Today I am grieving with my friend, Rebecca. Grieving, yet rejoicing. Grief with joy! What a strange combination... One that I believe is only possible in the Kingdom of God.
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Rebecca has become very dear to our family. She is Vie Abondante's interpreter here in Maradi, and she also leads worship in the Maradi church. She and her two children, Jonathan and Amy, have been living with us for the past 2 months. Jonathan, 7, and Amy, 4, have become like our own in many ways. Rebecca was widowed about 3 years ago when her husband was killed in an automobile accident. The joy that shines through this amazing young woman leaves me speechless. In the face of tragedy, she looks to God as her source of strength and provision. I am humbled to call her friend.
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The night before last, we were all stunned when Rebecca's little Jonathan died suddenly. We are not sure of the cause, and we will never know for sure, as they don't have the technology here to research such things. Jonathan had been happy, healthy, busy, and boisterous in the weeks leading up to his death. We know that he suffered from sickle-cell anemia, but don't know if it had anything to do with his death.
Jonathan and Amy at our 2010 Camp Meeting in October
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Jonathan was one of the sweetest little boys I have ever met in my life. He loved to put others first. He was gentle, quiet, thoughtful, and helpful. He was a joy to be around! Jonathan could often be found patiently playing with Anna. He and Isaiah were good friends, too. My Jonathan was particularly fond of this special little boy, and as I mentioned before, had basically adopted him as his own. The three-some (My Jonathan, little Jonathan, and Isaiah) were inseparable whenever possible - running errands, going to church, and playing at the bi-weekly volleyball tournaments held at the church. Little Jonathan had never been in a "big" store before (keep the perspective in mind that big here means it has several aisles!). After being in one for the first time with my Jonathan and Isaiah, he could hardly stop talking about it for a week! He bragged to Amy about the toys he'd seen there, and about boxed-juice that Jonathan had treated the boys to.
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Jonathan wanted to be a pastor when he grew up. He loved his daddy, and missed him terribly. What joy we have to know that he has now been reunited with his father. Jonathan also loved Jesus. Again, we rejoice, knowing that he is with Him - safe, whole, full of joy, for eternity.
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In times such as these, I am so thankful for the peace of God that passes all understanding. The haven of peace that presided over us the night of Jonathan's death was incredible, even tangible. Christians throughout the nation of Niger and the world, upheld us in their prayer. In Niger, pastors, church members, family, and friends have come from all over to be with Rebecca in her time of mourning. There are moments that I stand back, watching in awe, as Rebecca smiles through her tears, and once again proclaims her faith and trust in Jesus. She told me, "I cannot question God. He knows all things, and He will preserve me."
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Please join us in praying for a continued covering of grace and strength in this difficult time, especially for Rebecca and Amy. We grieve, yet we rejoice. Little Jonathan is with Jesus, and for that we rejoice! But, oh, how we "that remain" will miss him, every moment of every day. When I think about him, I cannot help but see him, standing beside Jesus, grinning, his beautiful smile lighting his whole face, eyes glowing with joy. We'll see him again, of that we have no doubt. What incredible blessing follows those who put their trust in Jesus. We grieve with joy, we have hope in sadness, and we have peace that passes all human understanding in the midst of heart-wrenching circumstances.
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Even though I walk through valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil for You are with me...
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
~ Psalm 23:4,6 ~
Jonathan, Rebecca, and Amy - Sept 2010
