Rev. John G. Goah

March 16, 1948 - February 13, 2022

John G.W. Goah was born to Pastor Gardaworin Goah and Wurutee Colnoe Goah on March 16, 1948. At six years old, John lost his mother during childbirth. His father didn't have the finances to send John to school, but Gardaworin was a pastor, and he encouraged John to follow him everywhere he went while he preached. John enjoyed his father's company and found an interest in the Gospel. John dreamed that one day he'd become a minister of the Gospel and preach like his father, Pastor Gardaworin Goah. At age 16, John went to live with one of his uncles and attended school for the first time. While John lived with his uncle and family, he experienced some difficulties, but that did not stop him. He was determined to go to school and get an education. While John lived with his uncle, he walked 5 miles to and from school. Before studying, John sold oranges, bananas, and African clothes for his uncle's wife. John sometimes had to study with a candle or flashlight, but that did not discourage him from achieving what he wanted. He was determined to get an education so he could be successful. John graduated from Christian High in 1973. After graduation, John began his first job at LAMCO and later moved to Monrovia, where he enrolled at the University of Liberia. John taught at the John D. Colnoe, Sr. Memorial St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal School in Sinkor, Monrovia. John encountered many missionaries from the United States, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland. They all found interest in John because of his intelligence, brilliance, down-to-earth personality, and warm smile. Some missionaries dedicated their time to teaching my father how to drive and hired him as their driver. They also hired him as an assistant minister at the Ministry of Planning. John was given the opportunity to continue his education in Switzerland and Norway, but he felt the position should go to the less fortunate. John believed strongly in education and impressed the importance of schooling on all he came across. John later adopted Marie Jacob Smith and took full responsibility for her education. While working at the Ministry of Planning, John came across many well-educated men and women from Milligan College. They told John about the international student program, and John found interest. He then worked more to save for a plane ticket and entry to the program. In December 1982, John departed for his new journey in the land of opportunity. He was one of few students who were not 17-20 years old. While on campus, he came across the beautiful woman of his dreams, Betty Hill, and they got married in the chapel at Milligan College. After Mr. and Mrs. Goah graduated from Milligan in 1989, they planned a trip to Liberia to build a Mission. But due to the Liberian civil war, John and Betty had to return to the United States without purchasing the land. When John returned from Africa, he registered at East Tennessee State University, where he studied marriage and family. He later attended Vanderbilt University as well. In 2006, John's wife, Betty, passed away. In August 2006, John met Florence W. Wapoh, and they were married on July 5, 2008. John said, "God has been faithful to me and hasn't yet forgotten about me." John said when he thought his hope was gone, God sent an Angel to wipe away his tears. John and Florence were happily married for 14 years. John was full of life and positively affected everyone he came across. He enjoyed the company of his friends and family. John was a fearless man who strongly believed in God and loved the children of God. John served and was ordained at Thankful Baptist Church. He later relocated to Central Baptist Church in 2006. My father was my hero. My father, John G. Goah, will forever be missed and remembered.