I wrestled with whether or not I should include my own words here. Who am I, after all? I have known Uncle Hubert for only the past decade, probably shorter than anyone else here who shared their words, but I know from experience that every word can be a comfort.
Everyone has already proclaimed the amazing character of Uncle Hubert, his humility, compassion for all, and powerful love for God. Everyone has already shared the truth that all of us will be reunited in the Anointed One for an eternity. What else can I say?
As for me, I will miss his "my prophet Elijah" greeting in his beautiful voice at the end of service as we embraced. The fond title was more for my homeless appearance than any prophetic gifting. How is it possible to bring attention to a man's homeless appearance and yet make it endearing, carrying no offense or having no malice? Was it his sharp mind, his true loving heart, or a divine gifting?
I first met him as a new member to Calvary Christian Fellowship in a Bible study small group. As the weeks passed, I wondered why I was facilitating the group rather than this man of God (Hubert).
My wife and I were honored beyond words to attend his lovely wedding anniversary. We heard testimony after testimony. Truly, Uncle Hubert and Auntie Uche are pillars of any congregation they join and bless.
When my mother passed from this world, he made a point to visit and encourage me after all the commotion had calmed, one-on-one and face-to-face. He shared that his parents passed when he was much younger than me. He gave me a living example of joy after loss, and that joy need not be immediate, but can return and grow with time. We who follow Jesus the Christ have our expectant hope and eager excitement for that eternal reunion. At the same time, we have other loved ones here who need us. Death is a horrible separation, but the Lord conquered it. Therefore, we live and work for our loved ones here, and eagerly look forward to our reunion with those who have gone ahead.
Apostle Paul had the confidence to say to disciples who knew him, "Imitate me," because he walked that closely with God. In this time, in this environment, I cannot claim such a role model of anyone...except Uncle Hubert. He loved and walked with God, but he was not so "religiously minded" that he could not enjoy a simple game of soccer or empathize with the struggles of others. He knew the Scriptures and therefore the Truth, but he still had compassion for those who wandered from the Truth. I personally felt he would love me no matter my wrongs. He was gentle even when serious. He did not condemn, but he also stood immovable upon the Word of God. I never heard a quick retort, but instead he would give your words careful consideration before thoughtfully responding. Even when disagreeing, he was so kind and humble.
Uncle Humbert is the role model in my lifetime of "let your light shine before others," "an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity," thanksgiving, "model of good works," wisdom, steadfastness, gentleness, integrity, humility, and compassion. I am blessed to have known him.
To Auntie Uche, his children, his grandchildren, and to all his family...there are no words for your loss. The pain is so real and deep. Thank God for the blessings of years with him that the Lord has given. Better a year, a decade, five decades, of knowing him than to never have known him. Better to have been his wife, his child, his grandchild, than someone else's. His life on this earth is a beautiful blessing that we wish would have been longer. Yet we remember that eternity still awaits us, and he will be there.