The Very Rev Prof Kudadjie, fondly called “Prof,” was more of a brother than a colleague to me. Now it is time to say goodbye to a trusted friend and co-worker. Sometimes, the pain of separation from those we love and care about can be difficult. When the Apostle Paul said farewell to the elders from Ephesus, they all wept as they embraced him and kissed him (Acts 20:37). In my case, Prof did not say farewell to me, though he was my confidant brother and one of my four counsellors in Ghana. We often sat together in his or my office to discuss series of issues concerning the Methodist University College Ghana (MUCG).
During the formative period of the MUCG, I often discussed with him any agenda prepared for discussion by the tertiary education committee which metamorphosed into the MUCG Council. He discussed and edited almost all minutes which emanated from the Tertiary Education Committee meetings. I planned all religious activities for MUCG students with him. He took over from me as the Vice Principal of MUCG, when I was transferred to Kumasi. He rushed to my office when he heard that the Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev Dr. Asante Antwi had decided to transfer me to the Kumasi MUGG campus, he asked, “E.K., has Presiding Bishop discussed with you that he is transferring you to Kumasi?” In truth, I said no, because there had been no discussion between me and the Presiding Bishop. We tried to fathom what might have precipitated that transfer decision, but we could not. When I was formally informed later of the transfer decision, I gave my handing over notes to Prof and copied both the Principal of MUCG and the Presiding Bishop.
The transfer never prevented Prof and myself from our frequent discussions about the University. Through this, I was at abreast with events happening on the main MUCG campus. From Kumasi I was transferred to the Wenchi Campus, and I continued to discuss with him the progress and problems at Wenchi. Anytime I visited the main MUGG Campus, I visited Prof’s office, even before going to the Principal’s office. I never ate in any body’s office except that of Prof’s. Prof Kudadjie was gentle, honest and hard-working; he was humble and kind to both staff and students; he was selfless and compassionate. In short, he lived what he preached.
When I retired from the services of MUCG and I settled in Kumasi, Prof was my source of information about (MUCG). When I started production of fruit juices at Wenchi, Prof became our chief consumer in Dansoman until I left Wenchi. After my retirement, he could not get his supplies. Despite our retirement, we continued to talk on phone. I visited him occasionally in Accra. Now that Prof is no more my source of information is curtailed. Death has snatched him from me. How can I endure the idea of never again sharing ideas or getting information from the one I have loved?
Though painful and heart-breaking, I do not want to grieve like those who have no hope. I have read about future reunion for those who “believe that Jesus died and rose again and that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him” (1Thes. 4:13-18). The Lord Himself will come down from Heaven with a loud command and, we will be united with the Lord. And best of all, we will be forever with Jesus in eternity. I thank God for the assurance that this world is not all we have but that a blessed eternity awaits all who trust in Him. We are not here to say goodbye to Prof, but to remind ourselves that we will see him later. The memory of Prof will be much sweeter than bitter, for our separation is never forever.
Until the resurrection day when we shall reunite, I wish you peaceful sleep in the bosom of the Lord. We are consoled by Charles Wesley’s words as captured in MHB 973:1,
Rejoice for a brother deceased, our loss is his infinite gain;
A soul out of prison released, and freed from its boldly chain;
With songs let us follow his flight, and mount with His spirit above,
Escaped to the mansions of light, and lodged in the Eden of Love.