An Agape Funeral - Brian's Story

Our family had been living in Kenya for about four months when Brian first showed up from the street at Agape in December of 2011.  From the outset you could tell that Brian was a little different both physically and mentally from the other Agape boys.  While Brian always had a big smile on his face, he really didn't make many friends on campus.  Quirky would be the best way to describe Brian when he first arrived.  We took the Agape boys to a local pool during that school break, and Brian's stomach was obviously swollen and distended, which led us to seek medical help to find out what was causing his swollen abdomen.  Early on we learned that Brian suffered from chronic malaria and his spleen was severely swollen as a result.

Brian, during his first week at Agape in December 2011.

We put Brian on medication to treat his swollen spleen but over the next two months Brian ran back to the streets twice.  From February through October, Brian managed to settle down and only ran away to the streets for a 2-week period during that timeframe.  He even successfully stayed with his aunt in Kisumu during one of the school breaks for a 4-week period. 

Then, Brian got really sick.  One day at Agape, he developed a serious fever and lost consciousness.  We rushed him to the best hospital in Kisumu where he stayed for a week and was treated for another relapse of malaria.  Upon his release from the hospital, though, Brian's quirkiness escalated to semi-dementia.  One minute he would be laughing, the next crying.  He became somewhat violent towards the other Agape boys.  In the US, we probably would have taken him for mental evaluation, but in Kenya such medical care does not exist.

Over the next few weeks, Brian went through a few cycles of jumping, then returning back to Agape.  At one point we attempted to reintegrate him back home with his family with the hope that this would help him, but he stayed at home less than a day and returned to the streets.  The police eventually arrested him and placed him in Remand (Juvenile Hall).  While in Remand, Brian had another relapse of malaria, and Remand chose to take him to "Russia" Hospital, the local government hospital.  After a number of weeks in the hospital, Brian died last Sunday night of complications associated with his chronic malaria.

We don't know whether Brian knew Jesus as his Savior or not, because of his lack of lucidity in the last few months of his life.  We do know that Brian heard the Gospel message constantly while at Agape and pray that he came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.  I had the opportunity to share Brian's story with the Agape boys on campus, many of whom knew Brian well.  The dangers of the street are so real.  Please pray that Brian's death may serve as an example for our Agape boys on the realities of life and death and their status as sinners in need of a Savior.

I had the privilege to attend Brian's funeral at his rural home south of Bondo, about 1 1/2 hours outside of Kisumu, and I was able to bring a few of Brian's friends from Agape with me.

 Isaiah, Kerry, Geoffrey, Brian, and Jason line up to go to the funeral.

 Brian's home near Nyanza - his casket is displayed at the front of the house prior to the funeral.

 Brian's family graciously served our Agape boys a big meal.

A short video of Brian's casket being carried forward for the funeral service.

 Brian's family is Catholict, and the four ladies and one man above conducted half of the service . . .

. . . and Solomon, a Pentecostal minister from Kisumu conducted the other half.

A short clip of a few ladies leading everyone in a song during the funeral program.  (Sorry, it starts out sideways!)

 Some of the friends and family members at the funeral.

A short video of Pastor Solomon preaching in Luo - a great example of Kenyan preaching! (sorry another sideways starter!)

The lady in white, Brian's Catholict Sunday School teacher, conducted the burial service.

 

A short video of singing prior to Brian's burial.

 Four men quickly buried Brian's body while the congregation sang a few songs.



Pastor Solomon led the group in songs as the grave was filled.  This is a great example of what Kenyan worship sounds like.

Please pray for our Agape boys and girls!!!!