Mercy Gaisie Brochure

OFFICIATINGMINISTERS

1 Rt Rev Richardson Aboakye Andam (Bishop - Cape Coast Diocese)

2. V. Rev. Ebenezer Boateng Ennimful (Supt. Minister, Saltpond Circuit)

3. Rev. Isaac Nana Sam (Circuit Minister)

4 Rev Benjamin Boakye Takyi (Circuit Minister)

5 Rev Kwesi Boakye (Chaplain MGSHS)

6. Rev. Anthony Odame (Headmaster MSHS)

7. Rev. Bervelyn Kyei boateng (Second Minister- Wesley, Saltpond)

8 Rev Herbert Aikins Gaisie (Obuasi Diocese, Manso Datano)

9 V Rev A D Hammond (New Tafo, Circuit, Kumasi)

10. V. Rev. Amoako Baah (Tamale Circuit)

11. V. Rev. Bannasco Essiamah (Supt. Minister, Wesley Chapel, Nsawam)

12 Rev Fr Wisdom Larweh (Parish Priest, St Peter's Osu, Accra)

13 Rev Fr Charles Akon (Holy Family Catholic Church, Mataheko, Accra)

IN ATTENDANCE (SOCIETY STEWARDS)

Sister Grace Andzie Quainoo Gloria Rabbles

ORDER OF SERVICE

1. Procession Scripture Sentences Declaration of Purpose Hymn - MHB 679 CAN 227 Hymn - MHB 427 CAN 139 Biography Tributes Hymn - MHB 650 CAN 29 Psalm MHB 602

THANKSGIVING & COMMENDATION

1. Hymn - MHB 511 Prayer of Commendation The Lord's Prayer Hymn Closing Prayer & Benediction Dead March in Soul Recession

AT THE GRAVESIDE

1. Hymn - MHB 615 CAN 203 Committal and Prayer Vote of Thanks Hymn - CAN 324 Benediction

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them”.

Revelation 14:13

Madam Mercy Gaisie, a.k.a “Mama Nsawam”was also known by “Mama” to her children and as, Aunty Mercy or Aunty by her contemporary.

On October 16, 1933, Mr. Samuel Dornin Gaisie and Madam Elizabeth Sagoe-Crentsil, all of blessed memory, had their third of nine children, and second daughter Madam Mercy Gaisie, alias Aba Amprofua at Saltpond in the Central Region.

Though she had no formal education, she was outstanding among her peers as very civilized and well-mannered; these attributes endeared her to the Late Aunty Antobam who later on recommended Mama to her nephew for marriage. Mama attended weekend literacy classes held at Hammond Hall in those days for the unschooled, who wanted to learn how to read and write.

Her trading career began at Saltpond with the guidance,

biography of the late MERCY GAISIE

biography of the late MERCY G

support and advices of her mother who was also a textile dealer back in the days. It was her business acumen and good human relationship that led her to meet her sweetheart and soonto-be husband, Mr. Peter Taylor; a staff at Winneba District Ofce in the 1950’s.

The lovebirds had their traditional marriage in 1953 and had three children; a set of twins and a girl. They are Josephine Taylor (Panyin), Joseph Taylor (Kakra) and Elizabeth Taylor (Tawiah). She also adopted one of her nieces by the name Helena Aidoo (Aba Sendzie) who she raised and trained from infancy to adulthood.

The couple travelled to places like Enchi, Sekondi Takoradi, and Winneba on job transfers till her husband later gained employment at Nsawam Cannery in the early 1960's. With the support of her husband, Mama expanded her trading business in plastic wares and fabrics of all kinds. After the passing of her husband in the early 1980s, Mama stayed in Nsawam all these years till she turned eighty (80). She moved to Saltpond in 2015.

biography of the late MERCY GAISIE

Unfortunately, Mama's only son, Kakra was struck with a sickness which Mama did all she could by her faith in God and resources to get him restored but all to no avail till date. However, this did not shake her faith in God. And now, in God's own wisdom Mama sadly had taken the lead into eternity, leaving behind her sick son Kakra who she loved so much and wished would have recovered in her life time to bury her. Indeed, we can only agree with the hymnist, William Cowper, when he said “Judge not the Lord by feeble sense but trust him for his grace ...for God is his interpreter and would make it plain”

Mama “Nsawam” as she was affectionately called was a devoted Christian and staunch member of Nsawam Methodist Church . As a good treble singer, she joined the Nsawam Methodist church singing band group. She never took lightly her Church attendance on both weekdays and Sundays. Any duties assigned to her were always successfully and diligently performed. While at Saltpond during her later years, she joined the Saltpond Methodist Singing Band for a while until she became weak due to old age and ill health. As a wife and a mother, she ensured that her Christian values

biography of the late MERCY GAI

underpinned her every activity in the family home and her dealings with everyone who came into contact with her. Her faith in the Lord never wavered and in later years she had regularly and seriously used the statement: 'Be at peace with one another no matter what’ She was very faithful and calm despite all life's challenges till her demise in the early hours of 27th May, 2022.

Just like Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:21 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain' Heaven has gained in receiving her but is a sad loss for us here on earth. Nonetheless, we can comfort ourselves with the fact that she believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour and so is certain that her soul is not lost in eternity. Mama is therefore asleep in the Lord and resting from her labours.

May her soul rest in perfect peace in the heavenly mansion prepared for her by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Damirifa due Mama Nsawam Due ne amanehunu. Da yie Mama, till we meet again. Amen.

to the late MERCY GAISIE from Children

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25 (KJV)

n life, we spoke of a wonderful

Imother. In death, we will speak of a great legacy. We stand here today to pay tribute and our last respect to our dear mother.

Mama Nsawam as we affectionately called her. This is very hard to accept; our hearts are lled with sorrow and our tears cannot be dried off. We are yet to come to terms with the fact that the ways of our Maker are not the ways our ways and we believe you have gone to a better place.

Your positive outlook in life was infectious, a quality everyone around who knew you would readily testify to. You were a woman of few words and you believed in peace. We will never forget how you would willingly give up your comfort to ensure that your children had what we needed. You were the best mother anyone could ever have. Your motherly love extended beyond your biological children. You loved your sisters and family dearly, and you loved their tribute

It will be a long story if we are to talk about how dear our mother was to us. She was a pillar, our inspiration, our support and our hero while she was on earth. Today, we stand here to celebrate her life, yes it is a celebration of life. Even in death,

we celebrate the wonderful, caring and peace-loving mother you were. You taught us to be kind and brave. We fondly remember your prompting to us that in all things we should put God rst. You always looked to your Maker for comfort, a virtue we your children emulated without difculty as you were a perfect example to us.

tribute

children and grandchildren like they were your own. Mama Nsawam, you have made your mark. As you rightfully said, you have left behind a better legacy We thank God for the time and opportunity He gave you to be

with us. We appreciate the unconditional care and pieces of advice you always gave us. Indeed, words cannot fully convey our profound sorrow as we mourn your death.

to the late MERCY GAISIE from Children tribute to the late MERCY GAISIE from Children

tribute

to the late MERCY GAISIE from Children

You leave behind an extraordinary legacy, a family that remembers you with great fondness. Mama's generosity, modesty, honesty and love towards us will be missed. It is a tribute to you that we cannot seem to imagine our lives without your presence. However, the lessons you taught us, the love you shared, and the happy memories we now possess will be our comfort in the years to come.

Mama, Da yie, Awuradze nfa wo nsie dwoodwoo.

From your children: Panyin (Mama Joe), Kakra (KK),Tawiah (Maa T) and Helena (Aba)

to the late MERCY GAISIE from Helena Armah (Aba)

“If I had seen farther than other men, it is because I stood on the shoulders of giants”. You nurtured me from the age of six and strengthened me to confront the physical challenges of life, which transformed me into a fearless, successful woman today. You played with me like equals and allowed me to share hands with you in the same pot as equals. You even shared your secrets with me. But you never disclosed your departure.

The combined effects of cries and sorrows have drifted us in convalescence, creating an unprecedented vacuum between us. Your voice could no longer echo through the distance. We are spying to see you once again, but you are nowhere in the vicinity of vision.

Hardworking replaces your personality; Respect describes your dignity; Kindness and Mercy

intensify your heart; Honesty depicts your character; Courage witnesses your ambitions; "Never give up" was your slogan.

To say you are gone is an abomination to our ears; to accept you are no more is a threat to our tribute

conscience; to imagine you are not visible is rather irritating to our eyes. But limited to choices, acceptance of your absence, in return, has inicted perpetual stagnation of innite tears.

We will forever miss you, Mom. You are gone, but your tongue is never rotten. Your “symbolic character” will go down in the annals of history as the “hero of the Anona family”.

Farewell Mama Mercy. May the creator keep your soul until we meet again.

Damirifa due Mama! Due ne amanehunu!!

tribute to the late MERCY GAISIE from Helena Armah (Aba)

tribute

to the late MERCY GAISIE from Grandchildren

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation”. Credit: Rumi

Mama, as we affectionately called her, was a woman of exceptional character. She was slow to anger and had a heart of gold. Mama

was very caring and always willing to help others. We shall fondly remember the days we spent with her when we were much younger. Mama would always go the extra mile to ensure that we were comfortable.

The only way to get hurt in this life is to care. Mama cared more than most, loved more than most, and was made to suffer more than most because of just how much she cared. The kind of love Mama felt for us was love without condition. She may not have approved of everything we did, and may not

lecture, she didn’t judge.

Mama, we shall miss you, but your spirit and strength live on in each of us and in the lives that you touched. Thank you for your sacrices, your care and concern, your love and everything that you did for us. Wherever you are, we know that you are in a much better place.

Rest in perfect peace, Mama... Our superhero! Da yie!

Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom lled room Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long And not with your head bowed low Remember the love that once we shared Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone.

It's all part of the master plan A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know. Laugh at all the things we used to do Miss me, but let me go.

By Christina Rossetti

tribute

to the late MERCY GAISIE from Siblings

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them”.

[Revelation 14:13 KJV]

Our dear sister Mercy, was a remarkable sister to us. her presence was always felt, and was always there for the us and the entire family. ‘Mama’, as we affectionately called her, was the kind of sister who lived her life with so much love and kindness, and approached issues with a positive attitude. She was a peacemaker. With wise counsel and a good sense of humour, she would make difcult issues, seem simple, and stressless for the parties involved.

Mama, your death has left a big vacuum. We wonder who will be

there and lead us at family gatherings. You have always been a guide and inspiration for us to keep a cool head when addressing issues of any kind.

We honour you today and always. We are so grateful to God for the years we got to spend with you and the closeness we shared. You had a kind and thoughtful heart , we always knew you truly cared. We have indeed lost a gem. Our greeting to Maame and Papa, we miss them everyday.

We love and miss you Mama, however, we know you are with God your maker and He love you more...

Fare thee well Mama. Da yie Onuapa!

tribute to the late MERCY GAISIE from Siblings

Love Lives On

Those we love are never really lost to uswe feel them in so many special ways through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind, in beauty that they added to our days... in words of wisdom we still carry with us and memories that never will be gone...

Those we love are never really lost to usFor everywhere their special love lives on.

Credit: A. Bradley

tribute

to the late MERCY GAISIE from Nephews & Nieces

“Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them. “Believe in God and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am. (John 14:13,GNT)

Partings come and hearts are broken; loved ones go with words unspoken.

Our consolation is that Mama Nsawam, as we affectionately called her, is occupying one of the many rooms Jesus has prepared. Mama Nsawam, you have been with us for many years, but your demise has made us realize that we spent those years with a wonderful auntie, a counselor, peacemaker and a blessing to the family. You have left a big vacuum in our lives.

Even though it breaks our hearts knowing that you are no more with us, our gathering here is to celebrate you, ‘Mama Nsawam’, and not to mourn you. As often as you could, you joined all family events with joy. Our Auntie is always on time and with that beautiful smile always on her face.

You had a genuine love for all of us. You were remarkable and never discriminate, and we doubt that we will ever see your kind again. We your nephews and nieces cannot stop talking about your timely counseling and all the wonderful things you did for us.

tribute

to the late MERCY GAISIE from Nephews & Nieces

This tribute to Mama Nsawam is no exaggeration. It reects our knowledge and memories of her. We will truly miss her.

Our beloved Mama Nsawam, rest in peace, and rise in glory. We will meet again.

Da yie Auntie. Amen!

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the rst fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20–22

church. She was approachable and very accommodating. Her disciplined character was seen in her punctuality and regularity to practices and Church Services until she was relocated permanently to her hometown, Saltpond and, as such, the Church gave her a betting send-off.

With pain and sorrow, we the Wesley Methodist Church Nsawam stand here today to bid our member, mother and friend farewell for her time for rest has come.

Fare thee well Sister Mercy. tribute to the late MERCY GAISIE from Nsawam Wesley Methodist Church

Our late Sis. Mercy Gaisie, whose mortal remain lies motionless before us, was a member of Nsawam Wesley Methodist Church and also a vibrant member of the Wesley Singing Band. Aunty Mercy, as we affectionately called her, was a very active member of the

Although our late sister was not with us here in Nsawam, we always remembered her in our prayers until we heard that she has nally responded to her maker's call.

Our late sister will forever be missed. May the Lord receive her in His bosom till we meet again.

tribute from Nsawam Wesley Methodist Church Singing Band

“Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy Cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain y; Wash me, Saviour, or I die.” (Augustus Montague Toplady, 1740 -78) MHB 498 Stanza 3

Sister Mercy Gaisie, popularly known as 'Aunty Mercy', joined the Wesley Methodist Church, Nsawam Society Singing Band about SixtyThree (63) years ago. She was a treble singer and leader. Aunty Mercy was very active and regular in all programs at Society, Circuit and Diocesan levels.

She was among the founding members who established the Circuit Union Singing Band in 1965 during the time of the late Master S.W. Ntow. Aunty Mercy, though very quiet, was rm in the administration of discipline in the Band, especially when it concerned the wearing of uniforms. She was sociable, accommodating and an advisor to the Band.

Aunty Mercy generously supported the Band with products from her trade. She did not default on her nancial obligations. The Band joined her to celebrate her Eightieth (80th) birthday. Later, the Band presented to her a send-off package when we were informed about the plans by her family to resettle her in her hometown because of her old age.

In 2014, when the Wesley Methodist Church Singing Band celebrated its

tribute from Nsawam Wesley Methodist Church Singing Band

89th Anniversary, our sister, mother and member, Aunty Mercy, was invited and honoured with a certicate for her commitment and dedication to the Band.

When the announcement reached us about her demise, we knew that she had prepared to meet her Creator.

As we mourn with the children and the family of our sister, we take consolation from the words of the hymn quoted above.

Obaapanyin Mercy Gaisie, rest peacefully in the bosom of our heavenly Father till we meet again. AYEYI: AYEYI NKA

selected hyminals from Methodist Hymn Book

MHB 679 CAN 227

Pleasant areThy courts above

1. In the land of light and love; Pleasant areThy courts below In this land of sin and woe. O my spirit longs and faints For the converse ofThy saints, For the brightness ofThy face, ForThy fullness, God of grace.

2. Happy birds that sing and y RoundThy altars, O Most High; Happier souls that nd a rest In a heavenly Father's breast!

Like the wandering dove that found No repose on earth around, They can to their ark repair And enjoy it ever there.

3. Happy souls, their praises ow Even in this vale of woe; Waters in the desert rise, Manna feeds them from the skies; On they go from strength to strength Till they reachThy throne at length, AtThy feet adoring fall, Who hast led them safe through all.

4. Lord, be mine this prize to win; Guide me through a world of sin, Keep me byThy saving grace, Give me atThy side a place. Sun and shield alikeThou art; Guide and guard my erring heart. Grace and glory ow fromThee; Shower, O shower them, Lord, on me.

MHB 427 CAN 139

Through all the changing scenes of life

1. Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ.

2. Of his deliv'rance I will boast, till all that are distressed, from my example comfort take and lay their griefs to rest.

3. The hosts of God encamp around the dwellings of the just; deliv'rance he affords to all who in his promise trust.

selected hyminals from Methodist Hymn Book

4. Fear him, you saints, and you will then have nothing else to fear; make serving him your sole delight, your wants shall be his care.

MHB 650 CAN 29 Jerusalem, My Happy Home!

1. Jerusalem, My Happy Home! Name Ever DearTo Me; When Shall My Labours Have An End, In Joy, And Peace, AndThee?

2. When ShallThese EyesThy HeavenBuiltWalls And Pearly Gates Behold? Thy Bulwarks,With Salvation Strong, And Streets Of Shining Gold?

3. There Happier BowersThan Eden’s Bloom, Nor Sin Nor Sorrow Know: Blest Seats,Through Rude And Stormy Scenes, I Onward PressToYou.

4. Why Should I Shrink At Pain AndWoe? Or Feel At Death Dismay?

I’ve Canaan’s Goodly Land InView, And Realms Of Endless Day.

5. Apostles, Martyrs, ProphetsThere Around My Saviour Stand; And Soon My Friends In Christ Below Will JoinThe Glorious Band.

6. Jerusalem, My Happy Home! My Soul Still Pants ForThee; Then Shall My Labours Have An End, When IThy Joys Shall See.

MHB 602 CAN 196 Father, I Know That All My Life

1. Father, I KnowThat All My Life Is Portioned Out For Me, AndThe ChangesThat Are SureTo Come I Do Not FearTo See; But I AskThee For A Present Mind, Intent On PleasingThee.

2. I AskThee For AThoughtful Love, Through ConstantWatchingWise, To MeetThe GladWith Joyful Smiles, AndWipeTheWeeping Eyes; And A Heart At Leisure From Itself,

selected hyminals from Methodist Hymn Book

To Soothe And Sympathize.

3. IWould Not HaveThe RestlessWill That HurriesTo And Fro, Seeking For Some GreatThingTo Do Or SecretThingTo Know; IWould BeTreated As A Child, And GuidedWhere I Go.

4. Wherever InTheWorld I Am, InWhatsoever Estate, I Have A FellowshipWith Hearts To Keep And Cultivate; And AWork Of Lowly LoveTo Do ForThe Lord OnWhom IWait.

MHB 511

Begone, Unbelief; My Saviour Is Near

1. Begone, Unbelief; My Saviour Is Near, And For My ReliefWill Surely Appear; By Prayer Let MeWrestle, And HeWill Perform; With Christ InTheVessel, I Smile AtThe Storm.

2. Though Dark Be MyWay, Since He Is My Guide,

It Is MineTo Obey, It Is HisTo Provide; Though Cisterns Be Broken And Creatures All Fail, TheWord He Hath Spoken Shall Surely Prevail.

3. His Love InTime Past Forbids MeTo Think He'll Leave Me At Last InTrouble To Sink;

While Each Ebenezer I Have In Review Conrms His Good PleasureTo Help Me QuiteThrough.

4. Why Should I Complain OfWant Or Distress, Temptation Or Pain? HeTold Me No Less;

The Heirs Of Salvation, I Know From HisWord. Through MuchTribulation Must FollowTheir Lord.

5. Sin AllThat I Meet ShallWork For My Good, The Bitter Is Sweet,The Medicine Food; Though Painful At Present, ItWill Cease Before Long;

selected hyminals from Methodist Hymn Book

AndThen, O How Pleasant The Conqueror's Song!

Da yie, dɔfo fonafo,

1: Da yie, dɔfo fonafo, W' edwuma abɔ adze; Ahomgye pa, siar mbordo Na dɛw mapa nyɛ wodze.

Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w' nsie,Adzesaa ahyɛ sum, da yie!

2: Nyinsu bɔnsam' kwantunyi Hom yaw na suro nsa, Hom mbrɛ sũ na mbusu nnyi, W' akwantu ber no asa.

Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w' nsie,Adzesaa ahyɛ sum, da yie!

3: Twer Jesu N' abaw mu komm, Nyame dɔ nkata wo do;

Sun W' Agyenkwa No bom’ sɔnn, Mbrɛ bɔn biara nnkɛhaw wo.

Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w' nsie,Adzesaa ahyɛ sum, da yie!

4: Kwantunyi bѐrɛfo dɔfo, W' akwantu abɔ adze; Atsew esian nyina mu, E awѐrɛhow wiadze.

Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w' nsie,Adzesaa ahyɛ sum, da yie!