August 2000
Josephat Kilungu
Church members attending the Morning Service on Sunday August 6th were shocked to learn of the tragic death in Kenya of Josephat Kilungu on June 27th last. Josephat was attacked in his home by ten men during the course of an armed robbery and died from his injuries on the following day. He leaves a widow Joyce and three young children.
Josephat spent 1996 studying at Loughry and Greenmount Agricultural Colleges where he made many friends and a big impact on the lives of many of the staff and students. Christian Aid sponsored him to come back again in 1997 to study for his Master's Degree and during that year he undertook a number of speaking engagements on their behalf.
In November 1997 he spent a weekend with us in Saintfield, staying at the Manse and spending a day with Neville Graham who had been on the teaching staff at Loughry during his first visit to Ireland. On Sunday he spoke to the Bible Class and later gave the address at our Friendship Group Annual Service. He also joined us for the Bread and Cheese Lunch that followed.
Since going back to Kenya Josephat has been involved with an agricultural development project which was seeking to improve the living standards of his own people.
His death is a terrible tragedy. His wife and three young children have lost not only a husband and father, but also the breadwinner on whom they were mainly dependent for financial support.
Christian Aid is hoping to set up a Trust Fund to support Joyce and to provide for the children's education. Donations large or small would be gratefully received. They should be made payable to "Christian Aid" and marked "Josephat Kilungu Trust Fund".
We as a Church are also hoping to respond to this appeal. A RETIRING OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN UP AT THE CLOSE OF THE 11AM SERVICE ON SUNDAY MORNING AUGUST 13TH AND 20TH. All donations received will be sent on to Christian Aid as a gift from Second Saintfield to the "Josephat Kilungu Trust Fund".
Pray for Josephat's wife Joyce and her three children. Pray that God will help them and encourage them at this difficult time.
Christian Aid, 30 Wellington Park, Belfast, BT9 6DL All cheques should be made payable to "Christian Aid"