Mama Pauline, the matriarch of the Mudenyo family, founders of The Lord’s Ministries, and benefactor of the land that the Lord’s Servants orphanage sits on, went to be with the Lord last week.  I will not be able to do her justice with a brief blog entry but evidence of the influence her life had on others in a good way is plentiful. 

The orphanage and Liyavo Bible Church are on land donated by her family over 30 years ago.  Several of her sons became Pastors and many family members are active in ministry.  She was buried on her family’s land with her husband George, the founder of The Lord’s Ministries, and her celebration was attended by nearly 1500 people.  Mama was involved with and followed the lives of the orphans and often spoke encouragement to me to continue doing what God leads me with them.  She was loved by the community and will be missed.

Mama fought cancer and other health issues much longer than she was expected to and God called her home in His perfect timing.  I had just left Kenya unfortunately when she passed but Greg and his team was still there.  They had just finished the new dorm building but had not moved the children into it yet.  Most of the projects including water collection, grounds clean-up, electrical improvements, and new beds and furniture were also completed.  Everything looked great.  Approximately 100 people who traveled from out-of-town were able to sleep in the new dorm building (although many on the floor) and many others received hospitality.  All the guests passed through the orphanage and they all saw the work that God has been doing in a complete and impressive way.  This included many important people in local government and ministry as well as much of the community.  What great timing…A few weeks earlier or later and things would not have been perfect like it was for the orphanage to be able to serve Mama in her celebration.

Praise God for His blessings on us in the life of Mama Pauline and the work He gives us for the orphans and community.  I pray that many lives were touched and changed by God’s work in Mama’s life and celebration.  I pray that peace and purpose continue in her family and friends.