“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Cor 1:4
A bad sickness has been traveling it’s way around our area here and claimed the lives of several young children and babies. That sickness has finally reached our village, and we’ve seen God protect many. However, a few weeks ago Asa (pictured below) and his family lost their young boy.
The Lord comforted Asa and his family in spite of the many accusations that floated around saying that he was a negligent parent. Many people did not even come to the funeral, and one brother even cut down several of his banana trees and one of his sweet potato gardens. We guided the church through this and people publically apologized to him and promised to reimburse his lost food.
Well, sadly this weekend another baby died. This time it was the baby of a man that has kept his distance from the church. Esther and Elli went down yesterday to mourn with the family and bring some food (the universal sorry gift). What Esther saw brought her to tears. There was Asa and his family sitting there crying with the family. They offered many words of encouragement and support. They lived out the above verse to this distant man. Here is what the man said,
“I’m amazed at this show of grace. I was one of the people who was mad at Asa and blamed him for the death of his child. I did not visit him when his child died, nor did I go to the funeral. And in spite of that, now Asa sits here with me and carries my burden. This is amazing to me.”
It is indeed a joy to see people responding to God’s word in spite of obstacles and persecution. God does comfort us and uses His church to do so. Asa rose above his pain and became a vehicle of God’s grace. Pray that this man will be drawn to the truth as a result of this. His name is Mowit.
Comforted,
Gary and Esther Smith
PS – The Lord has heard the churches prayer and a government doctor flew in here just today and is giving the much needed medicine.
