A MAN RESPECTED, YET BARELY NOTICED!

WE MUST NOW SADLY ANNOUNCE THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF one of our senior Primary Teachers in Testimony School.  Benjamin Khamasi, born on 7th February 1962,  came to teach in our School, 22 Years ago in 1995.    He had graduated from his own primary education with straight 'A's  and continuing to High School was able to attain a Division 1 as he Graduated in 1984.  Thereafter he entered  Meru Teacher Training College where he won a P1 Certificate in 1988 and straight way commenced teaching in a number of Schools, mainly Private, finally coming to US in 1995. 
A sincere Christian man, of diligent competent,  and careful nature, he soon shone as a teacher who was indeed 'given' to his profession.    Nothing was too hard for him to attempt, and in everything he proved faithful and accountable.
In 2010 he was promoted to Senior Teacher, and later in 2013 also to the post of Deputy Headmaster in Primary School.     A diligent and careful planner and organiser, yet ever humble and hard working, he became a very  dependable and respected teacher among teachers.    He could also be very direct in his speech; very definite and determined - not an easy mind changer, and therefore not always popular with those who looked to 'win him over'.    Thus he won respect.
Ben became ill at home  a few weeks into the Holiday.    He suddenly lost feeling in his hands and feet, and became unable to speak or swallow.      After a week or more he was taken to the Referral Hospital in Eldoret and has been there ever since - about two weeks.      He was seen by a number of doctors none of whom ventured to provide a diagnosis that might explain his problem.    He slowly regained use of hands and feet, and throat, and was about to be sent home the next day, but passed away suddenly in the afternoon.       From the descriptions we received, we wondered if he had suffered a kind of heart attack, or stroke, but none of the doctors that saw him seemed to follow up on such an idea.      He leaves a wife, and five children.     We shall miss him enormously.
He is to be buried at his family home in Bunyore, Western Kenya on Tuesday next week.     The School will hold a Memorial Service for him on Monday 18th December.    We expect a good many of our parents, staff, children and friends to attend.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHILDREN from all three of our Family Homes singing carols last Christmas.   All happy,and all safe and secure to follow School, and prepare for the future without anxiety.
This week one of our Old boys, John 'Jonny,Jonny' Astariko commented of government plans to do away with Children's Homes.    He writes -
'I am saddened by the whole scenario,
and it kills me to know that the very place that brought me up,
and made me who I am now,

would be taken for granted by the Government!

It shakes me, but all my prayers and thoughts

are with you all, and with ALL the children of 

Testimony Faith Homes.

Here he is to the left, and also to the right where he is partying with his two young daughters.   We do believe he is not the only one of the many hundreds of boys and girls who found a shelter and refuge when needed, who were able to also find Assurance with which to jump off, and into the world.     Surely it was not always the perfect 'home' but it was certainly better than the Street, or some impersonal and institutional 'Holding Centre'.      Thank you John!

+++++++++++++++++++ 

OUR SON Steven, has been with us this week!    It is always good to have him with us even for such a very short time.     He hopes to be back next year, God Willing, together with his own eldest son, Eric, and possibly for longer.    But we have enjoyed so much having him with us.     He leaves us tomorrow evening for Nairobi and on to the U.K. where storms of ice and snow await him, together with -4c temperatures!!!

Thank God for our current sunny weather, and comparative warmth.       

I watched a Black and White film this weak on You Tube.     It was made in 1951 when I was eleven.

It is entitled, 'NEVER TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER' and is a simple story of a small orphan boy and his donkey, Violetta, who earn their living together in the town of Assisi in Italy.     The donkey falls ill, and filled with anxiety for the animal that is everything to him, he seeks permission to take her to the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi, that he might answer prayer and heal her.     On finding only opposition and frustration, the boy finally leaves Violetta in the care of a friend and walks to Rome to see the Holy Father.     Once there he again discovers opposition, but continues to seek a way until eventually he IS allowed to meet the Pope, who grants him permission to take his donkey into the tomb.      The film ends as we see him and Violetta walking into the tomb..........       I found it at once a very simply told, and moving account of a child's love for his animal, and dependence upon his faith in St. Francis.      Yes, of course it was a Catholic film.     One lady commented that 'she saw no value in it at all; rather childish and uninteresting unless perhaps to a Catholic.'       I felt sorry for her.

The film showed great compassion for an animal by a small child.     Oh that we were all compassionate - and not only to animals.     It also portrayed the 'innocence' of the child in believing not only in the efficacy of the Saint, but also in the goodness of those of those around him, and the unbelief and arrogance of those who had no time either for children or faith.      I am a Christian,   I also happen to admire what I have learnt of the man known as Francis of Assisi who also was a Christian.       I was moved by the film.       Good for children and adults alike.    I recommend it.
The film is taken from Paul Gallico's short story 'The Small Miracle'.

WE ARE A WEEK FROM CHRISTMAS!     Guests begin to arrive on Tuesday.    By God's Grace passed on to us by so many we have been able to have our needs provided for;  enough to Celebrate Christ's Birth, to rejoice together, and to appreciate what is take to Love each other as He Loves us.     Our Love and Thanks to you all for your prayers.

John, Esther, and Daryl Green.