Farewell to Patrick: A Journey of Faith and Friendship

In a heartfelt gathering, African Enterprise International colleagues and friends came together to bid farewell to Patrick, a dedicated member of African Enterprise (AE) for the last seven years, as he embarks on a new chapter in Canada. The event, marked by emotional speeches and reflections, celebrated Patrick’s impactful journey with AE and his profound influence on those around him.

Patrick expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he had with AE. “This has been a prayer answered,” he said, reflecting on his journey from South Sudan to Kenya, and now to Canada. He emphasized the significance of this transition, not just for himself but for his family, and thanked God for guiding his steps.

Speakers at the farewell highlighted Patrick’s character and the deep bonds formed over the years. One colleague reminisced about their shared journey since January 2014, when they both joined AE. “We schooled together, first friends, first friends,” he recalled, underscoring the strong friendship that had developed. Another colleague expressed gratitude for the lessons learned from Patrick, saying, “It has really been a pleasure knowing Patrick, and we learned a lot from him.”

A Legacy of Humility and Service

I know I’ll miss the friendly, caring family of colleagues in AE that has been a support system both for ministry and even in family
Patrick Tome

Patrick’s humility, service, and sense of humor were recurring themes in the speeches. “The humility, just the service, and the sense of humor, we are able to really laugh about different things,” a colleague noted. His love for the word of God and prayer was particularly inspiring to those around him. Irene, the Executive Assistant to the CEO said, “Just knowing that you have a love for God in that way that’s very inspiring and a love for your family and especially your wife, so that’s a blessing.”

Patrick expressed his deep appreciation for the AE family, describing them as a supportive system in both ministry and personal life. “I know I’ll miss the friendly, caring family of colleagues in AE that has been a support system both for ministry and even in family,” he said. His sentiments were echoed by others who acknowledged the strong sense of community within AE.

A Bittersweet Farewell

The farewell was bittersweet, with colleagues acknowledging the loss felt by AE’s finance team but also recognizing Canada’s gain. “Given your level of experience, and what you’ve given, let me say that for us in finance, we’ve lost. But I gather Canada has gained,” Gordon Ondiek, the International Operations Manager at AE remarked. The gathering was filled with mixed emotions, as friends and colleagues wished Patrick and his family all the best while expressing their sorrow, and gladness for an answered prayer, at his departure.

A Life of Impact and Inspiration

International Team Leader/CEO Rev. Dr. Stephen Mbogo offered a poignant reflection, comparing Patrick’s impact to that of a newborn’s cry: essential and deeply felt. “Live the kind of life that when you’re gone, you will be smiling and everybody will be crying,” he advised, capturing the essence of Patrick’s influence on those around him.

As Patrick moves forward to new beginnings in Canada, his legacy of faith, friendship, and service will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate with the AE family.