Andrew Baleri, our Jos Bookshop Manager passed away last week from a heart attack. Andrew was described as Craig Ewoldt's "right-hand." Andrew is deeply missed by his family, friends and Oasis both in the USA and Nigeria. Below is an account of Andrew's funeral written by Craig.
We have just returned from Andrew Baleri’s funeral. The
service had been announced for 10 AM, but we had heard through the grapevine
that it would be earlier. When we arrived a little after 8:30, the parking lot
was half empty. But the ECWA Good News Church which seats 500+ was packed
already. Hundreds more were still to come and would stand outside. We were
escorted to the front and given a seat, and the moment we sat down, the service
began with opening prayer.
The congregation sang –
There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar
For the Father waits over the way,
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
In the sweet . . . by and by . . . .
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
In the sweet . . . by and by . . .
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
A leader of the community where Andrew lived rose to remember
Andrew. “He was not a man of wealth, so the crowd
gathered is not here because they have received gifts from him from time to
time. He is not a man of high position, so we are not here because we have
received favor from him. So how is it that there is such a crowd for an
ordinary man like Andrew? It is because he has been an extraordinary friend to
many, a man of wise counsel, a man of good will, and a godly example to all.”
The words were not only kind, but true.
Music followed from the Good News Choir, the Women’s
Fellowship, the Unity Choir, and the Men’s Fellowship. The men came forward,
introduced a song from Psalm 1 – blessed is the man. Andrew had spent an hour
with them on that same Sunday before he died, insisting that they learn this
song. “The rapture could come at any time,” he had commented, and as they
thought about it later, it was as if Andrew was considering that he could soon
be in the Lord’s presence. Then his wife, Lydia Baleri was asked to come
forward, and as she did, the women of the church began to sing. She gave a few
words of her own, strongly and clearly. God had given her family peace.
Andrew’s biography was read, and then there were testimonies
given by spokesmen of various groups. Musa Paul Gindri spoke at length for the
family – “This is not death, this is victory.” Shehu Singriku was designated to
speak for those of us at Oasis—both Oasis International and Oasis Distributions
in Nigeria. He was excellent, even eloquent. He said everything I was thinking,
but even better. “He was a friend, a brother, a father, and a counselor to all
of us. We will surely miss him.”
Pastor David Laje had counted Andrew as his closest friend,
and he spoke for the church. “When I thought of Andrew’s death, I considered we
had lost a great leader in our church. But today as I see all of you here, I
understand that we are celebrating victory. I see in Andrew someone who has
finished his race, and has received the crown of life. Andrew is known by his
humility, gentility, and patience.” He then went on to note the many ways he
had served in the church, how as an elder, his district—the Joy District-- had
prospered more than any, his impact in his discipleship class, and his
leadership in the marriage enrichment ministry. He also commented that Andrew
was always the one he went to for counsel.
Before the pastor gave his message, the family came forward
and knelt, while the elders of the church gathered around them and prayed for
them. It was noted that for the last several years, they had lost men in the
family at this time of the year, and special prayer was offered that no one in
the family would be taken out of God’s perfect timing.
Pastor Laje began his message: “This meeting is not in our
plans. It is because of God’s plan for his servant Andrew. And we trust that
you will also find God’s plan for your life.” The message was from Psalm 90,
focusing on two truths:
· God
is eternal
· The
brevity of man’s life.
“The passage talks of seventy years or eighty if by strength.
But the life span of the Nigeria man is 40 to 50 years. So Andrew had four
years extra. At any moment I could die. The question is, am I ready? ‘Teach us
to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.’ That verse is
for you. That verse is for me. Do not let this moment pass you by.” He then
gave an invitation for people to follow Christ.
Then two remarkable things happened. Suddenly, I noticed
Andrew’s younger brother standing in the front row, the brother that had so
been on Andrew’s mind. The pastor had switched to Hausa, but finally I caught
the drift of it. When Emmanuel heard of his brother’s death, he determined to
abandon his prodigal ways. Now the pastor was praying that with God’s help,
Emma would be able to keep that resolve.
It was reported to me that the night before at the wake, with
another full church and many standing outside in the rain, that as the service
was closing, the pastor had asked all in attendance to stand and pray for my
health. So more than 500 stood and prayed at once out loud for me. Now I hear
Pastor Laje calling my name again, and thanking God for answered prayer and
that I am able to be at the funeral. He called the Provost from Zobolo Seminary
to come forward and pray for me again. It was humbling again to be singled out
for prayer at our good friend’s service.
The service ended with the singing of “To God Be the Glory.”
The casket was carried out and loaded in the ambulance cum hearse. We were
surrounded by many who came to give us condolences. The parking lot was now
crowded, and cars lined up to accompany the family to the family burial site in
Gindri, more than an hour away. Every vehicle was completely full. We had
printed 200 posters to put on these cars as is the custom, but still there were
many in the line that did not have one. We were told that many cars were even
parked along the highway more than a half mile away. Beth and I returned home
to rest.
None were there because of Andrew’s prominence in an earthly
sense. All were there because they wanted to honor a man who was great in God’s
sight, and now is in his presence. I am reminded of the words, applied to
Andrew. “We see before us Andrew’s body. But Andrew is not dead. He is more
alive now than ever before.” To God be the glory.
