My day started in our pastor's office.  Jim sent me to give him a gift.  His 102 year old grandfather recently died.  The funeral will be on Saturday in the village.  Our small contribution to the heavy expenses he will incur brought tears to his eyes.  He was deeply touched that we would stand with him at a time like this.

And then he told Grandfather's story.  Grandfather's young parents were married a little over a year when their first baby arrived.  That joyful beginning ended in tragedy a handful of months later, with Grandfather's father died.  His young mother was left all alone with her little baby.  Grandfather's Uncle, the brother of his father, was the village Chief.  The Chief announced that he was taking his late brother's wife into his compound.  He would look after her and his brother's son.  In fact, he declared that this baby would be his grandchild.  And so Grandfather became the firstborn among the Chief's many grandchildren.  What was to have been an honored position did not turn out well.  All the Chief's wives were jealous of this "grandson" who was not a real grandchild.  They were jealous of the young mother who didn't really have a position in the Chief's household.  They never let her forget that.

While life was hard for Grandfather and his mother, it was at the same time, a privileged life.  To grow up in the Chief's compound was a very special thing.  The years went by and  Grandfather eventually grew up, married, and had a family of his own.  He was a kind and gentle man.  He was always reaching out to others, helping them in many ways.

When Grandfather was in his 80's he heard the Gospel for the first time.  It didn't take long before Grandfather gave his heart and his life to the Lord.  The entire village was amazed.  He was persecuted by many, but eventually everyone came to realize that Grandfather was a changed man.  He had found something that was real.  For the last twenty years of his long life, Grandfather was a strong witness for our Lord.  Numerous others, both in his large family, and in the village at large, have come to know the Lord through Grandfather's life and testimony.  

Grandfather is in Heaven today.  We look forward to the day when we will meet him in Glory.