1 Corinthians 15:55 “”Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

August 27 was my mom’s birthday. This is my first year to celebrate her birth without her. She died in March of this year. I can still celebrate her wonderful life because I know where she is today. She is resting in the arms of Jesus and I can smile in that knowledge. I miss her everyday but death did not get the victory and I will see her and my dad again someday.

Death is experienced differently in other countries and cultures. We have seen some of those differences first hand as we travel for our mission work.

In Kenya, a very simple pine box is the norm for the casket. Sometimes the casket is transported from the hospital to the home on top of a local taxi since hearses are not available. The body is kept in the home overnight before the service. Most times, the burial occurs on the property surrounding the home. The service is very simple followed by a meal prepared for all the mourners in attendance.

In Nepal, funeral pyres are the most common form of burial. Along the main river in Kathmandu, communal platforms await the families. Wood is piled up on the platform and then the body is laid across the wood. A family member ignites the flames. The mourners watch and wait for everything to burn. The ashes are swept into the river as the deceased becomes one with nature in their belief. Members of the  family will bath in the river as the ashes as swept into the water so they are close to their loved one just once more.

No matter how the body is handled in death, the most important element is the heart of the deceased. Did they know and believe in Christ? If Christ was their Savior, the funeral is not the end of the story. The loved one is resting in the arms of Jesus just like my mom. Christ conquered the grave for all of us who accept and believe in His name. Is your heart in the right place with Jesus so that death has no hold on you? If you are unsure or want more details, visit your local church and they can help you.

May the Lord Bless you and keep.

Yvonne

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”