Dear Family & Friends,
Today we buried one of our precious Sunday School kids! Sila was only 9 years old when God decided to call him home. Yesterday, after church, he chose to climb nearly 40 feet into a coconut tree next to his home and fell to his death. I sat by his body until late into the night listening to his mother and other women cry. Today we dug the hole, built a simple wooden box, put new clothes on his body and had a simple service. After the coffin was covered with dirt and the people began leaving back to their homes, I watched as the mother sat on the ground, staring where her son was just buried. I went and knelt next to her. I told her that I would be praying for her and that I would be by to visit every day for the next few weeks. She looked up at me and said the most unusual thing. She said that "her tears were gone". She went on to explain that she had cried all night and most of the day but that now the tears would flow no more.
I left her sitting there and started the journey back home with a heavy heart. Unfortunately, I know what happens when the tears are gone. She will still be a single mother but with one less child. She will still struggle to make ends meet every day for the rest of her life. However, she has her Savior who will carry her through this valley and who will replace her sorrow with joy. She has a church full of people who will love and support her through this time. She has Lisa and I who will do all we can to meet the needs. More importantly, she has all of you praying and supporting her from more than 9,000 miles away.
Lisa and I want to thank each of you for doing your part because without you, we could not be here. You may think it is a quick prayer or a small donation but God will take that "gift" and work miracles. We love each of you and appreciate your partnership with us.
May God bless each of you during this Christmas Season!
