Biography

"For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself: For whether we live, we live unto the LORD, and whether we die, we die unto the LORD: Whether we therefore live or die we are the LORD's."

Romans 14: 7-8

Pastor Henry Ahoni, also known to close friends and family as Awetse was born on May 3, 1949 at Koransang near Korabo in the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District - Eastern Region, Ghana, to the Mr. Thomas Atteh Ahoni of blessed memory and Madam Mary Mamle Ahoni who is still alive. Both parents are from the Shai tribe. Brother Henry was the first of nineteen children both maternal and paternal.

Awetse started his early primary education at Dodowa continuing at Kpong and then to Tema - Akodzo Primary, and Twedaase Middle School where he sat for the common entrance exam. He gained admission to Suhum Secondary Technical school from 1964 to 1969. He taught general science for a year at Aggrey Road #3 Middle School. He gained admission into Axim (Nsien) Secondary School for his 'A' level certificate from 1970 - 1972.

His career ambition was to become a chemical engineer. From Axim Secondary he decided to prepare financially before entering KNUST to pursue his career hence he joined the Lever Brothers Co. Ltd (now UNILEVER) in late 1972. In 1975, he decided to join his uncle (Samuel Ayertey) in the United States to pursue his career ambitions.

As his parents were Presbyterians, Awetse was baptized into the Presbyterian faith at an early age. He was confirmed fully into the Presbyterian faith about the time he completed his secondary school at Suhum Sec. Tech. He loved music and so joined the church choir. He also played a significant role in the Christian Worship Team when he joined the Scripture Union Fellowship at the Akodzo Middle School.

He married Miss Gloria Lingwe Laryea in Ghana before joining his uncle in the United States in January 1976. He enrolled at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. A year later, Gloria joined him. Their marriage was blessed with four beautiful girls: Stephanie, Beverly, Jennifer, and Jessica. They separated in the early 90’s and were later divorced. 

Henry’s life was also blessed with two adorable sons Andrew and Anthony; and a lovable daughter, Josephine.

With his engineering degree in hand, work took Henry from Chicago to Rochester, NY and then to several other cities in the U.S. including Horseheads, NY, Marion, IN, and Kokomo, IN, working for such companies as Dupont, Toshiba, and Thomson Consumer Electronics (RCA products). He rose through the ranks to Senior Engineer, winning a variety of professional awards along the way including Technical Excellence and Managerial awards.

His engineering career, of close to two decades, was truncated by the economic shift in his industry that saw manufacturing plants move overseas. Undeterred, he re-trained and worked in insurance and financial services, relocating to Chicago, and working with such companies as Monumental Insurance Company, Aflac and Primerica. Finally, becoming an independent business owner offering wealth management, insurance, and financial services.

Henry and Josephine were introduced through a close mutual friend. What started as a long-distance correspondence, blossomed into romance and a marriage of twenty three years.

He joined Christ’s Oasis Ministries in 1999 and was soon after appointed as Associate Pastor serving under Rev. Dr. Isaac Paintsil. His love for Josephine and their love for the LORD and His church was part of his lifelong ministry in their home church of Christ’s Oasis Ministries. This included marriage ministry, evangelism, drama, mentoring, discipleship, and counseling. He was instrumental in starting the north campus branch of Christ’s Oasis and served as its first pastor. He joined the leadership of Rehoboth Prayer Ministry in 2013 and ministered faithfully as a member of the Levitical team under Bishop Alex Sackey-Ansah. Additionally, on the 2nd of September, 2013 he was ordained as reverend minister with the Morris Cerullo World Evangelism.

Working passionately and tirelessly to improve the lives of others - Henry fought for integrity, academic excellence, and financial literacy in his church and local communities. Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Henry was always humble and focused on the needs of others. He was a patient, loving, and supportive man who instilled in those who listened to him the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion (always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with those who sought his guidance). He was a firm believer in the saying that one “must be the change that one wishes to see in the world”.

Henry is survived by his mother, Madam Mary Mamle Ahoni; his wife, Josephine; his children: Stephanie, Beverly, Andrew, Jennifer, Jessica, Anthony, and Josephine; their spouses and children; his siblings; numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren; his Oasis family; his Rehoboth Prayer Ministry family; and many dear friends and relatives. His passing is a profound loss for his family and friends, who will always remember him as a kind, generous, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, mentor, and friend. Henry's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the many contributions he made to his community and the world.

Papa Ahoni, rest well, you have joined the great cloud of witnesses and the ancestors. We will carry on as you did: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God. Until we meet again on that great day, we love you! Always!