08/07/2026
Dear family!
We are mourning a beautiful soul (to my right) who went to be with the Lord yesterday.
Hellen, or Mama Glow as we fondly called her, was the beloved wife of my cousin, Rev. Sammy Ong'ondo (in blue).
This loss has come as a great shock to all of us. Last year, we attended weddings, graduations and family gatherings together. She also travelled with my wife to Northern Kenya several times for training and capacity building. She was full of strength, passion, and good health. Then suddenly, she fell ill. Though her condition was being managed albeit expensively, she was responding quite well. Yesterday morning the Lord called her home.
I know we often describe those who pass away as wonderful people, but Mama Glow truly was exceptional.
Not many people genuinely love God and love people. But she did. She was a joyful soul to be around, always encouraging, always smiling, and uplifting the spirits of those around her. I personally banked on her wisdom on issues whenever I needed guidance. Even in her hospital bed, her unwavering confession was, "We are on the winning side. God is on our side.He is still on the throne." Her faith till death is what has inspired me the most.
On the other hand my brother, Rev. Sammy, is one pastor of a kind. As a young boy I used to throw stones at them in our local church because they were making noise in prayer. He prayed that those throwing stones will become preachers and be thrown stones too. And it later happened. Not only stones I have been attacked twice at gunpoint while in the mission field. I wish I didn't throw those stones!
We call him the people's pastor because he is always there for other people. Whenever someone he knows loses a loved one, he makes every effort to travel and stand with the grieving family. I cannot count the number of times we have spoken on the phone only for him to tell me he was on his way to it back from yet another funeral somewhere across the country, to comfort others in their hour of need. I mean he is always the comforting one.
Yesterday I saw him at Montezuma still comforting us over his dead wife and my heart was broken. He loved Hellen deeply. The two loved each other. He again led us into releasing his wife to go before they wheeled the body away.
I want to humbly ask all my friends and everyone reading this to remember this family before the Lord during this difficult moment. Their last-born daughter, Abby, is a candidate at Alliance Girls' High School and is scheduled to begin her mock examinations on Monday. She always tells me, "Uncle I need nothing but an A of 84 points." We are still trying to find a wise way to break this sad news to her. Some things are just tough but God's grace is always sufficient.
Renowned Nigerian author Elechi Amadi once observed that, "Death is a bad reaper,it reaps even the unripe."
Rest in peace, Mama Glow. See you on the other side♥️🙏
