October 17, 2011
-
Edward Kimbo
Please pray for the family of Brother Edward Kimbo. He was found in the bush yesterday, after being missing for a few days, dead. Apparently, he had gone out on Monday to continue looking for his daughter who recently had a mental breakdown and had run away. Because Edward often leaves to come to Kampala, his absence was not too alarming. However, yesterday, a friend or family member had been in the bush and noticed a body. To that person’s sadness, it was our friend and elder Edward Kimbo.
Early this morning, I was awoken by a telephone call from our pastor, Rev. Ssemwanga, cancelling our plans to visit a school. He casually mentioned that he was going to a burial instead and that it was our friend. After being taken back, Liz and I decided that we should attend this ceremony.
Edward is the man who got WWCS-Uganda connected with the Edusabo Community Junior School. That is one of the schools that has a lot of promise for construction to start soon. It is the community where we showed the Passion of Christ movie, first. Needless to say, we have quite a connection with the community and his family.
This was definitely a cultural experience that we never planned on attending. However, we were definitely honored to be welcomed the way we were. The family and friends, in their circumstances, were extremely warm and welcoming. Having a close relationship with Pastor Paul Ssemwanga and Pastor Joseph Musiitwa, the pastors directing the funeral, I was included in a some areas of the ceremony. After first arriving, and having introductions, I was asked to speak and offer my condolences. At the time of the burial, I was asked to read some scripture. It was special to be asked and accepted as a participant of this ceremony.
This family desperately needs your prayers. It was not bad enough that a daughter is missing. But now the head of the household, the father, the brother, the husband is gone. So please pray for them.
This circumstance has put perspective on the fragility of life. Don’t take any moment for granted.
Serving a Mighty God,
Chad Neeley
Construction Coordinator
