God willing and should funds become available,then on Friday,April 2nd,2010, I will join my siblings,relatives,friends,the community, and all well wishers to wish Mama fare well @ her home in Bonyunyu, Nyamira, Kenya.
Like in any other funeral service,Mama will be remembered for all kinds of things.But as for me I will remember her and pay special tribute for the following:
1.Mama was born in 1925 and got married as a 4th wife to my late father in 1943 @ the age of 18 years old. She spent most of her life in great pain and agony as she laid to rest 7 of her children who died at different ages for who knows what.
2.She was a very faithful,dedicated,committed, peace loving,generous and loyal Christian. She spent most of her life as a deaconess.She returned her tithe both faithfully and systematically.She had no quarrel with any one and avoided gossip in all its forms.
3. She was a woman of prayer who daily prayed for her children and even her enemies.She was the first one to assist her enemies,something that you rarely witness or hear about.She had this way of talking to Jesus that really touched me. Her prayers on behalf of us,her children were very rich. They are what has carried us this far. Will always cherish them.
4.She taught us to fear/respect God, to be faithful in returning to God what belongs to Him and to be always ready and willing to support all, including our enemies.Every time I called to speak with Mama,most of what she told me was other people’s problems. She rarely thought of her own needs. God bless her soul.
5.She was a very hard working woman who loved a clean environment.
6.Amidst many years of pain, torture and dire poverty,she lived to be 85 years old and has left behind 5 grown up children,36 grand children, 21 great grand children and 1 great great grand child. Both my father and my 3 step mothers are deceased.
Yes, on that day-her burial day-as she will be lowered to her resting place until the resurrection day, I will deep in my heart whisper these words,”Fare thee loving mother. We truly appreciate all your sacrifice on our behalf. There is no question that you will be missed, but we look forward to seeing you in the earth made new.If we,your children will remain faithful,then in a little while,we’ll be home.” Rest in peace from all the pain that you have gone through.” On that day,you will be able to see your children again! Hallelujah.
Is your mother still alive? Please let them know how much you appreciate them. If yours is already gone then know that my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Even so come Lord Jesus and take your children home. We are truly sick and tired of this world. Amen!
Pr Absalom Birai
612-386-4608
www.pastorbirai.com