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Positive Influences

My heart is so saddened. This morning a friend called me to inquire whether the text message she had received was true. The message stated that Pastor Anne of Kileleshwa Covenant Community Church - K3C)(the church that we attend) had passed on this morning. I was serving a client and pushed it to the back of my mind briefly but hoped it was false, yet again I knew if a text is already being circulated it may be true. Long story short, sadly Pastor Anne had rested and details would be provided later.

Why did this sadden me? Because, I hugged her 2 Sundays ago after a ladies meeting we had in church and had a chit chat. I obviously had seen her after that in Church but we didn't interact much. Actually, I got to know her when we so desperately needed people to conduct Jaden's funeral service 6 months ago.

We had joined K3C church around August last year but had not officially introduced ourselves to the Pastoral team. When Jaden passed on, the church sent Pastor Anne and Pastor David to come and comfort us and they so freely gave themselves to us. They did not complicate things, flowed with our requests, offered us people to conduct praise and worship and conducted the funeral service so faithfully. It was a beautiful service. I remember Pastor Anne's reassuring smile  and hug at that time. She didnt say much but they had lifted such a big load off our heads. They also sent church members to visit us and we knew we have found a home, a church and friends. The church had organised a family day out. It was just a week or so after the funeral and we dared to attend just to get out of the house. She was surprised to see us but was welcoming, had small chit chat and that smile kept me there even in the midst of my sorrow.

We have never sat to talk for long but she impacted me so much. She always had a real smile on her face, this joy and warmth around her was so welcoming. I remember her last year preaching on finishing strong and her honouring a very close friend/mentor . And now God says that's enough, that's it? I have just come to wonder whether we shall ever understand God? Why is death so painful and shocking? I just have goose bumps and my mind seems to be stuck on seeing her walking around and talking.

Am so glad she knew Him as her Lord and Saviour. What comfort. When I heard she has rested, I said, at least she has gone to be with the Lord and will be with my Jaden. My only prayer is for her parents and siblings but most of all for the pastoral team whom they interacted with on a daily basis and for comfort for entire church. We can ask why and it is ok because God can handle our Whys, but is not obligated to answer but He is in control and we remain true to our calling and to Him.

Blessings

Sly

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