Kenya Family Funeral

For those of you who follow us on our facebook page, you know that yesterday we learned of the death of one of our children's dad.  This young man was a good Daddy to his little 3 yr old Reuben, even though he was so poor and so sickly.  But that fight ended yesterday when the horrible disease of AIDS claimed his earthly life. 

This morning I learned that it will be the "responsibility" of  our His Arms Children's Project to cover the cost of the funeral.  This poor man living in extreme poverty, also had an extended biological family that had basically disowned him and chose to ignore his little son as well.  When we did gift this man with animals, apparently the "extended family" stole them from him.  We of course, bought him a new animal, helped raise the funds to build a secure pen for the animal, and a door with a lock to protect him and his little boy.  Last October when we visited, Stephen, this dear man, walked miles just to see us, hug us, and tell us how very much he appreciated all of our help and the respect we had given him.  We could not believe he had made that long walk in his very diseased state.  We surely reminded him with hugs how important he was to us and to the Lord. 

Stephen lost that earthly battle over the week-end.  But now we also are left to bury this young man.  Already I received word that our families we support (now have 61 children in family units being supported by US sponsors!  PRAISE THE LORD!) have now all donated some beans and maize from their humble belongings, so the funeral "feast" can happen for this young man.  Florence will meet with our over seer Margeret who introduced us initially to this special family.  They will plan his humble funeral.  We may have to take some funds from our property funds we have been collecting, for our new building. But we will bury this sweet young man, with dignity.  LORD continue to show us the way.  Help us to continue to be HIS ARMS in reaching out to the hurting, the outcast, the orphans, the widows, and the oppressed as with those dealing with AIDS.  Show us the way LORD.  SHOW US YOUR WAY LORD!