So painful I never had a physical contact with him before he went home. Nevertheless, the knowledge of his lifetime makes an impression on me I will ever live to appreciate. I only set out to write a biography of a Christian worker in Africa as a project, being a pastor in training at AIU. I just chose to write about him only because I must pass my exam. Writing about Dr. Carew was more than an academic project, it was an unforgettable encounter. A critical study of his life is much more than what I would have learned while receiving a lecture in the classroom. Dr. Carew, I admire your lifestyle. I covet the grace upon your life.

I learned about your humility which reminded people and gave a practical demonstration of how Christ lived when He physically came to the world. In many occasions you were mistaken for a student within the campus of NEGST/AIU even though you were the Vice Chancellor. I’m so glad you were proud to keep the company of lowly people and was identified with your subordinates. I wondered why you would not only give a second chance, but much more than a second chance, when people failed you in one regard or the other. But I stopped wondering, having known you had chosen to follow the foot step of your Master.

Your mind was not a tape recorder, yet people’s names and birthdays were indelibly stuck to it despite many things you had to think about. This evidenced your love and care for people! I learned how much you could stoop so low in getting up the ones lying low. Helping people is your delight. Making them happy is a priority. It was never a big deal for you to give up all you’d got in order to achieve a goal that would benefit mankind.

You were a man who kept his words. I remember your son, Oluniyi, told me you had an opportunity to stay back in the US after your doctoral award, but you gritted your teeth and made your way back to Africa in order to fulfill your condition of scholarship. Your home country (Sierra Leone) wasn’t at peace when you finished this program; that could be enough reason for you not to return to Africa to fulfill your calling. You didn’t give room for excuse but by all means you found your base in Africa your fatherland.

Keep on resting on the bosom of the Savior. You played your own role well and were found successful. I believe by the time you returned home, the Savior would stand astride with His arms open wide. His face would be decorated with a big smile as He hugged you so tightly and cooed into your ears: “Well done my son. I have prepared a place for you. Welcome into your eternal joy.”

Esse quam vederi (rather to be than to seem) is the maxim of a famous Secondary School in Freetown, The Albert Academy, of which Bro. Douggie, as Dr. Carew was fondly known, was a very distinguished alumnus. It was here young men and girls (at the A ‘levels) were prepared for life’s journey.

Douggie’s live epitomized our school motor. He lived a life of humility with no pretentiousness. He was what he was, a deeply relational person and an excellent communicator. He was not just a good speaker but his words were gracious and full of wit and wisdom, even more soothing when he sang. Uniquely equipped for teaching; long before his theological studies he was already recognized as one of the best bible expositors in Sierra Leone. His entire working life was spent primarily as a teacher, whether this was secondary school science curriculum, basic discipleship program, preaching or teaching Hebrew or theology at the highest level of scholarship.

The scores of tributes that continue to pour in on the memorial website, managed by his daughter Seneiyah, are testimony to the fine life Douggie lived.

However, Douggie’s life was one of paradox but happily one not inconsistent with the life of our Master and Lord. This is dubbed ‘the tumbling down effect’ by theologians. The self-empting of Christ (Phil.2:7). Christ emptied Himself first to birth, then to death. Christ, though God, chose to hide His Deity in humanity- He hid his majesty in humanity.

By His coming in the flesh (his humanity) - birth, death and resurrection he withheld His divine powers. He wasn’t denied this nor forced to do so but instead He chose to do so. He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped (Phil. 2:6). Christ was rejected by the very people he came to save.

Dr. Carew, mindful of the master’s call could identify with Saint Paul to have considered loss whatever was to his profit for the sake of Christ...to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering....to attain the resurrection from death (Phil. 3).

Douglas had his bit of humiliation even when he gave his all to a people he gave his live and all. How I wished he smelled the flowers that are now being placed on his grave. Like his master in a borrowed tomb we lay the remains of our dear brother on a borrowed land.

Praise the Lord! Death and the grave do not have the last say. It is in His humiliation that Christ is exalted to glory and at the right hand of God (Phi 2:9-11). I have no doubt that our brother has been exalted to the high place with our Lord in glory. The most honour we can give him is follow his good example of giving our lives to the Lord Jesus, faithfully walk with the Lord in this world into eternity, where Douggie has joined the saints who preceded him, especially those from our own community notably, Byang Kato and Tokumboh Adeyemo.  They all now have their well deserved rest in heaven where all sisters and brothers in the Lord are sure to catch up with them sooner or later.

Jesus, life and hope to heal our land

Saviour, reaching out with your mighty hand!

Sing for joy, O Africa!

The Lord your God is risen upon you!

Sing for joy, O Africa!

The Lord your God is risen upon you now!

Jabulani! Jabulani, Africa! (Echo) (x4)

Jesus, river of life to our thirsty land

Saviour, meeting our needs with your mighty hand!

Sing for joy, O Africa!

The Lord your God is risen upon you!

Sing for joy, O Africa!

The Lord your God is risen upon you now!

Jabulani! Jabulani, Africa! (Echo) (x4)

Sing for joy, O Africa!

The Lord your God is risen upon you!

Sing for joy, O Africa!

The Lord your God is risen upon you now!

Jabulani! Jabulani, Africa! (Echo) (x4)

© Lionel Petersen – Rejoice Africa (by Integrity Hosanna Music)

We knew you for a short time but your memories and teachings will always be in our hearts .MAY GOD REST YOUR SAUL INETERNAL PEACE.Ayiku may God provide you with angels to cover you and family under there wings and wisper  words of encouragement and love to you.

Amos and Chistine.

 we had just engaged DR Carew and Ayiku to walk us through our marriage .after going through a ten week program which was  facilitated by rumba team  of which  DR Carew was a member . and i must say we were moved  and greatly inspired by his ability to understand issues and how fluent  he would articulate them ,he was humble and a great christian with deep understanding of the word of God . for sure we will miss him forever as a couple but we pray that God gives his beloved family the strength to endure the grief and emerge more stronger in faith and unity in the family

A human life is a story told by God

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Christine /Amos

Nairobi chapel

He never shouted; yet his life was so loud and touched millions
He taught us 'how to read a book'; but never told us that his life was a book in itself
He was calm and collected; yet so strong to bear the heavy ladens of educating men of God
 
Though he is gone, but the memories of him will live forever... 
He fought a good fight, his race is over, he kept the faith
When I grow up I would love to be like Dr. Mo'
Rest from your labours beloved bro'. God be with you till we meet again

Comfort be upon the entire family. May the peace of God fill your hearts and minds as you go through these difficult season of adjustment.       
   

AN ACROSTIC PRAYER IN MEMORY OF DR. DOUGLAS CAREW

Dear God and Heavenly Father, in our weakness, we bow before You,

Reassured that our loved one is safe in Your loving arms and keeping;

Draw us, each new day, to a better understanding of Your will and way.

Open were his hands and heart to share God’s love and peace to all

Unassuming, selfless and caring – a true example of servant leadership,

Giving his utmost in his Christian devotion and academic scholarship,

Letting Your Word and truth guide his daily thoughts and actions

And always giving us hope and assurance to face the unknown future;

Selfless service and true companionship were what he offered to all.

Moses was Your chosen servant leader for Israel’s wilderness experience,

O Sovereign Lord, we thank You for having given AIU/NEGST another one;

Sincerity of heart and mind was what he brought to every friend and foe.

Everlasting are Your love and promises to those who love and serve You;

So we are confident that his labour in Your vineyard will never go in vain.

Comforter Divine, we ask that You hold us in the embrace of Your peace

And let nothing, yes nothing, separate us from Your everlasting love;

Refresh our weakened spirits and faith through the truth of Your Word,

Enable us, like our mentor, to remain faithful to You till the very end, so

We too will be safe in Your presence, glowing in Your heavenly splendor.

IN JESUS NAME, AMEN

 My wife Dorothy and I had the joy of being at NEGST during the time that Douglas and his wife were students there.  Douglas was always the same...peaceful, Christlike, patient, and any number of other positive words that I could use.  We had left Kenya by the time he came back to work at NEGST but we received the news that he was there with joy.  When NEGST celebrated the 25th anniversary, we had the opportunity to go to Indianapolis to participate and found Douglas to be even more gracious than we rememberd him to be. He was such a great representitive of NEGST, and of Jesus Christ.  We mourn his loss to his family and to theological education in Africa. He has made such a difference for the Kingdom, especially in Africa.  We are assured that the Lord's timing is always correct even when we do not understand it.  

As missionaries at Sierra Leone Bible College (TECT) beginning 1978 up until the end of 1985, Jule and I got to know Douglas as one of the finest young Christian leaders in Sierra Leone.  We came to know him primarily through Scripture Union and the evangelical fellowship.  Douglas was clearly gifted in ministry, in music, as a preacher and teacher, as a mentor and counselor, and as a leader.  Everyone who knew him respected him and trusted him.  In spite of his giftedness and great intelligence, he was truly humble and faithfully allowed the Lord to use him.  Hearing him speak at the Scripture Union vespers service in Freetown one Sunday night (Holy Trinity Church), I was convinced that teaching might be his most extraordinary gift.  When he came to me as principal at Jui (SLBC) to apply for a scholarship to study at NEGST, it was a very quick and resounding YES!!!  Of course, Douglas excelled at NEGST and later fulfilled his teaching obligation at SLBC with honor and excellence.

We had one opportunity to visit Douglas and Ayiku at their home in Indianapolis when Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pierce was visiting and agreed to address a large group of friends at the Carew house, back in the mid-1990's.  Douglas had not changed in the most important ways.  He still exhibited that very sweet spirit, the humble calm, the godly Spirit-filled life.  It was an honor to have known him.

The funeral is today and the family has been very much in my thoughts and prayers.  Douglas, it seems too soon that you have gone home to heaven.  Your loved ones have much to mourn.  But you are truly home and we will see you there, soon.  God's love and comfort to all. 

I will always remember that Dr. Carew never bothered to hunt down more gifted, more qualified people to participate in the AIU Choir on AIU's birthday - he accepted and encouraged the available and asked for only one thing - a joyful celebration of God's faithfulness to AIU.

I was especially blessed by his love for the song "Jabulani Africa" and his insistence that it be a signature song for the AIU Charter Award celebration. Dr. Carew's spirit and passion mirror the theme of that song and so even as we mourn, we remember with joy that Dr. Carew's life reflected a strong belief that the Lord our God has risen upon Africa. So we will "sing for joy, O Africa! The Lord your God is risen upon you!"

And as we sing, we will remember the Lord's servant who has set an example for us in passionate love for and commitment to the well-being of Africa.

What a going! So suprising, full of questions and wonders. About Dr. Carew, i do remember and I was inspired by your humble, cool look, thinking, talk walk and smile while and whenever i visited NEGST/AIU. Though his going was 'cool'....his memories in mama's, family, friends,AIU and others will sink cool in minds and hearts only if and when the understanding and peace of God is allowed to prevail.

Solace to mama, the children, family, AIU...for the demise of Dr. Carew. God's comfort and strength at such a moment and in the life after.

May we afford his cool smile all such a time and sing a praise to God? Let's look into the life beyond. May God help us we can not make it on our own.

Mithali- AIU Alumnii.

Diana and Yakubu Bakfwash join Carew's immediate and extended family, his close friends, AIU community,  to mourn the exit of a general. To those of us who knew  late Dr. Douglas he was a leader, who led with humility. As a teacher, he taught with excellence, as a servant he served faithfully, as a scholar he wrote in defence of Christianity, as  a pastor he rightly handled the word of God, as a father he trained his three children in the way of the Lord, as a husband he loved his wife, and provided for her, as a visionary leader he led NEGST to become Africa International University, his life as believer, is rightly summed up in the words of apostle Paul, "watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:16). Douglas, till we meet at the feet of Jesus.    

Close up of graduation picture. Small class in those days.

I remember Dr. Carew so vividly in my mind, as I had talked to him before he left for the United States.  There are so many qualities of Dr. Carew that stand out most clearly in my mind.

He was an encourager and extremely prayerful. When I lost my job in five years ago,  Dr. Carew was there for me, he encouraged me and prayed with me and continued to hold my hand; for this I thank you. His ability to listen, and provide solutions to a problem be it personal or professional was done very  skillfully  and in a caring way–  he is someone you could pour your problems to ; and he would just Listen.  His patience and ability to agree or disagree without making you feel inadequate was exceptional; His skillful tact of communicating and his compassion for others made you feel so cared for.  He knew every member of my family by name and would always want to know how they were.   He had an awesome personality that drew people to him.  Despite his seniority in academic life and position as Vice Chancellor of AIU, he had no room for pride and was approachable by all – he always made you feel comfortable.  The humility in which he carried himself with, is to be admired – he had such an inner beauty that shines from within and radiates out.  He indeed was a role model to me.  Rest in peace Dr. Carew.  You will be trully missed.

 My prayers go to Ayiku and the family.  May the Lord bless them and protect them and may he show them favour and give them peace.

My first teaching at NEGST in 1988 with Douglas, Oscar Muriu, Omar Djoeandy, and James Nkansah. This is a subsequent class with them (I think about 1990) and other students too! Great group. Douglas was always a diligent, thoughtful, quiet but articulate student. It was a privilege and pleasure to have him as part of the M.Div. seminar.

Dr. Carew was pleased that the atmosphere at Negst was not only for theological studies but also a conducive enviroment where two young people could meet and fall in love. He cheered us on during this time. Thank you very much.

I joined NEGST as Dir. Administration and HR in 2007.  I was privileged to serve under Dr. Carew's leadership and to nurture a friendship that would change my life.

While we worked through the management of NEGST. we were also dreaming and crafting the capacity to become AIU, we went through many lows, highs, paradoxes, conflicts. But these were hardly the highlights of my stay.

Not one day did I hear a word of doubt, despair, discontent, disdain, dissapointment from Dr. Carew's tongue. He was always grateful, always hopeful, always eager to do the next good thing that would bring AIU to the heights he and our community dreamt. And I must add - always smiling and dissipating our errant emotions...

I came away thinking.. What a man of Character !

I wanted to emulate him because our world has many leaders of competence but lacking in character.

You can only imagine my joy when the Charter came ! For Nothing is impossible with our God.

I have remained a volunteer servant- at -large for AIU because of what he modelled and what priceless value I have gained from being at AIU.

I will miss spending quality time at the VC suite- talking about " how to make things happen"

From this - The AIU vision is imprinted in our hearts and minds, with God's help and the joint effort of His church- AIU will thrive to demonstrate to the World that in Christ - All things hold together !  

FOR THERE IS NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE WITH OUR GOD !

I first met Douglas in 1987 when I was a first year student at NEGST. He made me feel comfortable and at home in the new environment of theological thinking that I had just come into. We elected him our leader of the student council and he represented our interests very well. I was impressed at how he could communicate to any kind of audience. I remember a time we invited him to St. Francis, Karen and it was a family service that means children were in the audience. I was touched that he could preach his sermon to reach the children.
So he has been part of NEGST all his life. I thank God that he served the LORD with all his heart and soul through his dedication to NEGST. That he brought NEGST to the granting of the university charter is one of his greatest achievements. AIU/NEGST, Kenya, Africa and the world have been touched by a great servant and leader. I praise God for his life and may we emulate him.

I have no doubt that Douglas is now in the company of angels in heaven.  I've known him since our GYS (Gospel Youth Singers) days in Freetown.  He was one member who was always willing to help. He was smart, had a great voice, a great speaker, and always willing to share his testimony.  As the Choir director I could always count on his support.  He led the song "Soon and very soon" and I will never forget how proud and willing he was to lead the song.  Indeed he has gone to see the King.  May the Lord give him eternal peace and rest.

In the years that I knew Dr Carew as our vice Chancellor one thing that I will never forget about him is how relational he was to everybody. He was the kind of man who makes everybody feel that they are somebody no matter what. I spent my first year at A.I.U thinking that he never knew me but I was shocked one day when I met him outside the library building and he greeted me.."Rachel how are you?" .. I was shocked first of all that he knew me by name. Later on he went on to ask me about my country (Malawi) and right there and then I knew that he was a man who had such relational skills that many of us do not have. Another time I led chapel and soon after that right outside the chapel he walked towards me and said.. "Thank you Rachel for leading us today" with a smile on his face. Dr Carew was a man who would look for something good in one's life and encourage it.

I have learnt alot from just observing his life and listening to him speak on different things. Surely his legacy shall forever live with us. We celebrate his life and the impact that he has had on our lives but above all the impact he has had on A.I.U as an institution.

We thank God that he blessed us with Dr. Carew's life. It has been a privilige and a blessing knowing him through my stay at AIU. To God alone be all the glory and praise today and forever more.

Though I did not know Dr Carew very well but the number of times I have met him - last time was about a month ago - something about his warmth and smile that just never ceased to capture the heart. 

May his soul rest in peace.

This is indeed the end of a faithful pilgrimage…the true beginning of a life that is everlasting…the continuation of our witness as fellow pilgrims and till we meet again brother Douglas; may you rest in perfect peace with the Lord.

Thanks for your Christian Testimony and thanks for believing in others. We pray that the God of grace be the source of hope and comfort to your wife and children.

I do remember you picking me up from the airport and spending a night at your home with your family and you driving me to my meeting the next day in Naperville …our last time together …what a blessing …Thanks. To God Be The Glory!
Rest In Peace.

I left my nation Liberia in the midst of the war  and came to NEGST.  You and the rest of the West African Community received me and made me felt at home.   You were more than a teacher but a mentor and hero who inspired me to learn how to effectively interpret the Scripture.   In spite of the many responsibilities you had you took time to talk to each person you met on the way to class or library.   When I was thinking how to get my wife over you took off time to counsel and pray with me and said that God who brought me to NEGST for a cause is well able  to  make a way for my wife to join me.

It was just yesterday in September when we shook hands and you asked for my family back home with a big smile.  Little did I know my dear professor and father you were saying good bye.  Rest in peace for you have fought a good fight of faith.

One of my favorite memories of Douglas was this past May when we hosted a wedding at our North Fork Mountain Inn.  Douglas being the perfect servant leader was eager to do whatever was asked whether serving food, pouring wine, or directing the guests.  This came as a break in our journeys to visit CLA donors.  Douglas was always the gracious host, humble, meek, and kind.  He will be missed on earth by us all.  He was truly a dear friend.  I was proud to be called his "Teddy Bear Brother".  Till we meet on yonder shore....I remain, your fellow servant in Christ.

This picture evokes so much in me. Douglas' characteristic smile and engaging eyes have not changed one bit since our years together at the Cathedral School. This brings me memories of Douglas as not only my walking partner to and from school, but also those slightly bowed legs that he used to excel in games of football. 

Dr Carew was my teacher. I was a teacher for his (now all grown up) kids in Sunday School at Nairobi Chapel. So every conversation in the many years I've known him had something to do with how the kids were doing, and how NEGST/AIU was doing. It was such a great pleasure to have lunch in May 2012 with Ed Fisher and Josphat Yego, to talk about the vision for growth at AIU, to hear him speak with such passion of this institution that he dedicated his life to.

Dr Carew, teacher, exemplar servant leader, mentor and friend.

The light of your life continues to shine even though you have gone way too soon.

Your love for AIU/NEGST, your dedication to serving God and serving people

Your commitment to the growth of people

Your visionary leadership

Your stewardship and wisdom

Your love for your wife and kids so obvious to anyone who ever met you

You have fought the good fight

You have finished the race

You have left a legacy

You Dr Carew will be sorely missed

God grant Seneiya, Ayiku, Rodney and Olu peace that surpasses human understanding.

I remember Douglas from our days as students at Fourah Bay College, where we were members of the Christian Fellowship group on campus - The Bible Study Union.  He was a committed member and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities in his service on the executive committee.  His life was a witness to others on and off campus.  In his interactions with others, he was very thoughtful and compassionate. Douglas also used his melodious voice in service as he sang in the choir and in the double quartet and quartet.

As a member of the Gospel Youth Singers, Youth for Christ Choir, his ministry and service extended throughout the Freetown community.

I feel blessed to have known and worked with Douglas.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

I first met Douglas in 2000, a few months after starting to work at CLMC. In 2002, I had the privilege of being a student of his in the hermeneutics class. In 2004, when I took over the leadership of CLMC from Dr Lois Semenye, Dr Carew had just taken over at NEGST from Dr Kasali.

This humble, humble man of God walked over to my house on more than one occasion and we shared and prayed about the many, many challenges facing our respective organizations. With tears in my eyes, I can say that few, very few knew what enormous pressures Douglas faced when he first took over as NEGST VC. Not that it was any easier at CLMC, but I can testify that Douglas, in his capacity as a Director of CLMC was literally my Barnabas. Mighty and persevering in battle and strong in faith, a great warrior and true son of Africa has rested.