My Dear People

“Who will pray for us now?” Patricia Akinyombo, Papa’s daughter-in-law, said this was her first thought when she heard of Papa’s passing. I have had the same thought. Patricia knew that Papa prayed for her and Francis. I know that Papa prayed for Laurence and me, and not once in a while. Papa often interceded at God’s throne for us. He did for all his children and grandchildren, for brothers and sisters in the faith, for prodigals, for friends, even for the family and friends of others who Papa was not personally acquainted with.

Papa prayed for healing when we were sick. Papa prayed for wholeness when we’d been broken. He prayed for our salvation.

“Pray for the church in Nigeria,” Papa’s son-in-law pleaded at the memories yesterday. No doubt many of us pray for the Church, including the Church in Nigeria. But who of us spends hours in fasting and prayer like Papa did for us and others?

This morning there is a hole in my heart. Laurence and I used to walk from the train station in Poughkeepsie to the community room where the church service was held. Papa would be sitting there all alone waiting for us and the others to arrive. No doubt, he was praying for the service.

Today, Papa waits for us on the other Shore. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The time Papa spent in prayer will continue to bear fruit.

Pray for us. I’ll pray for you.

Berniece