Death of our Headman

We were shocked to receive the news today that the headman of Chikandamuulu Village (where New Day is located) died. When we left a few weeks ago, he was healthy! We received word soon after we arrived in the USA that he was sick and then heard today that he died. It never ceases to surprise me at how sudden death can be in Africa - it is why so many live in fear of death. It is why our call to reach others for Christ is not something we can put off.

The headman, or "BaSibuku", as he was known to everyone, is in charge of the villages that consists of about 200 people - about 20 individual homes including New Day. He is the one who first spoke up in 2009 when Chief Mapanza asked who would like to donate land to some white people wanting to open an orphanage. We had a great relationship with him and he loved being in the know of what was happening at New Day, as you can see in the pictures below! He loved meeting our volunteer teams and seeing what they are up to. He leaves behind a wife who had a stroke last year and TONS of children - 16 or so?? I can't remember! His grandchildren are constant fixtures at New Day kids' events - Peter (who recently got saved at Kids Club), Angela, Charles, Miriam.

His death greatly affects our volunteer team from Arkansas that arrives today. They had planned a mens' conference, but with a 3-4 day funeral event, it will be interesting to see what adjustments need to be made. Please pray for flexibility for the team and that God will give them plenty of opportunities to still reach the men of our area for Christ.

Getting his blood pressure checked when our Christ Community Nebraska team was here

Shooting a gun for the first time!

He was SOOO proud of this Sherriff's badge that Eric from Alvarado, TX gave him!

He loved volunteer teams!