ZION PRAISE TRIBUTE TO OUR LATE SISTER RENE EWURAFUA ARCHER

If we celebrate life with all its contradictions, embrace, experience, and ultimately live with it, a chance exists for a spiritual life filled not only with pain and untidiness, but also with joy, community, and creativity.
Derrick Jensen

Sis. Ewurafua, as we affectionately called her, was indeed our "Star Performer". She was the quintessential minister and harvester of souls! She was the bright light that enlightened our ministry path, and gave comfort to many hearts needing the sound of a soothing salvation-focused reassuring voice! Her voice always reminded you of the typical Joyful Way female voices at a time when Joyful Way was the standard! Of all the many songs she led, the Zion Praise ‘Anthem’ is what continues to reverberate in our hearts: O worship the Lord in the beauty of His Holiness (MHB 9). The unmissable voice of Ewurafua always brought out the beauty in Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s song “Praise Him” anytime Zion Praise ministered this song. There was no way we could organise a programme without having Ewurafua joyfully and inspiringly lead Stella Seal’s mo ma yen nyinaa nyi ye Nyame ay3.

Ewurafua's legacy as a founding member of the precious Zion Praise Singing Ministry in 1997 and a conscientious Executive Member on several occasions will never be lost on us. She competently discharged her duties as the Secretary, President, and Counsellor during her time with the Ministry. She provided a lot of impetus for our evangelism and shepherding activities in schools such as Tema and Nungua Secondary Schools. It was during her tenure as President that the ministry extended its school evangelism programme to Presec, Legon.

In 2013, Ewurafua on behalf of the Executive Committee wrote to all members, mobilizing support to procure a different set of instruments to facilitate our school evangelism activities. This was at a time when it had become difficult to move out church instruments for such activities due to an increased incidence of wear and tear. Her supporting scripture was from Deut 28:12 "The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless ALL the work of your hands. You shall lend to many nations but you shall not borrow". To the glory of God, the required funds were raised and the new instruments were procured and dedicated accordingly in 2014.

Ewurafua’s contributions to the Church through the Zion Praise Singing Ministry cannot be overemphasized. She led the ministry to build the Hohoe chapel for the Hohoe Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana - dedicated in January 2009 under the auspices of the then Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. S. O. Achamfour-Yeboah. She was also instrumental in reviewing the Draft Constitution of the Zion Praise Singing Ministry, having coordinated the team that worked on it. Many were those who were attracted to our Ministry because of Ewurafua. Her commitment to diligence and excellence was not only demonstrated at church but everywhere she took on a role.

You are dearly loved, Sister Ewurafua!
May the Good Lord continue to keep your soul and grant you eternal rest!!!