Kibera Slum: Mud Caskets and Mansions

A widow was dying of AIDS and in need of prayer. Scott Vair and I proceeded to go into her mud hut in the Kibera slum. However, upon seeing that it was pitch black inside with no windows to let in even a single ray of light, I waited outside as Scott prayed for her.

I looked at the construction of her home. Like many others in the same area, sticks had been intertwined every 8 inches or so to form a large mesh cage or basket. This substructure served as the skeleton that was then stuffed and padded with the muddy clay drawn from the "streets" between slum dwellings. I have to note that these same streets are inundated with litter, urine and feces. Therefore, her walls were literally embedded with human waste and refuse.

It was no place to live...or die. It was a thankless space of debris and darkness. She will indeed die there, all alone and encased by the very type of mud she will soon be buried in. The sad reality is that she is already in her casket.

Despite the dreadful conditions of her life and upcoming death, she has hope for Glory. Written on her doorposts in chalk letters were the phrases, "God is Love" and "Trust in God."

I then thought of the comparative mansions in my neighborhood. Many are occupied by people who have refused Jesus, who want no part of Him.

Better to be a widow in Kibera, ravished by AIDS and entombed in a hut of gloom, mud and stool...but to know the Lord...than to be the successful man of affluence within a clean, brightly lit home of brick and mortar...but who has turned away the Lord. The first will eventually reside in a Heavenly abode prepared for her. The second will weep and gnash his teeth in constant regret and torment.

The first is adopted as a child of God. The second remains an orphan for eternity.

Comments

[Carol]

Very difficult reading. But this widow's hut is a light shining in the darkness. I imagine that God is smiling down on this dear saint of His, readying a beautiful mansion for her on the day of her appointed rise to Glory.

[Sarah]

When we come into times of need and feeling as if things are not going well for us, I think of this woman. I think of her courage and faith. I think of God's love for her and the promise of her salvation.

[Cheri]

How blessed are we who do not have to die in a mud casket, and still are adopted into the family of God. Lord, help me never complain again!!