We learned that Allen Harrelson died on November 3, 2020. Alone. He was found dead on November 4 by the nurse who comes in daily to dress the wound on his leg, which we suspect may have led to his demise. Al was as simple and as poor as they come, oft homeless like those of whom the Scripture said were in this world but not of this world, and thus not valued by the world that cannot see beyond our physical limitations and current predicaments. But he had a heart of overflowing creativity, wisdom, kindness, and generosity.

He didn’t have much, still he gave generously which would always cost him. Apart from writing, we shared a couple of things in common including this mutual experiences where God would send us out to go do crazy stuff and meet needs only He could attend. In 2017, I shared his story about how God used him to provide a cornet for a young boy in Africa in whose band five of them had to share one cornet. Check out the story at A Cornet for Tatenda

Al lived in a tent out in the woods, harassed by unkind people and animals, and at risk of arrest by police. He collected and boiled rainwater for drinking and got food however he could.  Having no child of his own, Al took on Tatenda as his son and despite his dire  poverty, began sponsoring Tatenda through college.

“My tent flooded just as the hurricane was passing through West Virginia. It has taken a week to get the mess cleaned up. God is being good to me in that a tornado missed the woods where I live.” Allen, September 2018.

Through the COVID, I was like his Piglet on difficult days, not physically present yet not so far away, holding his hand and trying to squeeze some laughter out of those crazy days. As much a writer himself, he would start his day with my posts on Facebook. It was always a joy to see him as the first person to like them every single day except when he was moving and didn’t have access to internet. Now I miss that!

“I wanted to say goodbye while I have the time. I’ll be off the internet as of this weekend. Your posts have been a joy to me and I love to start my day reading them. I will miss you terribly.” Allen, January 2018.

Always in dire need, we shared those needs but he refused to ask me for anything save for prayers that God would meet His needs and He always did. Sometimes, God sent people who paid for accommodation so could enjoy some warmth, churches who provided food for the homeless, among others. The only time he asked me for anything was February 2020 when his meagre social security payment was cut and he couldn’t cover Tatenda’s tuition like he did initially.

On my birthday in late September, Al mentioned this terrible infection on his legs. By October, he requested help to manage the infection and some friends responded. Last time we talked, a nurse was coming in to dress the wound daily. November 4^th, I reached out to know how he was doing and what he needed and no response. It was unlike him but I said to myself, “Maybe they kept him in the hospital. Maybe he doesn’t have access to internet. He will respond when he gets home.” Last week, Tatenda contacted me because he hasn’t been able to reach Al since the 4^th and my heart feared the worst. I called again and no response. Next day, I went on his Facebook profile to see if I could find any of his friends nearby to go check in on him. Right there on his wall was the shock: Allen died… They found him cold.

Allen Harrelson did not make news but he was a hero! Did I ever tell him that? I don’t remember but I do recall telling him as often as I could, how much he was loved, something we don’t hear often or enough for fear of being misunderstood or misinterpreted. Between Al and I, it was pure, godly love as we had never and knew we may never meet on this side of life. What a painful loss to everyone who knew this kind-hearted and intelligent man! What a loss to Tatenda who still has 2 more terms to go, in need of about $700 (USD) to complete his college education, and no one else to help him?

In a world that cares extraordinarily little for the downtrodden, a little help goes a long way. I pray that God will keep us sensitive to the needs around us so that when news like this hit us, we rest knowing that we contributed the much we could to make a difference in the lives of those who crossed our path. To one of the finest men the earth had; unrecognized, uncelebrated, yet he lived impactful: to Allen Harrelson. I will miss you every day buddy.
(If on behalf of Al, you would want to support Tatenda to complete his studies, he can be reached on christenda92@gmail.com. Please note that Tatenda did not ask for this. Thank you.)

Good night Al
Love always,
Glory!

Articles by Al can be found in https://allenharrelson.wordpress.com/. Below is excerpt from one of our chats that reflects a picture of the grateful and humorous heart of a man who valued all lives

SoarwithGlory
O no! I still believe that God will make a way. Until we see that way He has made, be safe pls. Forest folks can be something else to us humankind

Allen
Yes, I’ve been feeding the raccoon, but he still doesn’t like to be photographed, lol. My owl friend had a girlfriend drop by and the day after that, he took off following her towards where you are, up in XXX.

SoarwithGlory
You may want to call and let them know it’s too cold over here🤣

Allen
I’m sure it would take a while to get there, but it seems that he’s still here. Not as flighty as I thought…

SoarwithGlory
Changed his mind hmmm, maybe he has it better with you, at least he doesn’t have to hunt so hard for food

Allen
I found out he’s a Barred Owl, and even spotted her, by night. Just a silhouette, but it was enough to know that it’s a big bird.