"The Students are Crying"

Christopher Mwasenga

This year’s severe storms have been unusually more frequent, with high winds, hail and lightening. On Saturday, January 18, lightening struck our house, blowing a switch just a few feet from where Joanne was working in her sewing room. Seeing the fire flash, I shouted from the next room and to find out if she was alright. In the evening, we found we had no power on campus and assumed there had been damage elsewhere.

That’s when we responded to a knock at the door and found two of the lady teachers and their children, looking very solemn. I assumed they were concerned that there was no electricity and started to explain about the lightening, but Aziza interrupted me and said, “Not only that, but our student has died. Babu, the students are crying!”

We found that the fire ball at our light switch was experienced by others in the houses and classrooms. In the case of one classroom, student leaders had gathered. Students later shared that Christopher Mwasenga, our newly-elected HP (student body president) was standing near the switch when lightening struck, and it must have arced, killing him instantly.

Christopher, on left in blue

Christopher was an exceptional student, frequently speaking in Chapel and constantly encouraging and working with his fellow students to excel in their academics. He spent hours in our home learning computer basics and honing his English skills. He was meek and humble and led by example, participating in sports, directing the debate team, and scoring high marks on all of his examinations. He won national acclaim when he scored 100% on a Form Two national History exam. He always scored in the 90’s, and frequently 100%, on my Bible Knowledge examinations.

Sunday morning found us gathered on the lawn in front of our houses. The dump truck came from the hospital at 9:00, bringing the coffin. The attending pastor, Christopher’s father, and school staff met in our home for prayer and sharing prior to the viewing.

Most of the students and staff would not be able to attend the funeral service in Christopher’s village, so, there was a viewing time for all the students and staff here. Close friends, some of the staff, some of his Form Three classmates and student leaders packed into the back of the dump truck with the coffin, and seven of us squeezed into the cab for the two and a half hour trip to the home village of Ipoloto, northwest of Mlowo. The first and last hour was over spine-jarring, teeth-rattling dirt roads.

The funeral process included a visit to the home, followed by a procession through the village to the church. After the church service, he was buried behind the church building. Our Headmaster, pastors, the village leader, and visiting government leaders addressed the large group that had gathered to pay their final respects to a great young man. Rain clouds were gathering as we left the village. Rain-soaked, we arrived back at Idigima at 7:00 in the evening.

 

In the days that have followed, we’ve heard a lot of comments about Christopher. He will not be soon forgotten. We tell his friends that there is no bringing him back, but we can live as he did and see him again when we die.

Life is short; live to the glory of God until you die.

Love and hugs to all of God’s people,

Gary and Joanne Grenell

Rainbow Blessings

Anyone who has been tracking with our blog for awhile knows that we prefer the rainy season over the dry season here in Tanzania. During the dry season, when rain completely stops for months, the dust becomes thick on the roads and paths, the grass turns brown, and the wind carries dust and debris into the buildings and your eyes, ears, nose and throat. Almost worst of all, you have to carry river water for your daily needs.

The rainy season brings life to the farms and settles the dust. With nearly daily rains, you can catch all the water you want off of the roof. Almost best of all, however, are the frequent rainbows we get to enjoy. When the sun comes out after a shower, someone will usually say, “Bet there’s a rainbow,” and we’ll walk outside to stand in awe of God’s faithfulness.

“Mercy drops ‘round us are falling, but for the showers we pray.”

In God’s grace and service,

Gary and Joanne Grenell