The Biography of Late Engineer Rufus Eberechukwu Onwuka.
4 min read
BIRTH:
Engr. Rufus Eberechukwu Onwuka was born on the 16th of April, 1942 to the family of Late Mr. John Onwuanaebulem and Jimaima Chinwe of Umudim Achara Umuaka, in Njaba L.G.A of Imo State. He is the 4th child and the second son of his parents.
EARLY LIFE/EDUCATION.
During Papa’s early school life: He started his primary school education at St. Paul’s Anglican School Achara, he then moved to all Saint School Amandugba and then finished at St. Bananas School Okwudor where he obtained his standard six. Afterwards he ventured into trades and some other endeavours as it were in those days with little or more successes.
Papa obtained some professional certificates while on the job training both in Nigeria and outside the country which boosted his curriculum vitae.
He worked with ALMARINE NIG LTD and finally NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY where he worked and retired as a marine engineer in the year 2002 through the will of God. Till death he was a pensioner.
After retirement, some oil companies like Samesokay under Shell tried to engage papa’s services but he declined saying that he was grateful to God he retired in sound health and would want to face his family.
MARTIAL LIFE:
Engr. Rufus Eberechukwu Onwuka got married to his heart throb and the love of his life Mrs. Mary Nwannebuihe Onwuka, (Nne Feli) in the year 1973 at the age of 32. Their marriage was blissful and successful and is blessed with eight children (three males and five females) and several grand children plus one great grandchild.
CHRISTAIN LIFE:
Daddy’s Christian Life was glorious upward and forward. In 1975, Daddy became BORN AGAIN WOW!! He served God earnestly in the Assemblies of God Church as it were when Christianity was like a war zone. Many of his pairs and kinsmen gave him date upon dates thinking that the decision he took was a joke. Daddy like he’s fondly called shared regularly with us that he was lost to this world, that he rather dies than go back to the world. He proudly says this loud and clear to everyone who cares to listen. Daddy was prouder about the things of God, the family Altar was his daily delights and routine. He was a pioneer of the Christian faith in Achara and Umuaka at large. A symbol of CHRIST till death. He is a landmark of NDI CHURCH both home and abroad. Anybody who knows him can attest to this fact. The All Saint Gospel Church cannot also forget him in a hurry.
He gave this house you are seeing today to be used as a church and parsonage until they got their permanent site. All for the love of CHRIST and in the furtherance of the gospel of our LORD AND SOON COMING KING.
He was until his death, a strong and devoted member of the Assemblies of God Church (Church 1 Rukpokwu, Rivers State.)
We your children are also challenged by your faith, work and your faithfulness and it also has shown in our individual lives all to the testimony of Jesus.
Daddy! Your daily delight was always to be in the presence of the lord. Our consolation is in the fact that you died IN THE LORD.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17-18
“For the lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangels, and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first;
17: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18: Wherefore comfort one another with these words”
Finally you were a symbol of peace, you comforted the persecuted Christians in Achara, you were a rallying ground, counselor, encouraging and admonishing younger Christians in the faith. Your death speaks volumes. We miss you and will forever live and follow your legacies if Jesus tarries. This is our solemn pledge.
Fulfilled Life:
Daddy lived a God giving fulfilled Life; he was not abandoned by our Lord Jesus Christ at his last hour.
A Happy man with a happy life children, grand children, great grandchild, wealth, peace of mind and above all INTERNAL LIFE OF GOD. I Know you are smiling out there in the presence of the lord, we are coming sir because we are raptureable and rapture ready.
Your transition to eternal glory was definitely a shock to all and sundry. In you we had a man of great courage, peace, wisdom, a man with so much strength and zest propagating the Gospel with gusto. You will be fondly remembered for your honesty, outspokenness, sense of humour, charity, hard work, diligence, fear of God.
Your family you left behind are all still intact the same way you wanted it and wished for. ADIEU Daddy, we mourn but not without hope. Thank you for all the legacies. Thank God we all came from your “LIONS” And your impact shall yet be felt. Thank you for a fulfilled Life.
