What would you write new about a retired Archbishop?

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum 

There is nothing new that can be written about the former Anglican Archbishop of Jos Diocese, except that he is 70 years old.

And, secondly, has stopped taking Coca cola drinks!

Perhaps, the other two are: He retired as Anglican Archbishop when it was least expected and his tour of duty as General Secretary of GAFCON ended in 2023 having began in 2019.

What is there to write about him that may be new to members of his diocese? Or even those who know him and perhaps worked with him? 

Perhaps nothing, but, there are a hundred and one reasons why he should be celebrated, that is if you appreciate his worth and station.

Talking about Rt Rev Benjamin Argak Kwashi, if you need to know; he is suave and urbane, with a social prominence that can't reduce his ecclesiastical standing.

Come to think of it, who would have been in his position; a servant of the Most High, if he or she doesn't love people?

No one can exaggerate his love for humanity. He is aware, love conquers all; even in adversity.

Let us imagine that you have never met him or even heard about him; this may be what you need as introduction to his person, and the struggles associated with his life over forty years ago.

Come to think of it, he was not plugged from heaven. He grew up in Nigeria and chose a career in the military, fortunately, God 'arrested' him to fish for the souls of men.

The better part of his life saw him traversing both rural and urban parishes; encountering all manners of life-threatening challenges to his faith and person.

Like the General that he turned out to be, he never gave up.

Have you ever met a Servant of God whose dedication to education is hair-raising? No matter where they are located, truth is, many young men and women are today holders of various certificates and are engaged in different vocations, on account of his prodiing.

As for the numerous orphans who would have been long forgotten, fate smiled on them by virtue of the shelter and comfort provided for them at Zambiri. Together with his wife Gloria, they are proud parents to several orphaned children.

Ii is a known fact, the church is not meant for saints; sinners of all shades should populate it. Through the help of God, several young persons, who hitherto had been written off are today making marks as heads of different dioceses.

For his mentorship and sound discipline, many of them were given a new lease of life. They, in turn, do not lack the message to pass to their congratulations by virtue of their experiences.

Talking about adversity, Rev Ben Kwashi must have seen it all: Persecuted, and almost killed in three attempts; suffered and survived the indignities of stage four cancer.

Other physical abuse and attempted murder of his wife, Gloria and son have not been considered as impediments for the cause of the gospel.

If speaking to power could have stopped any priest from advocacy, Bishop BA Kwashi would have been counted as number one. No one could have attempted muting his voice as he spoke against any thing or policy that was anti-people.

For the cause of God's work, for which he almost lost his life on several occasions, he remains on the frontline to stoke the fire of regeneration in a world that keeps compromising.

Largely, he remains the Bishop of a persecuted church that has spoken continuously, even in the face of calamities which have threatened the existence of the state.

In old age, I am aware of what the Bible says in Psalm 92:14: They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.

I know his health shall allow him serve longer; with renewed strength and peace, knowing that his assignment as a shepherd has been concluded.

When a priest retires, what does he engage his energy and time into? Take care of his garden? Or his grandchildren? Read more books apart from the Bible?

What does he do more? Run around taking of hundreds of his children? Or be involved in doing physical exercises in basketball, his favourite sports? 

 

There are many options for the things a retired Bishop could do in old age. Speculations about his favourite pastime may be dangerous to suggest.

Mi Lord Bishop, is one person who can't be kept in one place. It won't be a surprise, if his table is full with many things that will engage him.