I was on my way to work yesterday when my phone rang with a number that was longer than a credit card on the screen. I knew who it was… and so I immediately answered it. Here is our brief conversation as I remember it:
Jeremy – Hey. It’s Jeremy.
Me – Hey bud. I figured it was you. Thanks for the phone call.
Jeremy – Our conversation has been delayed far too long… but I’m calling you more so for another reason. Teeba passed away this morning. I don’t have any other details, but I wanted and needed you to know as soon as I could. (If you’re not sure who Teeba is, please read THIS; and here is a little picture of her to the right).
Me – silence
Jeremy – I don’t know really what else to say.
Me – Our hope is in Jesus and He is enough.
Obviously, there was more to this conversation, but I wanted to share with you what great grief I’ve tasted these past three days. But here’s the reality for me right now… behind these bitter moments; God hides his smiling face behind a frowning providence. What I mean by this is that I don’t understand all the purposes of God – but what I do know is that he is good; he is sovereign; and while he is not pleased that bad things happen, he will work this for his good pleasure. So, we hope in Christ.
For the sake of clarification, Teeba had not yet traveled to Turkey for her surgery with PLC. She was at home with her parents when this happened.
What does this mean for the rest of the funds that we as a college ministry raised? The funds will go to the next child. We don’t know who he/she the next child is, but, the money raised has been sent in support of the next child in line and we will let you know who that is once we find out.
Will you join me in praying for this next child, not that Christ would be exalted (for he will get and is getting his glory) rather that we would continue to walk with hope. We will always be a people who have a hope-filled confidence in Christ and his good pleasure. That we would be a people who are able “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
grace.
