I only knew him for a few hours, but he has a big place in my heart.

A leading pastor in Zambia with a ministry to AIDS victims and their families, he and his wife Lister were in the US learning about micro-enterprise as a way to help their community. Because my family had been involved with World Vision AIDS Caregiver Kit Builds and were a part of a community who had supported their ministry, we were invited to host them for an evening while they were here.

When I met Teddy, his eyes twinkled with humor. Throughout our time together, his humility was evident. He expressed personal interest in each one of us, served his wife with tender thoughtfulness, and shared his passion for their ministry and Zambian people.

Around our dinner table, he shared the story of his first fancy dinner event. Having grown up in a poor village, he couldn’t believe it as course after course was served. He ate and ate until he couldn’t eat another bite. Finally, at the end of the meal, dessert was placed before him. He dearly loved sweets, which he didn’t get often, but he sat there and cried because he couldn’t possible eat another bite.

When I heard that he had gone to be with the Lord last week, I was stunned and saddened. Suddenly I remembered with a smile his story about the dessert. And then I pictured him at the heavenly banquet table, rejoicing as he partakes of the very best final course to the full.

His life was a beautiful testament to the glory of God. Thinking about him, the life he lived, and his present eternal celebration fills me with hope.

Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God. Luke 14:15b