazed at how many
people we had to greet because Waidi knew them. Waidi loved people
and his desire was to see them love and serve Jesus Christ. His death is a
great loss to me for he was a source of inspiration. Now I mourn
because I miss you greatly but I know that we will meet again in the
presence of our God and celebrate our great salvation.
Atta

From Kuma Forson

I really came to know Waidi when he spent a holiday with us after his
senior secondary education. One of the most striking things about him
was his orderliness. He was a very responsible person and also had a
great sense of humour. He however grew increasingly interested in God‟s
work and so by the time he entered university he was ready to evangelize
the whole campus ~ no wonder it was he who started the student cell
group there! He was a very serious student and proved to me that hard
work is worth it. Waidi was always ready to do what ever he was
called upon to do in the church or at home. He loved football but never
let it prevent him from doing any chore or carrying out any duty.
One thing I will always remember Waidi for is his passion for the lost.
He pursued the lost with all his heart and took me along some of the
time. He was whole-hearted in all that he did. He seemed to say with
his lifestyle: “If you can‟t do it wholeheartedly, don‟t do it at all.”
Waidi, rest in peace and I know I will see you one day in heaven but
now I really miss you. Bye. Kuma

From Enyonam and Elorm Ahadzie

Waidi, the void your absence has created cannot be filled. We will really
miss all the advice, jokes and the biblical stories you shared with us. We
will also miss the discussions (and arguments!) we used to have about
football.

~ 15 ~
The most important thing is that you are in the hands of God. You have
run the race and fought a good fight. Till we meet again in the Lord‟s
bosom, rest in peace. We love you.

From Sedem, Yayira and Akpene Seneadza

Our hearts are filled with pain and sorrow and no words can express our
sadness for the loss of our dear cousin. We only give thanks to God for
giving us such a cousin. We will always remember how encouraged us
with Psalm 20 when he visited us last August. Waidi was with us all in
Vakpo on the “26th December 2006 when the extended family came
together. Little did we know that this would be the last time we would
see him. Waidi, we love you so dearly. Waidi, rest in perfect peace. The
Lord will keep you till we meet again.

From Emily Kpikpi

A memory, a truth
One afternoon, more than seven years ago, it was lunchtime at our home on the
university campus at Legon. The beans were ready but, to our dismay, there
was no plantain to go with them. Hungry and disappointed, I was close to
tears. Then Waidi (a student at the time) appeared, and took Esther, Ruth and
I across the road and bought us bananas. He taught us to eat them with beans
as though they were plantain. What a rescuer!
Waidi was the hero of our early childhood and, in later years, our teacher and
our pastor; but always our cousin and always our friend. I will miss him
greatly. But there is one truth he taught with all his heart that rescues me still:
Jesus Christ came to the earth and lived a sinless life. People killed him on the
cross. In dying that way, Jesus bore the punishment for all the sins you and I
ever committed or ever will commit. Three days after His death, He rose again
by the power of God and the Holy Spirit. Now Jesus is alive, seated next to
God in heaven. Today, whoever believes in Jesus will have their sins washed
away, and though their earthly bodies die, they will be given better, heavenly
bodies with no sickness; bodies that can never die. And they will live with
Christ in a better place forever. This arrangement stands because God truly
loves us and wants to be with us.

~ 16 ~
Waidi believed in Jesus. Waidi taught this truth. Waidi is alive. The question I
think he would ask us today is: Are you alive?

From Esther Kpikpi

My dear cousin, Waidi
It is very difficult to put Waidi into words and onto a piece of paper. I
really do not know where to begin. He was such a brilliant man through
whom many were blessed and unmistakably touched. He was always so
dedicated to God‟s work on earth. He faithfully served God and was
blessed with a vibrant church at Asesewa which he looked after and
cared for with all his heart. In everything Waidi did, he shone out with
God‟s radiance; I really admired that.
Although he always had so much to do and so many big issues on his
mind, Waidi never failed to do the little things which showed love and
care for others. He would often pass by our home with a handful of
toffees for us. He never forgot our birthdays and always made us feel so
special on those days. He played football with us (we always fought
about whose team Waidi would be on because he was so good at
playing). Waidi even played “Mummy and Daddy” with us - not many
people went that far! - and it really communicated his love for us kids.
He used to take us on walks around the neighbourhood, teaching us the
names of the various plants. Those were times I always looked forward
to ~ I am full of fond memories of my dear cousin.
Even when he was ill, he kept up his kind and caring spirit. He
continued to pray for other people and help them in times of trouble. On
Ruth‟s birthday, Waidi was visibly ill and in great pain. However, he
insisted on going all the way to East Legon to buy her a birthday
present. I clearly remember him wincing at the pain he felt whenever the
car went over a bump. It was really heartbreaking. When we arrived at
our destination, I was amazed at his determination to buy her something
special. That was Waidi for you! That day, I learnt a very big lesson
which I will never forget. If a man who is sick and in pain can remember
a loved one‟s birthday, go the extra mile of buying a present for the
celebrant and show such love and care, we who are well should never
fail to do so.

~ 17 ~
During the period of time in which he stayed at our house, I became
much closer to him than ever before. I used to sit by his bed and have
long conversations with him - I always enjoyed them and I thank God I
had the opportunity to do so. Once we were talking about the electricity
crisis and I asked him what he thought would help solve the problem.
He spoke with such wisdom and his ideas were so creative that as he
spoke I honestly wished deep in my heart that he was the President of
Ghana!
Waidi was much more than a cousin to me: he was my friend whom I
trusted. His words were full of truth and he always had answers to the
tricky questions I asked him about the Christian faith. Whenever he
asked, “Esther, how are you?” I always felt free to tell him exactly how
I felt because he was genuinely interested. He was always ready to help
my siblings and me. Even though we were just kids, he served us whole-
heartedly just like he did grown-ups, which made us love him all the
more.
Waidi truly was a gift from God.We all loved Waidi but God loved him
even more and couldn‟t wait to have him back home. I will miss him so
much. He will always have a special place in my heart.

From Ruth Kpikpi

Waidi - a tribute to a favourite cousin
Waidi, such a great man I don‟t even know what words can be used to
describe him. He was a wonderful, kind man who thought of others a
lot. For example, on my birthday, Esther, Anna and I.J were going out
to get some things for my party and Waidi insisted on going with them
just so that he could get a present for my birthday. Despite all the pain
he was in he still got me something lovely. When he gave the gifts to me
I felt so touched and happy.
Waidi had strong faith and trust in God. He was a good Christian, one
of the best I know, and you could see that there was something different
about him, that he really had God in his life. When Waidi‟s traumatic
illness started his faith in God remained and, even when things didn‟t
seem to be getting any better, he still kept a strong faith. He was a real
model citizen in the Kingdom of God.
~ 18 ~
Waidi loved others very much. He would always take time to find out
how we were doing and what was happening in our lives. When we
went to visit him during those difficult times, he would always receive
us warmly and, no matter how much pain he was in, join in with the
conversation as best as he could.
Waidi was a very committed Christian who loved the Lord. He found
great joy in the Lord and wanted to share this joy with others. So he did
~ he was a great evangelist and has blessed many people. Many have
found happiness, peace and new life in Christ through him.
Waidi was a good man. Whatever he did, he made sure something good
would come from it. He did everything willingly. He looked for the good
in others and not for their faults. He was kind to complete strangers,
showing them love and letting them know of God‟s love for them. He
was one of those one-in-a-million guys who went the extra mile. His loss
is felt very much.
The church has been deprived of a great pastor and a strong soldier in
God‟s army.
Waidi‟s family has lost a dearly loved son and brother.
I have lost a wonderful cousin whom I loved very much.
Though Waidi has left us, we know he is in a better place, resting in
perfect peace with the Father in heaven.
Waidi, I love you, and you are remembered fondly in my heart and mind.
Ruth

From Anna Kpikpi

My beloved cousin, Waidi
Waidi was just a young man when he died. He had a nice smile and a very soft
heart. Waidi‟s good deeds blessed many people, for example going to Asesewa
and starting a church, making friends and leading them to Christ and, last but
not least, helping others see the truth. I loved Waidi because he was very
friendly, funny, caring and loving. He played with me and sang with me, plus
he danced with me. The other thing was that he didn‟t mind babysitting my
brother and I. The relationship between Waidi and I was that he was my

~ 19 ~
cousin - my very dear cousin. I‟m sure his death will bring the cause for
mourning. But we should all brighten up a bit: for he has gone to a better place
- he has gone to Glory!!
Anna Kpikpi

From Isaac John Kpikpi

Waidi
Waidi was a good man. He was one of my favourite cousins. He was a
good servant of God and was a very, very, very good church planter.
To Waidi, love I.J.
Xxx

Tributes from City of God Church

From the Eldership Team of City of God Church
I tell you the truth, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The
man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in
this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow

~ 20 ~
me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the
one who serves me. John 12:24-26
We find consolation in the words of our Lord but Waidi, we would
rather have you here with us, for a little longer at least, if we had our
way. You truly were a good seed. God really put so much into one seed
when he formed you. Your passion for God and his Kingdom was
boundless. Your hospitality was unmatchable. Your love for the poor
and your compassion towards those in crisis was something that came
naturally to you. You served the church wholeheartedly, faithfully
bringing truth to God‟s people. At our elders‟ meetings you were always
slow to speak but your contributions were always full of wisdom. We
will miss your great sense of humour, the little dinners you invited us to,
your passionate preaching and your godly counsel. All said and done, we
believe that yours was a successful life. You lived for God and for his
Kingdom. You multiplied your gift as an evangelist many times over in
the New Creation Team and you allowed the Lord to use you in building
his church. You spent your energy and your time on that which lasts
forever. Yes, we mourn. Yes, we grieve. Yes, we feel the pain and the
loss. But through it all, deep down, we rejoice in the truth that yours
was a life well-lived and that you have gone to be with our Lord.

From Sam Akrasi

You were a real blessing to me. Thanks for sharing everything you
had.

From Gabriel Agbenyegah

“A man may live many days and every day brings something different,
therefore, call no man great until he dies greatly”. These were the words
of the Greek philosopher Solon.
The greatest thing a person can achieve in life is eternal life. “Now this
is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3. In this way we will call
Waidi a great man because he died having a relationship with Jesus and

~ 21 ~
God the Father. Indeed, Waidi ~ one of God‟s army generals who
invariably expanded the kingdom by preaching the gospel ~ died greatly.
Waidi, I am experiencing genuine sorrow but it is mixed with joy that
you‟ve gone to be with the Lord. I console myself with these words:
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm
116:15

From Isaac Villars

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only
to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-
8. These verses describe Waidi.
I first met Waidi eight years ago when he visited City Of God Church
having completed his secondary school education. I was rehearsing an
evangelistic play with some of the young people in the church and offered
Waidi a part which he shyly accepted. Little did I know that the part
offered him typified the call of God on his life. Having given his life to
Christ he quickly rose to be an elder in the church. Over the years my
friendship with Waidi grew and developed. We ate, prayed and relaxed
together. We shared the gospel together at times .Our friendship
deepened the more when I moved in to stay at Hope House under the
stewardship of Waidi as landlord. He played this role in such a godly
manner. At times Hope House would be filled with a sweet aroma as he
prepared his impeccable "red red" or groundnut soup which he would
invite all the guys in the house to share with him.
Waidi‟s life exemplified that of a true leader. His passion for the lost is
worthy of emulation. I will always remember the way he worshipped
God.
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but
what is woven into the lives of others". Till we meet again, Waidi, rest
in perfect peace.

~ 22 ~
From Kafui and Vanessa Tetteh
Sweet, gentle, Waidi! We will always remember you for your
thoughtfulness, generosity and encouragement to our family. As an
ardent 'praiser', you were such a great support for the New Streams
project, and we are ever grateful that you were able to play a key role in
the recording.
Your passion for the lost was - and still is - inspirational. It was always
heart-warming to hear about your plans for the New Creation Team, or
to hear about what God was doing in Asesewa.
Your earthly life was exemplary. When we think of you, we think of this
chorus:
I'm going for the harvest, to save the lost
I'm going for the harvest, to heal the sick
I'm going for the harvest, delivering captives
I'm satisfied with my Father's business
By spreading His Gospel light.
You were so satisfied with your Father‟s business! May he reward you
abundantly.
See you in Heaven,
Kafui and Vanessa.

From Mensah Seneadza

Waidi and I have been friends and brothers for the past ten years. We‟ve
shared a lot of things together- homes, mothers, food, dreams, cares and
worries ~ and more. He was an excellent dance mate during Sunday
morning celebrations. He always gave me great counsel and support in
times of need.
Waidi‟s greatest passion, besides evangelism and advancing the
Kingdom, was to see his mum and younger brother happy. He was
genuinely concerned about their well-being and always trusted God to
care for them.
Waidi will be most remembered in my heart for his integrity, passion for
Christ and total selflessness. He lived out the Gospel and was totally
passionate about winning others.
~ 23 ~
He totally lived out Paul‟s words in Philippians 1: 21: “For to me, to
live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Waidi, I know that you are safe in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. I
will mourn the loss of a great friend and brother, but will celebrate your
good works. You will always be a star in our hearts.

From Emmanuel Kowblah

When I first came to City of God Church Waidi befriended me and
encouraged me to share anything that was bothering me. He was always
very generous to me and to others as well.. Whenever I visited him he
would ask, “Emma, have you eaten? Do you want something to drink?”
He often gave me clothes. Waidi discipled me. He taught me on the City
Discipleship Course and when I had been through the course he sat me
down and taught me how to teach other new believers too. I enjoyed
doing it. Even though I knew I was far from perfect he made me feel I
could do it. “Why not, Emma?” he would ask me. Waidi encouraged me
to do evangelism. At first I did not want to because I felt I was not
fluent enough in the English language. I was not eloquent and I was
shy. Waidi took time to break through all these barriers. Now, just like
him, I have developed a strong passion for evangelism. I have been to
many places with him to preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. As I
traveled with him I learnt new things from him all the time. When
Waidi formed the New Creation Team, he encouraged me to join it. He
trained and taught us and then the team began to move out, doing
crusades within and outside Accra with amazing results. Being in his
team I learnt how to be disciplined and how to pray unceasingly. I
thank God for Waidi‟s life. He fought the good fight of faith. He
accomplished his God-given tasks on earth. Now we must stay focused
in order to complete our tasks. We feel sorrowful but we know that
Waidi has gone to a better place in heaven. The New Creation Team
will not stop. We are going to move forward.

From Maurice Ledi

Waidi was my discipler and he helped me get started on my carpentry
course. He gave me advice when I made mistakes and taught me when I
didn‟t understand something in the Bible. When I was short of money,
~ 24 ~
Waidi would provide for me and if I went to him with a problem he
would really try to solve it for me. He was so kind and lovely and he did
so much for me. May he rest in peace.

From John Nwachukum

Waidi was my discipler. When the Iroco tree falls, all the birds are very
sad because they lodge on it. Just as we are sad today, brother Waidi.
You were my discipler and I will never forget you because I fell into a pit
and you brought me out. When I was hungry, you fed me.
It is God who called Waidi and I am sure that it is a great day in
heaven. Good bye for now until the time we will meet again.

From Joe Amankwa

Waidi, I want to say thank you for all your love and care for me. Thank
you for your advice and teaching. Thank you for your concern about my
life. I think we should all do something… we should all do unto others
as you did unto us. Waidi, may your soul rest in peace.

From Musa Idriss

A great person of the faith; a hero in God‟s kingdom; someone who
could justifiably have said, like Paul, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ”
because he went all out for Christ; a man who went through joy and
pain to see cells and churches established has just fallen asleep. Many
may have other names for him but I choose to call him a hero. My heart
cries out as I realise that we‟ve lost such a great person, one who was
very caring and loving in every way. But I know that even though
Waidi‟s body has faded his spirit is rejoicing with Christ in heaven. This
great seed has fallen and died and out of him will come a great tree of
evangelists and church planters.

From Isaac Yaw Kumah

A great hero of God‟s Kingdom has fallen asleep. A great evangelist has
left us. A hero who will never be forgotten. A hero who had the fire of
God in his heart to see every unreached people group hear the gospel.

~ 25 ~
Waidi, I love you and, together with the New Creation Team, we will
keep the fire burning and reach out to many with Christ. We will join
your fight to depopulate hell and populate heaven.
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour
and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

From Abas Idriss

As a pastor, you always set us a good example in everything you did. As
an evangelist, you had a great passion to share the gospel everywhere
which led to the birth of the New Creation Team. As a teacher, you
always taught us boldly from the Bible and also lived like the Apostle
Paul in the Bible. As a brother to all you, had a good and kind heart
towards all who need your help in any way. As a friend to all, you
would always share what you had even when it was not enough. Waidi,
we shall meet again. This is one of the things you taught us from the
Bible.

From Theresa Tutu

We, the New Creation Team, have all lost a hero. Waidi was a shepherd
to all of us on the team ~ always ready to help, advise and teach us. His
heart was for the Lord and his „food‟ for us was the „what, where, how,
when and who to‟ of the gospel.
Our friend, brother and shepherd, what you have given to us we will do
our best to pass on. Sound sleep till we meet again.

From Daniel Nyatepe

I watched a video with Waidi of a song entitled „In Christ Alone‟. I feel
the words of this song speak volumes to me at the present time and I
would like to share them with all:

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground

~ 26 ~
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

No guilt in life, nor fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me
From life‟s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from his hand
Till he returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I‟ll stand.

Tributes from Newfrontiers churches in Ghana

From Michael Akotia
City of Grace Church, Ho
Waidi Allawoe ~ a man who believed and served God
“The heart has its own reason that Reason knows nothing of.” Blaise
Pascal.
Waidi, God the creator and sustainer of all things has his reason and it
pleases him to call you to glory at this time.
I have known and worked with Waidi, a fellow servant in Jesus‟
Kingdom, for a long time and have admired his passion and zeal for
Jesus. At the slightest opportunity, he would talk about Jesus to people
and speak the peace of Jesus into situations that were difficult, thereby
advancing the Kingdom of Jesus. He lived his life expressing the will of
Jesus. Looking back now I can say that his life was a fragrant offering
and a sacrifice of praise to Jesus.
I was always challenged by Waidi‟s devotion to Jesus. It was a
constant reminder to me that my life had come under a new and graceful
government of Jesus. I was always confident of his ability to bring the
presence of God to any place he went so I often tried to have him around
me to bring him into situations that required the urgent counsel of God.

~ 27 ~
I was looking forward to seeing God use him to break more barriers and
so extend the frontier of Jesus in our community and beyond. I will
always remember how he received instructions from his leaders without
complaining, his love for truth, his exuberant praise and worship of Jesus
and his sound judgement, how he saw things only from Jesus‟ point of
view.
Waidi, but for my intervention, would have stopped a large procession of
Catholics on the street of Tafi Mador in the Volta region, who were
carrying a huge cross of Jesus Christ on an Easter Friday, to tell them to
stop wasting time and that Jesus was no longer on that cross and that he
had risen and is now ruling the world. I could only sustain a
conversation with Waidi for more than twenty minutes if the subject for
discussion was Jesus and his church. If there were anything else Waidi
could have done to speed up the coming of the Kingdom of God, he
would have done it. For Waidi, success in life was to know Jesus and
serve him ~ absolutely nothing could make him surrender his faith in
Jesus. He believed that Jesus is faithful in keeping his promises so he
never gave up doing again and again things in which he had suffered
temporary failures.
My friends and I in the City Grace Church and City of Hope church will
miss you. We were hoping that you would visit us sometime this year
but God had better plans for you, till we meet you on the other side with
the Church Triumphant, rest in peace Waidi.

From Rita Kwame

City of Grace Church, Ho
„Waidi‟ ~ a book, the Good Book Waidi ~ a book displayed on the
shelf. I was attracted and quickly scanned through the contents. The
sheets revealed various themes - education, entertainment, social life,
challenges….
As an independent reader, I agreed with some of the things I read and
was indifferent to or disagreed with others.
Then…an amazing discovery ~ the Good Book! ~ that perfected the
contents of the former book. There was now nothing to disagree with in

~ 28 ~
the book which was Waidi. This was a Spirit-filled package with no
streak of timidity. This was indeed a new edition that treated the Gospel
of God as its major theology with sub-themes like the New Creation
Team, evangelism, church-planting and faith among others. These truths
were so impacting, infectious and gripping that one could hardly part
with this New Book. Any weaknesses in the book were insignificant as
they were constantly being reviewed and therefore no room was left for
criticism.
Waidi, though we bury your body, your book will go on and continue to
reproduce good fruit. I have personally learnt one big truth about your
life Waidi, and it is this: winning lost souls is the best treasure one can
possibly accrue here on earth because its imperishable and the most
pleasing thing to God our Father. Though crushed by the temporal
separation I feel stronger as I remember these words: “Precious in the
sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I am your
servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed
me from my chains.” Psalm 116:15-16
Thank you, Waidi, for a life well lived.

From Hartmut Foli

City on a Hill Church, Asesewa
On the 4th November, 2006 Waidi left his work in City of God Church
and New Nation School to pastor City On a Hill Church in Asesewa
full-time. I left Accra with him to assist him.
It was a privilege to be in the school of God with Waidi. It was a
wonderful time and I learnt a lot from him in the months that we stayed
together. His leadership was characterised by a humble heart for God and
his people. I remember his humility in serving. He was ready to give at
all times not thinking about how much it would cost him. I will also
always remember his preaching and teaching of the word and his
example. What a privilege and a joy to have had him as my pastor and
friend. Who can replace him? But I believe God is preparing another
Waidi. What pain. What loss. But, to repeat myself, I believe God is
raising and preparing more Waidis.

~ 29 ~
Waidi transformed my personal life not only spiritually but physically.
But my hope is not gone because I know with all my heart that he has
gone to a better place. He has gone to be with the heavenly father. As
Paul said: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians
1:21
Waidi has fought the good fight. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Tributes from Newfrontiers churches in West Africa

From Sam and Lovette Amara
Abundant Grace Church, Lagos, Nigeria
Dear Waidi, I can scarcely believe that you have left us. I write with a
heavy heart and tears streaming down my cheeks, wondering at the
mystery of death. I am tempted to ask God questions but who am I?
Can the pot ask the potter what he is doing? I remember that he is all-
knowing and great is his love and faithfulness and so I relax and my
emotion melts before our great Saviour and Lord who conquered death
and made a way for us to enter eternal Glory.
Waidi, you were a brother, a friend and co-labourer. Your passion for
the lost was unwavering. You were a rising star. You shone wherever
you went. Your brief visit to Lagos kindled a fire for evangelism
amongst us. We love you. We are missing you. Goodnight. We shall
meet on Resurrection Day.

From Prince and Charlotte Avornyo

Cite de les Rois, Cotonou, Benin
I first met Waidi ten years ago. We became very good friends and did
many things together. We prayed, studied the word of God, travelled and
ate together. On many occasions we slept on the same bed. He has been a
great source of inspiration and encouragement to us. He was a friend
and a brother to us.
Waidi‟s passion for the gospel and to see the kingdom of God advanced
in the earth was exemplary. It is this enthusiasm for God and His work
that took him to Asesewa before his unexpected illness and death. He

~ 30 ~
made a huge positive impact on our lives as a family of churches. His
work and service in the churches will forever be remembered.
Waidi, we will miss you but you have gone to be with the Lord which is
far a better place as the scriptures say.
May your soul rest in peace.

From Abiodun and Watchen Babalola

Living Hope Missions Church, Monrovia, Liberia
Waidi, you are a child of God. You belong to our father‟s household. I
hear death say, “I have gotten rid of one of you.” But almost
immediately, I hear our Father saying, “I have conquered death through
your brother Jesus. Death does not take my children from me. I have
just called one of my children home, to rest. Please, do not grieve like
those who do not belong to me. Rather, celebrate the conquest wrought
through one of my sons, Waidi.”
We love you, Waidi, and until we meet again in our glorious home, on
behalf of our Father‟s household, we say rest in the warm and loving
embrace of our Daddy.
From our Father‟s Heart:
Waidi,
Death says, “Dead”
Our Father says, “Rest”
Death says, “It was sickness unto death”
Our Father says, “It is victory unto Glory”
Death says, “Hell”
Our Father says, “Heaven”
Death says, “I got him”
Our Father says, “I receive him”
Death says, “Defeat”
Our Father says, “Victory. Hallelujah!”
Death says, “You have lost”
Our Father says, “We have won”
Death says, “I hate him”
Our Father says, “I love him”

~ 31 ~
Death says, “Weep”
Our Father says, “Celebrate!!”
Death says, “A dangerous blow”
Our Father says, “A pat on the back”
Death says, “It is a curse”
Our Father says, “It is a blessing”
Death says, “Failure”
Our Father says, “Success”
Death says, “Waidi‟s ministry is finished”
Our Father says, “His ministry has just started. You have not seen
anything yet. Praise Jesus!!”

From Sewa and Tanty Segbe

Cite de la Gloire, Lome, Togo
Waidi was a man of prayer and a hero of faith. We‟ll miss him for the
mean time but we‟ll see him one day in our glorious Father‟s home.

From Momoh Sesay and the Leadership team

New England Church, Freetown, Sierra Leone
We came to know Waidi when he came with John to Freetown, en
route to Guinea to attend the ‘Joy in the City’ conference there last
year. Waidi was a friendly brother, a man who had a special passion
for lost souls. He was prepared to give himself for anything that had
to do with evangelism. It was for this reason that he longed to come
back to Sierra Leone to help train our evangelism team. Although
very sick during the last Power Camp Conference, he asked me, "Are
you now prepared to receive me in Freetown?" We really regret the
home calling of Waidi at this time and it is with great grief and sorrow
that we send our condolences to the bereaved family. We believe
that he is in the safe hands of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This is the confidence that we have: that those who die in Christ are
not dead but are merely asleep. Lie on, Brother, and wait for the
glorious coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

~ 32 ~
Tributes from Newfrontiers churches world-wide
From Terry and Wendy Virgo
Church of Christ the King, Brighton, UK
Although Wendy and I never had the opportunity to develop a
friendship with Waidi we were very aware of how highly he was loved
and esteemed by John and all the church. He will be sadly missed but is
one whose living faith in Christ and full commitment to Christ‟s
kingdom made it very clear that he has been received into the Lord‟s
presence with joy and celebration. May the Lord be praised for giving us
victory over death.
We are thinking of you especially at this time.
Love
Wendy and Terry

From Nigel Ring

Church of Christ the King, Brighton, UK
Sadly, I hardly knew Waidi. However, the brief contact I did have with
him and his reputation both show me that I am the worse off for not
having known him well. I did have some time with him during his last
few weeks together with the church elders and was impressed by his
faith and peace. He surely knew where he was going if God did not raise
him up. What rejoicing there must now be in Heaven! Such a loss leaves
a large hole in the ministry of City of God Church and the Ghanaian
family of churches. But when a seed falls into the ground it grows to
produce an abundant harvest. May this prove true of His Special Seed!

From John and Sue Hosier

Church of Christ the King, Brighton, UK
Sue and I have known Waidi since he was in his late teens and always
saw him as a wonderfully zealous and godly young man. We remember
his great passion for the Lord Jesus followed by his passion for the local
church. We remember his warm smile and his friendly and welcoming
manner. We were not surprised that he was involved in helping to plant
and lead a new church and really felt that he would have a great future
serving the purposes of God in his generation. He was a tremendous

~ 33 ~
credit to his Mum and also to the wider family. With so many others we
are very deeply saddened by his early death and will always remember
him as an inspiring example of how a young man can live for Christ.
Waidi was a friend of Jesus and he now lives right alongside the Lord.
It was such a privilege to have known him.

From Steve and Rosey Walford

Church of Christ the King, Brighton, UK
So sorry to hear the sad news of Waidi but we rejoice greatly that he is
now better by far.

From David and Scilla Devenish

Woodside Church, Bedford, UK
“We were very impressed with Waidi’s passion for Jesus and His
gospel. Waidi’s faith and his actions revealed genuine fire for the
Lord combined with a sense of the tenderness of God’s grace at work
within him.”

From George Bartley

Church of Christ the King, Brighton, UK
I pray the loss of Waidi will draw people together in a new way and the
work that he started will be carried on by others and lead to a great
harvest.

From Ian Galloway

City Church, Newcastle, UK
May there be a harvest from his death as well as from his life

From Paul & the church in Bangalore, India

His life and his efforts for God‟s Kingdom will always be remembered.
We are challenged by such people‟s lives.

From Chris and Margaret Chilvers

Bridge Church, Wilton, USA
“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore…” John 21:4
May Waidi‟s testimony be the means of bringing very many to the Lord
and give all who are with you, an even stronger testimony to the

~ 34 ~
Kingdom. It is not in vain, the seed has fallen into the ground, but
many others sown in weakness, it is raised in honour and will result in
changes lives as yet unseen.

From John and Jasmine Hammond

Southside Church, Bedford, UK
Waidi will always be someone special in our hearts. His quiet gentle way
expressed a real compassion and love for people. His love and zeal for the
Lord came through whenever and wherever he witnessed. It has been a
privilege working with Waidi and seeing God use him powerfully over
many years. Waidi will always be „Greatly Loved and Greatly Missed‟.

From Onno Weststrate

Elim Church, The Netherlands
I remember Waidi as a great man of God; a person who, just by looking
at him, you could tell that he lived close to God; a passionate preacher
who had one goal ~ to bring people to Christ. I will miss his warm
handshake, his smile and his friendliness. It is good to know that he
now is in a much better place.

From Emmanuel Chanda and the leadership team

Grace Church, Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
It is with deep regret that we hear of the passing away of brother Waidi.
We know our friend and brother is with the Lord.

From Greg and Angela Kemm,

Jubilee Community Church, Cape Town, South Africa
A tribute to Waidi ~ a man of encouragement
It is with a deep sense of privilege and respect that we pay tribute to an
excellent young man who did all he could to walk in the ways of God
and advance the Kingdom in whichever way he believed was necessary.
I first met Waidi in 2001 when Simon Pettit, Emmanuel Chanda and I
came to Accra for a few days before going to Sierra Leone. Each year, on
returning to Ghana, it was with great joy that Waidi would come to
greet me and then Greg when he came with me, and made us feel so
welcome and at home. He was a man of quiet dignity and strength of
character which one could sense immediately. He made us both feel as
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though we were very special and had a way of encouraging us that made
us want to return to Ghana year after year. We were so chuffed when
we heard that he was stepping into eldership as he was so obviously a
leader in God‟s house. And then when we heard that he was pioneering
a church plant in regions beyond Accra, we marvelled at the boldness the
Lord had given him and the wonderful anointing to see immediate
success. We will miss seeing him when we return to Ghana again but we
know that he has served the purposes of God in his generation. Thank
you Lord that we could be friends with Waidi.

From Dave and Herma Adams

Jubilee Community Church, Cape Town, South Africa
We remember Waidi from our visit to Accra in early 2005. What an
excellent young man.

From Dave Turner

On behalf of Rugeley Community Church, UK
We are deeply sorrowful for the passing of our brother Waidi, a fellow
worker with us in God‟s harvest field. While we did not know him
personally we have heard of his love for our Lord Jesus and his service
for God and have prayed for him over the last months. When those with
whom we serve pass on to be with the Lord we feel touched by sadness
yet also full of hope, knowing that they have entered into the glorious
presence of the God whom they loved. No work done for the Lord will go
unrewarded, no seed sown will fail to bring a harvest of glory to God.
Our tribute to Waidi, our brother in Christ, our fellow labourer in God‟s
harvest now passed on to be with his Lord and ours: “Well done, your
labours of faith have become well known…you became an example to all
the believers…For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from
you but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need
not say anything.” 1 Thessalonians 1:7 (adapted). We will continue the
work until we are called home. Maranatha!

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From Michael Preston
Church of Christ the King, Brighton, UK
In the five months I stayed with Waidi I came to know and respect him.
The way he treated people and served them was amazing. This servant-
hood could be seen both from the platform when he was preaching and at
home when new guests arrived and needed welcoming. He was a great
friend to me in my time out in Ghana and represented to me a example of
what a man looks like when he is on fire for God.

From John Ford

King’s Church, Kingston, UK
Two words come to mind as I think about my friend Waidi - passion and
evangelist. When I came to
Ghana in 2001, I remember doing door-to-door evangelism and street
work with him in Ho. I partnered him for an afternoon and I saw him
lead several people to Christ. It was no surprise to me that he was
involved in pioneering a church plant in a remote area of Ghana, because
that was his passion and his gifting. He will be greatly missed. During
my short time in Ghana I was stirred by his fervour, passion and urgency
to tell people about this wonderful God. I will miss him.

From Bill and Margaret Fradin

Southside Church, Bedford, UK
We will remember Waidi as such a gentle, yet such a committed, young
man, whose life seems to us, to have been cut so short, by our human
standards. May his living, and his dying, so shine out that many will be
challenged to follow his example and continue the work of building the
Lord's church in Ghana and beyond.

From Stephen and Anna van Rhyn and all at Jubilee Community
Church, Cape Town, South Africa

It was with great sadness that we heard the sad news of Waidi's
passing on Sunday night. Our thoughts and hearts went out to all our
brothers and sisters in Ghana. We prayed for you in our evening meeting
on Sunday night and will continue to hold you up in prayer. As a

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congregation we know the pain of losing a significant leader in an
unexpected way. May God be with you in a mighty way during this
season of grieving.

From Phil and Liz Dowling

New Life Church, Rushden, UK
We had the privilege of getting to know Waidi both in Ghana, and in
the UK. We found him to be the same in both contexts. He was sincere,
friendly, enthusiastic, fun, hard-working. All this flowed from his
passionate commitment to seeing the growth of the church and the
extension of the Kingdom of God. The grace of God had taken hold of
him and changed his life. He allowed God‟s grace, love and power to
work through him to see many other lifes changed. If we had to use one
word to describe Waidi it would be „passion‟. We will miss him.

From Ian and Rose McDonald

Fleet Family Church, Hampshire, UK
While we grieve that we shall not see Waidi again until we join him in
heaven, we rejoice at his life and service, his great love for his Saviour
and for the church and his passion to take the gospel to new people
groups. Our abiding memory will be seeing him praising God so
extravagantly and so energetically in the church, and our comfort is in
knowing he is doing exactly the same right now in the presence of his
King. Well done good and faithful servant!

From Sam and Marlene Poe

Newfrontiers, USA
For Waidi this is a 'home going' and he rejoices in the very presence of
God. One day we will join him and a host of others there with great
celebration.

From Ben Kyte

Church of Christ the King, Brighton, UK
When I came to City of God Church on a Life Change Team in 2004,
Waidi was the person who most befriended me. My happiest memories of
Ghana are tied up with him in some way or other. I will treasure

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thoughts of him leading his cell group in times of joyful praise and
worship; I will remember his zeal for God and smile.
When I am raised from the dead and living in the presence of the glory of
our Saviour, he will be one of the first people I shall look forward to
seeing. Until then I shall remember him fondly as a great man of God
and a great friend.

From Jeremy and Darlene Cons,

Cape Town, South Africa
Having only met Waidi on a couple of occasions when we have been in
Accra we did not know him well. However, the times we spoke with him
and watched him will always live with us. Our main memories are of him
dancing before the Lord. He danced with such abandonment and
adoration of His Saviour. We have never seen a man dance before the
Lord with the same passion and exuberance that Waidi did. The memory
will always live with us.
His life was one that was laid down for Jesus. It appeared from the
little we saw of him that it was an uncompromising walk with God. He
modelled something that we think Jesus would want of all of us.
We are sure that Waidi is dancing before our amazing Saviour and
enjoying the freedom of no restrictions of a tired body or time! We are
grateful to God that He gave us the opportunity to meet Waidi.

From Robin and Diana Gwynn

Surrey, UK
When we think of Waidi we will always remember a person devoted
110% to his Saviour, with his faith uncompromisingly right at the centre
of his life. It was a privilege to know him, and I'm sure his memory will
remain an inspiration to many. In that context, his life and passing seem
to echo Psalm 73: 23-26: “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my
right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will
take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has
nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is
the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.”

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In thinking of Waidi passing to a better place, free from the suffering he
must have endured these past months, I was also reminded of Matt
Redman's beautiful song which you may know:
"Welcomed in to the courts of the King
I've been ushered in to Your presence
Lord I stand on Your merciful ground
Yet with every step tread with reverence
There is none in the heavens like You
And upon the earth, who's Your equal?
You're far above, You're the highest of heights
I am bowing down to exalt You
And I'll fall facedown
As your glory shines around
Yes, I'll fall facedown
As your glory shines around
Let Your glory shine around
King of glory, here be found."
As with Simon Pettit, it seems that Waidi's death was so untimely
when there was so much more he could surely have gone on to do,
especially through the work at Asesewa. But equally we know that
cannot be true in God's perspective, and that Waidi ~ like Simon before
him ~ will have achieved the ultimate accolade in heaven of running the
race set before him in the perfect masterplan. What a loss though for
Dorothy and all of Waidi's natural and church family to bear. We pray
you will be deeply comforted at this time, knowing that he has gone
ahead to a better place where we will all meet again. We also pray that
many more like Waidi will be raised up to support you and take on the
work which God is opening up for you all around.

From Catherine Aitken

Cheltenham, UK
Our dear Elder and friend Waidi,will be greatly missed by friends all
over the world. I thank God for the love he showed Anita and I during
our stay in Ghana and the continued friendship we shared when we

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came back home. We will miss his gentle sprit, sense of humour and
listening ear. I thank God for the example he gave us, always
thinking of others, for his zeal for God and sharing the Good News.

From Richard and Aliy Brown

City Church, Newcastle, UK
We will always remember Waidi as a friend, brother and amazing
witness of Jesus' love and compassion. Waidi always made us feel so
welcome and loved, he helped us when we first arrived in Ghana and
showed us lots of the places we came to love and enjoy. We remember
fondly the time he took us to visit the university at Legon and when he
asked us to teach him to swim. We laughed together so many times, it is
now sad to think we won't be able to do that again. His love for English
strawberries, and his delight at receiving a tin from a lady in our church
who had heard how much he loved them always brings a smile to our
faces. But Waidi was much more than a lovely friend, he was an
inspiration, a thought-provoking teacher and preacher who believed
Jesus was the answer to all and for all. He will remain a constant
reminder to us of the importance of sharing Christ with all you meet. We
learnt much from him, and remember the times he led us on evangelism
with such grace and joy. His death is a great loss to all those who knew
and loved him so very dearly. But today he will be dancing in heaven as
only Waidi can and praising Jesus with the men and women of God who
have gone before him. Rest in peace Waidi, our loved and honoured
brother in Christ.

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Waidi’s personal testimony

Turning Point
I was born in the year 1979 to a Moslem man and a Christian woman. Life
for me started out as a rather boring, unexciting and, in fact, bitter
experience. One of the reasons why I was unhappy was the fact that I did
not grow up with my parents since my father had abandoned us and left for
another country. As a result I spent most of my childhood with my lovely
grandparents. They were staunch Christians and introduced me to their
religion which I practiced with zeal. I attended church meetings, said the
“right” words, did good works before people and, in fact, won the respect and
love of all who knew me, especially my relatives. To all these people I had
become their delight and joy and I had a very good reputation before them.
However, I had been leading another life behind their backs. I had a hidden
sin of which none of them was aware. This was the sin of stealing. I was a
thief and was enjoying this wicked lifestyle as long as nobody knew about it.

The turning point for me began when my deeds of darkness were brought to
light one day. Fear suddenly gripped me and a sense of guilt was heavily
upon me. The incident came as a shock to my admirers and they bowed
their heads in shame. I remember one of them asked me from where I had
learnt this disgraceful habit.

I could not give him an answer at that time because I did not have one. But
now I think I have an answer: I had inherited this life of sin from Adam and
up until that time nothing had been done about it. I had been stealing
because I was a sinner (Romans 5:12-14). No amount of the religion I had
been practicing would have been potent enough to set me free. I did not
have the answer to my problem of sin. I had to admit that.

Who then had the answer to my problem of sin? The truth was that Jesus
Christ alone had this answer that I so badly needed. I needed to hear the
powerful, life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ. I eventually heard this

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„good news‟ which was that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins once for
all. He was righteous (without any sin) but died for me, the unrighteous (full
of sin) in order to bring me to God (1 Peter 3:18). I also had explained to me
the need for a living relationship with Jesus Christ. It is only with this
relationship that we can be sure of escaping the coming wrath of God. I did
not have this relationship though I had lots of religion, knew all the Christian
jargon and was abounding in „dead works‟.

All these, I later discovered, did not save ~ only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
does. I had to put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved and
brought into this living and eternal relationship with God the Father. I did this
by confessing my sins and making a declaration of faith in a prayer like this:
“Lord God, I know I am a sinner and I want to turn away from my sin and be
forgiven and have my guilt removed from within me. I know that I am in need
of your forgiveness because without that I cannot enter into Heaven. I
declare to you today that I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is your son
and that he died on the cross for me. I believe that you are calling me and I
know that it is time to respond. Lord I give myself unreservedly to you. I will
follow you. I will serve you for the rest of my life. Amen”.

In Romans 10:9 we are told that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is
Lord and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead we will be
saved. I did this. Praise God I have been saved, born again and I have
received eternal life, which means I will live forever with Christ!

If you would like any further

help, please contact any of the
pastors of City of God Church
Tel: 021 511126

E-mail : cityofgodgh@yahoo.com

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A message written by Waidi about salvation in Jesus
Christ
Jesus meets your need

God sees every person as having a need. For all have sinned and become
unclean. “As it is written: "There is no-one righteous, not even one; there is
no-one who understands, no-one who seeks God. All have turned away,
they have together become worthless; there is no-one who does good, not
even one."
Romans 3:10-12

In fact, friends, this is the situation of every person. We have been doing a
lot about our situation, thinking that we could satisfy our need. In our
desperation to satisfy our need we have embraced all sorts of things
including embracing different forms of religious belief systems, believing in
some names, following some teachings of life. All of these ways seem right
to us but the end surely leads to death because they are not God‟s ways. We
also observe some laws thinking that by them we can be justified (made right
with God) but Galatians 2:16a tells us that: “..a man is not justified by
observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ…”

God knows your need to be put right with him and he knows you can not
meet this need yourself. He is aware of your helplessness and hopelessness
and has made a wonderful provision for your need. ..

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might
become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus died for our sins. He took our place and our punishment on the cross.
When he died on the cross, he took our condemnation and our guilt. Jesus
indeed met our need by suffering and dying as our substitute. He provided
the righteousness that God can credit to your account. He also made
reconciliation possible between God and sinners (1 John 2:1-2)

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You as an individual can receive the righteousness of Jesus Christ right now.
Romans 10:9-10 tells us “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is
Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you
will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are
justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

Salvation, which is man‟s most important need from God‟s point of view, is
found in no one else except in Jesus Christ. “Salvation is found in no-one
else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which
we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Man‟s need is not happiness, as we sometimes think, but rather forgiveness

from God. You can now come to Jesus in order to receive the gift of
forgiveness of sin and escape the coming wrath of God.

Pray this prayer to Jesus.

Lord, I accept that I am a sinner and deserve death. I know that I cannot
save myself but believe that you died in order to save me. I accept this
truth today. I accept your finished work on the cross as a perfect
sacrifice. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Lord, please give me
your gift of salvation. I accept your righteousness today. Thank you,
Jesus, for saving me, Amen.

I thank God for your decision to follow Jesus Christ. I want you to know that
God loves you and does not condemn you any longer. You can now join the
family of Jesus Christ, which is the church, and be taught how to live this
new life you have received. You are welcome to City of God Church this and
every Sunday.

If you would like any further help, please contact any of the pastors of
City of God Church.

Tel: 021 511126

E-mail : cityofgodgh@yahoo.com

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