Gary S. Chapman, A Humanitarian Photographer for NGO's and Non-profits
How little we think about death. But when we are touched by it, the reality hits so hard. It is so final…so unchangeable. We are so powerless to stop it. Is that why we don’t think about death, because we feel we can’t stop it? Are we living our lives hoping we are never going to be touched by death?
Amos Afune, 13, died last night. The details are sketchy, but it seems he died from complications he had after a fall. A recent battle with malaria may also have weakened his body. Vivian and I met Amos in April when we visited his home, an orphanage in Kenya. He was one of those hard-working, always-helping, always-praying, shining-light kind of kids. You liked him immediately. Our pastor, who also knew Amos, said, “Heaven is brighter today, but Africa just got darker.”
Don’t live your life never thinking about death. Consider what Jesus said as you ponder death and eternity: John 5:24 …”he who hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life.”
Gary,
I have been dealing with the news of the death of Amos over the past several hours and surprisingly, I never had a chance to cry over our loss until I read your blog. (I say “our loss” as it is certainly not “his loss”, as He is safe in the arms of Jesus).
Thank you for those few kind words about the life of Amos. Very beautiful words…You only knew him a few days on our recent trip, but you have described him perfectly:
“…hard-working, always-helping, always-praying, shining-light kind of kids.”
All those who knew and loved Amos will agree that this describes him just as he was. He was one of the first children that came into the home when it was first started about 4 years ago. He took the intitiative to reach out to each of the new children as they would come into the home. Many times the new children were not saved. It would be interesting to learn just how many children at Naivasha were actually led to the Lord by the efforts of Amos. He was quite a powerful little evangelist! He was a wonderful loving boy, and we will certainly miss him. Please pray for the rest of the orphan children in Naivasha who will also feel the loss of their friend for a long time to come. Thankfully, we all have the promise to see Amos again!
Amos….we didn’t know we would lose you so soon, but you were faithful until death. May we learn by your example and live our lives each day as if it were to be our last.
God bless,
Lonnie
This past Sunday I was priviledged to give the Mission’s offering during Sunday worship. I mentioned each of the missions works that our local body supports. The orphanage where Amos shared his life was one of them. I reminded our people that the body of Christ consists, not only of those believers we see on a daily basis, but also those in places we haven’t been to yet. Amos Afune is our brother and a part of our family. And so are the other children at the orphanage in Naivasha.
Lord, may Amos be our constant reminder to “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” Psalm 82:3
wow!