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June 1, 2021
Dear Friends,
Last Thursday during FUM staff meeting, I invited staff members to share important lessons they learned during this COVID period that will continue to serve them when the pandemic is over. John Muhanji, Africa Ministries Director, spoke of how many people died—both family members and Kenyan church leaders. He stated there has been so much grief and he is learning not to take close relationships for granted. He did not know, at the time, that his youngest son, Allan, would be killed the following day from injuries caused by a motorcycle accident.
Allan Afanda was a student at Maseno University and worked at Lloyd International Insurance Agency. He was twenty-eight years old and was a son, brother, dad, and friend of many. His friendly nature, joyful smile, and helpful spirit were a delight to many people. He will be missed. No words of consolation will take away the sorrow. John, Rose, and their family are strengthened by their faith and the love of their community. The Apostle Paul reminds the faithful that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, not even death (Romans 8:38).
The FUM community is reaching out in love to John, Rose, and their family, and asking how they can best support the Muhanjis as they grieve Allan’s death. We ask Friends to pray that they will experience God’s strengthening comfort during this challenging time. We also ask Friends to write notes and send messages of love and support. They are comforted by those who are reaching out to them during this time of sorrow. As is the Kenyan custom, FUM will join the community to send funds to help the family with burial expenses. This contribution is being sent from a non-restricted fund held by Friends United Meeting. For Friends who wish to contribute to the memory of Allan, we request Friends contribute to FUM’s Africa Ministries fund. This fund directly supports John’s ministry to develop African leaders and engage African Friends for missions. John shared, “It will be a blessing, knowing that I am doing my work with support given in Allan’s memory.”
Friends may give online here or by mailing a check to Friends United Meeting (with Africa Ministries on the memo line), 101 Quaker Hill Dr., Richmond, IN 47374. Friends in Kenya can contribute by M-PESA. Select “Pay Bill” 514608, “your name,” and “Africa Ministries.”
Grace and Peace,
Kelly R. Kellum
General Secretary
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