"A tribute to a great servant of God and a mentor"

The soil was covering the coffin pretty fast.The grave was on a steep slope deep in rural central Kenya in Africa. I stood at one end of the grave looking down into the pit.I was in a fight.With difficulty battling a bout of tears.No crying! I had to be strong for others.I'm a leader.

The soil continued to come up.Many hands were at work. Brethren from all over Kenya were here. And 3 meters away the praise and worship team from Church of God seventh day blasted powerful songs into the air.Songs full of messages of hope and victory.

"Ngwirutaniria guthii ona mbere...niguo ngakinya haria hakinyaguo'......Na ngaheo igai riria Mesia eraniire' "I will press on toward the mark...to get the reward that Messiah promised"
And those powerful sounds reverberated across the ranges.....

It was the 18th of February 2016 and we were here to lay to rest our senior and beloved elder Waikayu Mwangi. If it were to write about him, it would be a whole book.But on this day saints from all over Kenya traveled and firstly converged at the Kenyatta University in Nairobi where his body was preserved.Brethren, relatives and friends came in by public ,private and chartered vehicles.He had profoundly touched the lives of many.And apparently they had not expected that he would leave them so quickly.He was 61.

The procession from here took about two and a half hours to Githiga village in Muranga county.The vehicles stretched a kilometer or two.

When I joined the Messianic faith, he was about to get married. And so I witnessed his marriage as a young believer. But before I became a member, I had great reservations.I didn't see many young men in their congregation.And so I thought I would be lonely...that I would be alienated from 'life'....But the strong urge of faith directed me to him as a mentor.I have always seen him in this church..I will follow him...these were my thoughts.And so the decision I made to accept Yahshua as my savior had a lot to do with Elder Waikayu.I would have a mentor, and I would ask him all the questions I needed to ask.The rest is now history.

I found out later that he was a very respected member of Church management. He volunteered to serve people.He was active in almost all projects.He never used to tire or complain:

Among many other duties......

During the speeches speakers who included relatives, friends and church members all described him as a selfless dedicated servant.In his sermon the General Overseer Hezekiah Karanja consoled the people.He spoke great words about the elder.They grew up together.They also did great things together in the ministry of Yahshuah.

Personally I requested him to go and collect a bride for me during my wedding.And later on took me for visits to my in-laws.He consoled me when I lost my mother and when I was sick he showed me great care.I trusted him.

The elder had the church history.He was blessed to have met the first missionary who brought the truth in Kenya Elder Shoemaker in 1970.We shared so much as we worked together at our Nairobi headquarters of Church of God 7th day. When he started feeling unwell, I thought it was something easy.He deteriorated faster than I could bring my thoughts together that he could be leaving.And he left me, so quickly.

And on this final day, I stood there watching brethren throw the soil into his grave...a young Messianic sister called Jene pushed her way and gently took a spade to throw the soil.Surely everyone wanted to bury him. Everyone wanted to say bye bye....He was so beloved.I held my handkerchief tighter and pushed back a drop of tears.

One thing is certain ..Elder Waikayu has finished his race a conqueror and his crown is waiting.

He has left a big gap in our office here at the headquarters.Every Friday evening before the Sabbath I used to report at the synagogue,and last night on Friday I went in and it was so quiet.He used to escort me upto the gate.It was no more.But I did a prayer that ...Elohim help me to lead a life of victory and be a conqueror.And one day I shall meet my brother again.I will strengthen myself in the Lord.

Let us all look forward to the kingdom.Yahshua is coming soon!!!!