This morning I woke up and attempted to take a shower only to realize that we had no water. I walked away frustrated, went ahead with my getting ready for the day, and planned to complain to my roommates and anyone else who would listen for the rest of the morning. Sure, it's Africa. Sure, these things happen. Sure, I knew that. But this is clearly all about me and my comfort. I wanted to take a shower.
Upon arriving at school, I discovered others had the same lack of water, but a few moments later I heard students entering a 4th grade classroom talking about a student dying. I stuck around for a couple minutes and learned that Alisha, a 3rd grade student in Mrs. van Rensburg's class passed away from malaria in the early hours of the morning. I walked to the office and found her teacher sobbing in the arms of Grandma Iris.
Perspective.
I ask that you please pray for us- for ABCCA students and teachers, and for the family and friends of Alisha. It was a difficult day at the Academy. In such a small school, everyone is affected- even those like me, who had never met this precious little one. Classes are cancelled tomorrow to honor this young girl and to express to her mother our participation in her grief. We found out as the day went on that Alisha's father passed away a couple years ago, as did a sibling, so this mother is left alone with no husband and no children. It's a tremendous burden for this woman to bear, as Malawian believers often assume such tragedy is a result of one's sinful life. It is also a difficult time for the other 3rd graders and teachers at the Academy. Alisha had been in school here for 5 years and touched many lives.
Pray also for students who were able to hear the gospel today as a result of faithful teachers sharing about the hope we have in Christ. Pray that the Word will not return void, that peace and hope will fill the lives of all those affected, as as result of the Spirit richly indwelling them. And pray that God will be glorified in the ministry of ABC and the lives of believers here through even the hardest of times.
Upon arriving at school, I discovered others had the same lack of water, but a few moments later I heard students entering a 4th grade classroom talking about a student dying. I stuck around for a couple minutes and learned that Alisha, a 3rd grade student in Mrs. van Rensburg's class passed away from malaria in the early hours of the morning. I walked to the office and found her teacher sobbing in the arms of Grandma Iris.
Perspective.
I ask that you please pray for us- for ABCCA students and teachers, and for the family and friends of Alisha. It was a difficult day at the Academy. In such a small school, everyone is affected- even those like me, who had never met this precious little one. Classes are cancelled tomorrow to honor this young girl and to express to her mother our participation in her grief. We found out as the day went on that Alisha's father passed away a couple years ago, as did a sibling, so this mother is left alone with no husband and no children. It's a tremendous burden for this woman to bear, as Malawian believers often assume such tragedy is a result of one's sinful life. It is also a difficult time for the other 3rd graders and teachers at the Academy. Alisha had been in school here for 5 years and touched many lives.
Pray also for students who were able to hear the gospel today as a result of faithful teachers sharing about the hope we have in Christ. Pray that the Word will not return void, that peace and hope will fill the lives of all those affected, as as result of the Spirit richly indwelling them. And pray that God will be glorified in the ministry of ABC and the lives of believers here through even the hardest of times.
Allison, I am praying for you and the students in your school. I am asking God to somehow be glorified in this. Thank you for being willing to go to Africa and serve our Savior.
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