The value of a human life in most third world countries is fragile at best. Here in Kenya, it is certainly no different. Yesterday, while staring at a pool of dried blood on the floor of a home, one of our pastors shared one of the saddest stories I have ever heard, one that will be etched in my mind for many years to come. One of the women in the church (names & places have been omitted for privacy) was murdered by several people during the middle of the night. From what witnesses and the police can tell, this was not a "theft gone bad", these people came to the house for one purpose, to kill. The reason, for this brutal act will shock you! This lady was making some "trinkets" to sell and her competitors thought she was taking away their business, so they eliminated her. The cost of the goods was about 10 cents!! This young mother & wife, was killed over pennies.
Minutes later, as I stood by the bed where her husband laid, through tears, he shared this story with me. He had cuts on his head, arms and legs. His head was swollen where they had beaten him with a club. He kept asking, "why would they want to kill my wife, she did nothing wrong?!" Unfortunately, I had very few words of encouragement to give as I was standing there in shock of what I had just heard. We prayed with him and did our best to comfort him.
The story does not get better...... This couple has more than a dozen children they care for, many are orphans. Several of them attend one of our Christian schools here and have more needs than we can begin to count. This week, each of those kids are struggling with the loss of their mom and with the near death of their dad. They will experience grief that I would not wish upon any child. They will be forever changed by these series of events! The funeral will take place on Saturday.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend that funeral as I will be attending another funeral at the same time in Mtepeni. The father of two of our school kids was hit by a motorcycle and died Monday night. He leaves behind a wife in her 20's, 5 kids, 2 are twins that were born 10 weeks ago. I will share more about this story in our Quarterly Newsletter next month.
Please pray for Lisa and I as we try to comfort these families. There have been a total of 3 deaths this week (3 funerals this Saturday). Pray for the spouses and kids left behind as they have to try to pick up the pieces, pay the bills and go on living without a loved one. Pray that we can win the lost who will come to these funerals. Pray that God will be given all the glory and honor through these situations.
It's been a sad week in Kenya...Chris & Lisa
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