The Very Rev. funeral brochure

THE VERY REV. 1937-2020 JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE Calvary Methodist Church, Amakom, Kumasi

• The Most Rev. Dr. Paul K. Boafo (Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana) • The Rt. Rev. Michael A. Bossman (Administrative Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana) • The Rt. Rev. Christopher Nyarko Andam (Bishop of Kumasi Diocese, Methodist Church Ghana) • The Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante (Past Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana) • The Most Rev. Dr. Robert Aboagye-Mensah (Past Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana) • The Rt. Rev. Dr. Kwaku Asamoah-Okyere (Past Administrative Bishop & Past Bishop of Kumasi Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Albert Ofoe-Wright (Past Conference Secretary, Past Administrative Bishop & Past Bishop of Somanya Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Kow B. Egyir (Past Administrative Bishop and Past Bishop of Sekondi Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Dr. E. H. Brew Riverson (Past Conference Secretary, Past Chairman & General Superintendent of the then Sekondi District) • The Rt. Rev. Benjamin. K. Asare (Past Bishop of Northern America, Obuasi and Akyem Oda Dioceses) • The Rt. Rev. Emmanuel G. L. Twum Baah (Past Bishop of Koforidua Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Samuel Ofori-Akyea (Bishop of Tema Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare-Kusi (Bishop of Koforidua Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Stephen Bosomtwi Ayensu (Supt. Minister, Amakom Circuit and Past Bishop of Obuasi Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Nuh Ben Abubekr (Past Bishop of Kumasi Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Professor Osei Safo Katanka (Past Bishop of Kumasi Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Kwame Omane Acheamfour (Past Bishop of Sunyani Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Thomas. B. Forson (Past Bishop of Tema Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. (Col. Rtd.) Paul Brewu (Past Bishop of Akyem Oda Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Kofi Asare-Bediako (Past Bishop of Sunyani Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Dr. J. Kweku Buabeng Odoom (Past Bishop of Winneba Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Samson Yamoah (Past Bishop of Tarkwa Diocese) • The Rt. Rev. Moses Quayson (Past Bishop of Effiduase Diocese) • The Very Rev. Professor Kwabena AsamoahGyadu (President, Trinity Theological Seminary) • The Very Rev. Stephen K. Owusu (Synod Secretary & Bishop Elect, Kumasi Diocese) • The Rev. Dr. George Opare Kwapong (Past Akuapem Presbytery Chairman, Presbyterian Church of Ghana) • The Very Rev. Kenneth Oteng Dapaah (Bishop -Elect, Effiduase Diocese) • The Very Rev. Emmanuel Badu-Botah (Supt. Minister, Ahensan Circuit) • The Very Rev. Benett Ato Wilson (Supt. Minister, North Kaneshie Circuit) • The Very Rev. Anthony K. Cobbah (Director of Finance, Methodist Head Office, Accra) • The Very Rev. Ebenezer Esiako Moore (Supt. Minister, Brodekwano Circuit) • The Very Rev. Kingsley Kyei-Baffour Snr. (Supt. Minister, Suame Circuit) OFFICIATING MINISTERS CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 3

• The Very Rev. J. M Ossei (Supt. Minister, Asokore Circuit) • The Very Rev. Solomom Bruce (Supt. Minister, Old Tafo Circuit) • The Very Rev. Daniel Martey (Mt. Sinai Society, Dompoase) • The Very Rev. Osei Amankwah (Asuoyeboa Circuit) • The Very Rev. Ebenezer Popeson Adjei (Synod Secretary, Tema Diocese and Supt Minister, Tema West) • The Very Rev. Dr. Samuel Omane Agyapong (Supt. Minister, St. Paul Methodist Church, Tema) • The Very Rev. K. A. Sekyi-Appiah (Christ the King Methodist Church, Legon East, Accra) • The Very Rev. Emmanuel Ohene-Gyimah (Ebenezer Methodist Church, Community 20, Tema) • The Rev. Solomon Nortey (Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Sakumono, Tema) • The Rev. Daniel Adjei-Fordjour (Calvary Methodist Church, Atimatim) • The Rev. Alberta Bentum-Ahiadekey (Maranatha Methodist Church, Tema West) • The Rev. Esther Anane (Calvary Methodist Church, Beposo, Lakeside) • The Rev. Vincent Adzika (Circuit Minster, St. Paul Methodist Church, Tema) • The Rev. Kofi Addison (Sawla Methodist Church) • The Rev. Dr. Jorim A. Johnson-Ansah (Methodist Church Togo & Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Lome, Togo) • The Rev. Emmanuel Donkor (Circuit Minister, Sunyani Circuit) • Other Members of the Clergy IN ATTENDANCE • Bro. William Orleans Oduro, Esq. (Lay President, Methodist Church Ghana) • Bro. Kwabena Appiagyei Asante-Krobea, Esq. (Lay Chairman, Kumasi Diocese) • Bro. Clement K. Botwe (Immediate Past Lay President, Methodist Church Ghana) • Bro. Kwame Boafo, Esq. (Past Lay President, Methodist Church Ghana) • Bro. Alfred Sakyi (Lay Chairman, Tema Diocese) • Bro. Prof. Seth Opuni Asiama (Immediate Past Lay Chairman, Kumasi Diocese) • Bro. Kwasi Atta-Antwi (Past Lay Chairman, Kumasi Diocese) • Mrs. Doris Ameyaw (Past Lay Chairman, Kumasi Diocese) • Bro. Joshua Kodwo Manful (Past Lay Chairman, Akyem-Oda Diocese) • Church Leaders from other denominations 4 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

PART 1: Pre-Burial Service at 7:00am • Opening Hymn: MHB 515 • Prayer • Scripture reading: • Hymn: MHB 830, 611, 878 • Filing Past by Sympathisers • Filing past by family members, Church Leaders and the Clergy • Tributes • Hymns: MHB 615, 289, 215 • Closing of the Casket PART 2: Burial Service at 9:00am • Processional Hymn: MHB 828 • Scriptural Sentences • Purpose of Gathering • Hymn: MHB 679 • Prayer • Hymn: MHB 607 • Biography • Hymn: MHB 612 • Tributes • Lyrics • Scriptural Reading: • Hymn: MHB 216 • Sermon • Affirmation of Faith • Anthem by Mass Choir • Offertory PART 3: Thanksgiving and Commendation • Hymn: MHB 831 • Prayer of Thanksgiving • Commendation • The Lord’s Prayer • Announcement/Introduction • Hymn: MHB 975 • Closing Prayer • Benediction • Hallelujah Chorus • Recessional Hymn: MHB 651 PART 4: At the Graveside • Scriptural Sentences • Hymn: MHB 468 • Prayer • The Committal • Prayer • The Last Post • A minute’s silence. • Vote of Thanks • Hymn: MHB 976 • Benediction Order of Service CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 5

Early Life and Education The Very Reverend Joseph Maxwell Donkor (known in the Ministerial Circle as “J.M”) was born on 19th February 1937 at Beposo, Asante Akim, in the Ashanti Region. His father was the late Opanyin Kwadwo Boadi, a chainsaw operator, and his mother was the late Maame Abena Gyamfuah, a farmer. His parents, who were idol worshippers at the time lost all their three (3) children. J.M was the fourth and only surviving child and therefore was named “Akyerem” (literally means “delay in coming”). After J.M., his mother gave birth to a baby girl who unfortunately also died. As a result, his mother’s uncle by name Kwaku Donkor, also known as Boapong, insisted, and ensured that the marriage between the Opanyin Kwadwo Boadi and Maame Abena Gyamfuah was terminated. After this development, J.M’s mother, Maame Abenaa Gyamfuah, was given away in marriage to Mr. Johnson Appiah who converted her into Christianity. In her new Christian faith, all the four (4) children she had with Mr. Johnson Appiah survived, a testimony to the futility of idol worship and the redeeming grace bestowed through Christ Jesus. After the termination of his marriage to Maame Abenaa Gyamfuah, Opanyin Kwadwo Boadi left the village with his son (J.M.) without the consent of his mother. This became a great source of worry to Maame Abenaa Gyamfuah who did not know the whereabouts of her son. She later traced and retrieved him from his father who was in hiding and working in Jasikan in the Volta Region. Opanyin Kwadwo Boadi died a few years later. Upon his return to Beposo, his mother’s uncle, Kwaku Donkor, enrolled him in school and named him Joseph Maxwell Donkor. The name “Joseph” was inspired from the Biblical Joseph who had survived many life’s storms. A new chapter began for J.M. when in 1946, he started his formal education at the Beposo Methodist Primary School. He continued at the Achinakrom Methodist Middle School and completed Middle School at Achiase in 1956. “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance” (Psalm 112 v. 6) BIOGRAPHY OF THE LATE CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 7

Call to the Ministry J.M’s travails and vicissitudes turned out to be multifaceted training opportunities that God in his inscrutable wisdom offered him to prepare him for a big task. In 1958, he had a calling to proclaim the word of God which he heeded resolutely as he gave up his political ambition and resigned as Organiser of the Young Pioneers of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Ejisu Juaben Constituency, in 1960; thus, surrendering himself to the service of God which led him to work as a Teacher-Catechist of the Methodist Church Ghana. He served a total of nine (9) years before obtaining admission to the Freeman College, Kumasi, in 1967 where he trained as a District Catechist of the Methodist Church. As a Teacher-Catechist, he served at the following stations: • Peminase – (1958 – 1959) • Piase – (1959 – 1961) • Asotwe – (1961 – 1964) • Atia – (1964 – 1965) In Asotwe, J.M. was appointed Headteacher of the Ejisu-Achinakrom Methodist Primary School for a period of three (3) years. Married Life J.M. got married to the then Miss Janet Nyame. The marriage was blessed with eleven (11) Children. J.M. and Janet Nyame’s marriage united two minds in their determination to surmount any obstacle and impediments, that threatened their chosen path in their commitment to their faith and path set out for them. Throughout J.M’s ministerial itinerary, Aunty Janet (as she is affectionately called), became a pillar of strength and a great source of inspiration to him because of her unique qualities as Osofomaame. Full Time Ministry Between 1965 and 1967, The Very Rev. Donkor was a full time Catechist at Adumasa in the Konongo District of the Methodist Church Ghana. After graduating from the Freeman College in 1968, he served at Nsuta-Atonsu as a District Catechist. He was transferred to Juaben in the Ashanti Region in 1969. In 1975, J.M. was among the five (5) senior Catechists in the entire ‘connexion’ (country) to pass the ministerial examination and subsequently trained and commissioned as Ministers of the Methodist Church Ghana. He was commissioned as a Minister in 1976 at the Cape Coast Conference. After his commissioning, he was posted to Ankaase in the then Kumasi Circuit. In 1979, The Very Rev. Donkor was ordained a full Minister of the Methodist Church Ghana and transferred to Agona Abodom of the Agona Swedru Circuit. He was the first Area Minister of the Wesley Methodist Church, Agona Abodom. After the death of his Superintendent Minister, the late Very Rev. Paul Ernest Awuah, The Very Rev. Donkor was appointed Acting Superintendent Minister of the Swedru Circuit between 1982 and 1983. In 1983, the Methodist Conference appointed him Superintendent Minister and transferred him to LartehAkwapim in the then Koforidua District. The Church J.M Leading March Past 8 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

noticed J.M.’s remarkable humility, good behaviour, demeanour, and respect for authority and therefore appointed him to serve in very high and sensitive positions as he moved through several stations. Between 1984 – 1986, J.M. was appointed Chairman of the Fellowship of the Kingdom (FK) of the then Koforidua District. He was also appointed Synod Secretary and Acting Chairman of the same District from 1987 to 1989. At the same time, he served as G.P.C Member and Station Committee Member. In 1989, Osofo Panyin Donkor was transferred to Bekwai in the Ashanti Region to oversee sixty-seven (67) Societies or Churches which then constituted the Bekwai Circuit of the then Kumasi District. In the Kumasi District, he served as: • The Zonal Chairman of the FK (1993-1996), • The Zonal Chairman of Obuasi Area of the then Kumasi District (1990-1996), • Secretary to the Committee on Social Responsibility and Rural Development (SRRD), • Chairman of the District Chairman’s Renovation Committee. In 1996, Osofo Panyin Donkor was transferred to Effiduase in the Ashanti Region to prepare for the takeoff of the proposed Effiduase Diocese the following year. He was the last Superintendent Minister before the Bishop took over. At Effiduase, The Very Rev. Donkor was the Zonal Chairman between 1996 and 1997. In 1997, The Very Rev. Donkor was transferred to Kwadaso Circuit and owing to the state of deterioration of the Superintendent’s Manse, he was compelled to lodge at Asuoyeboa Society Manse from where he mounted an aggressive development programme on the Manse at Kwadaso. At Kwadaso, J.M. was a member of the standing Committee of the Kumasi Diocese. In 1999, Osofo Panyin Donkor was transferred to Old Tafo Circuit, Kumasi, and served for five (5) years until he superannuated from active service in 2004 having been in the ministry for forty-six (46) years. While in Old Tafo, Osofo Donkor served as Chairman of the Redemarcation Committee and acted for the Bishop anytime the latter travelled outside the country. Achievements Osofo Donkor mentored, ‘candidated’ and trained many young ministers, some of whom are serving or have served the Church in very high positions. Some of his sons and mentees he candidated into the Ministry are The Rt. Rev. Michael A. Bossman (the current Administrative Bishop of Conference), The Rt. Rev. Samuel Ofori Akyea (Current Bishop of Tema Diocese), The Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown Forson (Immediate Past Bishop of Tema Diocese), The Rt. Rev. Dr John Kweku Buabeng Odoom (Immediate Past Bishop of Winneba Diocese) and The Very Rev. Dr. William Mpere-Gyekye, Former Bishop Deputy in charge of Northern American Diocese and current General Director of the Board of Ministries of the Methodist Church Ghana. CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 9

Apart from his devotion to ensure the spiritual wellbeing of members of his various congregations through periodic revivals and prayer meetings, Osofo Panyin Donkor embarked on several physical development projects in all the stations he served. A few examples are the following: • Completion of the Mission House in Atonsu for the first Minister between 1968 – 1969. • Completion of the Chapel and Manse in Juaben between 1969 and 1975. • Completion of the Ankaase Freeman Methodist Chapel in 1978 which was dedicated by the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, Asantehene, and the late Most Rev. Charles Awotwe Pratt, the then President of Conference. • Completion of the Agona Abodom Methodist Chapel in 1980 which was dedicated by the late Nana Okutwer Bekoe, Omanhene of Assin Traditional Area, and the late Most Rev. Samuel B. Essamuah, the then President of Conference. • Completion of the Mount Calvary Methodist Chapel, Larteh Akwapim, in 1988, which was dedicated by the late Most Rev. Dr. J. S. A. Stephens, the then President of Conference. • Establishment of the Mamfe Methodist Girls’ High School in 1989 which is currently one of the leading Girls’ Schools in the country. • Establishment of the Oyoko Agriculture School in 1989. • Construction of a block to house the Church Choir, Singing Band, Leaders Meeting and Sunday School Children in 1991 at Bekwai in the Ashanti Region which was dedicated by the then Chairman of Kumasi District, the late Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Asante Antwi. • Establishment of the Wesley High School in Ashanti Bekwai in the Ashanti Region between 1992 and 1994 (a reputable Senior High School) dedicated by the Most Rev. Professor Emeritus Kwesi Abotsia Dickson, the then President of Conference. • Renovation of the Superintendent Manse, Kwadaso, between 1997 and 1999 and the CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 10

establishment of the Bethel Technical Institute during the same period. • Construction of the Wesley Conference Hall, Old Tafo, Kumasi, between 1999 and 2004 and named after Nana Dabanka who donated the land to the Methodist Church Ghana. • Construction of stores for rental to generate funds for the Church in Old Tafo, Kumasi. His Person As very strict disciplinarian, his personal traits were simplicity, humility, and generosity. He was an excellent conversationalist and a kind-hearted person who was ready to share his experiences with others. He was a great achiever, an inspirational leader and dedicated his enthusiasm to the service of the Lord. He was a rare and gifted personality who will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, family, the Methodist Church Ghana as well as many relations and friends. He was a metaphor for dedication and selfless service in the vineyard of the Lord through the Methodist Church Ghana whose growth and development became part of his life. In his research paper presented for probationary studies, The Very Rev. Osei Amankwah referred to J.M. as “a Contemporary Church Leader”. Furthermore, in his book titled “The character of a Methodist in the light of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral” and dedicated to Osofo Panyin J.M. Donkor and his wife, Mrs Janet Donkor, The Rt. Rev. Dr Kweku Buabeng- Odoom referred to J.M. as “a Man of enviable character”. The entire life of Osofo Panyin Donkor was dedicated to the Methodist Church Ghana to the extent that while on superannuation, he used his remittances from his children and other resources to single-handedly put up a mission house for the Methodist Church in his hometown. This property was officially transferred and handed over to the Methodist Church Ghana through the Kumasi Diocese in 2010. Osofo Donkor led a full and productive life. He did a lot and achieved much, often propelled by his strict and unyielding sense of duty. On 28th December 2020 at about 12 noon, while in bed, Osofo Donkor demonstrated tremendous courage and fortitude when he said “I am leaving” three times in the presence of his wife and two children who were present at the time. His wife asked, “Where are you leaving for?” After the third pronouncement, he passed away peacefully. He is survived by his wife, ten children, forty-two grandchildren and five great grandchildren. We believe that the celestial gates are already opened to receive him. Osofo Panyin, Onyame mfa wo nsie. Amen. J.M. exchanging pleasantries with Prof. Akrofi - Benkumhehe of Akuapen Traditional Area and the then Chief of Larteh - Akuapem CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 11

OSOFOMAAME JANET DONKOR

I met my husband in 1963 at Juaben Owen when he was a pupil teacher and a Catchiest. I saw a promising and a hardworking man and therefore did not hesitate to accept his proposal when he finally proposed to me. Kofi Donkor was full of wisdom and foresight; he revealed the heart of God to us and was my prophet. I had the opportunity and rare privilege of being the wife and partner of this wonderful, loving, kind and God-fearing man. Life could not have been better than that because I was living every woman’s dream. J.M. your life taught me unconditional love and your death has taught me kindness. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share your dreams, hopes, love, friendship and much more. Kofi Donkor was a man of the people, a man who stood by his family throughout; a hero to all who knew him, a man who loved unconditionally, a sharing and caring partner, a man who put smiles on peoples’ faces. You will always be in my heart and the love I have for you will never die. God blessed us with eleven (11) children, and by grace and your disciplinarian attitude, our children have been a blessing to the society. The welfare of your children was your priority. Education was your hallmark in that you gave the best education a father could ever give his children. The best inheritance a father could give his children is Christ and education of which you did excellently. We are proud of you!! Papa, you loved, appreciated, and respected me throughout our journey of which I am most grateful. You never exhibited any sign of partiality in the upbringing of our children, and this has instilled love and unity amongst them. You taught us that, as much as it depends on us, we should live peacefully with all men and this been our guiding principle in life. Kofi Donkor, Donkor Bagyina, the sun has set to rise no more; your loss is painfully irrevocable, but as a Christian, I trust in God for the best. The God who gave you to me, has taken you away in his own time. Osofo Donkor, you have fought the good fight; you have finished the race; you have kept the faith. What is left is the Victor’s crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge will award to you and recompense you on that great day (2TIM 4:7-8). Kofi Donkor, your last words to me still echo in my ears “I am leaving”. Ohhhh, who will smear pomade on my back? Who will I communicate with? Who will I share my thoughts with? Kofi you have grieved me. Medofopa, Kofi Donkor, Donkor Bagyina, rest well, till we meet again. May your soul rest well. Tribute by WIFE Through all the changes scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ. MHB 427 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 13

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with love. We thought of having you forever on earth because losing you is unaffordable, but you made me understand that as a Christian, death is part of life and a blessing to mankind though it is painful. Your presence on earth touched countless lives, from family to Church and Schools. J.M. thank you very much for what you did for me. You are simply an amazing dad. Nyame mfa wo kra nsie. Da yie; Nante yie. Through his influence and encouragement, I have risen through some of the ranks of the Methodist Church, and I am now a local Preacher, a Leader, Sunday School Superintendent and play other important roles in the Church. I have learned many things from his love for Christianity that he impacted on me which has been my guiding principle for bringing my children up. I will miss his advice, constant calls and checking up on my welfare and his grandchildren’s well-being. Papa, words are not enough to thank you and appreciate your presence in my life. Agya papa, Da yie. I f I could write a story about you, it will be the greatest ever told of a generous, kind, and caring father like no other. J.M as affectionately called, loved his children, and always taught us to live peacefully among ourselves, and with any other persons or people we meet. He encouraged me to be the backbone of my husband and that I should support him in whatever decision he takes. There was no single day he would not ask of his grandchildren whenever I visited him. You did everything with love; advised, coached, inspired, and motivated TRIBUTE BY CHILDREN Esther My father loved his children and wanted the best for them, particularly in their education. Although he brought me up as a Christian, I left the faith for Islam and when the time came for me to return to the Christian faith, he accepted me back and kept me close to himself. He had great passion for singing; it is not a surprise that I joined the singing band at the age of 15 until I completed Middle School. His love for Methodist hymns also motivated me to develop special interests in Methodist Hymns which are a source of great inspiration to me. In Peace their sacred ashes rest, Fulfilled their day’s endeavour, They blest earth and they are Blest of God and man, forever. * MHB 896 6th stanza Christy CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 15

He achieved a lot to the glory of the Lord. Aside being a man of God, he was also a man of peace, loyal, faithful and a great leader. Being the eldest son, I saw my father as a role model and followed every step he made. These lessons learnt from my father have sustained me till today and still holding me on. In fact, I loved you father but when death throws down its egg who am I to cushion it from breaking. All I can say is: Ecclesiastes 3:1; “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven, a time to die, a time to born...” Sleep well, due Agya papa. You will forever and ever live in my heart. Florence I , Florence Donkor (Abenaa Gyamfuaah) am the third biological daughter of the late Very Reverend Joseph Maxwell Donkor popularly known as J.M. Donkor. He brought me up in a Christian way and in respectful manner befitting a father and above all as a Very Reverend Minister of the Methodist Church Ghana should, and would do for his daughter. He catered for me from class one till I completed Commercial School at Garden City Commercial College. My father gave me out in marriage to my husband. My father used to counsel me and told me all the time to put my trust in God as well as putting God first in all my endeavours. My father acquired a piece of land in Kumasi and constructed a building for me before I saw this house. When I came on holidays from Germany at one time, he told me “Maame” Let us go and see your house. I went with him and when we got there, what I saw was very surprising. My father took a key from his pocket and open the gate to the house took me around and showed me all the rooms of the building. Such is how a good father would do for his daughter. Even after having my own house, my father never allowed me to stay anywhere but with him anytime I came down on holidays to Ghana. He would take care of me and shoulder all my responsibilities throughout the period I would stay in Ghana. The departure of my father has created a crack and a loophole in my life. When I fell into trouble, my father was my only comforter. He named me after his mother Maame Abenaa Gyamfuaah, and as my father was the eldest child of my grandmother, I used to call him ‘’ Piesie ‘’ and he would respond ‘’Maame‘’. Now that he is no more, who will call me Maame? My sorrow heightened on 12th February 2021 which was my birthday. My father used to sing happy birthday song for me on every 12th February morning but this year I did not get anyone to sing it for me. It was then that I realised that indeed Osofo Donkor had gone to be with the Lord. Revelation 14:13 states; “Blessed are those who die in the Lord”. As my father died in the Lord, I believe he still lives. Oh Papa, Oh Papa Da yie. May your soul rest in the bosom of your Maker in Perfect Peace till we met again. Amen! Isaac Papa is gone to be with the Lord. I was hoping to have more time to get acquainted with the idea of death and what it means for those of us left behind. Now I am beginning to understand just how naive my existence was before I was forced to be confronted with death’s discourteous blow. Anyway, J.M. my father, was an honored and a good man. He did all his best to provide for the family even though life was difficult. His advice was one that held us down not those that broke us. The prestigious life of the family today emphasises his efforts and good works. Reverend also had that heart of giving; he helped a lot of people. CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 16

were a strict disciplinarian and a lover of education – as you believed in “spare the rod, spoil the child”. Even while you lacked the opportunity to move higher on the educational ladder, your appreciation of its worth and value led you to make enormous sacrifices to ensure that we (your children) attain higher academic laurels. Even when it meant giving out your very last to cater for our fees, books, and uniforms, you spared no expense to give our lives meaning and value. I could always count on your guidance. We are who we are today because of your love and sacrifices. Oh, how we wish we could say thank you one more time and tell you how much we love and cherish you once more. Your departure has brought us despair, but we will continue to honour your legacy. Our footprints will honour the path you carved out. We will continue to live your name. We will make you proud even as you journey to meet the Lord. Rest well Daddy, till we meet again in greater joy. George Papa, moral courage and integrity were at home with you. If the word “integrity” had not been so badly abused and devalued over the past decades, one would have said of you as a man of exemplary integrity. You served your generation well. A private and family man who was cherished and esteemed by us all. You were a man of pleasant and warm disposition whose wit and profound sense of humor caused endless delight to all who interacted with you. Those who interacted with you always remember you for your sharpness and clarity of mind, profound intellect, good judgement, fairness, which allowed you to see the essential elements of any problem at hand and enabled you to offer valuable solutions. You always combined worldly wisdom with an abiding simplicity of faith. You did not betray confidence or allow ambition or selfishness to dictate your actions, neither did you allow zealousness to overcome prudence. Your uncanny foresight reflected that of a Prophet. Above all, you opted for the non-retaliatory approach because of your fear and love for God. Osofopanyin, your passion for things spiritual and wholesome was unmatched. You were not just a Minister of the Gospel but also, you gave your life to Christ and lived as a Christian in word, and, in deed. The upbringing you blessed me with, though hard, was inestimable - wide as the ocean, high as the sky, rich with content and punctuated with good use of time. You were very strict especially on me, but through it all, things have worked for my good. For me, you remain a larger-than-life personality, and a great intellectual nurtured by discipline and hard work. I have lost a father, an extraordinary person, an accomplished individual, a role model, and a man of excellence. Osofo Panyin, rest for evermore. Alex We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a great man, a humble servant of God, a wonderful father, grandpa, counsellor, and friend to many. Our good Lord gave my family with the greatest and most precious gift of all – I was blessed to call him my father, Very Reverend Joseph Maxwell Donkor. We have lost a treasure. Dear Dad, you have left us sooner than we wished, and our hearts are heavy with sorrow. But we take consolation in the knowledge that at the age of 84, you had lived a long, fulfilled, a purposedriven life. We take comfort in knowing that you lived in the service of God and mankind. For indeed, what is the true measure of a man, if not in how much love he gives, how many lives he impacts, how selflessly he shares himself, and how consistently he lifts up those around him. For in this, the true measure of a man like my father was endless. We will hold dear to our hearts, precious recollections of your selfless love and sacrifice for your children. You CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 17

Solomon I t is often difficult to pay a tribute to someone like my dad, simply because you just do not know where to start from, or end, and again, the appropriate words to use. I thank God that, out of the billions of fathers in the world, I was privileged to be your son. A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, disciplines you when you break a rule, glows with pride when you succeed and believes in you whenever you fail. This is exactly what you were to me, a man who values education to the highest level. Osofo Panyin gave me the greatest gift anyone could ever give to another person: the fear of God and you believed in me. I can confirm that, I am what I am today because of the upbringing you gave me. Thank you, Daddy. Osofo panyin taught me so many life lessons which have shaped my adult life: respect, integrity, fairness, accountability, selflessness, and responsibility; especially financial responsibility. As generous as Osofo was, he instilled discipline in his children. I remember not achieving a strong pass at A-levels the first time to gain admission into the University, Osofo panyin advised me to go back to the classroom and retake the papers because my dad wanted me to become ‘somebody’ in future. On that faithful day when I was about to leave home (Bekwai) for Kumasi, Osofo and Osofomaame prayed for me and shortly after the prayers, tears flowed from my dad’s face, and this is the day and a moment I will never forget in my life. In my second attempt, I excelled in the A Level examinations and gained admission into the University. I have been a great mentor to many people in the UK simply because my upbringing contributed significantly to the gift God endowed me with. Once again, I thank God for my dad’s life, and for what God has made me to be through him. I love you so much dad and I am missing you already. Goodbye till we meet again. Charity Dada was such a prominent figure in my upbringing. I literally spent my entire childhood with him. He was my source of inspiration, playing a major role in developing my perspectives. We discussed everything together. I learnt so much from simply watching him. He was such a loving and adorable father. I remember throughout my school days he would always ask about my grades and progress. With the passage of time, his wonderful character seemed to evolve in our eyes, especially as a caring father sensitive even to the tiniest of our needs and desires. To the world, he was more than just a sincere and honest person, the integration of straightforwardness with his well-meaning personality earned him the utmost regard in society. Papa you will never be forgotten. Your soft and consistent counselling filled with affection has touched us deeply, moulding and shaping the developmental years of our life without curbing our inherent inclinations. Thanks for the care and love you have bestowed, the understanding and support you have extended for whatever best we could achieve. You have been and will always remain a beacon of light for us, guiding us through the treacherous path of life. You were a man of principles. Throughout your ministerial life, you stood tall for the righteous cause and never bowed to unscrupulous pressure. We feel privileged, blessed and very honoured to have you as our father. Words cannot heal the pain of losing someone so dear. May the good memories hold deep in our hearts. May God give us the strength to overcome the pain of this great loss. May God grant you the best place in Paradise where eternal peace reigns supreme. Amen. May your soul rest in perfect peace father. CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 18

Helena When the realisation of the peaceful death of my father, the Very Rev J.M. Donkor, dawned on me, I was struck with a painful sense of great loss, yet at the same time the spirit flooded my heart with joy that he is peacefully at rest with the Almighty God. He has indeed run his race and finished his course. Paapa, as I affectionately called him, was a Godintoxicated humble and dignified man. He was determined in life and courageous. His affection for the Methodist Church as a Minister was unparalleled. He was a real mentor. Paapa did not stand for himself and his children but also for the family and their welfare. He educated his children to the highest level. His love for his children knew no bounds. Paapa affectionately called me “maame” because I was named after his mother. He would always call me to come for the ‘booty’ brought in by my brothers. ‘Maame hurry and come to collect your own or they will get finished’. Paapa, I have started missing your calls. May your light continue to shine, Daddy. Comfort (Baby Last) I ndeed, this world is not our home, we are just passing through. When the mirror is broken, you no longer see your image. On that dreadful day, 28th Dec 2020, that you departed this world to join the saints, it has not been the same again for me. The summary of our togetherness from cradle to your exit lingers on in my mind, it is a memory that even death cannot erase. I do not have the words to describe how much I miss you. My father was my biggest fan and my greatest role model. Your death left a scar in my heart, but your legacy will stand in my life. Love leaves a memory no one can steal but death leaves a memory no one can heal. Daddy was an intelligent and self-made man full of sense of humor, always stressing the importance of education, hard work and Christlike attitude. I will never forget this guiding principle in life as you rightly said “as much as it depends on you, leave peacefully with all men” {Rom 12:18) This has really impacted positively on my life. You have left a big void in my life which will never be the same again. You were my role model and my hero. Oh, how I miss you so much, your constant morning calls. You were a real icon to this world, you impacted my life with your words, perseverance, and humility. Paapa, I am so happy that you were my father, I am most proud of you than you can imagine, I am so grateful for our close relationship. You have always been such an awesome dad. You really took care of me in my University days and always provided for my needs even in your retirement. That shows a father’s love to his baby last (Kaakyire). Your motivation, words of encouragement have brought me this far. Daddy I cannot control my tears but one thing I know for sure is that you have really fought a good fight and greatly impacted your generation. Paapa, I still miss the sound of your voice, your advice, the stories of your life and being in your presence. Daddy, you could not wait for my Christmas present. Oh Paapa, your memories will forever be in my heart. Rest well Agya papa. CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 19

Daa, I remember very well when I was about to get married, though you had retired from active service and was not that physically strong, you sat in a car one evening with me to my Church to see the Rt. Rev. Christopher Nyarko Andam (current Bishop of Kumasi Diocese), who was then the Superintendent Minister of Bethel Methodist Church, Ayigya, Kumasi, to bless my marriage before proceeding on transfer. When we got there, Bishop was surprised to see J.M in that late hour of the day, so he said, “PAPA, you should have called me on phone to inform me and that there was no need for you to come”. J.M replied ‘’EYE MASEM HIA’’ to wit “the issue is of great importance to me”. He cared so much about my life and always wanted the best for me. One thing he kept reminding me of was, “AFIA, NFA WO NYAME SOM NDI AGORO” (Afia, take your Christian life seriously). Daa, I am saddened by your death, but I feel profoundly honoured, blessed and proud that you were part of my life. Missing you is difficult but your life will remain a constant reminder that there is no greater way to honour you than to emulate your purposeful life. Papa was God’s sent. Rev. J.M. Donkor was a man of great talents and foresight. He touched every life that he was connected to and sacrificed his life for humanity. Daa, I am proud of being associated with you. When the cold hands of death snatched you from us on 28th December 2020, I could not believe it. First, there was confusion, then denial, reflection and finally acceptance. Because I had paid you a visit a day before your demise, when you told me to go and come another time for a serious discussion. If I had known that day would be my last day of seeing you, I would have stayed the whole night with you. “Thank you,” from the bottom of my heart for the woman I have become. I know that without your support, I would not be where I am today. You are truly an incredible man, and when people ask me who my dad is, I am proud to mention your name - REV. J.M. DONKOR. Thank you so much, I am forever grateful. Daa, Afia Achiaa DAWASE SUZAN Revelation 14: 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’’ ``Yes,’’ says the Spirit, ‘’they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’’ 20 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “ “

First Born Grandchildren of J.M Donkor 22 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

Aheart made of pure gold has stopped beating, one of the most hardworking hands have been put to rest as one way of God, showing us that he is interested in only the best. Our grandfather lived a life that was full of joy and happiness. Grandpa’s morning routine was; he would get up quite early, get coffee, and then would sit in his blue recliner in his living room, organise all his grandchildren and he would start teaching us about the scriptures. Proverbs 13:22 (A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children). Grandpa left us an inheritance of robust faith, humility, and integrity. Whenever we think about him, we remember how humorous and clever he was. Most of our childhood memories with him are tinged with traces of humour and laughter. It was so much fun to be with him and we adored him. There was a point in our lives where we did not believe in the existence of heroes until we met our grandfather. We will miss our grandpa’s ears that listened genuinely, arms that held us always, a love that is eternal and a heart made of pure gold. Even in your death, we will miss your wisdom of the many years of experience and the pure love of an understanding heart. We are sad that we will never see you again here on earth, but we will surely miss your encouragement, and inspiration. Your death has brought us great sadness because we have lost a person who has always been there to love us and fix us when we are not feeling okay. We will not forget our grandpa since no one will ever take his place in our hearts and minds. Although we cannot see your smile or hear your voice, deep down in our hearts, we know that your presence is here with us. Although our grandfather did numerous things in his life, one of the things that he has been proud of is raising such a beautiful and lovely family. We always looked up to him; not only was he the leader of our family, but he was also an incredible man who left his mark on everyone he met. When we look around, not only do we see our family, but also many friends, neighbours, and others who are also mourning the loss of this great man. We will forever miss your presence, granny. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Tribute by GRAND CHILDREN

“For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself, for if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s for to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the died and of the living” (Romans 14: 7-9). Tribute by SIBLINGS We wish this day never came. Our sorrow is deep as we pay tribute to our brother, THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR (a.k.a Kofi Akyerem), who is now with the Lord. We are here to honour our beloved brother and to acknowledge his generosity and kindness to us and to the entire BRETUO FAMILY OF BEPOSO. As a brother, he assisted us to become good Christians through the Methodist tradition. We did not get the needed support in life, from our father but Osofo Donkor stood in to give us the necessary push, mentorship and above all the fear of God to uplift us. Indeed, we have lost a great brother, and we will always remember him in our memories as long as we live in this world of sin. Our brother, J.M. Donkor, during the death and final funeral rites of our dear mother, Eno Daadom, stood in the midst of the congregation of the Beposo Calvary Methodist Church and pronounced the family’s intention to build a befitting manse for Ministers who may be transferred or posted to Beposo for their ministerial work. This pledge was fulfilled and the manse was handed over to the Methodist Church Ghana in 2010 by the Rt. Rev. Kwame Omane Acheamfour, who deputised for the Rt. Rev. Professor Osei Safo Kantanka, the then Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese. In view of the above marvelous services to the Lord, the Calvary Methodist Church, Beposo (Lakeside), has been blessed with dedicated and hardworking Ministers to pastor the congregation as well as work together to uplift the Brodekwano Circuit. This is a man who lived most of his life dedicated to the service of humanity and by spreading the gospel and the good news to all. He was instrumental in moving to the status of ministerial seat for Beposo Calvary Methodist Church. In conclusion, we thank God for giving such a great man to the Bretuo Family of Beposo and the Methodist Church Ghana. Until then, brother, safe journey till we meet again. DA YIE, DAMIRIFA DUE. 24 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

TRIBUTE BY WIDOW’S FAMILY Due to his calling as a Man of God, he made us to accept Christ as our Lord and personal Saviour. Our love for him got deeper because he made us know that Christianity is a virtue and helped us in all our endeavors. He also had so much interest in our wellbeing and personal developments. He was a good loving husband to our sister and a wonderful companion to the family. He was a peace-loving person and made every effort to reconcile us anytime there was misunderstanding. We know tears are not enough to express our grief for the huge void your passing has created in our lives. However, we will continue to imbibe your virtues of simplicity, humility and honesty. Osofo, Nyame mfa wo sie. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens”. 2 Corinthians 5:1 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 25

Tribute by SONS-IN-LAW John 11:25-26 Jesus said “I am the resurrection and life Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; and those who live and believe in me will never die. Our beloved, the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor, popularly known to us as “Osofo”, it is very sad to feel that you are no more with us on earth. It is never easy to part with someone who offered such unconditional love to us, not as sons-in -law but as biological sons the moment we got married to your daughters. indeed, Osofo panyin was such a wonderful Dad, grandfather, great grandfather and above all a loving father-in-law. As a father-in-law, your demise has left a deep wound in our hearts. Though you are no more with us, your love and peaceful memories are still our guide. Your endless love will continue to bind us as a family. We thank God for the privilege of giving you to us. Rest well beloved father-in-law In life we loved you dearly, and in death we do same. Mr. Appiah se Asepa da yie Dr Yamoah se Osofo Nyame mfa wo nsie yie Mr. Acquah se home wo asomdwee mu Mr. Osei se home wo Nyame koko mu Mr. Obiri se home wo asomdwee mu akoapa nokwafoo 26 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

Baaba To lose a loved one is to sit on the edge of eternity. This is where we always live and yet the business of life and our realities as physical beings anchor us to the ground of the earth. My father-in-law touched each of our lives in ways words cannot express. Through his living example, he taught us what it meant to be a man of humility, honor, and grace. I have so many wonderful memories of him that I will treasure for years to come, all of them happy and joyful especially his joke cracking sessions with me. Not only has he been an amazing father to my husband, sisters, and brothers-in-law but also an incredible role model to all his grandchildren. My grief goes deep. We have lost someone who is irreplaceable. Someone who has guided and shaped our lives in ways that cannot be numbered. His absence will be acutely felt for the rest of our lives and our children’s lives. Yet we do not grieve as those who have no hope. I did not have the chance to say “Goodbye” to my father-in-law, but I am comforted to know that this is not truly “goodbye.” This is simply “See you later.” On our journey back home anytime we visited, J.M. would call several times to ensure that we had arrived home safely. He would call my parents from time to time, to see how they were faring. He adored each of his children and grandchildren and would shower them with appellations every time we saw him. He was generous and hospitable: We have all been amazed to reflect on the numerous people who have lived in Osofo and Osofo Maame’s home at one time or the other over the last several decades. They have served as incredible examples of what it looks like to keep the doors of their home open to others. All our friends we visited with have become their children too; always asking after them. I have received unconditional love, spiritual and practical encouragement, and unwavering support from my precious father-in-law. I will miss him tremendously but rejoice in knowing that He has now entered the greatest worship service of all time. I received many things over the years from my fatherin-law, his kindness, sense of humour, respect, love, charm, and joy in his grandchildren among them. I saw these in his eyes and the depth grew deeper as the years passed. I have been blessed to have him in my life for over 24 years. During this time, we have created some great memories together. I will miss my father-in-law dearly, but I am confident that his legacy will live on for future generations. My dear father-in-law, enter the joy of your Lord. We will join you again one day. Until then, further up and further in! Rest well JM!! Joyce Sometimes, when the occasion calls for us to write or to speak about someone who has transitioned from this world to the next, it is difficult to find words to register the right feelings and emotions. This is because of the need to cast the mind back to recall both positives and negatives to eulogise the departed. When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like a sea billow roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, ‘it is well with my soul.’ H.G Spafford I am pleased to have the opportunity to pay tribute to my father-in-law, the Very Reverend Joseph Maxwell Donkor, who normally called me ‘awoaye kwan”in which the history behind this is between Osofo Donkor and my goodself. What made my father-in-law special was the fact that Tribute by DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 27

he was a father of eleven (11) and each one, now adult, look up to him with respect, love, and admiration. I met his son, Solomon Donkor (my husband), in 1995. He did not like the idea simply because my husband was still a student but after getting to know me, he took me as one of his own daughters. I remember that, the first time I came to Ghana with my husband in 2011 from UK, anytime we would be going to town, Osofo would not sleep until we had arrived home, what a caring father- in - law. I did not have much encounter with my father-in-law, because of distance but I realised that he was somebody who valued education and I am not surprised that, I can find this from my husband as he puts pressure on our children as far as education is concerned. I thank Rev. Donkor for the way he brought up my husband and myself, our children are benefitting from it. Osofo Panyin, May the good Lord grant you a peaceful rest. Damirifa Due.!!!. Margret I miss your joke and laughter and your sincere talks as a father-in-law and a father figure, your demise has left a deep wound in my heart. It is sad to see you are no more with us on earth, but your love and peaceful memories are still our guide. I promise to inculcate your good morals in your grandchildren. Sleep well, Agya papa. Linda I was sad when I heard of your demise. Your death came as a shock. My children and I were praying for you every evening when you were admitted at the hospital, and God being so good, you were discharged. Little did I know that you will leave us after recovering but God knows best. You are gone but not forgotten. Rev., I will always remember you for all the pieces of advice and encouragement you gave me. I will keep them and let them guide me in this journey of life. May the good Lord continue to be with you forever. AMEN 28 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

I t has been the hardest thing to lose your Uncle. You were our source of inspiration. We vividly recount the number of times you advised us on our education to aspire to the highest levels. You have indeed achieved what you wished your Nephews and Nieces to attain in life now that you are no more who will advice and motivate us to confront any difficulties which we will encounter in life. But there is one ALMIGHTY GOD who will perform miracles in our lives. Uncle, sleep well and we thank you for all that you bestowed on us. Uncle kô da asomdwee mu. TRIBUTE BY NEPHEWS / NIECES

Osofo Donkor you have left too soon: You have left us in darkness, and we cannot see the light. We thank the Almighty God for giving us this great man, Rev. Donkor. But who are we to question the will of the Creator and His everlasting wisdom. We are thankful for the time we shared, and the wonderful memories. Today, we mourn the man who made life very easy for us, whom we have lost unexpectly, but we will remember him, and remember all his visionary words and advice. J.M., we will miss your good counsel, direction and love. Furthermore, we cannot forget the role you played during the death and funeral of our relative, Madam Elizabeth Boadi (a.k.a Abena Daadom), in the year 2002, and the bold decision you took to build a befitting manse for the Beposo Calvary Methodist Church. The pledge was fulfilled when we officially handed the edifice in 2010 to the Methodist Church Ghana. You were alive to participate in this memorable occasion. We thank God for your visionary ideas, which you demonstrated in a grand style. Your brother, Daniel Appiah Agyekum, died in 2019, and you have followed him in 2020 leaving Kakyire, Kwaku Nyarko (Moses Appiah), alone in this world of difficulties. Fare thee well, our brother and friend. Da yie. Tribute by FAMILY Family Members 30 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 31

J.M. with Daugthers J.M. with Sons J.M. with Sons, Isaac & George J.M. with Rev. Dr. Samuel Asante-Antwi during the laying of the foundation stone of the Wesley Senior high School, Bekwai - Ashanti 32 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 “

J.M’s induction service as the Koforidua District (Diocese) Synod Secretary in 1987 by Most Rev. Dr. J. S. A. Stephens, President of Conference The Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana 34 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

When the day of toil is done When the race of life is run Father, grant Thy wearied one Rest for evermore ~ MHB 975 v.1 ~ THE METHODIST CHURCH GHANA We are gathered here today not to mourn, but to celebrate a life well lived and honour the memory of a gallant soldier in the army of the Lord. The Very Rev. Joseph Maxwell Donkor might not be famous in the eyes of the world, but his exploits in the things of God are monumental, something that cannot just fade into oblivion nor wished away. Here is a man who dedicated his life to proclaiming the gospel of grace and building the kingdom of God. “JM,” as he was affectionately called among his ministerial colleagues was a devoted and humble servant of God. He walked with God. He had a fear of God which superseded any fear of man, and that enabled him to remain firmly committed to the truth when others would compromise to popular appeal. He was an example of faithfulness – faithfulness to his Lord and Master Jesus Christ; faithful to the Word of God, and faithful in pastoring and preaching the gospel. The Very Rev. Joseph M. Donkor started work in the Vineyard of the Lord in 1958 when he was appointed a Teacher-Catechist of the Church. After nine (9) years of faithful service in that role, he gained admission to the then Freeman College where he was trained as a Catechist of the Methodist Church Ghana. Following his graduation from Freeman College as a trained Catechist, he served the Church in various places including Adumasa in the then Konongo Circuit, NsutaAtonsu, and Juaben. In 1975, the Very Rev. Joseph Maxwell Donkor passed the Ministerial candidature examinations and was commissioned in 1976 at the Cape Coast Conference. Subsequently, he served three (3) years of probation and was accepted into Full Connexion and ordained in 1979. His ministerial travels took him to the following places among others: 1976 – 1979 Ankaase Circuit Minister 1979 – 1983 Agona Abodom Circuit Minister/ 1982 – 1983 Agona Swedru Ag. Superintendent 1983 – 1989 Larteh-Akuapem Superintendent 1989 – 1996 Bekwai Ashanti Superintendent 1996 – 1997 Effiduase Ashanti Superintendent 1997 – 1999 Kwadaso Superintendent 1999 – 2004 Old Tafo (Kumasi) Superintendent After forty-six (46) years of dedicated and devoted service to God through the Methodist Church Ghana as a Teacher-Catechist, and an Ordained Minister, he superannuated on 30th September 2004. The Very Rev. Joseph Maxwell Donkor will be remembered as a man of godly conviction and persuasion. He did not make decisions in his ministry as to what was popular in evangelical circles; he did not pander to human applause; his pastoral leadership and decisionmaking was based upon the principle “What does the Word of God say?” When he preached one had no doubt that his goal was to preach the uncompromised truth of the Word. Another wonderful example he has left us is his sacrificial love and generosity. He would impoverish himself to bless others. Not only his biological children TRIBUTE BY CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 35

benefitted from his rich generosity but so many others did as well. When he became aware of needs, he did not hesitate to give. He could do this because he gave himself wholly to the One who found him, called him, deposited his rich resources in him, sent and sustained him to serve as his Ambassador into a needy world. Although he had many responsibilities, he never forgot about caring for the people in his life. He was generous with his life, devoting it to the care of God’s people, the widow, the orphan, the sick and the marginalised. Those who were blessed to walk even a short distance of his journey with him know how deeply he trusted in the goodness of God. He was a kind, insightful, courageous, and gifted leader, befitting of a passionate servant of Christ. The wholistic development of the Church of Christ was something dear to his heart, thus he not only proclaimed the authentic gospel of grace, he also encouraged and nurtured people for the Ministry. He built schools, chapels, and manses, but most important of all, he set the lives of people on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ and by so doing, made eternal difference in their lives. He will be sorely missed. We will cherish every memory of him. We will remember his godly example and strive to emulate that in some way. Above all, we will praise the God of grace who saved him and committed to him the gospel of grace and reconciliation. We trust that the God he devoted his time and effort to serve will keep him safe till the resurrection morning. May he rest peacefully in the Lord! 36 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

Now the labours task is over Now the battle day is past Now upon the farther shore Lands the voyager at last Father, in thy gracious keeping Leave we now thy servant steeping. M. H. B. 97: The Very Rev Joseph Maxwell Donkor was transferred from Larteh-Akuapem to the Bekwai Circuit as the Superıntendent Minster as well as the Minister in-Charge of Bekwai Society in 1989. Osofo Panyin worked in the then three (3) sections, ie Bekwai, Kokofu and Bogyawe to improve the spiritual and physical welfare of Bekwai society. The circuit head had enough from him. He led the Church to complete the tower of the building, which was started by his predecessor, the late Very Rev. A. K. Yawson. He also with his leaders decided to build a centenary Hall as the Church was preparing to celebrate its 100 years of existence. This building helped to accommodate the vestries of the choir, singing band, Sunday School and Leaders meeting hall. In fact, Osofo panyin J.M was a visionary leader as he noticed how parents and children had difficulties in securing admissions into secondary schools, thus in consultation with his able leaders such as Mr. S. K. Mensah, Circuit Steward, Mr. B. B. Boateng, Mr. P. K. Owusu, Mr. Adjei Frimpong, Mr. Kwame Twumasi Ankra, Mr. E. A. Botchway, Mr. S. K. Manu, Madam Felicia Ando, Madam Sarah Owusu, (all of blessed memory) and many more with the majority of members solidly behind him, started the construction of the Wesley High School, Bekwai, which is now a reputable School in Ghana with almost Two thousand (2000) Students. This confirms the Akan adage: “Chaakofoô na ckum osono ma amansan die” which means it takes one person to kill the elephant for the lot to enjoy. Osofopanin J.M Donkor, Ayikoo! Mo ne yô! Donkor Bagyina Bekwaifo bekae wo daa Da yie, Nyame mfa wo nsie, Amen. WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, BEKWAI - ASHANTI TRIBUTE BY CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 37

TRIBUTE BY CALVARY METHODIST CHURCH – BEPOSO (LAKESIDE) “Hom Ntaa dzin, ehum kesie etu. Fiegya edum, Poma dzendzen ebu.” Hom nyj komn osagyefo atôr. CAN 326. The Very Rev. J.M. Dorkor whose mortal remains lie before us was nurtured by the Calvary Society of the Methodist Church, Beposo. He was later baptised and confirmed to become a full member of the Church. Papa, after completing Middle School Leaving Certificate Examination became a Teacher-Catechist, and later became a full time Minister in the Methodist Church Ghana. He was the first and only Beposo native Methodist Minister in the entire Methodist Church Ghana. He initiated and implemented the expansion of the main Church building of Calvary Society, Beposo, to meet the demand of increasing population at that time and for the future, by paying for the total cost. The Very Rev. Donkor once again single handedly built and furnished a new manse for the Church in honour of his late mother which was commissioned and handed over to the Church, in 2010. Papa loved his Church to the extent that, during annual harvest and thanksgiving services of the Church, he would organise his family to participate fully. He continued doing that until his death. Again, he would invite any new Minister of the Church to his residence in Kumasi, give him/her pieces of advice and blessings to do the work of God. Anytime a member of the Church visited him at his residence, the question he would ask is how is the Minister and how is the Church? He wanted to know how the entire organisation in the Church were doing. In fact, the Church has lost a great father who loved his Church and the work of God. Papa we loved you dearly, but we know your creator loved you most. We have the belief that the Lord you served so well has called to find a resting place for you in his bosom. Papa, Dammirifa Due: Nyame mfa wo kra nsie, kosi se yebehyia bio Da yie. 38 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

TRIBUTE BY MOUNT CALVARY METHODIST CHURCH – LARTEH– AKUAPEM Ateneneefo te ase daa, wôn akatua wô Awurade mu na wôn so hwâ wô ôsorosoroni no nsâm, enti wôn nsa bâka Onimuonyam Ahenkyâno. Solomon Nyansa 5: 15 – 16 J .M. was transferred to Larteh-Akwapim in the year 1983. He was motivated to pray because of fear; (Larteh na wore kô yi wo be tumi). His first prayer meeting was organised from 15th December 1983 – 1st January 1984, two (2) weeks. This programme which was organised three (3) times a year was phenomenal. He was the first Minister in Larteh to organise prayer sessions that attracted members from all Churches in town to attend and even distant members from Accra, Koforidua, and many other places. He completed the Church tower, ceiling, gallery, sanctuary, built the vestry and indeed, completed and dedicated the Chapel in 1988. J.M. was the brain behind the name “Mount Calvary” for the Church. J.M.’s approach of doing things attracted many people to him. When work started on the Church Tower, there were no stones for the project so every Sunday after Church, he would lead the entire Church to “Kpene” (Mountain top) to carry stones for that purpose. His sense of duty attracted almost all the distant members both home and abroad to help in the construction. For example, Madam Emily Safoa-Larbi constructed the wall around the Chapel and paid for everything in the sanctuary, she donated a new organ for the Church, among other things. J.M. was an organiser who mobilised members for the service of God (according to their abilities). In 1985, he organised Local Preachers’ School for the Circuit which brought on board, brother Bossman, (the current Administrative Bishop of Methodist Church), Teacher Akyea, (the current Bishop of Tema Diocese), Teacher Osei (currently the Superintendent Minister for Koforidua Effifuase Circuit), Brother Kofi Asamoah, (currently the Superintendent Minister for Boadua Circuit) and a lot more. His social services also made the Church attractive to the Community at Larteh. Furthermore, he resourced the Church in a way that the then Koforidua District could fall on Larteh Circuit for funds whenever the need arose. Through his effort, Brother Odonkosi became a trained teacher and an Organist. Osofo Donkor would always respond whenever he was called upon, even at night when called upon to take sick people in his car to Mampong-Akwapim Hospital and in the morning, he would follow up to see how the sick were faring. Osofo Donkor was one of the outstanding and successful Ministers who have been to Larteh. He served for six years, but when he was transferred, Church members and Chiefs were begging that he should stay for a few years. Even after leaving Larteh he would call and ask about the Church and some members who were close to him. He would always say ‘Larteh deâ me werâ mfi da’ to wit. ‘’As for Larteh, I will always remember them’’. Osofo Donkor, you were really Osofo ampa, wo ndwuma pa nni wakyi. Nyame mfa wo nsie. CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 39

TRIBUTE BY AHINSAN CIRCUIT As the Hymnist says: “Love like death, hath all destroyed; Rendered all distinctions void; Names and sects and parties fall; Thou O Christ art all in all.” The wound created by the passing of the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor can never be healed by any human being. The Church is troubled, but we know the good Lord will heal our wounds and make us happy once again. When the sad news of our dear Reverend’s death reached us, it came with such surprise, devastation, and a tremendous sense of loss. Our tears have gone dry, yet we cannot but continue to cry as a Church. The Very Rev. J.M. Donkor affectionately called “Asa cash”, joined Ahinsan Circuit after his superannuation, and at the time the Circuit needed him most. He was in-charge of Bethel Methodist Gyinyase and later transferred to Mt. Zion to assist the Superintendent Minister at AHINSAN. He exhibited an exemplary character of humility, a calm disposition, selfless devotion, a high sense of duty and respected all manner of people. Even during old age, he moved the Church spiritually and physically to the glory of God. The late Very Rev. J.M. Donkor was a grandpa, father, uncle and brother to all. As a devoted Christian and a Methodist, our father made sure our liturgical procedures were strictly adhered to. His sense of humour at Church services was excellent and the Church will forever remember this great hero. “Now the labourer’s task is o’er, Now the battle day is past; Now upon the father shore lands the voyager at last, Father, in thy gracious keeping leave we now thy servant sleeping” Papa, thank you for your love, your kind words of advice and your generosity. You shall forever remain in our hearts. The VERY REV. J.M. DONKOR, REST IN PERFECT PEACE. May the good Lord you have served diligently all your life, keep you in His bosom! Farewell, Papa. Farewell our great hero. 40 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

TRIBUTE BY WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH-EFFIDUASI “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this, happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord.’ ‘Yes indeed’ answers the spirit. ‘They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them.’” Rev.14:13. Our Father Very Rev. Donkor was a Superintendent Minister of Wesley Cathedral Methodist Church, Effiduasi Circiut now a Diocese from 1999-2000. As John the Baptist, he came to pave way for the Circuit to become a Diocese and Diocesan seat for the Bishop. During his time, he constructed washrooms and offices in the main mission house storey building. He also renovated the chapel to the standard of a cathedral. The construction of the conference hall for the new Diocese also started during his time. By dint of hard work, the Conference inspected and approved the numerous developments, and the Church was elevated to become a Diocese in the year 2000. Again, he introduced the Monday class meeting for scholars and academicians in the Church and regularised the Divine Service to be held on the first Sunday of every month. Our Father also introduced Tithe books in place of the former ticketing. This is to mention a few of Very Rev. Donkor’s great works in the Church. Though he spent just a year in the Circuit, his name shall always remain on our lips for his marvellous service to the Church. Osofo Panin, all the ministers, Church leaders and the entire Church members wish you fare thee well. May the good Lord give you eternal rest. Amen. CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 41

TRIBUTE BY OLD TAFO SOCIETY The Very Rev. Joseph Maxwell Donkor took over from the late Very Rev. Ben Osae-Addo in October 1999, as the Superintendent Minister of the Old Tafo Circuit. During his tenure, the Gesthamene Prayer Centre was carved out of the Old Tafo Society and made a full-fledged Society and christened “Martha Yeboah Memorial Society” in memory of the late Madam Martha Yeboah, the main pillar of the Prayer Centre. He initiated the construction of the Church’s Conference Hall, completed the ground floor, which was named after the late Tafohene, Nana Yaw Dabanka. This is sited at where the Old Brick Chapel (the first Chapel) was situated. Osofo Donkor also initiated the construction of a two-story building for stores. The 1st and 2nd floors have now been converted into a first-class clinic which serves Old Tafo and the adjoining communities. The ground floor was completed under his tenure and used for the intended purpose. The Very Rev. J.M. Donkor was a very mature and experienced Minister who preached short but effective sermons lazed with humour. Osofo Donkor by the grace of the Almighty God, whom he faithfully served, gracefully superannuated here, at Old Tafo and was accorded a befitting send- off. We wish him a final good- bye to his Maker. Papa take a good rest in the bosom of Father Abraham. Papa Da yie. 42 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

BISHOPS CANDIDATED AND MENTORED BY VERY REV. J.M DONKOR The Rt Rev. M. A Bossman The Rt Rev. Samuel Ofori-Akyea The Very Rev. Dr William Mpere-Gyekye former Bishop Deputy in charge of Northern American Doicese. The Rt Rev. Thomas B. Forson The Rt Rev. Dr. John Kweku Buabeng-Odoom CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 43

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with the Christ, which is better by far...” Phil. 1:21-23) We bless God for the life and Ministry of the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor. I met Very Rev. J.M. Donkor during the period he served as the Superintendent Minister of Larteh-Akuapem, my hometown, between 1983 -1989. He took the Mt Calvary Society by storm with his dynamic style of Ministry filled with revival meetings and prayer meetings to which many thronged. His passion and zeal for the Lord Jesus was palpable and his interaction with the members was very warm and all-embracing. He breathed new life into the Mt Calvary Society, Larteh-Akuapem, and many were blessed with positive responses to their emotional and spiritual needs and others led to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through his revivals and prayer sessions. He made such an impact that even people who were not members of the Mt Calvary Methodist Society joined the Church for such revival programmes including some priestesses of the famous “Akonnedi Shrine”. It was during this time that he mobilised several young people as well as many adults of Larteh hometown living in Accra and Kumasi to play active part in Church. The Church did not only see great spiritual progress under his leadership and mentorship, but also witnessed profound improvement infrastructurewise. No wonder, the Mt Calvary Methodist Society was renovated, completed, and dedicated with its name as Mt Calvary Methodist Chapel in 1988 after fifty-two (52) years of starting to build the Chapel. I was privileged to be “candidated” under his tutelage and nurtured into the Ordained Ministry of the Methodist Church Ghana and I underwent a complete school of my own under his hand. He expected me to be prepared at any time to lead devotions or preach at any time and I was involved in almost all his programmes and sometimes was sent to do the interment after the funeral services as a ministerial candidate. I benefitted immensely from his guidance and direction, and I am proud to have passed through his hands. He showed us how to be a Pastor as he visited all the members regularly and even visited others in Accra or Kumasi from time to time. I owe him a debt of gratitude for he was very instrumental in many of the important decision points of my life. In fact, he was always asking me when I was going to candidate into the ordained ministry of the Church and even warned me that from what he had seen, if I did not candidate into the ministry, I would be miserable for the rest of my life. I took this warning seriously and kind of sat up to really think through and pray about it because it was never my idea to enter the priesthood as my own father would bear testimony to if he were alive. Even though many others contributed to my making the final decision, it was Very Rev. J.M. Donkor who saw to it that I took a firm decision and informed him of it. He was involved in my marriage arrangements and when I was finally commissioned, it was a hale and hearty Osofopanyin Donkor who virtually organised a Commissioning Thanksgiving at Mt Calvary Methodist Church, Larteh for me. There is no doubt that he was my special father to whom I related to the very end of his life. I remember after commissioning when I could not go to the station I was posted to initially because they were not prepared to receive any Minister at the time, I spent almost three months in the house, and when TRIBUTE BY RT. REV MICHAEL A. BOSSMAN AND FAMILY (Administrative Bishop of Conference) 44 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

Very Rev. J.M. Donkor heard that I was in this distressing situation, he invited me through the then Chairman of the Kumasi District, the late Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Asante Antwi, to join him at Bekwai where he had been posted to. Fortunately, there was an opening just before we moved to Bekwai, so I was posted to Akosombo. He has been a great pillar in my ministerial journey, and I am saddened along with my entire family at the loss of this man who was a father to me in all respects. As for advice and counsel, I was never bereft of them. He will often tell me, “wokô baabi na asôre no nyansa wô soro a, jôôso wodie kô soro, na sâ âwô fam nsoa, jôôso wodiâ kô fam” to wit,”if you are sent to a high class society, adjust your knowledge and your message to meet their needs and if it is a rural society then likewise adjust your knowledge and message to their level so that they can understand you. Do not go and burden them with ‘big’ English or language above their heads”. He was always proud to identify with all his candidates in the ministry who have become Bishops among whom were, Bishops T.B. Forson and Samuel Ofori Akyea of Tema; Buabeng-Odoom of Winneba and myself, among others. We are all truly grateful to God for blessing us with Papa J.M. Donkor and his wife and family, and our hearts go out to you on this occasion to console you that he is in a better place. We are so deeply proud of him. He prepared and put his house in order especially during the period of illness in which he had this strange encounter of heaven and desired to be in that place. His whole mind-set has been to get ready for this wonderful place and we pray that all who know of this testimony or hear about it will also get themselves ready to meet Jesus Christ by believing in Him and trusting Him and following His way of love and forgiveness for all people. Without a doubt, you made a great impact and impression on many of our lives, and we are a living memorial of what Christ can do through His people, and at this moment of grief, my wife and I and our families, extend our most cherished condolences to his wife, children and the entire family. As we wait in joyful hope for the resurrection of the faithful on the last day, like the Apostle Paul, we say, Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing Him! (2 Cor. 2:14). Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them”. (Rev. 14:13). Osofo panyin J.M. Donkor, Rest in Perfect Peace. Da yie! CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 45

My first encounter with the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor was at Agona Abodom Methodist Church in the Central Region. I served under him as a Society Steward (1978-1980), when he was stationed there as the Circuit Minister. He was an extremely hard working and development-oriented Minister. I never regretted working under him because he gave me various opportunities to learn. He taught me what the Methodist Ministry was all about. When he saw the graces in me, he readily recommended me for candidature to the then Superintendent Minister, the late Very Rev. Daniel Baah Odoom, into the Methodist Ministry. This subsequently made me the first candidate into the Methodist Ministry from the Swedru Circuit when Swedru gained circuit status from Agona Nyakrom which was the mother Circuit. One great thing I remember him for was his introduction of a special Friday dawn meeting which had us going through the principal streets of Agona Abodom with songs and prayer, pausing to pray at vantage points. This was a habit I adopted in my ministry. During his tenure, he placed Agona Abodom Methodist Church on a high pedestal, spiritually and financially. J.M. was a great mentor and a force to reckon with. He checked up on me frequently to inquire of my health and that of my family. You will be dearly missed. You served the Lord with diligence and faithfulness. My mentor is gone but not forgotten. May your soul find rest in the Lord. TRIBUTE BY RT. REV. THOMAS BROWN FORSON (Immediate Past Bishop of the Tema Diocese) “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. Philippians 1:21 46 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

TRIBUTE BY RT. REV. DR. JOHN KWEKU BUABENG-ODOOM (Past Bishop of Winneba Diocese) The hymn writer, Henry Van Dyke has said it all. “They who work without complaining do the holy will of God...” MHB 601. (1) J .M., as we called him, was a man of character, disciplined, friendly, fair and firm. I was very young and hard-working youth in the Methodist Church at Agona Swedru when the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor was posted to the Circuit. He was stationed at Agona Abodom. He made the ministry attractive to the youth through the way he conducted himself and worked with the young and old people in the Circuit. He believed in prayer and encouraged all who worked with him and under him to be men and women of prayer. All who worked with him will attest to the fact that he was a hard-working man, a great preacher, and a motivator. He would intersperse his sermons with humorous and edifying stories. J.M. “candidated” me at Agona Swedru Emmanuel Methodist Church in 1982 and became my first Superintendent Minister in 1985. He taught me the lessons of believing in people but not relying on them. He would teach you the need to respect your elders. I owe my writing and managerial skills to Papa J.M. Donkor. That is the reason I dedicated one of my books titled “THE CHARACTER OF A METHODIST IN THE LIGHT OF THE WESLEYAN QUADRELATERAL to him. I’m glad he received and read that book before he passed on. Not many Ministers today will accept the direction and counsel of their senior Ministers. He chastised and fed me like one of his sons, but he also guided me in my ministerial formation. My wife, Cecilia, and I will forever be grateful to J.M., his wife, Mama Janet Donkor and all the Donkors’ family for making us part of them. Papa J.M., you have lived your age. Sleep on and may the good Lord grant you eternal rest in His bosom. CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 47

TRIBUTE BY K. A. ASANTE-KROBEA, ESQ. (Lay Chairman, Kumasi Diocese) I f these walls could talk, they would speak of a man who worked with great heart to fulfil the purpose of his calling. The Very Rev. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR, yours was a life of dedication, commitment, and service to God in the Methodist Church Ghana, especially, Juaben Society. As a child in day nursery sometime in 1969, I saw this tall, handsome looking man visit my father, the late M. A. ASANTE, who at the time was the Society Steward of Wesley Society, Juaben. My father introduced this tall man to the family as the Catechist who had been posted to pastor the Wesley Society, Juaben, of the then Effiduase Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana. This man was JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR who later became the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor. Not long after his posting to Juaben, it became apparent that Very Rev. J M Donkor had a calling to fulfil and his determination to raise the status of the Juaben Society could be seen in the things he did and the decisions he led the Society to make. The Very Rev. J.M. Donkor endeared himself to members of the Juaben Society and I remember seeing him very often pay visits to the homes of Church members, both high and low. Indeed, visitation to the homes of Church members became a complete ministry for the Very Rev J.M. Donkor. Whilst at Juaben, the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor, in concert with Leaders Meeting decided to construct a new Chapel to replace the old one which had become small for the Society, and which looked dilapidated. By dint of hard work and with a special kind of leadership skill, the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor successfully led the Society to construct the chapel we now see standing at Juaben, located along Juaben-Effifuase road. J.M., as the Teacher-Catechist took active part in the actual construction of the Chapel. I remember vividly when J.M. and my father narrowly escaped death when the Church Members were undertaking a communal labour to remove the roofing of the old Chapel to pave way for the new Chapel. A heavy object fell which nearly crushed the two. The two escaped death just by the grace and mercy of God. A special bond of friendship developed between J.M. and my father to such an extent that the families of J.M. and M. A. became inextricably bonded. As a result of this special bond, we the children saw ourselves as brothers and sisters and that relationship has continued even to today. This bond of friendship is underpinned by the following line which formed part of a tribute paid to my father by JM when the burial service of my father was being held in 2011: “Beloved brother while we mourn your passing away, I am comforted by your son Lawyer Asante-Krobea and my son Lawyer George Agyekum Donkor coming together to continue the memories of the times spent together......” In 1998 when The Almighty gave us our first child, Awura Abena, the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor offered to do the christening and he spoke words of blessings upon the child. Akora, the daughter you prayed for will soon become a medical Doctor by the grace of God. J.M., I thank God for your life and what He used you to accomplish in the business of His vineyard. Onyame Akoa, Da yie. May your soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Adieu!!! J.M with his bosom friend and Society Steward, the late Mr. M. A. Asante 48 CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR

TRIBUTE BY AUNTIE VIC I am part of this gathering this morning not to mourn but rather, to celebrate the life of a Man of God, who came into my life, way back in 1990 to date, as a father. I started experiencing the fatherly love of the late the Very Rev. J.M. Donkor, who I called “Daa”; when he was posted to Ashanti Bekwai as the Superintendent Minister of Bekwai Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana. I was then a tutor at Bekwai S.D.A. Secondary School and a housemistress. As one of my duties as a housemistress, I had to join my students at Church on campus every Saturday; and in so doing had to also conform to their way of doing things. However, notwithstanding, performing these duties, I could be seen in the evening hurrying for Choir practice in town at the Methodist Church as well as attending to other duties assigned to me at Church. It was at that point that one-day Daa called me, advised and encouraged me for my enthusiasm; and that urged me on ever since. Daa was an encourager, who thought every mission is achievable with determination and zeal. With this in mind, Daa one day called all the Methodist teachers at Bekwai S.D.A Secondary School to the mission house and informed us that he was going to start a secondary school with us. He then asked us to submit our timetables so that our free periods could be utilised as teaching periods for the establishment of the new school, which we readily did. So today, there is Wesley Senior High School at Bekwai –Ashanti, which some of us can proudly and boldly say, we were its pioneer teachers. We thank you, Daa. I was once in labour at about 2: 00am in the night and needed to be taken to the hospital. The school driver came, and on reaching the campus and realizing that I had to be rushed to Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, but did not want to do, said the bus was faulty. All I could tell him was to send me to the mission house. We came and when Daa saw me, he did not count on his status as a Superintendent Minister but willingly drove me carefully in his car from Bekwai to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). He prayed for me and left and by daybreak, I had given birth safely. Daa, I will forever remain grateful to you. In his role as a father to me, I informed Daa I wanted to come and live in Kumasi so if he could help by introducing me to any landlord/lady who is a Methodist. He then said he had just started a project at Atonsu and Solomon (one of his sons) should come with me to see if I would like it. We came and I liked it; and Daa quickly completed a part of it for me and I moved in. I stayed there till he superannuated in 2004, and the family joined us. Daa, your tenants will always remember you for your first day of the month morning devotion. Sometimes during our leisure hours, Daa and myself would chat about life in Bekwai. Upon your advice, I was able to serve my Church as a Steward on two different terms successfully. Daa, you really were a true Man of God. By God’s grace when I was ready to move into my own house, I informed Daa and he insisted I drill for my own water. He inspired me that, all the children have done theirs so I can also do it. He went on to talk to the contractor and gave me his contact. And today, I also have it. He blessed me and I left. Daa, I will always remember you with respect, admiration, and love. The father and daughter relationship continued even when I left. Daa would check up on me with calls and I occasionally visited him. Every 25th December, I would call after Church service to wish him “Afehyia Pa” and followed it later with my present. On the 25th December 2020, I called and there was no response, just to be informed on Monday, 28th that, Daa had been called by his Maker. I take consolation from the Methodist Hymn Book 976 by John Ellerton, quoting the first stanza: Now the labourer’s task is o’er, Now the battle day is past; Now upon the farther shore Lands the voyager at last. Chorus: Father, in Thy gracious keeping Leave we now Thy servant sleeping. Daa, Fare Thee Well! Da yie!! CALL TO HIGHER SERVICE THE VERY REV. JOSEPH MAXWELL DONKOR 49