One pound and two ounces, and still fighting to live! During the Christmas Season, and into the New Year, Suzy has been completely preoccupied with a problem pregnancy. Finally, on January 4th, somewhere around 6 months into her pregnancy, as a last option to save her life, Suzy was taken for a cesarean section, and her tiny baby son was brought unwillingly into this world. An ultra sound that morning had convinced the Doctor that the baby had already died, but he was mistaken, and none could believe their ears when the tiny baby cried. Today, 3 days later, he is still fighting for his life.

Suzy is the half-sister of Martha, our friend and employee, and without going into any great detail, there have been many times when Suzy has treated Martha with great unkindness. Martha and I have had many conversations concerning what the Bible has to say about dealing with unfairness and unkindness in the life of a child of God. Martha has forgiven time and again the unkindness of her family to her and her son, and it has not been easy. But when things began to go wrong with Suzy's pregnancy, Martha was the one she called. Martha was faced with a difficult decision. Should she help Suzy? Was it her responsibility? Once again Martha and I looked to the Word of God to find the answer. I reminded Martha that if she should choose to help her sister, it should be because it was the Godly thing to do, and not in hope of changing family relationships, or gaining any favor. Martha made her choice, and she has been helping her sister. Doesn’t that encourage you? It does encourage me.

Problem pregnancies are very difficult here in Kenya. Suzy's has included five ultra sounds, expensive medications to stop bleeding and labor, expensive drugs to try to strengthen the babies lungs, then drugs to induce labor, and in the end, the cost of surgery, and special care for a very premature infant. For Martha it has also included sleeping many nights outside on a hospital bench, travel and phone call expenses, and forgoing Christmas with her own son. But she has chosen to do for her sister, what she knows is right. I know she is worried. The doctor has said the baby will be blind and brain damaged, IF he continues to live. The bills are mounting daily, and her sister and brother in law are only simple farmers. They cannot pay. Martha has already generously given from her small savings, but she will be asked for so much more, more than she has to give. I believe God will provide the way.

In this same time period, in this same country, other mothers are crying. More than 350 people have died in the post election violence. International news has told the horrible story of children and mothers and fathers being burned alive in a church where they had fled for refuge. Other missionaries, who we know, are hiding families in their own home, who have run from violence. Kenyan news has shown terrible pictures of rioting, destruction, and murder. Thousands of refugees are fleeing for fear of their lives. These past two weeks seem as if Kenya has been turned upside down. In the middle of all of that, personal dramas like Martha's are still being played out. What answers can I give to all the questions? What hope can I offer?

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." The words of the old hymn keep playing through my mind and finding their way to my lips. I have not found any other answer, but Him. I cannot tell Martha how.. or why. I have no words to express comfort to those mothers whose children have been brutally murdered, or who have lost friends or loved ones. When it seems too much, I can only turn to Jesus. He loves me. He loves you. Does it seems as if your life is being turned inside out by problems you do not have answers for? Does the world around you seem out of control? Let me encourage you to turn your eyes upon Jesus. He is the only answer.

Your missionary wife in Meru,
Christine