Benedict Oliech
September 9, year unknown - March 2, 2011
It's hard to know where to begin this post. There are so many wonderful things I could say about Ben, and I know I speak for Justin and Alisha as well when I say that we were blessed beyond measure to spend time with him last September. Ben was a true servant to Christ and to those around him and, despite living his life in economic poverty, everything about him reflected the spiritual riches he had found in Christ. To spend time with Ben was to feel the love of Jesus in a real and tangible way.
Ben was born in a village in Kenya, and lost both parents during his teen years. Circumstances forced him to move to Nairobi and eventually to Korogocho slum. It was in Korogocho that he first heard the Gospel, at an evangelism rally put on by Pastor Tom Abungu. Sometime after this, Tom began to disciple Ben and through Tom's efforts and God's redemptive power, Ben was transformed into a joyful, selfless, talented and ambitious young man. He devoted himself to service at Victory Christian Centre, playing keyboard at church worship services, helping care for the children at the school and orphanage, and starting a youth ministry at the local secondary school. Alongside his housemate and closest friend Evans, Ben shared the love of Christ daily with people throughout Korogocho, and his testimony has reminded people a continent away that there is joy in the Lord.
Ben's tireless service to the ministry in Korogocho won't soon be forgotten, nor will his brilliant smile. It was a smile that reflected total joy, peace and contentment in Christ, regardless of the circumstances around him. The worship songs he played so skillfully reflected that same attitude, and though we mourn his passing we rejoice that the Ben's faith has now become sight. The temporary problems and distresses of this world are now permanently behind him, and he will forever sing praises to his Savior in Heaven.
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