from Robin...

Dear Lord and Father,

Thank-you for your love and compassion that brings us hopeful news as to the well being of our loved ones in Haiti through the empathizing nature driven by past experiences of Heather Owen. Thank-you that your promise to always hear and answer prayer sometimes comes in the form of modern technology, and sometimes comes through your word, and sometimes comes through a complete stranger who bears a story we most need to hear at just the right time. Thank-you that you are always faithful to hear our heart's desire. And to respond.

We know that you would not, and did not, place within the heart of parents and other concerned family members, a tender heart needing reassurance of their loved ones' safety and well being, only to chide them or cause them guilt at feeling so concerned. Though Jesus knew that Lazarus could and surely would be raised from the dead, yet He wept at his death. Sorrow. Compassion. Pain. Grief. "Man of sorrows," He was intensely familiar with them all. Our tears are so precious to you that you store them in a jar! You know every sparrow that falls, every lily of the field that grows, and the number of hairs adorning every person's head on the face of the planet; how much more do you care and empathize and watch over our loved ones in Haiti...and us waiting and praying for their safety and well being....and all your children! Thank-you for your immense love and compassion Father, and for the assurance of your understanding of our God given emotions and feelings.

Bless all your children in Haiti. Help the seed planted by all your ministering servants to take deep roots that will yield fruit for your kingdom throughout the ages. Thank-you for the unselfishness of all those who have gone to help in whatever way they are called to help. Continue to bless them all with good health, protection, safety, and everything necessary to equip them for every good work. Please bring them all home safely to us on Friday, as scheduled.

Thank-you for providing a way of escape from our burdens and weaknesses when the evil one comes knocking with fears at 3:00 a.m. And thank-you, Father, for the gift of those of like precious faith, who share their faith and confidence at times when ours ebbs low, and bear our burdens with us. Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. We thank you and praise you, God of all comfort, from whom all blessings flow! Help us all get a good night's sleep tonight, resting in the assurance that YOU are in control, and there is no need for us to wrestle with that which you have already taken care of.

In Jesus name. Amen.