Let the Dead bury the Dead

 I did not know how this topic came about. It happened 10 years ago when I just took up my appointment as Acting Principal of our Bible College at Namaus Ranau. My friend called me at 12.30pm to convey his condolences of my father’s passing and it was the first time I knew that my dad was no longer with us. Apparently, my three brothers called me since 9.45am without getting through as the line in Namaus was not stable and they could not get through to me. At that time I had one phone number on pre-paid.

I thanked my friend for his call, and knelt down to pray. I was just back in my room for a quick rest before chairing my first faculty meeting at 2pm. I was also slotted to preach in the evening service, again my first time as Acting Principal. I decided not to rush back to Kota Kinabalu but to fulfill all my duty at the meeting and also preached that evening. 

I went down early next morning, probably reached KK before 10am after two and a half hours’ drive. I had barely 5 months to enact change and reform since my tenure as Acting Principal would end in one Semester. But it was a correct decision to stay on Campus. I set the tone for the faculty as I told them we had about 10 things to do in order to make good the many notations of the provisional accreditation of our College’s programs the previous year. 

I forgot what I preached later that night, but the College community of about 100 adults took a bereavement collection for me which came to RM200 plus. Praise God. On my way down to KK, I stopped over in Tamparuli for breakfast and when I wanted to pay, my wallet was empty and I had used up my last RM50.00 on diesel for my pickup in Ranau. I panicked for a moment and thought I might have to plead with the restaurant owner or called a friend to help paid my bill. 

Then I remembered I had an envelope which was given to me last night. And I praised God for the College’s generosity and kindness in the time of need that saved me from certain embarrassment. 

A few months ago my mother passed away, and my church also took up a collection for me, but it took them 2 months to hand the bereavement gift to me which by then, was totally meaningless, though I was thankful to the various church members who contributed.