On October 4th, I stood on the basketball court hugging so many people who we have walked through life together. So many people hugged me, they cried, they prayed, the encouraged. But one young mother, Brislyn, and her two young children, Jael (9) and Adan (7) wrapped their arms around me and spoke words of hope, encouragement, and Truth. As I stood there and hugged her, my mind replayed the past two years that our ministry has walked beside her during some very difficult days. Her children, Jael and Adan, are students in our school and we have ministered to them during very difficult days. I asked Brislyn to write her testimony so I can share it with so many of you.
This is her story:
“Five years ago, my husband and I were a very happy family with our 3 children. However, four and a half years ago everything changed for my family as my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I felt like my world was collapsing. Like every wife, I asked God to help us with my husband’s medical expenses and to help provide for our family. My husband underwent 4 cycles of chemotherapy, but the treatments were not successful. After only three months he died on August 23, 2019. The passing of my husband was very hard for me and my children. We suffered a lot, but God in his infinite mercy, and by the prayers of His people, He gave me the strength to move forward and raise my children.
One and half years after the passing of my husband, my oldest daughter, Crisabeth, began to feel very bad. After several visits to the hospital and a series of examinations, the doctors gave me the news that my eldest daughter had a cancerous tumor in head. The process was very hard and painful as she underwent two head surgeries. During this time I felt very sad because I did not know what to do, but I had to draw strength from the Lord. I did not have my own strength, but one thing I am confident in is that God never left me alone In those days. On the days when I started to feel alone and sad, God showed me in many ways how He was right beside me.
Crisabeth’s tumor was very invasive and grew very quickly. She received 9 cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the tumor continued to grow. On May 15, 2023, she had another surgery to attempt removing the tumor. However, one month after the surgery the doctors gave me the news that there was nothing more they could do for my daughter. The pain of losing my daughter was too much for me to bear.
On August 4, 2023, my princess went home to be with Jesus.
But God has filled me with an indescribable peace that they are no longer suffering and that they are now with our Heavenly Father in a perfect place. Despite so many things that we have experienced as a family, I have learned that God will never leave us. He is by our side. He provides for us. He helps us. When we think we are alone is when God is closest to us and He is extending his hand to help us. I can confidently say that God loves us. He knows why things happen because in His infinite mercy He has control of each one of us. Even if believe that things are bad, He works things together for His good. God He is never wrong. God is always faithful and He is in control of every step of our lives.”
To Be Continued….
Shining Light Abroad Ministries 