JAMZY

Today I had the privilege of attending the funeral of Jahmal, known as Jamzy, a 17 year old boy who was recently stabbed to death in Hackney.  I had been out on the streets of Hackney on the night that he was killed, volunteering with the Street Pastors organisation, and the Hackney Street Pastors were invited to attend the funeral by the family.

There were about 3000 people packed into the church, and the service was uplifting, full of hope and strength from God.  The preacher introduced his sermon with the words, "It is well", asking the people gathered there to echo back to him, "It is well"... The gospel message was preached and many had a chance to hear of the hope of eternal life after death.  The gospel song, 'Oh Happy Day' was sung joyfully as a collection was taken for the funeral costs. Jamzy's uncle spoke briefly, greeting the crowd with the words from the bible, "This is the day that the Lord has made.. we will rejoice and be glad in it."

It appears that Jamzy had faith in God and had even done a recent art project on the journey to heaven or hell, suggesting that God had been preparing his mind to think of matters of life and death. Jamzy's mother is a Christian and her words of tribute written to Jamzy are truly inspiring as they show the sacrifice that she is making to trust in God through this difficult time, and to use Jahmal's death to inspire her to pray that others might live:

"I know God loved you. He has chosen you that others might live... I know and will ask all the pastors and bishops, evangelists and praying people in Hackney and all over England to bombard Heaven with prayer, so that the Father in Heaven will send his own Holy Ghost fire to destroy the demonic powers that have taken over the young people that are carrying knifes and killing each other. So that your death won't be in vain. Rest in peace, Love Mum"

Lord, I add my prayers to those of this grieving mother... that the young people caught up in this culture of violence would find Life in place of death. You gave up your life that others might live, and I pray that Jamzy's death would be a signpost to point the way to your sacrifice.