03/28/2024
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. - John 12:24
It is with broken hearts that we must share with you that our little Nel Jane passed away yesterday. She experienced a sudden onset of weakness and was unable to stand, so our team in Leyte took her to the hospital where she was admitted to intensive care. She saw a cardiologist. We thought it might be that her medications needed adjusting. But while in the ICU her weary little heart stopped, and they couldn't get her back. Before she passed, her thoughts were of her mother.
"Jesus, I know I'll be coming with soon. Please don't let my mama be sad when I'm gone", she prayed.
Then to her mother, "Mama I'll be leaving soon please don't be sad".
Jesus, too, thought of his mother as He hung dying on that Cross so that we can live for eternity with Him.
We sincerely thank you so much all of you who prayed so hard, worked so hard, donated valuable items for our yard sale, and raised $17,000 to get Nel Jane’s heart fixed. We were all so touched by this little girl and bound together by our vision of giving her a new chance at life with a healthy new heart, growing up, and living out her destiny on this earth.
It is such a shattering blow to find out that was not to be. But we remember that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Your outpouring of love was not in vain, and it will not return void. Nel Jane was enveloped in the love of Jesus by your actions. You pointed her to Jesus and illuminated her path to Him. The path turned out to be much shorter than any of us had ever hoped. But that was God’s plan, and He knows best. Not a sparrow falls to the ground apart from His will. Matthew 10:29.
And there’s more. Your outpouring of love for Nel Jane was a showcase, acting out the love of Jesus in front of hundreds of observers – and it continues. You were and are His hands and feet in action, and you had an audience. Not only did your actions broadcast God’s love to Nel Jane and her circle, but to many observers on the sidelines, each one whose name only God knows.
The Lord in His sovereignty has chosen to take this perfect little one home. We will miss her beautiful eyes and easy smile. May God bless and comfort every one of you. - Amen.
