Sherife was one of the first believers among the Mwinika people. He died a few days ago, saved and ready to meet his Saviour. Although we are very sad to lose our friend and co-worker, we rejoice that he is now in heaven! (Photo 1: Sherife at a believers’ meeting with our two sons, Franco and Waldo.)
In July this year Sherife was close to death. It wasn’t the first time, though. Since he was diagnosed with Aids some years ago and turned around at death’s door after much prayer and medicine, Sherife has come to Christ. (Photo 2 taken in July this year: Sherife was very dehydrated and we took him to the hospital an hour’s drive away for treatment.)
He has been one of the Bible translation helpers, one of the first 5 Mwinika teachers and gifted discipler; very outspoken about his belief in Jesus as the only way to be saved. (Photo 3: Sherife teaching in 2013)
When he got very sick in July, he told us that he is not ready to go, since his wives and other family members are not sure of their salvation yet. Many were unsaved. Although he told us that he was ready to go, his family wasn’t. He recuperated, but never again regained his full strength. (Photo 4: Sherife’s two wives and a cousin at the hospital in July.)
In the last weeks, he weakened again, but this time our co-workers, Phil and Elin Henderson, have been back in his village for a few months and during this time his wives and mother became stronger in their belief through our co-workers’ discipling. He told Phil that he is ready to go now. Please read about his testimony: “Let me translate my tears” in our co-workers blog: https://blogs.ethnos360.org/phil-henderson/ (Photo 5: Sherife with his first wife, children and grandchildren)
A day after we left to come down south for a break, Sherife died. We are thankful that we were able to say good-bye to him. He was a special guy with a beautiful heart for the lost. He will be missed. Thank you Jesus, for this man’s life. (Photo 6: Francois with Sherife before he got sick again.)