Saturday, January 31, 2009

Prayer Request for Gabriel


Our world has temporarily stopped here in Mozambique.

Mike and Sarah Thiessen joined our team the middle of last year and Mike, the director of our OMS seminary, has done absolutely amazing things getting our seminary program together and working with our National leaders. But the last two days have been dark days for all of us. Sarah knew that something wasn't quite right with their two-year-old son Gabriel - you know - that mother's instinct; and she insisted on taking him to a doctor we all use in South Africa. His symptoms were vague - but upon an ultrasound test, the doctor discovered a tumor on his liver. Subsequent tests confirmed a rare type of cancer seen in very young folks that has also spread to Gabriel's lungs. This is the kind of news that no parent should have to deal with and all of our hearts here are broken for this young one that is a part of our family here in Mozambique.

The photo is of of Gabriel (on the right) and his older brother Simon (on the left) at a Christmas dinner at our house one short month ago.

So pray with us for healing. Pray that God would help us answer the questions floating around in our minds. We have arranged for an emergency exit back to Canada where their home church is waiting to stand with them and where doctors from that church have broken through the red tape to get Gabriel to the immediate help he requires. Pray for this precious family and child. It is devastating to all of us. They leave Monday afternoon, to arrive in Canada Tuesday. Pray for a special measure of God's grace, mercy, compassion, and peace during this valley. Pray for their return to the field; pray for strength as they walk through this valley.

Sometimes there are just no words.
"For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God..." Psalm 38:15

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you for being so wonderful to Mike & Sarah while they are traveling this most difficult road.

Blessings to you all,
Kim Amis
(on behalf of their OMS Canada family)