Springfield, VA --As Ghanaians welcomed the new year-2010, many received the shocking news of the sudden death of a well known industrialist in the African Community in the US. His success story has become very inspirational and a beacon of hope to many who have ambitions of realizing their American dreams. The Late Deacon John Kwadwo Obeng who who started selling food items from the trunk of his car to a huge entity known as Obeng International - supplying the community with any items needed.
January 15, 2010 will go down in memory lane as a sad day celebrating the life of a God fearing individual, a husband, Father, uncle, brother and a friend to many. A sea of mourners in red, black and white, who had come to the funeral celebration witnessed a big event compared to a soccer tournament. They came in their numbers and demonstrated their appreciation to the man who sacrificed his life for his community.
The celebration started with a service which occurred at the huge sanctuary at Word of Life Assembly of God located on Backlick Road, Springfield, VA. The late Deacon was laid in state and among the dignitaries who paid tributes were; Ambassador Kwame Bawuah Edusei, Former Ghana Ambassador to the US, and Adolf Kofi Afful, Chairman-Council of Ghanaian Association (COGA) on behalf of Ghana Business Council by Mr. Charles Osei Dankwah, CEO, Hawknad Mfg. Industries, Inc,and Elder Atto Kum.
Other tributes were offered by the Obeng Children; Mr. & Mrs. Elizabeth Obeng Dwomah, Mr. & Mrs. Danilda Obeng Gyau, Lisa Obeng, Jeffery Obeng & Harriet Obeng, on behalf of wife Theresa by Deaconess Lovelace Agyare, on behalf of the Domfeh Children by Mrs. Charity, on behalf of Deacon Obeng's family by; Mr. Samuel Obeng Boamah, on behalf of Friends by Mr. Eriq Amponsem & Mr. Kwaku Arhin, Eulogy by Mr. Edward Taylor, on behalf of Farmers Market,Washington D.C. by Mr. Joe Njiaju, On behalf of the Church of Pentecost by Elder Isaac Tawiah, Presiding Elder; the Sermon was given by; Pastor John Ofori, District Pastor, VA and prayers for the Family was said by; Apostle Dr. Emmanuel O. Bediako, National Head-Canada. Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church Choir performed a solo. As the service came to a close many mourners passed by the body of Deacon Obeng in state and paid their last respect.
The leaders of the church of Pentecost -USA and Canada gathered, prayed and comitted Deacon Obeng into the hands of the almighty as he embarked on his spiritual journey to his maker.
The traditional funeral rites which followed, occurred at the same premises which were two halls next to the Sanctuary. The place was fully packed that many mourners were unable to secure a space to be seated. A live music was performed by Akrofi and group, on the wheels of steel was; Kumapim Sounds and the Masters of Ceremonies (MC) were; Elder Martin Nyarko Antwi, Elder Odartey Mills, Nana Aduanaba, Nana Yaw Manu. Many traditional rulers were represented and showed their last respect to Deacon Obeng.
Elder Atto Kum, on behalf of the family through 3G extends their sincere gratitude to ALL who came in their huge numbers to offer their support in diverse ways.
