RUN THE RACE, RECEIVE THE CROWN,

MARK came to stay with us in Testimony House in April 1970.   He was just about 12 years old, and older than we usually admitted into the Homes.  He was introduced to us by an elderly Anglican deaconess who knew us well, and who we also trusted and respected.     Mark's family had been evicted from their home, and their mother, a widow, now had to bring up her family of two boys and two girls in very difficult circumstances, and practically without any means whatsoever.      Surely we might be able to help just one, and the lot fell to Mark,  a very serious, intelligent, and purpose filled young man.     As the years went by, he eventually entered Eregi Teacher Training College, and Mark became a much honoured and looked up to family member.    He did not forget his roots or his family, and as he developed and grew he always had their welfare at heart, and ever dreamed of being able to help turn around their fallen state back to some secure prosperity.   In this he was joined by his elder brother Peter, later Doctor Peter Ouma who also had been assisted to promote his education overseas.      Mark showed himself to be man of Christian faith and principle, and also a dedicated Teacher.      He maintained with close ties with us, and we did our best to follow his progress with interest.     We attended his Wedding, and have watched the development of his family through his determined leadership and care.      He did not forget the poor around him, and he and his wife also opened up their own home and family to help less fortunate children around them.    Mark was not a striking figure of a man.     He was well below six foot in height and of a light, boney, structure.  Yet for all this he rose above many as he strove to succeed in his chosen profession.    ' He became Headmaster quite quickly, and later was also to be promoted further as a Divisional Education Officer, earning himself a place of respect among many of his peers, and a reputation morally strong and incorrupt.       It was his son who phoned me in deep distress this morning.     I just could not believe it,     'Dad passed away yesterday.....' and John broke down in tears.   He is not a child either but a young man heading his own family, and earning his own living in Nairobi.     He writes -

'He was a great man, my Dad.

My mentor, my best friend, my everything

We talked and laughed at length together last night.

Little did I know that I would never see him again alive

Rest in Peace Dad.  Nind gi kwe Baba!

It seems Mark had left home on a motor cycle, on his way to Kisumu from home, when a vehicle hit the bike and killed him.     And a light that we shall all miss, went out.     We shall ourselves deeply miss him, and his regular contact by phone, and also times of physical meeting - he was with us last in August last year when he attended the School Parents  Prize Giving as an honoured guest.  The photos at the top  was taken that day.     All those who grew up with him here, and who came to know him later, will be grieving with us all.    BUT his memory, and his family will always give meaning and purpose as to WHY Testimony Faith Homes was born.      We shall be 50 years old in August 2019, and Mark and his family would have joined with us - perhaps one or two still will!    I do Thank our Father in Heaven for taking care of us, and for planning a harvest from all that He plants along the way.     Thanks for Mark, our son in Jesus.     Thank You for his wife and family, and for his constant testimony to Your Faithfulness to him.

I feel unable to say more this week.       He was a great encouragement and support to us, valuing his time with us, and ever thankful to the Lord Jesus.     He always gave us a cause to lift up our head.

God Bless you all,    We know you will be praying for us, and also for Mark's devestated family.

John, Esther and Daryl