Comments on: A Proper Burial

By: Nick Kirongo

Nick Kirongo — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:28:59 +0000

Inspiring work Jess, I understand the aspect of community funerals because I have known nothing else my whole life. With so many negative news on our media these days, your piece definitely spices up my day

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:28:58 +0000

It amazes me how much a “simple” burrial can be such a big deal. It really makes me wonder how many opportunities I am letting slip by. If it’s not a big deal for me, is it a big deal for someone else?

I love reading your work, Jess!

By: Jo Nading

Jo Nading — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:24:45 +0000

I, too, have been thinking since I read this yesterday. What IS it that we humans need from a funeral? Obviously the one who has passed is in need of nothing – it’s for those of us left behind. Is it for our own closure? Is it to somehow bring honor where we want it to be due? Do we need to impress God – remind God (in our small minds) that regardless of any mistakes in life, the person we have lost deserves heaven? I know for my father’s funeral, it seemed really important for ME that I get to TELL everyone how I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that my father was in heaven. Beyond even that, it was a chance for me to witness my faith, my humanness, the gospel of God’s love and Grace and forgiveness thru Christ. The full military burial – the flag – the gun salute…is this what we call celebrating a life? The “stories” that were not at all TRUE – but sounded so wonderful. It is so far at the other end of the continuum from those mass graves – that sicken me to think of…yet at the same time I can be as easily sickened by the other end – the “show” that a funeral can often be….definitely has my mind racing..

So – I guess I, too, wonder what message will be sweeping like a bushfire.

Jessica – you have done a wonderful job here. You have made this reader connect with you, with the Pators, with the family of the deceased…and your words and pictures have caused both my head and heart to churn. Perfect!

By: Brad Ruggles

Brad Ruggles — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:34:37 +0000

That’s why I love reading this site. We all know about social justice needs like AIDS relief and food programs but who would have thought there was a need for a burial outreach? What a great way for the local pastors to serve their community with a very real need.

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:31:06 +0000

Thank you, Jessica, for sharing this experience. You have brought me back to Africa and changed my outlook on today. How quickly we can get swallowed up in the busyness of life and forget how small things like just being present can make a positive difference in someone else’s life.

By: Rob Yonan

Rob Yonan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:35:27 +0000

This has me wondering what indignities we may be able to address together, in our own community, in the world of teenagers (my calling colors my lenses).
This also reminds me of a Kenyan funeral I attended back in 2005. It was cold and I was given a neon yellow rain coat – as if I didn’t stand out already (I was the only ‘non Kenyan’ present in a sea of Kenyans). It was an incredible experience of community. Your experience brings back that memory with even deeper insights. Thanks!

By: Sharon

Sharon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:44:33 +0000

I’ve been mulling over this story since yesterday and it has brought so many pictures into my mind: stories I’ve heard of the graves of unknown AIDS patients in South Africa and the mass graves in Rwanda, memories of my mother’s packed funeral service, even the little old family cemetary down the road where someone still leaves flowers on the graves. All people, no matter their lifestyle, are made in the image of God and should be mourned and remembered.

By: Amy Osgood

Amy Osgood — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:20:55 +0000

This story shows me the reality of God’s sparrows. There isn’t anything that HE doesn’t see, no creature can escape His love. What a blessing that even in death, this man could be “known”.

By: Dave Rod

Dave Rod — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:24:28 +0000

I was struck by Pastor Chris’s hope that the news was going to spread like a bushfire. What news I am wondering? …the dignity that has been offered to the marginilized? …the power of churches united in social action? …the wonder of the love of God expressed thorugh his people?

No matter what news spreads from it I am moved that 5 church leaders would gather to invest in the life and death of one lone nearly forgotten man. A ton of resources poured out for a single nearly wasted life.

Maybe they saw Jesus in his face. That is vision. That is news worth spreading. That is a mission and purpose worth embracing in our own community.

By: eness

eness — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:33:52 +0000

It still amazes me how what seems like such a simple thing to do can have the kind of depth and impact that you describe. Praying for you, Jess. You’re doing great.