Sorrow
I don’t have eloquent words tonight. Emptiness and tears that feel endless when they start and even some blissful (and willful) forgetfulness. We’ve had those things in spades.
When we arrived home from Ukarumpa we found out a teammate was sick. She passed away of cerebral malaria in our collective arms on Tuesday. The whole team is reeling from this completely unexpected loss. Our hope is secure and her testimony is rippling throughout the community, but the sorrow is raw right now. I really have little more to say at this point. She will be buried this week out in Likan village where she was raised and has her PNG family. Brian will go, but we want to keep the girls here and try to reestablish emotional stability for them. They have done surprisingly well with the news, but are doing less well as they absorb the team’s shock. A partner organization in country has been caring for our team with critical incident debriefs and member care, and the debriefs included one for Ray and Willa. They helped make the way for my dear friend from Ukarumpa to stay with me and the girls while Brian is gone. So I won’t be alone and will have someone like family beside me to help put our train back on the track. We appreciate your prayers as we navigate through the next few weeks.
Chris Woolard
So sorry for your loss guys!! You are in my prayers this weekend and the loss is still so raw and painful. I pray that you mourn well and find peace in the arms of the father as well as in your family and friends there.
Ruth
Not being there is making it hard to believe that this has happened. We remember Bethaney as a baby and toddler, etc. then growing into a mature serving adult. We have known her family since they started with PBT and are grieving for them. May God continue to heal all your sorrows. Thanksgivings have been sent above for the member care critical debriefs. May God be there for you and bless your girls. We will continue to ask God to bring His peace and comfort to all of you as well as to Bethaney’s loved Waran people.
Esther C
I wish so badly that I could come and be with you guys during this time. But I’m so glad that another can come and be the collective extension of so many of us. You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly.
Katie Morgan
Praying for all of you! Love you <3
Maria Collins
So sorry to hear you have lost someone close to your family and ministry. The Kingdom of Heaven has gained an awesome servant. Praying for peace and comfort during this time for all of your family and hers.