12th January

100th birthday

He is an ex-serviceman of the first world war between 1914 and 1918. He is still full of strength and humour. He also is a convinced Christian. In his community he is known and respected. On his 100th birthday all the inhabitants of the village came and showed him their friendship.

Exactly one month later the whole village is also present; this time they are around his coffin. The Bible is opened and the Gospel is announced. However, according to the desire of the defunct it is not him who is honoured but Jesus his Saviour. All through his life Jesus was his example.

One of his Christian brothers reminds seriously at this occasion that every human being only has a few years to live. Everybody is responsible to bring forth fruit with his gifts. His testiimony in the village during life prepared and preceeded the announcement of the Gospel at his tomb.

The Bible invites us to admire "the feet" (the way of living) more than the sayings of them who announce the good news of salvation (Romans 10, 15).