To a Man, the Epitome of Humility, Integrity and Excellence
Very Rev Prof Joshua Kudadjie, “Joshua” as I affectionately called him, had fought the battle of stabilising Bible Society work in Ghana, just like the Biblical Joshua fought battle after battle to pave the way for King David to come in and reign as Israel’s greatest King.
Many may not know that before I was appointed as General Secretary of Bible Society of Ghana to take over the reins of management of Bible Society, Joshua had been holding the fort for some five years in a part-time capacity. It was a very fruitful and interesting time I had as General Secretary of Bible Society of Ghana, but the solid foundation of Joshua’s stewardship is what contributed to those interesting years. He, in a typical unassuming manner, had cleared a lot of the mess he found in the interregnum.
I had met Joshua soon after coming to faith in Christ a little over 50 years ago. We had, in a chat, both decided to go into full time ministry to help the minority Ga-Dangme wing of the Methodist Church. Some years before concluding such a move, Joshua informed me in his usual cool manner that he was going ahead to candidate for the ministry. I responded by saying he could go ahead and that I would follow later. My following up later was in Bible Society ministry.
One Saturday evening in September 1985, Joshua visited me in my Lartebiokorshie home to inform me that I had been short listed for an interview at Bible House the following Monday. I quietly accepted the invitation. I was eventually handed the job by a team comprising Mr. William Ofori-Atta (Paa Willie) and Lawyer E.S. Aidoo who are now with the Lord, among others.
What impressed me about Joshua was his humility and integrity. I noticed that during the period he served at the Bible House, he did not use the vehicle assigned to the General Secretary.
It was during the handing over that he brought the car over for my use. That was a discovery and a deep practical lesson for me that would have an impact on me in my life of service to God. I could not fathom how he could be driving his own car for official duties when there was an assigned vehicle. That was Joshua for you - a man of integrity and modesty.
He was selfless and very much interested in my succeeding in my new assignment. He prepared handing over notes for me and arranged for my training in Nairobi with another senior staff member. He did not leave me to swim out alone.
Interesting enough, he had written to the office in Nairobi that I be given some allowance for the trip. Even though this request was not acceded to as it was not part of the conditions of service, I was impressed at the lengths Joshua went to make my stay in Nairobi pleasant. That is how magnanimous Joshua could be.
He continued to serve Bible Society at governance level, after my appointment, as Chairman of the Business Committee. To my great surprise, he discussed with me why my salary was not much different from the lowest paid staff in the office. He brought this up at Board level and after 18 months, my salary was upgraded; it did not happen in his time. However, out of magnanimity and selfless concern, he was prepared to spare no effort, just to ensure I was well taken off. The salary was low by all standards given
my professional background. Typical missionary standards!!!! It took another 18 months for the change to be effected. A caring and concerned brother. He didn’t raise this when he was at post. He did it for me. What thoughtfulness, care and modesty! Joshua was very meticulous and thorough. I learnt a lot from him.
We have lost a great man of God. Many did not know that he was very bold and stood for what he believed in. Joshua was a great family man, a true servant of God, very hard working, intelligent, deeply spiritual with a true servant spirit. He impacted many lives, including mine. The church will be poorer without him. These virtues of integrity, hard work, modesty and concern for others will continue to remain with us.
My faith tells me this true servant of God is resting peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
Joshua, wo baakpe ekonn.
Dzoomo ohe ye Nuntso le mli.