This evening marks the beginning of almost four weeks that hold an
anniversary every day. On March 25 (the Friday afternoon of BJU’s Bible
Conference last year), Jona took a marked turn for the worse. We were told that evening by the hospice nurse on call that that night would be Jona’s
last. But God had other plans, giving him almost four more weeks of ministry among us – and answering our prayer that He deal gently with us.
We would appreciate your continued prayers for us as
extended family – and, most of all, for Esteban and Esther and Marcos. We
continue to grieve. But we also continue to find our Savior faithful as we walk
this valley, and we know that we can trust His words. He is Faithful and True!
Our loving Shepherd continues to answer our prayers, dealing
gently with us. We are encouraged as we trace His hand and see His working. He
eased the pain of our first Christmas without Jona by giving our extended
family ten days together in Uruguay in late December and early January, culminating with the joy of Julia’s and Dilney’s wedding.
And now during these almost four weeks of anniversary dates,
He is giving us joy and hope – in spite of our deep sorrow – as we look forward to the printing of a
tract containing Jona’s testimony (in both English and Spanish) and an
accompanying website. The tract and the website are targeted for realease on March 30. Please pray
specifically for God to continue to use Jona’s testimony of faith in the Savior
for His glory!
4 comments:
My prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow and rejoicing.
Thank-you -- more than words can say!
March 18 was the anniversary of the last "smiley-face" late-entry pass that Jona brought to 1st-hour speech class. That week stirred up a number of emotions again, but I am thankful that the Lord is good to have left with us the joy that Jona so freely shared!
That little slip of paper has been my bookmark in the passage of Scripture that has been our theme for the school year, and sometimes I catch myself smiling in the middle of a sermon and rejoice in our gracious God who never leaves or forsakes us.
May the Lord bless you as a family as your retrace your steps through the "valley of shadows" -- and may you stop and rest along the journey to gather precious souvenirs to carry with you as you continue Homeward.
(And, Marcos, thanks for continuing the legacy by brightening the lunchroom every day in YOUR OWN special way!) :-)
Danke, meine amiga, for sharing those precious memories and encouraging thoughts!
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