Last Tuesday night, friends, family, church members and people from the Christian community gathered at the residence of Mr Charles Baako Moses Jnr to celebrate a man who has played an important role in their lives.
They came together to celebrate his 100th birthday at a black-tie dinner, but the evening also became an opportunity to eulogise a spiritual father, mentor, guide and leader whose influence has spanned generations.
One after another, they shared memories of the centenarian, recounting personal experiences and speaking about the ways he had touched their lives.
Celebrating 100 years is no small achievement, but even at that age, Mr Moses remains remarkably active.
He speaks clearly, communicates with ease, moves around independently and requires little assistance with his daily activities. His sharpness and ability to engage with people make it easy to forget that he has lived through an entire century.
As the General Overseer of The Holy Church of God, Mr Moses, referred to as “The Great”, has devoted much of his life to faith, leadership and service. He also has a long history in business, with interests spanning transport, agribusiness and manufacturing.
But for the man at the centre of the celebration, reaching 100 is not something he takes credit for.
“It’s something I cannot describe because the whole thing is the Creator who has made it so. On my own I cannot be 100. Unless the Father himself prepares you for it, you can’t.” He told The Mirror in a brief conversation on Tuesday at his Ringway residence.
For Mr Moses, his century-long journey is first and foremost a testimony of God’s grace.
He said the day was “very pleasing” and made him reflect on the Creator he considers his Father and source of strength.
“I felt so convinced that there is a Creator who is my Father and who supports me and does
everything for me,” he said.
A life built on faith
His faith is not simply something he professes; it is woven into his daily life.
Mr Moses said one of the first things he does each day is pray for God’s guidance, explaining that he does not believe he should live each day entirely on his own terms.
“I pray to God to guide me as to how I should live that day,” he said.
He explained that there were days when he believed God directed him to remain at home, while on other days, he might be led to go out and attend to his activities.
“The important thing is, let God guide you as He guided Jesus Christ,” he said.
That strong faith has been at the centre of his life and leadership of The Holy Church of God, an institution he helped build alongside his father.
The church, which was established at Parakuo Estates, Dome, celebrated its 70th anniversary last year.
Message to young people
After 100 years of life, Mr Moses’ message to the younger generation is simple: respect everyone.
He said that although his father and mother were no longer alive, he regarded every person he met, whether a man or a woman, as a father or a mother figure deserving of respect.
“To any person I meet, be it a man or a woman, I regard that person as my father or as my mother. I give him or her the needed respect,” he said.
He believes young people, in particular, should not dismiss others because of their age or social standing.
It is a principle he said he learnt from his parents.
Mr Moses recalled that he respected the advice of his father and mother and continues to listen when people offer him counsel. He said he considered what he was told carefully before deciding whether it was appropriate to act on it.
A legacy beyond the church
Although much of his public life has been associated with The Holy Church of God, Mr Moses’ contribution extends beyond the church.
His entrepreneurial activities in transport, agribusiness and manufacturing have also formed an important part of his life and work.
His leadership has earned him recognition, including an Honorary Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cambridge International College for his contributions to leadership and institutional development.
Yet, as friends, family and church members reflected on his life during his centenary celebration, it was clear that his greatest influence could not be measured only by institutions built or businesses established.
It lives in the people he has guided, the values he has passed on and the generations he has influenced.
For him, the milestone is not simply a celebration of longevity but a testimony of faith, humility, respect and a life placed in the hands of God.
