I received the news of the death of my friend Femi on Thursday the day after his death with shock and disbelief. The last time we spoke together was in March this year when he called me on FaceTime. It was very unusual for him to call me this way and it was the last time we spoke together. As usual, he called me by his nickname for me … “handsome, handsome,handsome”. We talked at length recalling the challenges of life we had faced and how God delivered us. Little did I know that he was showing his face to me for the last time. He looked very well, beaming with his usual infectious smile & full of his trade mark humour. I met Femi when we started our specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria thirty five years ago. I remember those days of studying together and travelling together to take our professional examinations. I remember our bachelor days. We lived close to each at the UCH resident doctors quarters and we used to visit each other. Femi was a good cook, he was always full of humour and there was never a dull moment with him. Femi was there for me in my hour of need, checking on me now and again. I am very grateful that he knew the Lord and served faithfully in His vineyard. The Lord indeed transformed his life and I thank the Lord that his yielded to His call. I am still in denial about his death, but I take solace in God. He is own interpreter. I thank the Lord for the life he lived, the love he shared and the lives that he impacted. He has joined the saints triumphant, the cloud of witnesses. Femi you have fought a good fight, you have finished your course and kept the faith. A crown of righteousness is laid up for you, which the righteous judge shall give to you on that day. Sleep well my dear friend, until that glorious day when we shall meet to part no more. May the Lord comfort and strengthen you Enitan and the children Olaofe, TanitOluwa and FiyinfOluwa. I will end with the song of this songwriter - Ada Habersgo HE WILL HOLD ME FAST VERSE 1 When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast; When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold Through life’s fearful path; For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast. REFRAIN He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast. VERSE 2 Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast; Precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast. He’ll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last; Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast. VERSE 3 For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast; Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast. Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast ‘Till our faith is turned to sight When He comes at last! By Ada Habershon