What does a spiritual parent look like?

I'm a visual learner- I learn by observing people and words alone aren't enough. I'm glad that I met Kenneth and Leena Masters (we fondly called them as Kenlen). Kenlen showed me what it looks like to honour God and love people. They invited people home and Leena would serve us amazing chai and snacks, whereas Ken would share his stories and testimonies of God's faithfulness. He was a man of faith and depended on God for everything. They made their home a haven for youngsters to hang out and enjoy Christian movies or simply share their burdens.

The event that impacted me the most was when a man called Bentu passed away on 24th December 2017. He had a wife and three children- Salomi, Rachel and Matthew. Kenlen helped and supported this family after their loss. They cared for the children as their own, being there for this family in their time of distress. Ken was teaching Bentu's daughters Salomi and Rachel to ride the bike and do everything for the kids like a father would do for his own child. Each time I would meet Kenlen with this family, I was reminded of a scripture- "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." -James 1:27. It was amazing to see this scripture come to life. Their life has been an encouragement to me, assuring me of God's ongoing work in our hearts to produce genuine, deep and sacrificial love for people.

On 3rd June 2018, my friends and I got the message about Ken, Monica and the 3 children being passed away. I was shocked and was also reminded of what a rich and full life God blessed him with- a life that will inspire many to love and not be afraid. One Sunday I met Leena after this incident. She told us what happened and I was amazed at Leena's strength and courage through it all. She reminds me of Job from the Bible, even when stripped of everything she has God's praises on her lips. She has confidence in the Heavenly Father that he has a good plan for her in spite of the pain.

Leena- I want to thank you. Thank you for loving Ken and being a wife who supported him in the adventure of loving people. Though you may not have your own kids, I see that God has richly blessed you with many spiritual children. Thank you for taking that responsibility of being a spiritual parent and caring for people. Your love has been more than words and your life has touched the hearts of many especially mine. So thank you, Leena.

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