Monday, August 1, 2011

A Time to Mourn

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)


Dear friends and family,

For a few months you've known that there has been a serious illness in our family. During that time my daddy-in-law, Randy Roberts, battled a very aggressive cancer. Last Tuesday, he died. It is our belief that Randy is now with his Maker. Though it's been a stressful time (That's very understated.), we praise the Lord for Randy's life.

We wanted to send Racheal and Fisher to yesterday's memorial celebration in North Carolina, but it didn't work out. Instead, we've asked Racheal's oldest brother, Randall, to come help her in Dakar while i, corey, can't be there. We'll be flying him there in a few weeks.


So this Sunday, Racheal and Fisher (and River, as if he had a choice) are headed to Dakar where there's better medical care for birthing babies. They'll be there for about two months; Randall will come in to help Racheal get around and watch Fisher while she's in the doctor visits (No kids allowed.). I'll join them in early September, pending River's progress. After the birth, Randall will return to the States and the four of us Pendergrasses will return to our home in Usus land.


Prayer ReQuests:

  • Pray for Racheal traveling alone with a watermelon growing on her belly and a near 2-year-old on her hip. Plus luggage. Yikes.
  • Pray for River and Racheal's health. They're doing fairly well.
  • Pray for Racheal's family in the States and us in West Africa grieving the passing of her father.
  • Pray for me, corey, as i'll have to be without my precious family for about a month.
'til the whole world hears,
corey reid pendergrass

7 comments:

JP said...

praying for you all, the seen and the unseen.

Aunt Su said...

We want to keep hearing form you and Rachel.the next itme you are home, please come see us. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family. Lots and lots of love.
Aunt Su

Anonymous said...

We've honored your prayer requests.
Glad to do so, too!
Thanks for writing.

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and love!
Sharee and Bill Smith

Anonymous said...

Al and I are praying much for you, for Godto send " travel helping angels" along the way to assist Rachael, for your entire family as you grieve. We continue to pray for safe arrival for Riverand for all God is doing in and through you there. KK Gilbert (kahuna's sister, josh' mom, lena's friend)

Anonymous said...

Al and I are praying much for you, for Godto send " travel helping angels" along the way to assist Rachael, for your entire family as you grieve. We continue to pray for safe arrival for Riverand for all God is doing in and through you there. KK Gilbert (kahuna's sister, josh' mom, lena's friend)

KATHY said...

corey,,,, God Bless You while you endure the months ahead. As well as your 'family' as I can not imagine the strength it is taking. My every prayer is for each of you. I, as well as everyone else, is so grateful for your brother in law, being with Rachael & Fisher! That is a wonderful blessing in its self! Please know how much I love you buddy! ~ Mama Kathy~