One hard week. But a significant and beautiful send off for our director, hero and friend, James.
Thursday presented a day where we celebrated and remembered a life well lived. A memorial service for a life of humor, achivement, grace, living justice, mission, family, international connections and dreams accomplished.
The service was at his home church Cornerstone Faith Assembly near the Fadhili offices.
This service was deeply moving and incredibly hard but by the end of the day, it felt like a lot of pain had been lifted.
James was 31 when he was murdered just outside gates of his compound. His young 9 month old daughter and beautiful young wife are left behind, but with the support of Fadhili Community the family will be well looked after.
His legacy expands well into all corners of Kenya. He was part of planting 30+ churches. He established a childrens home for orphaned children, Madison House. He built a house for his mother and took care of finnacial burdens of his family. Built a very successful local NGO, Fadhili Community with a strong volunteer network accross the globe.
But more than any of this he was just a super fun and enjoyable person to be around.
On Friday we travelled about 50mins north near Naivasha to the community of Kinani where his mama and family lived, the site of the new house; to conduct a funeral and burial service. The first part of the servise involved speachs, prayers, messages, song, photographs and eulogy. Memory and praise for a life well lived. Close to 1000 people attended. The second half of the service the coffin was carried out around the side of the property into freashly cultivated land where the pressesion of the coffin slowly made it’s way to final resting place. As soil is scatered and covered over his coffin final closures are made in lovers hearts. Flowers are placed all over his grave which represented the colour of life he was to so many people, even from all around the world. The final prayers and the cross pushed into the soil. The final resting place for a life well lived.
Then several trees were planted around the site. This was so good, to plant a little tree.
And then food!….Kenyans know how to feed a crowd. So by this time tears have started to go replaced by smiles and a lightness begins to ease heavy hearts.
So that’s the last two days.
James was given the memory that was so true to who he was.
I will miss and love him always…RIP my bro
