Michael's Christmas

Seasons Greetings.

I say this with joy for it is a remembrance of Jesus birth but I also have a heaviness in my heart today. Because today we have one less little boy celebrating Jesus's birth with us.

Little Michael (whose mother died this past year) was in a foster home in Liberia. We have a wonderful family from Wisconsin sponsoring him and his little sister in that home and Michael was even able to start to go to school due to this sponsorship.

I, and others with me, enjoyed meeting Michael once again on our recent trip to Liberia. We took pictures of him in his school uniform. He was so proud. Soccer balls were given to some of the kids. (they love their soccer there)

Sad news.. stuck this past week. Michael mysteriously disappeared.

Michael and some other boys decided to play soccer after their last day of school in a near by soccer field. The ball got away from them and rolled into a neighboring yard where it fell down an uncovered abandoned 25 ft well. Michael went after it by himself. After attempting to fish it out himself, Michael accidentally feel in the well and drowned. No one was aware of this as he was by himself. All the kids thought he got the ball and went home so they did too. His foster family spent many days searching for him and asking for him. Pst Peter went looking for him as well. They involved the police who put both families under investigation for wrongdoing and neglect. I know these men. They loves these children and would give the world for them.

After several days a lady in the neighborhood made mention of an unusual amount of flies over a nearby abandoned well. Police were called to investigate and they discovered Michael's body there. Because it had been there too long for the conditions of Africa- they had to leave him there and bury him there within the well which was filled with dirt and capped. Both Pastors were cleared of any neglect.

"I am sadden, sick and confused." said Pst Peter. "The rest of the external families now continue to converge to my house daily. I am writing to all of you this way because we have been silenced for so long looking for this boy. We have traveled in Gbarnga, Bomi and Firestone in search of this boy and to just turned out to be this unfortunate way."

Michael was much loved by his foster family, his sponsoring family, his birth family, his extended family, neighbors, and others in the community. Please be in prayer as Pst Peter travels into the bush this Christmas eve to share the devastating news to the rest of Michael's birth family.

This story puts into perspective the holiday season in so many ways. We as Americans may "feel" we are struggling. Perhaps financially, or physically, or spiritually, or even emotionally. We indeed forget that we have roofs over our heads, food on our tables, and loved ones by our side.

Jesus was born for all of us. The struggling and the not so struggling. Lets remember all our family and neighbors this time of year both here in our neighboring back yards and in our International back yards. Yes hold your loved ones a little closer this holiday season and remember- we have the power to extend our love and support to others in so many other ways that will benefit the many who go with out. Michael and his sister were helped through sponsorship of one family who cared enough to get involved in their lives. To reach out in ways that helped their little lives. And in return I know this family received so much more. What a gift.

May you spread peace, love, and encouragement to others all year through,