Romania update, 7-31
July 31st, 2009 | By Missions Committee | Posted in Get Involved, MissionsDear friends,
At 5:00 this morning Romanian time, Alan’s heart stopped beating, and he went home to be with Jesus.
Although this was not the outcome we or Corina had hoped and prayed for, and although Corina is grieving him deeply, still there is joy in knowing that this little 2 1/2-year-old boy is no longer suffering. His pain is gone, his eyes are opened, and he is home.
When I talked to Corina this afternoon, she told me that over the past few weeks, she had been preparing Alan to meet Jesus. “You don’t need to be afraid,” she had told him. “Jesus will come and bring you to a beautiful place, and it will be your home.”
Alan seemed unsure. “Will Jesus come by car?” he asked (he had a fascination with cars!).
“Jesus owns many cars, I’m sure He can find you one,” Corina said. Still, Alan seemed tense, snuggling into Corina as if in fear.
“You don’t need to be afraid,” she told him again. “Jesus will take you home to heaven. You can stay there with Jesus and wait for me, and after a little while, Mommy will come there too.”
At that, Alan seemed to relax and be at peace.
Alan’s funeral will be held on Tuesday. Please pray that the good news of hope beyond death would go forth in power at the funeral. Also pray for:
- Comfort for Corina as she grieves the little boy who had been a son to her. Pray that she will be refreshed and restored in God’s presence.
- Alan’s two biological brothers, who have also been abandoned in state care. They are genetically predisposed to suffer the same illness as Alan, and Corina has begun making strides to get them out of state care so they can be spared their brother’s fate. Please pray for their lives and futures.
- The doctors and other suffering families with whom Corina came in contact during her time in the hospital. Ask God to reveal Himself to them.
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) How amazing that this little boy who had suffered the loss of both his eyes can now see the Savior face to face.
Trusting in the Resurrection and the Life,
Jayme
P.S. You may be interested in checking out Corina’s personal blog. Most of the entries are in English as well as Romanian, and one poem in particular is especially appropriate to Alin’s home-going. You can read Corina’s poem “Traveler” here.
