In Memoriam: Basile Mawunyo Abotsi

Ana & the children during the funeral

Ana thanks Basile

Laura Belle & Royala thank daddy on behalf of the children

On Monday the 9th of September, our brother in Christ and longstanding member of Oslokirken, Basile Mawunyo Abotsi, was promoted to glory. He had been ill for five years.

He leaves behind his lovely wife, Maria Ana Sanchez Anciado, and four beloved children, Royala, Laura Belle, Venny and Felix.

Basile Mawunyo Abotsi was born in Togo on the 2nd of January, 1973, and came to Norway just after the beginning of the new millenium.

He stood up for human rights in Togo, and this led him to seek political asylum in Norway. Pastor Jan-Aage Torp fought together with him for several years for justice.

In 2005 he became a member of Oslokirken, where he was wedded to Ana on the 16th of December in 2007. In Oslokirken Basile & Ana brought their firstborn daughter, Royala, for child dedication. For several years he was an active part of our worship team with his African drums, and he was a person who always sought to build fellowship. He had time for other people, and brought humor and joy.

When the Abotsi family bought their own house and moved to Aurskog, they were no longer among us, but many of us continued to carry the Abotsi family in our hearts.

In Oslo and Aurskog Basile & Ana built friendship relationships in many settings. He was an especially popular soccer football coach for young boys.

When Basile died, Ana immediately asked Aina & Jan-Aage Torp to officiate at the funeral, which was held at Aurskog Kapell on Friday the 20th of September.

It was an excellent ceremony with the highlights being the warm, genuine and loving words of Mrs. Ana and the children.

Aina sang beautifully the song «In Christ Alone!». Jan-Aage spoke from Matthew 25:23 where he emphasized the words «Well done, Basile!» The wreath from Oslokirken had this as our final greeting.

Now we rejoice that Basile Mawunyo Abotsi is HOME. «See you later, brother!»

The funeral on Friday the 20th of September at Aurskog Kapell gathered more than 100 family and friends from Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Philippines and Togo. It was a worthy ceremony for an outstanding man!

Basile preaches God´s Word and plays African drums in Oslokirken. «Well done, Basile! See you later!»

(Photo & Video: Tor H. Lanton)