I’m not even sure where to begin with this one…..
We arrived at Timbutini this morning to see hundreds of children eagerly awaiting for their “Fun Day” to begin. As I stepped off the bus, I was called into the church by Allison (our sweet Alabama missionary). One of our children at Ruby’s carrpoint had been murdered during the night. She and her mother were shot at their home. The mother is in critical condition. We were all in shock. There have been so many tragedies occur on this trip with our children. Abandonment, abuse and now murder. Why are these things happening? Why?
We are surely meant to be here and we are clearly doing what God wants us to do. The enemy is trying to discourage us with these horrible things we are experiencing. But we know our God is greater. Our God is stronger. We know He is sovereign. He is forever faithful. We know that tonight Tema is resting in His arms. She is in no more danger, no more pain. We have to hold onto that tonight. We have been with her at the carepoint this week. She was so full of life. So full of love and joy. Robin spent a lot of time with her reading Bible stories to her. Tema didn’t have a “special friend” so she wanted to write a letter to Robin. Please see the sweet letter below and also her picture. Tomorrow a few of us are going to visit the family members and tell them stories of this precious child. Please pray for strength for us as we try to provide any comfort we can to this family. And for each of us as we try to process this terrible tragedy. We love you all……
No words, only tears….prayers being lifted up for all.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
WE ARE SPEECHLESS. WE ARE, HOWEVER, PRAISING GOD THAT YOU ALL WERE THERE TO LOVE THIS LITTLE GIRL RIGHT INTO HEAVEN. WE LOVE YOU ALL.
So hard to understand such tragedy, but you are so right that Tema is in our Father’s safe and wonderful arms right now!!!! We can celebrate that for sure! Robin, you have been used by God in such a mighty way! I praise God for that! I praise God for all of you and your service to Him this week. I know you have/are bringing such joy, such support and such encouragement to so many there.
“And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;” Matthew 18:2-5. Thank you for receiving these precious children and thus receiving Jesus. How you have honored Him.
This is so sad! I am so glad that you were there, Robin, to love on her before this tragedy.
Oh Robin….as much as your heart is breaking, how blessed are you to have been given the privilege to hold & love this precious child just before Jesus did! Praying for you all…weeping with you, as well….Jehovah-rapha <3
Robin, Thank you for being Tema’s special friend! I cannot stand the thought of one of these children not having a special friend. $34/month that’s all to bring more joy to a child’s life than any of us can even begin to understand! The Wells will sponsoring another child and I hope others will sponsor more children too. If you cannot, perhaps you could find a friend who may be willing.
I”m praying for safe travels for you and may you be filled with all of God’s peace and comfort!!
Thank you, all, for what you are doing and experiencing right now. You are on the front lines and in the trenches. It’s not pretty. It’s raw and real and ugly. It hurts. But you are there right now because God placed each of you there, “for such a time as this.” Male or female, young or old, may each of you be “Esther” now. Comfort each other and press on. Tema is with THE Special Friend now. That Special Friend loves each one of you. My prayer is that He pour out His Holy Spirit in buckets and buckets upon you, such that you are comforted beyond understanding, in order that you may continue to be in and do His good will.
Robin, I believe that the purpose of your trip to Africa this time was to prepare this little child for her journey to be with Jesus. You showed her the way and now you can rest in the assurance that God’s plans for us have consequences that we must accept and let him lead us. I hope that this mother survives to thank you for your friendship and leadership for her child. I know your grief is very painful and wish that I could comfort you in my arms. Love, Your Mom
“Being unwanted,unloved, uncared for,forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, and much greater poverty than a Person who has nothing to eat” -Mother Teresa
Robin, you found your purpose for going. God placed you there for a that reason. Tema needed you, and God sent a letter to remove all doubt. Tema had a friend in you, the team, and Warren Baptist. Now Tema has a friend in Jesus.
May you and the team rejoice knowing again the starfish story. What difference can you possibly make… For Tema it made all the difference.
Your husband.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31)
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:28-29)
In the midst of the “why’ questions we know that His understanding no one can fathom.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)
He is holding Tema close to His heart.
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)
The Church of our Lord Jesus will prevail.
Remembering:
The enemy; he has to leave
at the sound of your great name
Keep proclaiming His name! Keep praying His peace and favor and protection over the little lambs at the care points!
The fatherless; they find their rest
at the sound of your great name
Sick are healed; and the dead are raised;
at the sound of your great name
[Chorus:]
Jesus Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us
Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up
that all the world will praise your great name
We have a hope! The dead are raised! Praise His name. He rules in the midst of His enemies! (Psalm 110:2)