Today I had the privilege of having lunch with Bishop Eliphaz and Eunice. Bishop Eliphaz worked alongside my grandfather Alan, right until the time he died, where he took over as principle at Bishop Tuckers Theological College (now Uganda Christian University). Alan had been training him up to replace him, as head of the colleague, because of his strong conviction that a Ugandan should be in charge, rather than himself. Although he passed away before this transition was able to take place, I’m sure he would be proud of the job Bishop Elephaz did, and the reputation and growth that has happened in the years since. The current Vice Chancellor (Rev. John Musisi Senyonyi) is also a Ugandan.
When asked about my grandfather a warm smile appeared on the Bishops face, as his memories started to return. “He was a man of integrity”, he started, “A very calm man. He was very spiritual, and set an example through his life.” We went on to discuss the current state of marriage in the world, and he reminisced how he felt Alan & Catherine had set an excellent example, to him and his wife, during his life. They led a simple life, and he recalls how Catherine (GranGran), was always so full of energy! Happily driving her young children the several hour trip to Kenya (and back).
He shared with me a passage from Philippians, from his tattered bible. The same bible he had held when listening to my grandfather. He knew exactly what passage it was, because it was underlined, and he’s written a few notes about it in the margin.
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.”
Philippians 3:12-15 ESV
Seems like an appropriate verse, to stick in the mind of my grandfathers successor. Forget what has happened in the past, and focus on whats ahead. Focus on the goal that we have both been working toward, and don’t look back.
