Mighty to Save

Father,
Thank you for sending your son that I may have life in you—you have died so that I may be here in Nigeria to share my life and your love with these people. May I live for you in all things and for your glory----to make you known among Nigerians.
MAY YOU SAVE MANY NIGERIANS THROUGH MY WITNESS AND LIFE HERE IN THESE NEXT 2 YEARS………I LOVE YOU BECAUSE YOU FIRST LOVED ME.

This picture is Ladi with her children Jerry and Kyauta (means gift) taken a few months ago. The children are now orphans, and Ladi's sister Ruth is caring for them.


Above is a journal entry from September 8, 2005. As I consider Ladi's salvation within the last few weeks of her life I am thankful to have been a part of her life. Loving and caring for Ladi has been one of the most rewarding and amazing experiences in all my life. The vision of Ladi's face and the music that she sang from the depths of her soul will be etched in my mind forever! She also cried out for everyone to hear, "Jesus Saves, He is power!" One night I stayed at the hospital until 1 a.m. with Ladi and we sang together. But after singing awhile I stopped for a moment as I pondered her condition and the appearance of her badly burned body. I couldn't help but burst into tears. When Ladi saw me gazing at her and crying she looked right into my eyes and said, "aunty Susan don't cry, don't cry!" Even in the midst of her suffering she was worried about me. It was precious! That's how Jesus was moving in her to love others and comfort them with the comfort God had given her. The last time I saw Ladi I told her to cling to the cross; that only Jesus knew what she was going through and even though her family had rejected her that nothing could separate her from God's love! Then I kissed her hand and forehead, and with our hands clasped together tightly I said goodbye for the last time. I will never forget her and the impact she had on my life. Words aren't enough to describe the mighty power of Jesus to save her and how He brought Ladi and I together in spirit. If God called me back home today I would be satisfied because being a part of Ladi's life was enough! But I know He is not calling me home now and so I press on toward the goal and continue to strive to make Jesus known! When things are difficult and I feel I can't say goodbye to one more person from AIDS I will remember this moment and persevere. God is my strength of my heart always!!

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!"

Psalm 73:25-26

The Valley of Vision

"LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory."