3/29/2010

 

Esther Nina Pope Martínez was born at 06:13 this morning (3/29/10) mountain time after an emergency c-section.  She was 27 weeks gestation and weighed slightly less than 2 pounds.  I listened to her last heart beat while in my arms at 08:49.  Areli continues to recover well despite a significant amount of blood loss. 

Despite this very painful separation, Areli and I have experience the Lord in a way like no other.  In the midst of a day that no one would have asked for, we have sensed a peace and love that doesn’t make sense and can only come from God. 

Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and beyond have responded and shared in our suffering in such a way that that I can’t even begin to describe.  If this is your first notification of our situation and have not been able to bear the burden of this day with us, please do not feel neglected.  We have been well cared for.  Thank you for everything.

Now that our little princess has gone to be with her King, we are a little jealous and miss her very, very much.  However, we look forward to spending more time with her when the Lord’s timing is right.

As a result of this day, we have never been more sure of our relationship with Jesus Christ and his enormous love for us.  And we have never been able to proclaim the reality of this scripture like we can today:  “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21

We pray more than anything that this testimony of God’s never ending goodness in the midst of seemingly tragic times would be an encouragement for believers and lead others to our loving Savior.

Blessed be the name of the LORD.