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heaven’s gain

With a tender heart I wanted to let you all know that early this morning heaven gained a very brave, courageous young man.  Jacob Worthey left this earth with his beloved family by his side.

His Daddy wrote this on his bedroom door this morning.

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Our hearts ache for Jacob’s family. But we do not grieve as those without hope, as the Word of God says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13.  For we know that this life we have on earth is so temporary, so fleeting.  We hold onto the promise that some day every tear will be wiped away, and there will be no more pain, no more mourning, and no more suffering (Revelation 21:4).  We set our hearts and sights on the things of heaven and we yearn for that day when He will return.

Today my heart rejoices that Jacob knew family.  He never died alone, and he never went to heaven not knowing what it meant to be loved and treasured. What a gift the Wortheys were to him for the last two years that he has been home!  I so clearly remember Lorrie sharing his story with me about three years ago as we shared a meal at their home.  They had just gotten home with their precious Naomi, and while at her orphanage, they met Naomi’s best friend.  He gave them one very simple plea–the absolute desire of his heart–“Take me to America too!”

Of course they did!  Jacob came home to a family who embraced him with arms wide open. His Dad, Marshall, shared about Jacob’s short life with them HERE yesterday.  Oh, that Jacob knew family!  That he was able to spend his final days on earth with his best friend who then became his sweet sister.  Jacob never passed away an orphan, but instead he had a real family name–a mom, a dad, brothers and sisters who cherished him!  His life is such a sweet testimony to the faithfulness of God and the obedience of a family who laid down their lives for the sake of the call…

…and one teenager on the other side of the world who needed them so very much.

Desperately.

My boys were able to visit Jacob in the hospital at the end of last year.  SO many of you had reached out and sent him cards, gifts, and notes of encouragement.  His room was full of so much LOVE poured out from strangers (but family in the Kingdom).  He looked at my family and said, “Look at all my things!”  He was blown away and overwhelmed that so many people took the time to love on him and encourage his heart from afar.  THANK YOU!

Jacob Worthey, your big smile will be so missed by many.  I can just see you doing this very thing in heaven right now.

Finally home.

Healed.  Whole.  Restored.

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Please keep the Worthey family in your prayers in the days to come.  They have walked this journey with such peace and an enormous amount of grace and courage.  I know their hearts are aching today and I just cannot imagine the pain.  May they be carried on the wings of eagles.

“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”  ~~ 2 Corinthians 4:18 (The Message)

Thank you for saying yes, Worthey family.  No matter what!

Longing for the lavish celebration.

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