Great is your love, reaching to the heavens… Psalm 57:10

Sunday 10 August 2008                                                                                     We decided not to go to church today as I had a bad headache. Around 9am there was a knock on the door. When I answered, there stood a man – a white man – with a black child in his arms, about 18 months old. The man stated very simply, “I am here to give my late wife’s clothing to you for the children and young adults you serve.” The grief in his eyes was very apparent, and very, very new. As he spoke the little boy began to cry, huge tears rolling down his tiny little cheeks, and we knew he was crying for the loss of his mother. And the man said, “This is our son”, choking back his own tears. He was a young man, under 30 years, and overcome with the grief that comes with an unexpected and sudden loss. His eyes were a bit red, and he had a dazed, faraway look in his eyes. He was desperately trying to be strong enough – long enough – to do this – to donate his wife’s clothing to children in need. His words were few, but he told me his wife, a Zambian woman, only 26 years old had just died from malaria. She lived near here, but he was living in Australia. She was preparing to move to Australia when she became ill. The malaria went to her brain, and there was nothing that could be done. Once again, we are reminded how very fragile life is here.                                                                He was in shock, and not talking much, so I don’t know how he knew to come here or who sent him – it really doesn’t matter. But, I guess we all know who really sent him. God’s presence here is always very evident. There were three women accompanying this young man who brought in several suitcases full of clothing and shoes. As we spoke they deposited heaps of clothing on school desks and chairs. I pray he and his wife’s family are taking comfort in knowing her clothing will benefit these children who have nothing. In his loss he has given a tremendous gift to our children. As he quickly turned away to leave, still choking back his tears, I asked his name and he only replied Gary. I took his hand in mine for a brief moment, and thanked him again for thinking of our children, and invited him to return at any time. May God bless Gary and his family. Please take a moment to pray for Gary and his orphaned son. It is the only gift we can give him in return.