Thursday, March 11, 2010

World Vision Tragedy


Many of you know how I feel about the work of World Vision around the world. Whenever there is a terrible catastrophe, it is usually through this organization that our family gives, with confidence that the money will reach the people in need.



You may have heard the news yesterday, but having been out most of the day, I didn't hear until last night when I got the email from WV U.S. President Richard Stearns which started out: "It is with a sad heart that I write to you about a terrible loss to the World Vision family. . ." He then went on to tell about the brutal murder of six WV workers in their office in a district of Pakistan. Eight others have been hospitalized as a result of this attack by gunmen. I have to say the email left me shocked and horrified. I feel as though I am a part of the WV family (we have been sponsoring children with them for many years), and I don't remember ever getting an email quite like this one. Usually the emails tell about how they are helping in the various areas of devastation in the many countries which need it. WV often use nationals in their work, which I think was the case here. Please, please pray for those who survived, the families of the victims, and for the people whom they were trying so hard to help. Needless to say, the organization has had to temporarily suspend operations in Pakistan, but they also state their commitment to helping the people there. Such is the spirit of World Vision.

11 comments:

Laurie said...

I saw this news yesterday, and like you, Maxine, I was so saddened by it. As I read your post today, the Lord reminded me of Joseph, who in Gen. 50:20 said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

O God, we thank You that You are sovereign over all circumstances, and we trust that You can and do work all things for good. Nothing that is done, even this taking of lives in Pakistan of WV workers, is beyond Your judgement as well as your grace and redemption. We lift up those who lead WV, that they will have wisdom and discernment from You, O Lord, as well as comfort and strength. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who knew such pain and died for all sinners.
Amen

Love you, my friend,
Laurie

Maxine said...

Amen, Laurie. Wonderful prayer.

Susan said...

The evil we are beginning to see around the world is terrible. Satan knows his time is short and he is out to kill, steal, and destroy anything or anyone who loves the Lord. BUT, we will not be moved and we will press on in our walk and even more fervently in our prayers. Thank you for sharing this Maxine. With my main computer down, I did not receive this information directly as I would have.

Father God I just lift up this entire situation and these deal people to you. Father God give them your comfort that passeth understanding, even in the midst of such evil, and I stand on Romans 8:28 that you will bring good out of evil. I thank you that you call us to stand in the gap and stand on the wall and pray and sound the alarm. You are coming soon Father God. Help us to remain strong and faithful to whatever calling you have placed on our lives and to remain true to you, our Lord and our Savior. It is in your name that I pray. Amen

Anonymous said...

That is just horrible, Maxine! I hadn't heard the news on this tragedy. Laurie, I agree in prayer with you & I love the verse you shared. Thank yo for posting this, Maxine. (((hugs)))) and blessings to you!
Jana

Linda said...

I received that update this morning too Maxine - just heartbreaking.
We deeply admire the work of World Vision - we have two children we sponsor. We really do need to pray for them right now.

Karen said...

I read this with great sorrow and shock. It is the Christians who are on the scene when there are disasters around the world and at home. I pray for the survivors.

Denise said...

Things like that hurt our hearts and we cray out to the Father for understanding... One day we will see clearly....... I am so sorry for this tragedy.. I had not heard this news but I do not listen to the news much... I pray that the grace of the Father God will cover all those that have lost loved ones and will cover those of the WV that are HIS hands extended....

I am glad to be back in the blog but will not get to be here as often as I wish..... but ALWAYS want to come by here....

Brenda said...

No, I didn't hear about that. That is so horribly sad. I stand in agreement with Laurie.
Thanks for sharing your heart.

Debra said...

I have not watched the news in a few days so I had not heard of this. So sorry to read about it now. My heart and prayers go out to their family and friends, and the World Vision community.

Cathy said...

Oh, That is just horrible, Maxine. I'm praying for their families.

Susan Skitt said...

Oh my, how devastating. I will keep these families and organization helping so many in my prayers. Thank you for sharing.