United by the Same Blood

This is part of our mission statement but today I was reminded of how important this truth is.

The foundation has had a growing relationship with the Pacheco family for years. Pablo, Sr. has served as our translator; Pablo, Jr. was in the Agape Promise program and has served as our translator; and 5 years ago, Carmen Suyapa was diagnosed with breast cancer and HAF came along side to support the family financially so she could receive chemotherapy. Throughout this time, they have been faithful to befriend us, support us, and love us. And we have had the privilege to return the same to them.

In the past year, Carmen Suyapa has had several brain tumors growing which were non-responsive to radiation treatment and was loosing her battle against the disease. Cecelia and I went to visit them yesterday morning but Carmen had slipped into a coma. Kneeling at her bedside and praying for her and the family with tears streaming down my face was a privilege for me.

Later that afternoon, she went to be with the Lord. Alleluia! What a gift to know she is whole and without pain in the presence of our God! As we met with the family, it was amazing to see that in the midst of our grief, the knowledge that we are united by the same blood and will be with Carmen Suyapa for eternity provided strength and comfort.

So today, Cecelia and I attended our first Honduran funeral. Although we did not know what to anticipate, we trusted that our presence and representation for HAF would be of comfort. But the true comfort is our unity through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.


"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

Alleluia! Thank you, Jesus.

Roxanne