If you have ever had a true friend and a member of your fellowship that shines hope every time you see him or her, then you do understand what peace in the sense of the word is. As we reflect upon more than 7 years strong with Rose as a member of our MEWAK fellowship, there are several of our thoughts, sentiments and facts that are not nearly enough to share with you today. Words are not enough to express what our time with Rose meant for us.

Rose wasn’t your ordinary member of MEWAK. She wasn’t that usual “mama flani wa kanisa” kind of person. She was exceptional. Even in her youthfulness, her spirit and wisdom rivaled that of a respected woman with over 50years of experience in life. Words of encouragement never stopped pouring out of her mouth. There is never a time that this great woman lacked a word to uplift a broken spirit, or advice a wayward youth or to help a desperate woman restore a marriage on the rocks.

She was a force to reckon with. Why? Because Rose defined the term confidence to its perfection. She was a woman of valor. Rose had such great valor that cancer’s horror could never match. All you needed to do was give Rose a task, and however difficult it may be, she never left it half done. In fact she executed other people’s ideas as if they were really her own.

Rose was a mover. There is not one time that Rose wasn’t among volunteers in church activities. She was always on the front line up to her last days. If there was a member of our fellowship that didn’t feel moved enough to participate, Rose got her moving. If there was a member who was unfortunate and needed our help, Rose began the campaign to get things moving. If there needed to be a revival meeting among her neighbors, Rose moved members to assemble. Her spirit never broke even in the days when disease took a toll on her body. We cannot forget how she helped create awareness about cancer in a National AGM meeting of messianic women and got many to consider taking precautions like frequent tests for various cancers…a fact that many of us spoke only in hushed tones.

We cannot forget that Rose had a golden heart. I am sure all of you agree with us that she was beautiful inside and out. Rose had a captivating smile. A smile that radiated positivity like the rays of the sun on a misty morning. Even in her sickly days, the smile never failed. Hope shone in her smile and eyes every day. Actually even in the days when treatment really was hard on her body, and made her weak physically, and could be in great pain, she never admitted defeat. She would never say that she was down or in so much pain even though we do understand the pain that cancer patients go through. If anything, Rose only praised God even during these times. She only spoke of faith with a smile of certainty. A smile that covered the inevitable fear and pain so perfectly. She never dwelled on her illness but spoke only of health and living long enough to see her beautiful daughters grow into young women. It was an unmistakable fact that Rose loved her husband and children. Her marriage life was a good example of how young couples should live together. She was a great wife and mother.

We remember her as a person who never castigated friendship. She didn’t choose who to or not to talk to. Her wonderful heart touched many in the spirit of charity even outside our fellowship. Her neighbors and long term friends can attest to this fact better. Above all else, she feared The Almighty God of Israel and was never ashamed to proclaim her faith. Actually several members have referred to her as “A great woman of Yahshuah”. We testify that as well. The biggest agreeable factor was that Rose was a dauntless fighter. A warrior. She fought against her ailment up to the end. Even though she lost the fight to cancer, she won a greater battle. This is because she left a wealth of information about cancer awareness to many of us. Again, she taught us how to live, and how to die. Yes she did. For even in her last days in hospital, not even the assault of this disease or the tons of pain made a faith dull. Her spirit sparkled.

True, there will never be another Rose Nyawira. A true Rose in the sense of the word. Her legacy will live on through the lives of all that loved her. Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes, for those who love with the heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.

Although her leaving causes pain and great sadness among us, her going has eased her agony and has given her relief. So dry your eyes and remember Rose, not as she is now, but as she used to be. Understand in your hearts that, she has only gone to rest a little while.

As long as she had the love of us, she will live her life in the hearts of all of us.

Psalms 34:18 “Elohim is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed spirits. May Elohim grant peace that surpasses human understanding to Robert and his daughters as they mourn her.

On the great day of the Lord, Rose among saints shall rise again, with an incorruptible body, that of honor and glory.

Till we meet again on the beautiful shore, may she rest in peace. Elohim gave us Rose for the time we had with her. Though short we are grateful, for He giveth and has taken away, may His name be honored. Amen.