'I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE'

In the two years we Kauffmans have lived in Kenya we have taken many visitors to the little mud hut up against the mountain. Daudi and Perez Tunga lived there a long time. Born in 1921, Daudi grew up to be a notorious cattle thief and a terror of the area. He inherited witchcraft from his grandfather and cast spells upon his victims. Daudi built his dala (home) against the mountain as a source of protection from his enemies. One day, he finally was caught stealing and spent two years in prison. After he was released, he told Perez he's not going to steal anymore. However, there is always a reaping. The bad example he left for his sons is quite evident. In the past years they didn't bother caring for their parents. Much to Daudi's dismay, his sons even stole from them. They enter wanton widows's houses leading the silly women astray. In other words, they lead very wicked lives. You can read more of Daudi's story on the blog, kenyankauffmans.blogspot.com. under Aug, 2009, "A Change of Masters".  http://kenyankauffmans.blogspot.com/2009/08/change-of-masters-david-and-perez-tunga.html

Daudi made it priority to attend church whenever possible. It may be halfway through the church service but here comes Daudi with his walking stick shuffling his swollen feet along to reach his seat in front of the church. Clad in his dirty, tattered coat, he always had a smile on his face. He loved to give his testimony when given the chance. "If God can save a wicked man like me, He can save anyone! "

n the last month, Daudi didn't show up anymore. He was getting weaker. We visited him and found him and Perez under the mango tree. (They spent many hours there keeping each other company and loved each other very much. Perez told us Daudi never struck her. That's unusual for Kenyan men.) Daudi was delighted to see us and told us he wants to go to see Jesus. He asked God to forgive him any forgotten sin. On Easter Sunday morning his wish came true. He told Perez he's very busy, he needs to take a nap. She helped him lie down on his side of the floor of their hut. He passed away napping an hour later. Sunday afternoon we still found him there lying on his side. His body remained there until burial three days later. What a life! You can't help but wonder what he's doing in glory!

The road up the mountain ends and we have to walk the last half mile. Brother Martin and Kristy are trudging the last leg up the hill. A tent was set up and curious neighbours and relatives came to pay their last respects. Bishop Merle did the funeral message with Tom Ogema interpreting.

On Saturday, Daniel and Jason Peachey bought a coffin in town and delivered it on top of the van. Other church brothers helped them dig the grave beside the house. The body is lying on the floor. Sam, Mattie and Martin Bender with Perez viewing the body for the last time. Perez stilled cared for Daudi in death by chasing the flees away from his nose, fixing his hair and tucking the sheet closely around his face to keep the flies away. Tom Ogema gave the sons of Tunga a last chance to see their father but they didn't come. Their hardened faces were seen lurking in the bushes watching. Hard as they were, there was still a vulerability in their eyes that made your heart ache.

Church sisters flanking Perez during the burial. (here you can see the oldest son in yellow behind Martin) Perez holding Daudi's walking stick knowing she has buried her friend, bad leg and all. Daudi had a wound in his leg that never healed. No more pain with that one.....

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away. Ps. 90:10

Daudi lived to be 90 years old. Most of his life was wicked, yet he died a saved man. The ending of one's life is more important than it's beginning.

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.
But the Word of the Lord abideth forever!

I Pe. 1:24-25