On Tuesday of this past week, I received word that our translator to the Guji’s was found dead. I have been rather numb and solemn since. At the age of 23, James went home to be with the Lord. How? From what I understand we are uncertain of the circumstances surrounding his death, but 6 days before he was found he had sent word via email that his life was in danger. While the many questions go unanswered, I hear his voice and his songs in my head…
“Jesus walks on water…”
“Are you strong Jason?”
He was a servant and an encourager. I wish I could recall all of our conversations as we sat sometimes for hours in the fields of Ethiopia.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Oh God,in the name of Jesus, help me to finish faithful…
P.S. “Hit-a-korma…” there are only 2 other people I know who would smile at such a word…and one of them is now with Jesus.
Welcome back Jason. I have thought about you and James a lot this week. I wanted to call again but did not want to disturb your work in Tennesse. All of this just helps me understand a little more why we continue to work with such a special group of people in Ethiopia. They have their set of problems just as we do. Their only hope is Jesus and James was committed to presenting the Lord to the them. What a testimony. What an encouragement. Thank you for sharing your view of James with of us. Looking forward to May 23rd.
Jason,
Tanks for these words. It has been a tough week. He was a good man and a true servant of the King!
We who still see as through a fog celebrate that James’ faith has become sight! We grieve for you but celebrate for him. Find rest, O my soul, in God alone! Ps. 62:5-8
Dear jason
How terieble it is! My heart aches for James; ofcourse now he is in his Father’s hand.
Once again we are reminded of the brevity of life. That smile of James was truly unforgettable. I can hardly imagine it being any brighter in heaven. Praise God for eternity, and that we are just sojourning through this life. We have a present hope. But still for those of us left behind for awhile, it is a very sorrowful time to lose someone we care about. He LIVED for Jesus, and has left a legacy–and like you, help me O Lord to finish faithful.
[...] other articles about James, written by Team members, go to these web articles: http://www.jasonmolly3.wordpress.com/2009/03/13/hit-a-korma-james/ [...]