I don’t know how to write this, I already wrote this post four times and deleted it every time. There is just no easy way to say what I have to say.
Lale spent the last four days out in the tribes and found that all three children were killed in the few days leading up to his arrival. Apparently there were extended family members who were not willing to wait for Lale to come and they took the children from their families and killed them. Lale only found grieving families and no kids. We have always known that we were not able to get all the kids and were frustrated by the failure, but this is the first time that we had children who’s families agreed to give the kids to us instead of killing them but were to late. Its hard not to feel responsible for this and think through all the things that we could have done differently. If we had only gotten there a few days earlier this would not have happened, these three kids would have been able to go on and live their lives. Its just not an easy thing to live with…
We of coarse are working on a more effective plan to get out to the tribes faster when we hear of children who need to be rescued. Its a situation where we have to do everything we can to save these children no matter what the cost may be. Its hard because in the last 2 months we have spent our entire monthly budget on saving kids and had to drain the account down to nothing to make it happen, but that is the nature of what we are doing over here. We simply refuse to let more kids die while we have the ability to save them. We are praying for more funding so that we may build a more effective rescue effort without using the money we need to fund the daily needs of the children.
One thing that we are praying for is a vehicle for Lale, he would have been able to go two days sooner had we not had to wait for the rental car he drove to become available. Please pray with us that we are able to get the funds together to buy a vehicle for Lale to drive so that we would be more effective at saving these kids.
And pray for the families who wanted their children to come to our orphanage and survive, but instead had to see them be killed, my heart goes out to them and their horrible loss, I can not imagine what they must be going through right now.
Thank you for standing with us and praying for these kids, we are doing everything we can and need God to do the rest.
Levi
Lynda
January 25th, 2010
This is such heartbreaking news. I know that many will be praying for you and these families whose children were killed. And for your need for transportation. Take courage in the Lord.
Lynda
Courtney
January 25th, 2010
Praying for you all, this is heartbreaking. Not even sure what to say but just wanted you to know we continue to pray for you and this mission. We beleive in what you continue to do and more than that we believe in a mighty God who wants the best for those children too.
Leah
January 25th, 2010
I can feel the grief through your message and will continue to pray for your family, the families of these children, the orphanage staff, and your immediate transportation needs. Even through this sadness, focus on what you have already accomplished and what God has yet to do through your obedience and faithfulness. Savor the face of each child that has already been saved through your great work and press on!
Laura
January 25th, 2010
Grieving along with you! These precious babies are with our Jesus. Praying that all your needs for this truly missionary effort will be supplied beyond our wildest imaginations.
Meggan Lambesis
January 25th, 2010
My eyes welled up with tears to read this horrible news. Our prayers are with you. How much money is needed for a car for Lale?
Stephanie Wahlberg
January 25th, 2010
I am so sad. My heart cries with the families and their loss. I wish it was a different blog that you were writing. It brings home the importance of why we are adopting. It seems such a small thing because it is one child, but if each of us adopt one child it is a huge thing. Thank you Levi and Jessie and everyone else that is at the orphanage laying down your lives on a daily basis for the children. May God give you strength as a family!
MaryKay Niedermeyer
January 25th, 2010
Oh Levi. Praying for it all!
Tammy H.
January 25th, 2010
Grieving here too. Praying for your strength and your mission there. Tell us again how much money is needed for a vehicle?
Erica
January 25th, 2010
Oh so heartbreaking. We are praying peace for the families- and they might know the peace that only Jesus can give. Praying peace for Lale and your family as well.
And praying for enough money to buy a vehicle and quickly! Let us know how we can help and we will.
ana f.
January 25th, 2010
So sad to hear. It must be so difficult emotionally, when you are trying so hard to do everything you can for the children. The Lord is with you. We are continuing to pray and will add prayers for additional financial resources as well.
Vanessa
January 25th, 2010
I don’t have any words.
Continuing to do everything we can for the car situation.
Anne and Bruce Cantrell
January 25th, 2010
My heart grieves for the families and for all of you. I’m so sorry this has happened. My only comfort comes from knowing that these little ones are now in the arms of Jesus. Praying for you through this time of loss and remembering God’s faithfulness in the other lives that have been saved because of your efforts.
Tj
January 25th, 2010
Hi, my husband and I are northern Cali friends of Chin and Rachel and recently the Lord placed it in my heart to begin praying for the work you are doing there. This is very sad news you bring today and I just wanted you to know that I am praying.
Jennifer
January 25th, 2010
So sorry to hear this. Praying for peace and strength for the families of the children as well as for your family. Thank you for being willing to do what the Lord has called you to do even though it can bring such pain.
Heidi
January 26th, 2010
My heart breaks for the sadness and loss of so many. My heart cries out to the God of mercy, hope and love to overwhelm you all and the families with Himself. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your service to our Great God and all the little ones He created!
Dawn Hall
January 26th, 2010
I am so sad and so sorry. My heart breaks for the children, the families, and especially for you guys. I know as deeply as my heart aches at this news, your hearts must break a thousand times more. I have been praying for the word of your work to continue to spread and for more funds so you can have transportation and a bigger facility. It frustrates me so much that I cannot give more to the work.