I learned today second hand that my former guard/ housekeep Modibo "Enoch" Diarra from Mali died Sunday, Dec 6, 2015 and was buried the next day in Nonkon. He was about 38.
I was able to call his brother, Abel, just now who confirmed that he died in the Gabriel Toure Hospital in Bamako.
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| Modibo Enoch Diarra, circa 2002. |
I had returned from Furlough and brought him this new shirt from Old Navy as well as new jeans, if I recall.
He claimed Christ, but also was a prodigal, frequently making bad choices that took him far afield. He got at least one major second chance from me, and worked for me for seven or eight years until I fired him for theft. He later did time in prison, hit bottom and eventually found his way back up.
When I last saw Modibo in 2012, he has refound his faith, had a job, was reconciled with his family. He had also asked me forgiveness for his betrayals, in a legitimate way, not just in the standard Malian "if I've ever done you wrong" way.
I heard rumors later that he'd stolen again, lost another job. But also that he had married and had a child and was a good father. [His brother Abel confirmed this - he has a wife and a young daughter, who are now in her village].
I don't know whether he was UP or DOWN when he died. However, I am grateful that the gospel is not based on what we do, but on what Jesus did for us. Otherwise Modibo would not stand a chance... And nor would I.
Modibo taught me how to be an agent of grace. How to forgive after betrayal, how to do the "tough love" thing and leave someone in prison for their own good. And when mercy calls you to get them out, before they die in the overcrowded cell in hot season.
Modibo, I will remember and cherish your smile.
And friendship and the good times we had.
There were other times that were harder. May God wash those from our memories,
And may you finally return Home into the arms of your Father, prodigal no more.
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