TRIBUTE TO MY COLLEAGUE AND BROTHER IN CHRIST CANON EMERSON THOMAS I start by thanking God for the life of Canon Emerson Thomas. The news of the sudden passing into the glory of Emerson came as a shock to me – a day after the birthday of my late brother Emile. Emerson was the young man who proposed Emile and Myna’s toast at their wedding. I got to know Emerson through the Scripture Union, Sierra Leone. Mr. Bill Roberts was the first Travelling Secretary. I returned home from Britain in 1967 a young Christian and joined the Scripture Union staff on secondment in 1972. As the work expanded, a young energetic man, Emerson Thomas joined the staff in 1976. I was taking him on a familiarisation in 1976, where unfortunately while Emerson was driving we had a near-death accident in which two people in the lorry we collided with died. Emerson had a bump as he hit his head on the dashboard whilst I had a scratch on my foot. Only God could have protected us. Emerson did not give up! Courageously, he continued. We continued until 1977 when I left. During that period, we developed a good rapport. Emerson would help me pick up my niece Vida from nursery when I was on tour or when I was busy and could not make it. Vida still remembers those acts of kindness. The families continued to draw closer in friendship and later became very close. I was sponsor for Emerson’s sister that later passed away. My late brother Rev. Emile Jones and Emerson developed a bond, and he proposed a toast at Emile’s wedding. Becky, Emerson’s twin became very fond and close to me up till today. She never forgets me. Every birthday, she would send a card and a present. May God console her and the rest of the family. What about Emerson’s other half Isabella? I cannot forget how she would sew lovely dresses for me. They took me to see their lovely home the last time I visited Sierra Leone. May God sustain her as she battles through her ailment and all the family. Emerson ran his race and has entered into a well-earned rest with the heavenly Father. Thanks be to God. Mrs. Aureola Enwezor (Nee Jones) and family.