FUNERAL OF SILAS OPIYO
We had planned for some time to do Fred and Caroline's house mudding on Saturday but like anywhere , at any time God can take a person from this life and cause OUR plans to be delayed.
PART 1 ( the blog doesn't let me post more than 4 pictures at a time which is why they are sometimes done in 2 parts)
Brother Silas passed away very unexpectly last Saturday a week ago. He was in town doing business and just dropped over. Being only 41 years old, husband of Jackie and father of 5, it was quite a shock! The autopsy showed he died of cardiac arrest with bloodclot passing through his heart. He was was also diagnosed as having puenmonia, being diabetic and HIV positive which he had known and was on medication for. Being involved with the Agape Ministries, he was carrying quite abit of money and when a person collapses in public like this, a mob can soon strip a person of all his belongings. In this case, God arranged another young church brother, to arrive on the scene at just the right time and he protected the body and quickly took his valuables.
Silas and his family attended the Kasongo church and were members there. The funeral was held at his home close to the church. It was a whole week since he died and we wondered how a body is held for a week in this heat. They are embalmed, sealed in a casket and are viewed through a glass. We were also informed they often wait a week to give relatives time to arrive and also to give the family time to make money for food to feed the people attending. Even then only the family and CBF members were fed and they didn't have enough.
An hour before the service, there was testimony time. His mother, the in-laws, brothers and sisters and school board members spoke and lifted Silas very highly. Even the local tribal chief, a young, handsome, impressive young man, was given an opportunity. He was very respectful and spoke well of the Christians. Later we were told he has a brother who's a member in one of the churches. It amazing how God speaks to the great and small, the rich and poor alike. Last of all the widow, a beautiful, petite young woman, was asked to give testimony.......it was difficult for her.....but she was strong!
Silas will be sorely missed by many......a very vibrant, energetic man, he was involved with Agape Ministries and a very talented interpreter. He was on the local school board and spoke to many of his own people about God. Truly more people are touched in his death.
The service was held under a different tarps providing shade under the hot sun. A side wing held many locals, neighbors and relatives. I was struck by the miserable, stricken expressions these people had on their faces.
We had planned for some time to do Fred and Caroline's house mudding on Saturday but like anywhere , at any time God can take a person from this life and cause OUR plans to be delayed.
PART 1 ( the blog doesn't let me post more than 4 pictures at a time which is why they are sometimes done in 2 parts)
Brother Silas passed away very unexpectly last Saturday a week ago. He was in town doing business and just dropped over. Being only 41 years old, husband of Jackie and father of 5, it was quite a shock! The autopsy showed he died of cardiac arrest with bloodclot passing through his heart. He was was also diagnosed as having puenmonia, being diabetic and HIV positive which he had known and was on medication for. Being involved with the Agape Ministries, he was carrying quite abit of money and when a person collapses in public like this, a mob can soon strip a person of all his belongings. In this case, God arranged another young church brother, to arrive on the scene at just the right time and he protected the body and quickly took his valuables.
Silas and his family attended the Kasongo church and were members there. The funeral was held at his home close to the church. It was a whole week since he died and we wondered how a body is held for a week in this heat. They are embalmed, sealed in a casket and are viewed through a glass. We were also informed they often wait a week to give relatives time to arrive and also to give the family time to make money for food to feed the people attending. Even then only the family and CBF members were fed and they didn't have enough.
An hour before the service, there was testimony time. His mother, the in-laws, brothers and sisters and school board members spoke and lifted Silas very highly. Even the local tribal chief, a young, handsome, impressive young man, was given an opportunity. He was very respectful and spoke well of the Christians. Later we were told he has a brother who's a member in one of the churches. It amazing how God speaks to the great and small, the rich and poor alike. Last of all the widow, a beautiful, petite young woman, was asked to give testimony.......it was difficult for her.....but she was strong!
Silas will be sorely missed by many......a very vibrant, energetic man, he was involved with Agape Ministries and a very talented interpreter. He was on the local school board and spoke to many of his own people about God. Truly more people are touched in his death.
The service was held under a different tarps providing shade under the hot sun. A side wing held many locals, neighbors and relatives. I was struck by the miserable, stricken expressions these people had on their faces.
The CBF pastors were given a couch seat. From left to right is Sam, John Glick , Glen Helmuth and Tommy Wagler. Pastor Tommy was given the main sermon preaching on "The Judgment". It was a very timely message and the people listened intently. It may have been the first time many heard about Jesus' love and only God knows how much fruit this will bear.......
Wodow Jackie, flanked by her 2 daughters, giving her testimony.
It was definitely a black, Beachy funeral, and we wondered when the traditional wailing would begin. But for the most part things were serene and composed. Once, through the service, a local young lady ran around the congregation flailing her arms and wailing. We all looked at her like she lost her marbles and she soon disappeared into a nearby hut.
-to be continued
Hi, Marty (he and I worked together at the furniture store) told me about your blog and it looks interesting. We sponsor two girls through CAM from Kisumu. Their names are Eunice and Sharon Oloo. IS that someone you recognize?
ReplyDeleteD. Martin