NICANOR AKUNO - Nairobi, Kenya
Departed 24 March 2005
Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them. "When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59
"I forgive the policeman who shot me," Nicanor Akuno said as he lay bleeding from a gunshot wound. He might as well have been saying, "Forgive him, Father, for he knows not what he is doing," demonstrating incredible spirituality and surrender in face of injury and pain. He had been shot by a policeman in an emotionally misdirected rage. Minutes later, Nicanor Akuno, a disciple in Nairobi's Far East region, passed on to be with the Lord.
A strong man who participated actively in the church's football league, Nicanor was a gentle and jolly person. Nicanor had a telling impact on the Far East ministry. As the caretaker of a residential building, he secured a room for free that the ministry uses for its midweek services.
On the afternoon of 24 March 2005, a policeman who apparently was in a rage, was attempting to gun down thugs who had hijacked him and his vehicle. He ended up firing at and striking Nicanor, whose neighbours then rushed him to hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention.
A single parent whose four-year-old son is now being looked after by disciples, Nicanor, like the deacon from Acts 6:5,6 after whom he was named, stood out as a man full of the Holy Spirit. Kennedy Kisyang'ani says, "Nicanor Akuno was a disciple for one year and three months during which period he lived for Jesus, and excelled in serving, giving, laying down his life for others, considering others better than himself, fellowship, prayer, and seeking and saving the lost."
Aggrey and Jemima Muruka share, "In evangelism, Nicanor would lead other brothers on a door-to-door campaign inviting the entire neighborhood for both our mid-week services and bible-talk discussions. He was so zealous for the lost that he converted his gym into a temple-court where very productive bible-talks were held. We and our daughter have lost a hero in faith and a very close friend."
Mike Odwallo, who leads the Far East region with his wife, Liz, says, "The death of Nicanor was a great shock to the disciples in our ministry. He had led songs powerfully during our midweek service, and the following day he was shot dead!
"Nicanor was a great servant. He was responsible for the hall arrangement and did everything without complaining."
While our departed brother is named after one of the great deacons from Acts 6, he is also characteristic of another of those incredible men. "In his death," Mike continues, "Nicanor reminds me of Stephen from the book of Acts, who died a hero, not bitter with anybody but very forgiving and surrendered. I can confidently say that Nicanor was ready to meet our Lord."
As Nicanor awaits our arrival on high, let us imitate him as we seek to have hearts which reflect that of our Lord and Role Model Jesus Christ.
"Loving Memory" Page
Departed 24 March 2005
Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them. "When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59
"I forgive the policeman who shot me," Nicanor Akuno said as he lay bleeding from a gunshot wound. He might as well have been saying, "Forgive him, Father, for he knows not what he is doing," demonstrating incredible spirituality and surrender in face of injury and pain. He had been shot by a policeman in an emotionally misdirected rage. Minutes later, Nicanor Akuno, a disciple in Nairobi's Far East region, passed on to be with the Lord.
A strong man who participated actively in the church's football league, Nicanor was a gentle and jolly person. Nicanor had a telling impact on the Far East ministry. As the caretaker of a residential building, he secured a room for free that the ministry uses for its midweek services.
On the afternoon of 24 March 2005, a policeman who apparently was in a rage, was attempting to gun down thugs who had hijacked him and his vehicle. He ended up firing at and striking Nicanor, whose neighbours then rushed him to hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention.
A single parent whose four-year-old son is now being looked after by disciples, Nicanor, like the deacon from Acts 6:5,6 after whom he was named, stood out as a man full of the Holy Spirit. Kennedy Kisyang'ani says, "Nicanor Akuno was a disciple for one year and three months during which period he lived for Jesus, and excelled in serving, giving, laying down his life for others, considering others better than himself, fellowship, prayer, and seeking and saving the lost."
Aggrey and Jemima Muruka share, "In evangelism, Nicanor would lead other brothers on a door-to-door campaign inviting the entire neighborhood for both our mid-week services and bible-talk discussions. He was so zealous for the lost that he converted his gym into a temple-court where very productive bible-talks were held. We and our daughter have lost a hero in faith and a very close friend."
Mike Odwallo, who leads the Far East region with his wife, Liz, says, "The death of Nicanor was a great shock to the disciples in our ministry. He had led songs powerfully during our midweek service, and the following day he was shot dead!
"Nicanor was a great servant. He was responsible for the hall arrangement and did everything without complaining."
While our departed brother is named after one of the great deacons from Acts 6, he is also characteristic of another of those incredible men. "In his death," Mike continues, "Nicanor reminds me of Stephen from the book of Acts, who died a hero, not bitter with anybody but very forgiving and surrendered. I can confidently say that Nicanor was ready to meet our Lord."
As Nicanor awaits our arrival on high, let us imitate him as we seek to have hearts which reflect that of our Lord and Role Model Jesus Christ.
"Loving Memory" Page