Since the passing of Bishop Oko Bortei-Doku, a prominent executive pastor of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), also known as the Lighthouse Chapel International, many individuals have been sharing fond memories of him.
As the children’s pastor, he dedicated many decades to shepherding the youth and children’s wings of the church until his sudden demise sent shockwaves throughout the global church community.
In honor of his life and significant impact, various tribute services were conducted in his memory across different locations within the UD-OLGC churches.
During the Bishop’s Honour Service for the late Bishop Oko Bortei-Doku, a close and dear friend of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, everything proceeded smoothly until the moment when the presiding bishop began presenting items to the bereaved family.
Having already presented symbolic items from the late bishop’s office to his wife and three children, when it came time for Bishop Dag to present them with the cross that Bishop Oko had worn, emotions ran high.
Reflecting on the substantial contributions made by the late Bishop Oko to the service and work of God, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills mentioned a poignant moment when he placed his hand on the deceased pastor’s chest.
In a brief struggle to contain his emotions, Bishop Dag became visibly moved. “Just like his older brother said, being in full-time ministry meant a lot to Bishop Oko. He would celebrate the anniversary of his full-time ministry entry with a cake, sharing the joy with others who entered full-time ministry at the same time. He loved it.
“The cross symbolizes his sacrifice and obedience. The Bible says Jesus was obedient, even obedient to the death of the cross, and so this cross symbolizes a great son.
“Today, when I put my hand on his chest (pauses for a while, filled with emotions)… I just felt compelled to say, ‘Good boy.’ I want to present this cross,” he expressed.
About Bishop Oko Bortei-Doku:
On the 1st of November, 1971, Bishop Oko Bortei-Doku was born in the city of Cape Coast to Dr. Samuel Okla Bortei-Doku and Margaret Bortei-Doku.
While still very young, he and his family joined their father, who was studying for a Ph.D. in Toronto, Canada. He attended the Jesse Ketchum Primary School until he returned to Ghana with his family in 1978. On returning to Ghana, he grew up on the campus of the University of Cape Coast where his father served as a lecturer. It was
at a campus evangelistic program, Mission ’83 that as a boy of 11 years old, Bishop Oko lifted his hand, encouraged by his father, and responded to the alter call to receive Christ as his Lord and Master.
Bishop Oko went to Achimota Secondary School for his secondary education. He was a member of Lugard House. He studied courses in the sciences and received a distinction in his Ordinary Level Exams and came back to Achimota for his Advanced Level Exams. While at Achimota School, he served as the Assistant Dining Hall prefect and was a member of the Aggrey Chapel Choir, and the Theater and Drama Club. He was a competitive sportsman and currently holds the school record for the pole vault. He also competed at the national and regional levels in pole vault and basketball.
Bishop Oko went to the University of Science and Technology where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering. While at the University, he was a member of the Inter Hall Christian Fellowship (IHCF) and EXPLO, a Christian musical and singing group. When he was home and during his national service, he assisted with the Young People Church (YPC) of the Nungua Presbyterian Church.
Neither the challenges of growing up through adolescence as a student in Achimota School nor the liberties that the University of Science and Technology offered him, were able to wash away his desire to live and work for God.
A long break as a result of the University’s shutting down in 1993 offered Oko the opportunity to visit the Lighthouse Chapel International for the first time. Intrigued by Bishop Dag’s sincerity and zeal for the work of the Lord, he eventually decided to make the Lighthouse
Chapel International his permanent home.
Bishop Oko joined the Lighthouse Chapel International headquarters choir
known as The Tulips. Later he and a couple of other singers were put together
to form a singing group called The BDs.
Bishop Oko joined the full-time staff in January 1997 immediately after
completing his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and was appointed
as a pastor in 1997. As a full-time staff, he has served in various capacities;
most prominent among them is the pastoring of the young people for which he
was mostly known all the world over.
Pastoring the young people of LCI took Bishop Oko to various countries;
England, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Namibia, South Africa, just to name a few.
Bishop Oko traveled far and wide, preaching to and raising the young people of
Lighthouse Chapel International and training them to work for God.
He was ordained as a Reverend Minister in 2003.
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Bishop Oko also worked in the Pastoral Care office and later on he was put in
charge of the Encounter Service at The Qodesh.
He was consecrated to the high office of a Bishop in 2014.
In December 2016, Bishop Oko was transferred to the Ivory Coast as a
missionary with his family and pastored the Yopougon church.
In February of 2023, Bishop Oko was transferred to Zimbabwe. He served as
the Convener for the Others International Church Denomination and pastored
the Harare City church. Upon arrival in Zimbabwe, he started work quickly with
zeal and energy which was followed by revival and growth in the churches under
him. His parishioners very quickly embraced his leadership and preaching and
looked forward to many more years of fruitful service.
Bishop Oko went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, the 22nd of
November 2023, three hours after preaching a beautiful message on “Why the
church must think of Others”. He was survived by his wife, Ama Bortei-Doku,
a pastor and a medical doctor, his son, Samuel Israel (Borki), his daughters
Maria and Angel, his sister and four brothers, and a larger family paternally and
maternally.
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