This past week we’ve had to say goodbye to two friends who have died. We only met Bebabeba once and Hezekiah we never met, but they both held a place in our hearts.
Bebabeba’s story is really not an unusual story for many here in Kenya. Neglected by neighbors who would not even bring him a bowl of rice to eat, ignored by the “church” next door who wouldn’t help with his jigger infestation and left to starve on the ground of his empty room (next door to his brother by the way). Although the “church” did come once Bebabeba was dead and said they would coordinate the funeral (meaning you buy us food, pay for our services and give us the “credit” for being there for Bebabeba). Joseck (Luanda C4KK Benevolence team member) told them C4KK Benevolence would do that but they are more than welcome to pay for the casket….no answer and the pastor left.
We met Bebabeba during our trip to Luanda and he was given a bed, food, mosquito net and the doctors visited him and treated his jiggers. He was quite the character and even in the midst of having the jiggers literally carved out of his skin he would look at me, hold out his hand and say “10 bob?”, meaning would I give him 10 shilling. When I handed him the 10 bob he looked at me, smiled and said “20 bob?”! I can see him now walking with our Heavenly Father, feeling no pain and smiling with Jesus as they walk the streets of gold.
Hezekiah’s story is a bit different. He had a small family (here he is with family and Joseck-in glasses) who would help him outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. His mother told Joseck we (C4KK Benevolence) was a light for Hezekiah. He received treatment for his infected, amputated legs and a wheelchair. After receiving his wheelchair he could be seen around town enjoying his new wheels and would attend church with Joseck. He too is now walking with God!
These are two lives which were touched and given hope through small acts…cleaning wounds, feeding, talking and showing them they are loved, and they are now both rejoicing in Heaven!
I sit at my computer shedding tears for Hezekiah and Bebabeba for the life which was simply tossed aside by others, yet I cry tears of joy knowing their final days were comfortable and they knew God loved them!
We now have an opportunity to be a light in another person’s life. Anastasia’s story is still on-going.
Anastasia tells her testimony at church
She was injured in an attack and they took out her eye. We took her to a doctor who would not begin to look at things since he said something was not right. We then took her to a specialty hospital which verified it was cancer in the eye socket, squamous cell and spreading fast. The doctors say it has moved to the front of her face (sinus and nose area) and thankfully hasn’t gone towards the brain. Radiation therapy is the form of treatment and there are only three places which have the machine to do this. One is Kenyatta hospital whose record of treating and survival is horrid so that is out. Of the other two both appear fine and an oncologist has recommended MP Shah for the treatment. The treatment is 6 weeks with daily radiation Monday through Friday, rest Saturday and Sunday then start over on Monday. The cost of this will be around $5,000. Basically, without treatment she will die, with treatment they are saying the probability is she will fully recover. We can start with funds we have in the Benevolence Fund, but it will not come close to covering the whole thing. So I am asking that you prayerfully consider assisting. In this case…it is truly a matter of life and death.
You can visit our Donate Page for donation options. Through our secure, online donation portal please choose “Benevolence Fund” from the drop down allocation box and write “Cancer” in the comment section. If sending a check please write “Benevolence-Cancer” in the memo line.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.