In 2007, a bright, outspoken and bold young man showed up at the December CML Discipleship Camp. He came to "check us out" (he told me later) and so he did. With penetrating theological questions, provoking numerous debates, his ear to ear smile and a hearty "yes.... that one, that one!" always followed when scripture was read to support an answer. His name was Elisha Otewa, and by the end of the Camp everyone knew him.
As we got to know Elisha we learned that besides an outgoing personality & quick wit, he had a dream. His dream was to finish school and become a teacher. We also learned that life had dealt him some hard blows. He had lost his mom & dad at an early age and later suffered the loss of 6 of his 7 siblings. Cared for by his one reaming older brother, Wellington, they often didn't have enough money to eat, pay rent, help their widowed sister-in-law and pay Elisha's school fee's. This meant Elisha had missed much school, including a 3 year absence when he was forced to leave and go to work.
Elisha (right) seeks counselling from Pastor Issac during Dec 2007 Discipleship Camp
When we first met Elisha he was in Form 2 (second year of high school) and was about to again be "chased from school" (asked to leave) due to lack of school fee's. Learning of this we immediately added his name to the CML list of student's in need of School Scholarship Assistance. What a blessing when the Lord provided the help that was needed for him to remain in school. What another great blessing when we saw him achieve part of his dream in 2009 when he finally completed High School at the age of 26.
During those years, Elisha never missed a Discipleship Camp or a chance to come stay with us when he was on break from school. He quickly became part of our family and an active participant in the CML ministry. Best of all, he quietly and earnestly rededicated his life to the Lord and we watched as he grew and was transformed by the love of Christ.
Following the end of High School, while waiting to join teachers college, Elisha spent much time with us as a friend and ministry volunteer. Besides joining numerous "In- School" missions he also volunteered to assist with the Discipleship Camps that he'd loved so much as a student.
Elisha and Denise take a soda break during a ministry session.
Enjoying friend chicken during a special visit to Nairobi.
Elisha soon took on a major role in organizing the Discipleship Camps, and in addition to teaching sessions, he helped determine the Camp theme and topics, structured sessions and recruited teachers.
Elisha teaching during a CML Discipleship Camp
His passion for helping others was never more evident though than when he shared his testimony with younger students. Telling his personal story of struggle and victory, he encouraged them never to give up regardless of the difficult circumstances they faced, and to trust in God who had a plan and a purpose for each of them.
Above, a passionate Elisha shares his testimony with the students at Ng'enyilel Secondary School where he taught as an untrained teacher while waiting to join Teachers College in Mombasa.
Elisah developed another passion during our time together......card playing! We started by teaching him Uno and then with the help of our friend David Waldrop, progressed to Hand & Foot. He found great enjoyment in playing cards, loved the fellowship and the good natured competition the game provided.
Ready to play anytime & anywhere-
William, Collins & Elisha playing Hand & Foot became a regular and familiar sight.
Joining us for the April 2011 Discipleship Camp, Elisha helped organize the purchase of supplies, set the Camp schedule and taught several sessions. During the Camp however Elisha became ill. Not one to speak much of his problems, he recovered well enough to finish the Camp and even joined us two weeks later when we took students from the CML Academy on a field trip. The illness however sent him to the Rongo District hospital the week of May 9th, and although he fought bravely he was called home by the Lord on May 30th.
In the words of Seth Odongo (one of Elisha's friends, fellow former student & CML member) "the CML family has lost a friend, a mentor, a brother and most of all a dedicated leader..."
Elisha had a heart for teaching. In the photo above he was preparing for an In-school ministry session.
Elisha always took time to assist other student's. Above he's helping Ida Okoth.
For a time on this earth we were blessed and privileged to know, love and share life with Elisha Otewa. God used him to touch many lives and to share the love, joy and hope of His son Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed until we meet again!
"He defended the cause of the poor and needy....
"Is that not what it means to know me?"declares the Lord." Jer 22:16
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