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Here are some excerpts from my daughter-in-law's letter that she wrote to everyone who receives their ministry updates. Since I asked prayer through the HOD board, I thought I would share some of this with you. Thank you again for your support and prayers.


"We have grieved over the children we never had a chance to meet; however, the Lord has given me Romans 8:28 at this time. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I have claimed this verse and while I miss my babies, I firmly believe that God will bring good out of this situation. I am thankful He has allowed me to give Him my most precious treasures.

If you would like to do anything for us, I have one request. Please let the loss of our babies remind you that God the Father gave us His only Son and please go share Jesus with one person. This could be through handing out a tract, writing a letter or face-to-face. But this is the memorial I would like for my children-that through their deaths lost people across the United States would hear the glorious gospel.

We know the next several days especially will be difficult as will October and November (when our first baby and then our twins were originally due). However, we have found consistently that the grace of God truly does uphold us in difficult times. Thank you all for your support and prayers."

Pam,

Rejoicing to see that God is holding them in His hand and giving them all they need in this challenging time. I myself can attest to God using the loss of a child to bring the gospel to others. We have lost four in all. And with both our first daughter and our first son there were many people that came to their funerals that would have never set foot in a church otherwise. And of course, our Pastor that spoke was sure to share the gospel. I know that was only one part of how God used our losses of our little ones for the eternal good of others. They can be encouraged too that unbelievers will watch them as they walk through sorrow with the Lord's strength and peace and will wonder at the difference. We just lost our last one this month and I trust and see that God is always faithful to use our sorrows for good. I know that "His loved ones are very precious to Him and He does not lightly let them die" (Psalm 116:15). That is just one of many scriptures that has been an encouragement to me as I face the same thing.

Edie

Thank you, Edie. I know God has a reason for all this. I know He will reward their faithfulness to Him. We can look forward to seeing those babies someday.

My heart breaks for them, and for you and your family. Losing a child (or children) is the saddest loss of all on this earth. I, However, found much joy when I read your DIL's letter. What a beautiful Christian lady she is, and she is right, much good for His glory can come from this.

This letter she wrote was gentle reminder to me as we approach the one year anniversary of losing our 7 year old son, Ethan, who went to be with Jesus June 5th, 2010. He died tragically in an accident. In those first few hours, and days after him passing, I felt the Lord with me every step of the way, and all I wanted to do was share the gospel. Ethan's death, indeed, brought many back to the Lord, and they are now in church and Bible study! Now, I still do miss him very much, and I grieve a lot and the pain is so bad some days, but I know I will see him again.

Besides my heavenly Father, one great blessing to me was joining a GriefShare group at my church. I highly recommend it, if they feel the need to be ministered to now, or 5 years from now.

God bless you all in this difficult time. The Lord is our only hope.

Big Hugs,

Shannon

Thank you, Shannon. I shared some replies with my daughter-in-law, including yours.

Thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement.

I'm SO sorry!!!!! Praying here!!!!

Praying for your family! (((HUGS)))

Praying for your family, and encouraged by your daughter-in-law's strength. I know the pain of losing a child as well, and I pray for the Lord's comfort and healing for her and your son, and the whole family.

I have been praying for your son and daughter in law! What amazing people they are to look beyond their own hurt right now and see how to glorify God through this! We will honor what they have asked and use this as an opportunity to tell other about Christ.

My daughter-in-law was touched and cried as she read some of the responses I shared with her. She is struggling at times, but is so thankful for the child she does have and for the Lord's presence as she goes through this healing time. She's having a hard time being convinced by the doctor that she could have another healthy pregnancy. Physically she is very tired from all she lost (iron deficiency). I know God will bring healing, both physically and emotionally. Thank you for letting me share this on the HOD board. Your support is overwhelming!

Praying

The testimony of your faith here, ladies, is truly amazing. Pam's daughter, ForHisGlory, Edie - I am inspired by you. You are truly incredible ladies. I feel honored to know you. When all is going well, it is quite easy to find joy in the Lord. When tragedy happens, one must dig deep in the wellspsring of their faith in the Lord to continue to find joy. You are choosing to do this. I will remember your children. I will remember your faith. I will remember you in my prayers. May the Lord richly bless you, and may He keep you in the hollow of His hand.

Love in Christ,
Julie

Julie,
Thank you for the kind words. I have sent an email to Elisabeth, sharing what you said. I know she will appreciate it.