Sierra Leone Telegraph: 17 August 2020:
The United Methodist Church Resident Bishop in Sierra Leone, Dr. John K. Yambasu, died yesterday morning in a road accident outside the capital Freetown.
He is reported to have been on his way to Mile 91 to attend the funeral service of one of his pastors – the Late Reverend Edward Kamara who was to be buried yesterday.
It is not clear whether anyone else was involved in the gruesome road accident or what may have caused the vehicle to leave the road and crashed on to the side of a hill.
There has been very heavy downpour of rain in the last few days in Sierra Leone, making driving conditions extremely treacherous.
Writing for the Council of Bishops, this is what the Director of Communications – Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga said last night:
“Bishop John K. Yambasu, the Resident Bishop of the Sierra Leone Area of The United Methodist Church, died in a road accident this morning (August 16, 2020) just outside Freetown in Sierra Leone.
“He was on his way to attend a funeral service for Rev. Edward Kamara in Yonibana in the north of the country, according to Phileas Jusu, the director of communications for Sierra Leone Annual Conference.
“Our hearts are broken, and we’re devastated by this sudden departure of Bishop Yambasu. This is a great blow to the people called United Methodists! I
“t is our hope and prayers that God will comfort the family in particular and The United Methodist family at large! May his soul rest in perfect peace,” said Bishop Samuel Quire of the Liberia Episcopal Area.
“Bishop Yambasu was instrumental in bringing together a diverse group of representatives from United Methodist advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world to collaborate on a proposed agreement for the separation of The United Methodist Church.
“The agreement, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, was achieved on December 17, 2019, and announced early this year and will be considered at the next General Conference of the church set for 2021.
“Bishop Yambasu was also president of the Africa College of Bishops of The United Methodist Church.
“Born in southern Sierra Leone, Bishop Yambasu studied at United Methodist mission schools. He was ordained a deacon in 1987 and an elder in 1990. He served churches in Moyamba and Freetown until he began to focus on Christian education and youth ministry.
“A graduate of Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Bishop Yambasu taught in many schools, including the denomination’s Harford School for Girls in Moyamba. He also was the Sierra Leone Conference’s director for Christian education and youth ministries and founded the Child Rescue Centre in Sierra Leone, serving as its executive director until he became a regional missionary in 2000.
“He was elected a Bishop of The United Methodist Church in 2008 and installed in 2009.
“Bishop Yambasu is survived by his wife, Millicent, and their five children – Rebecca, Adima, John, Emmanuel and Elizabeth.”
Bishop Dr. John Yambasu was a very close brother of mine. We attended the same secondary school, lived in the same household. The best brother in the gospel, I had grown to cherish the many conversations he had with me. I shared many memories with Bishop Dr. Yambasu, and his unfortunate passing impressed on me the one heartache I pray never to experience again. Bishop Dr. Yambasu is my family member. He had come from humble beginnings and worked hard for our Lord Jesus Christ.
He ran a good race to the end and fought the good fight; he finished the race; He kept the faith. Bishop Dr. Yambasu, from now on, there’s reserved for Bishop Dr. John Yambasu the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give him on that day, and not only to him but also to all who have longed for the Lord’s appearing. Rest in peace, my brother. I will miss you.
The scripture and history has shown and proven that God never lets straightforward, empathetic good people to be devoured or distracted by the evil of the world but gives the contrary people more chance to live long to reconcile with Him. Bishop Yambasu will be remembered for his contributions to humanity and the UMC in showing God’s love.
You’ve ran your race! May your Legacies vindicate. Rest on Bishop John Yambasu. You’ve done your part. What will I and others behind bring back when our time is over? My thoughts especially to the family.
Ronald Mangey
Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant, Enter Now Into Thy Rest. May your soul Bishop Yambasu rest in peace, perfect peace, in Jesus name amen
We asked the mighty to complete his mission for him in the kingdom of Heaven
Amen. RIP
May his Soul Rest In Peace.
May tbe soul of Bishop Yambasu rest in peace. Unfortunately, another victim of our horrible road network. We need more investments on road safty improvements.