Tears as COCIN Estate Officer Buries Wife

Late Mrs. Mercy Semlek, wife to the Estate Officer of the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Rev. Andrew Semlek has been laid to rest at their family compound in Zawan, Jos South local government area of Plateau State amid tears of painful physical departure by loved ones.

A funeral service was held at COCIN Gigiring, the headquarters of RCC Hwolshe on Friday after her demise on Sunday, the 15th December, 2024 at Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos.

Speaking at the funeral Service, the COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo sympathized with her husband, the children and her parents over her death, as he read the book of Job 14:5 in the Bible and reminded them that only God decides how long one lives on earth.

He said though it is painful to part with a loved one, only God can comfort them in a special way in their grieving moment.

In an emotional testimony, her husband, Rev. Andrew Semlek recalled how he watched painfully in the hospital with no idea of how to save her life in her struggle until she breathed her last breath in his arms.

He shared how the night before her passing, he woke up and discovered her praying and he joined her in the prayer before they returned to sleep. He recalled that she was the first that woke up as they all got ready to go to Church before she started complaining and he took her to the hospital.

He appreciated the love shown to them during the period, which according to him his late wife has a beautiful spirit that touches many lives through the relationship she established with people around.

Rev. Semlek said she is his best friend and her support kept him strong as he prayed God to help him go through and come out strong.

In a sermon, former COCIN Vice President, Rev. Dr. Obed Dashan (rtd) read the book of Genesis 5: 5, and some selected verses in the chapter, where he said late Mrs. Mercy walked with God and God took her to be with Him.

He urged the mourners to draw lessons from the lives of Enoch and Noah who walked with God and God took them as recorded in the Bible.

He said nobody was born a believer until he or she decides to be, noting that the Christ like life is not about talking but it’s all about action. He asked them what will their commentaries be and called on them to reflect on their lives.

Chairman RCC Hwolshe, Rev. Williams Instifanus earlier in a welcome address noted that the demise to the RCC was not an easy thing but they find comfort in the fact that she died as a believer who has gone to be with the Lord.
Roms. 14:8-8.

Late Mrs. Mercy Semlek died as a devoted believer at the age of 54, following a brief illness and left to mourn her are her husband, 3 children, her biological parents and many other loved ones.