When I think of Easter, I think of my loved ones who have go
beyond. their lives, the great impact they had on me. Then my thoughts always
conclude with the firm assurance that I will see them again. Today, I want to
talk about my dearly beloved friend Fortune Abel.
Fortune was my Secondary School classmate. We almost all
through our Senior Secondary school days sat on the same desk. We participated
together in almost all activities in the school. The most common was SU
(Scripture Union). He was Sunday School Director and I was the Sunday School
Secretary. In our WAEC Exams, we sat next to each other all through the exams. We
would often challenge ourselves to burn the midnight candle. He served as the
Deputy Senior Prefect while as served as the Chapel Prefect.
Shortly after graduating from Secondary School, I traveled
for a two-year missionary assignment-something he was very happy for even
though he was not a member of my church. To him, his friend has taken a step
further in the Gospel Evangelism. He visited with my family when my younger
brother died and tried to comfort me. He was the first person to visit with me
on my return. We talked about school, SU, work, girls, marriage, and other
plans.
I got a job with Bank PHB as a mobile cashier and he was
working at a dental clinic as Secretary. Our offices were on the same road just
few blocks away. He would often wait for me to board taxi home after work. He
was a kind and caring friend who loved serving others selflessly. He lived a Christ-like
life that taught me to be a better Christian. He was gentle and soft-spoken,
very slow to anger. He loved God and tried to live his faith.
Enthusiastically, he informed me of his university admission
and how he had prayed for such blessing. He, in company of others were
traveling to serve a fellow SU member when the bus they were traveling with had
an accident. All on board died on spot except him and two others. He spent the
next 60 days or so in comer.
I was devastated when I heard of the accident. I visited with
his family and was told that his condition was critical and for that, visitors
are not allowed including members of his family. Only his mother was allowed to
care for him.
I was in Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State when I heard of his demise.
I was traumatized because I got the news a day after his interment.
When I think of Easter, I think of him. Because of Christ’s
Atonement, I am definite of seeing him again to thank him for his friendship
and love. I am the resurrection and the life said the Savior, he that believeth
in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. I know Fortune will live again. My
dear friend Rest in Peace till we meet again.
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