Dear brothers and sisters,
I came across this news, and really touched to learn about this missionary couple who up-lift Jesus' name and live out a beautiful testimony. Just a few days ago, they were attacked in Kenya. John was left with a broken jaw, broken arms and badly injured legs; Eloise was raped by three of the attackers, her face was badly cut, and suffered a broken jaw. They are recovering, after undergoing hours of surgery to treat the deep cuts on their faces and bodies and their many broken bones.
and.... while John still need to undergo four major sugeries, .... they said their experience will not deter their determination to work in Kenya, and the first thing they want to do once they fully recover is to visit their attacker, and tell them about their forgiveness....
The couple's reaction really reminds me our Lord's unconditional love. My prayer goes to their recovery and their work in the Lord.
Lvoe in Chirst,
Jianguang
A Canadian couple who endured a vicious beating by men armed with machetes and clubs in Kenya said they will not let the terrifying experience deter them from their work with the poor.
He remembers standing outside in the dark, when seemingly out of nowhere, he was hit repeatedly with clubs and could feel the machetes "just gashing me, slashing me, cutting."
For the moment, John said he's glad to have survived the attack. "I was just praying, 'Jesus, help me, Jesus, Jesus,'" he said. "They left my life intact. It's amazing . . . it was an answer to my prayers."
John said he is now more determined than ever to help the impoverished children and widows of western Kenya, and he can't wait to get back to work.
"My job is in Kenya, to grow food for the hungry, to build schools for children who really need them, and to teach them about God," he said. "What would we do in Canada? There's a social safety net back home that just doesn't exist here."
The couple have no medical insurance and had sold their house, vehicle and furniture before departing. Schumacher estimates that at least $150,000 will be needed to pay for their expenses.
Nonetheless, Eloise said one of the first things she and her husband want to do once they fully recover is to visit their assailants.
"When I woke up this morning, I was picturing the time will come when John and I are physically well again," she said. "It's in both of our hearts to go to the prison and tell them about our forgiveness."
"I asked God to help me figure out how to get free," Eloise said, describing how she managed to get a pair of scissors out of her makeup box and cut herself loose.
He said his wife went through the worst of the attack but will recover because she has a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.
"She's not a weak person; she's a very strong person," he said. "She has a good foundation with her emotional and spiritual life."