Tragedy

When we left for Mocuba, one of the leaders we work with (Lucas) had taken one of his three sons to Central Hospital because he was 'blocked' and couldn't 'poop'. We talked with him frequently and prayed for his son Naftal (8 years old) often, receiving updates all during our trip. On the way home, we received word, after three weeks of hospitalization, that Naftal had died. We knew this little boy and we know his siblings well. The funeral was the day we arrived from our trip north and we did not attend but today visited with the family in their home after church. We so enjoyed watching his one daughter Madalena dancing and singing in church (she is about 5 or 6).

We are not clear on the diagnosis of this dear child, but Ann believes that it was an advanced stage of childhood cancer - basically a tumor of the kidney (possibly Wilms tumor). He swelled very large and they were removing fluid trying to make him comfortable for as long as they could. There was talk of an operation but then they concluded it probably wouldn't help. Lucas was faithful to visit him every day but there was little to be done. His mother had left the family about a year ago and no one knows where she has gone so this poor child did not have the comfort of his mother's presence. So heartbreaking...

As I was doing children's sermons in the north, I could not help but think of this young child in Maputo fighting for his life. Children are often left to their own devices in this culture with very little parental oversight and we see this also in the church. So, I often take opportunities to preach to the church through children's sermons about the value of children from Jesus' perspective along with the importance of obligation of the church to stand with the parents in the raising of godly young people.

Today was palm Sunday and we visited our Khongolote church so we could spend a little time with Lucas and his family after church. The video clip (below) starts with his daughter Madalena dancing with her palm branch at this morning's service.


Pray for this dear family. These things are always difficult to understand but we know with certainty that God will see those who love him through the valley. Today, Naftal walks pain-free in a different valley near that house prepared for him, as he waits for the rest of us to join him, which we certainly will some day. Eternity awaits for those accepting the precious gift God has given through Jesus.

Have a blessed holy week. 2000 plus years ago, Jesus made his triumpal entry into Jerusalem being lauded as a king, knowing full well that his time was coming - that passover was near. The ultimate sacrific for sin was entering as King, but not the king the people were waving branches for, an Eternal King.


Blessing this holy week.


Pray for Lucas, our brother in Christ.


Dave & Ann



"...Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16


"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" 1 Ti 1:17