Grief and affliction.

"For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.  For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men." -- Lamentations 3:31-33

I just can't tell you how sad I was to hear this morning about the tragic death of Duang, one of our key staff members in Thailand, and the horrible injuries sustained by his wife Lew and daughter Kelapaw.

The three were on a motorbike that was struck head-on by a car that was passing another vehicle on a narrow road in the north of Thailand. Duang went under the car, his neck was broken, and he died instantly.

Lew is in the hospital with two broken hips, a broken leg and many other injuries. Kelapaw's leg was broken clean through. Neither of them know yet that Duang has died. The next few days will be excruciating for them both physically and emotionally. And even if their bodies heal completely, their hearts will bear permanently the wounds from this horrible accident.

I'm also weeping today for Duang and Lew's daughter Neracha, who saw the accident happen, but was on another bike and was uninjured. And for Bang (known to some of you as Josiah), the little toddler Duang and Lew have raised since infancy.

I'm also heartbroken for all of the girls at Doi Saket 1 to whom Duang was a father. These children -- already orphaned -- have now suffered another shattering loss.

I'm so thankful for Mike and Debbie Flinchum. They're ministry advisors who have provided our staff and kids with countless hours of assistance for no pay. Mike rushed to the hospital to help with arrangements while Debbie had the unenviable task of contacting Duang's friends in the U.S. and Canada. They seem to be hanging in there, but they're exhausted and very, very sad.

And, of course, I'm devastated for Tutu Bee, our national director. She is understandably distraught. Nearly inconsolable. She is strong, but the loss is a huge blow. On a normal day her job is nearly impossible. Today, it's unimaginable.

Please join with me in earnest, fervent and prolonged prayer for these guys. I love them all, and my heart is breaking for them. Please beg God to make his promises very real to all who are suffering from this loss today.