Dad

Dad, I look at you and I see a human being fully alive; embracing life in all its fullness - ups and downs, yet refusing to stay down. You embody the meaning of resilience, determination and faith. Who we are today is so much because of the values that you taught us. I can treat my wife (and all others) with respect and love, because I saw you doing that with mommy (and every other creature of God). I am always proud to tell others whose son I am! Love you dad!

The Thoughts of a Grieving Father: How will I ever make sense of this?

The Thoughts of a Grieving Father: How will I ever make sense of this?: 6 April 2015  My worst nightmare does not compare to the pain and anguish I experienced that day.  The day started pretty amazing, ac...

The Thoughts of a Grieving Father: The Broken Lollipop

The Thoughts of a Grieving Father: The Broken Lollipop: Trying to be a brave Daddy, I sucked up the pain and mustered up the courage and faced the day that was before us. I promised myself that no...

Rest in Peace Judah!

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the untimely death of my nephew, Judah Pedro - the youngest son of my brother Roger Pedro and my sister-in-law Desiree Pedro.

Judah was born on the 17th of December 2013 and tragically died on the 06th of April 2015 (today).

When we said our goodbyes on Sunday the 06th of July 2014, it never even crossed our minds that we would never see your angelic smile again.

You were such a special child - a gift from our Lord that we will never forget.

Our hearts are broken. Words cannot express the deep grief we feel tonight.

Rest in Peace Little One.

Holy Week Services (2015) in the Northampton Methodist Circuit.

A Lunchtime Encounter with Ignorance: Fight, Flight or … Teaching opportunity?

When I join the company, I sit down simply as a new colleague, looking forward to fellowship with others. We are planning an event that aims at breaking down walls of division and bringing people together, regardless of our theological differences.

However, I am quickly made aware of the fact that I am the only African - sitting down for a meal with 10 other people (all British).

He sits next to me - very opinionated and clearly the conversation maker. I don't know how - but suddenly the conversation is about the group of Africans that have a meal at his church once a month. He explains that they clearly have no table manners - they "pick up the food with their hands and stuff their mouths". He then says: "They've invited me often to eat with them, but I conveniently think up an excuse, because I really don't want to eat with them".

Sometimes I wish it was more obvious that I was black. Maybe then, people wouldn't be so blatantly honest about their prejudices.

He then turns to me and says: "How did you deal with that when you were in Africa?" Everyone looks at me. I can sense the nervousness. I say to him (sarcastically): "I am an African. And that is how I eat too?" "Oh," he says, "but you're not eating like that now." I can feel the anger rising up in me. And I calmly respond: "I am sitting at a British table!"

Someone then raises a completely different topic and the conversation continues. From that point I feel like someone sitting outside of the fellowship - observing a conversation that I am not part of.

The group meets at the homes of different members on a rota basis - and has a meal together.  Do I take my turn and put "stywe pap" and red meat on the table (without forks and knives)? Alternatively - do I just stay away? I am so tired of fighting this type of battle.