HE IS NOT HERE! HE HAS RISEN !

YESTERDAY, 9TH MARCH,   one of our sons of Testimony was laid to rest at his family home in Kisumu.    He was 62 years old.   He was 14 when he first arrived (not 12 as I stated last week).   He did not live long in our Homes - roughly ten years - before taking up his chosen profession as a Primary School Teacher.    But he did not lose touch when he left.    He visited often, and remained a well remembered, and continually visible member of the Family.      In 1983 he married Sarah Atieno, and they were to be proud parents of three sons and a daughter, all of whom live today on their own land.    It was there, at their home, that Mark Ouma was  buried, and to which crowds of friends, colleagues, and family made their way to pay their respects. 

Although I would have liked very much to be there, I was unable due to a little discomfort from my feet.    It was a three hour journey to Mark's home.       But he was not forgotten, and Esther and Daryl drove down early in the morning with Miriam Mbithi from Neema Children's Home who grew up in Testimony House with Mark for a time, and also our Chaplain, Wykliffe Ondanga, and David Koech both of whom also shared their lives partly with Mark in our home.  In the photo (David, Wykliffe, Esther, and Miriam.)    You can have some idea of the crowd that attended by noting all those seen in the background, and realising that there were as many again out of view in the photo.      Our party arrived about mid day, and the Funeral then commenced, and continued beyond 4.p.m. when they left again for home, here in Eldoret.    There were dozens of people there,
all of whom were down to speak and to share
a word of remembrance of Mark.    Esther was also invited to say a few words, which she did as much as Mark's 'Mum' as anyone there.    It was a poignant moment for her, and many others of Mark's family who know us well, and the relationship we have had with them all over the years.       He was only 62!    He could have had many good years in front of him, and he was still needed by his family, and even by his local community who also knew and loved him well.
BUT he will be REMEMBERED.     And as he is remembered, so will the God he served and trusted be lifted up and Glorified.
My dear wife and all those with her arrived home about 7p.m., rather tired from the journey and full of dust and exhausted from the very hot weather they endured in the planes where Mark's home resides, some three thousand feet below Eldoret and close to Lake Victoria.

Mark is not the only only one of our 'children' who has passed on before us.   More than 21 of the 406 children and young persons who have passed through Testimony Faith Homes since 1969.    We have attended a good many of their funerals, though not all, and we feel their loss even today, for each one has a place in our hearts.     There may have been more than 21 since we are not in touch with ALL those who have passed by, over the years. 

But these are the ones we KNOW about and the ones we still miss,

Zacaria Nanjelo; Johanna Okombo; Mark Ouma; Peter Odeyo; Catherine Akinyi; Simeon Majimbo;Benson Kariuki; Paul Ngugi; David Kamitti; Peter Onyango; John Etabu; Patrick Najok; Daniel Kipkoech; James Simiyu;  Hosea Mwendo;  Charles Kauka;  Simeon Lumzee; Abraham Kiprono; Ezekiel Kipchumba; Stephen Waweru; Percy Emslie;............

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HERE IS AN ADVANCE WARNING!

NEXT YEAR - 2019 - 

Testimony Faith Homes will be 50 Years Old.

We expect to host as many Old Family Members as possible 

as from Friday p.m.  30th August to Sunday 2.p.m. 2nd September.

THIS YEAR 2018

We will be holding a Local Anniversary for those 'family,' 

living in the locality of Eldoret

with a Family Luncheon & Fellowship

in the grounds of Testimony House (if fine)

Or the School Hall (if wet)

on

SUNDAY 26th August

as from 1p.m. to 3p.m.

We would be very much helped to plan these occassions

if you could let us know in advance if you want to attend, and also how many per family.
Food and accommodation will be free, but we cannot pay transport costs to or fro.

Crinum Lilies

These lilies grow just outside Green Cottage, and they flower continuously, just as long as they are watered.

I have enjoyed them many years, and am always uplifted to see them so fresh and alive.    They speak of the JOY that there in the Lord.   And especially on a grey, wet, and dull day they have often just sent a 'thrill' to my heart.

Yesterday funds came to an end here!    Yes, it is true, the Bank was empty, but we did have food in the larder and we did all eat and wake up to a new day, and the weekend, taken care of.      Totally strapped for cash, but STILL provided for.    AND today, before we could look to Monday, we had word that once again some had felt to remember us, and had sent a gift.  The week ahead, now, is provided for.     SURELY God does watch over us.      Do not be Anxious.     Praise Him, because he is aware of you need, and He has already taken care of it.

Much love in Jesus to you all, always, and until He Comes

John, Esther, and Daryl.