Hard Stuff

The first days back to work post Semana Santa (Holy Week) have been filled with some hard stuff...

Last Friday, the 12 year old son of Bishop Patrick Villier and Rev. Francoise Villier was killed after being kidnapped from his home earlier in the week. The Villiers are the president and director of CONASPEH in Haiti. Unfortunately, violence and kidnapping is not uncommon in Haiti especially in wealthy or prominent families. I just briefly met Demetress while he sat quietly during a meeting, but spent a few days with his parents during my visit. You can read more and leave messages for CONASPEH, the Villiers, and the three Mission personnel at CONASPEH here. The Villiers also lost a child in the 2010 earthquake.

Felix, Fracoise Villier (mother of Demetress),
and CONASPEH student (February 2013)

Boca Chica also lost a young adult over the holiday break. The 22 year old brother of one my girls, Maria, died in a motorcycle accident. Maria is a 12 year old sweet girl with a big heart who always goes out of her way to say hello and give me a big hug. They also have a several other siblings. 

Maria (November 2012)

Lastly, an adult man drowned in the beach on Thursday. While I do not know the whole story, I know that the beach was crowded and full of people drinking and enjoying the break... the beach is a great place to have fun, but it is easy to forget the dangers. 

Please keep all these people and their families in your prayers this week. The holidays were a time for relaxation and rejuvenation for many people, but these families have found themselves in grief and confusion of losing loved ones too soon. Especially pray for the parents of the two children who are, no doubt, asking themselves and God why their children were taken from them at such young ages.