Grief and Good News

Today is the memorial service for our friends, Jay and Katrina.  It's been 2 weeks since their plane crashed into the river in Zambia, taking both of their lives and orphaning their 2 little girls (Find out more at: http://www.chitokoloki.com/?p=1018 ).  The grieving process has been strange for me, as I haven't lost someone this close to me since I was in 9th grade.  But I know grieving is normal and healthy, so it really hasn't been something to be concerned about.  And God has been working through the whole situation.  I have seen so clearly that HE is the One in control and that He is still trustworthy. 

I keep thinking that those who do not know God probably don't understand how such a tragic thing could make us run TOWARD God and not away from Him.  And how those of us who are training and heading toward being missionary pilots are even more committed and dedicated to the calling God has placed on our lives, despite the fact that a missionary pilot AND his wife just lost their lives.   Why is that?  It is because we long to bring the GOOD NEWS of Jesus to the lost and hurting people around the world.  We want them to know the HOPE that we can all have, by accepting the free gift that God Almighty offers to each of us, the gift of ETERNAL LIFE with Him.  "But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring Good News!" (Romans 10:14-15)  Jay and Katrina are enjoying being in the presence of our Savior this VERY MOMENT!  How beautiful are their feet, the feet of those who left the comforts of home and went around the world to share the Good News with others.

God is amazing.  In the midst of the week of grieving and loss, He confirmed for us that HE still wants us to go.  We were very encouraged by this confirmation, especially at a time where we might be tempted to doubt.  But we are NOT doubting.  God has commanded that we go to the end of the world to share the Good News.  And then He gives us the strength to say, "Here we are.  Send us!"