Monday, July 30, 2007
A Message from Walter & Kim
Words simply cannot express our feelings of thankfulness and gratitude for the expressions of sympathy you have shown to our family since Austin's death. Austin was a fantastic young man. He was devoted to God. He loved his family. He left this life serving God and others. He built a legacy that will live forever. And in his death, he reached many he had never met—and who otherwise may have never heard the good news. As parents, we only wish we could have been there to hear the words of welcome, “well done, good and faithful servant.”Thank you for the prayers, words of comfort, kind expressions of sympathy, and thoughtful tributes you provided to us during this time of sorrow. Please know that our family finds healing in God's tender love and embrace and in knowing that so many people care so much for our family and loved Austin as much as we loved him.We are comforted by the words of Psalms 40…“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit...he set my feet on a rock...He put a new song in my mouth...Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.”Our entire family deeply and sincerely appreciates your kindness. Your condolences will always be remembered with deepest gratitude. We only ask that in the difficult times ahead that you continue to keep Taylor, Trace, Emma and us in your prayers, and you join us in our prayer that God will give us the strength to live our faith.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Link to Audio File of the Austin Whetsell Funeral
We now have a link up to an audio file of Austin's funeral. Our apologies for taking so long to get this up and running. You can listen to it online or download it by right-clicking on it and choosing 'save target.'
http://www.lexpreschurch.com/downloads/sermons/AustinPWhetsellService.wma
http://www.lexpreschurch.com/downloads/sermons/AustinPWhetsellService.wma
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Copies and Audio Links to the Funeral Service
Some have been asking if we could post the funeral service on the web. We do have audio and video of the service and currently looking for a way to post that for folks. There are some complications due to copyright on the music played at the service (evidently you get one kind of license to play music and another kind of license to copy and post performances of that music... we have the former but not the latter). We are trying to work through those issues and get you access to at least the audio.
Please continue to lift up the Whetsell family in your prayers as well as the whole Mexico Team. Two team members who had originally scheduled to stay two weeks beyond the rest of the team are heading back this Thursday. They will continue working with Vida Nueva and head back to the States on July 28th. Remember them in prayer as well.
Please continue to lift up the Whetsell family in your prayers as well as the whole Mexico Team. Two team members who had originally scheduled to stay two weeks beyond the rest of the team are heading back this Thursday. They will continue working with Vida Nueva and head back to the States on July 28th. Remember them in prayer as well.
Clarification on the Lemonade Stand Story
As is often the case with 'developing stories' sometimes we don't get all the facts right. We have some clarifications on the Lemonade stand through the corrections don't make the story any less wonderful and sweet. Here is the story straight from one who was there:
"I just wanted to clarify the story about the Governors Grant Lemonade Stand. My daughter and children from 3 other families worked together to set up the stand. We did set $500 as the goal. We had just set up the stand when a man came by and we explained the Whetsell's situation to him. He wrote out a wonderfully generous check for $300. At that time we had just "opened" the stand and probably had about $50. We then raised $387 more for
a total of $637. But what was really nice was all of the people who stopped by not for lemonade, but just to convey their sympathy and to donate money. Our children learned a good lesson about helping others in their time of need, and they were very pleased to have been able to help the Whetsells in some way."
Thanks to the Stec family and the children of Govenors Grant for making the stand such a success!
"I just wanted to clarify the story about the Governors Grant Lemonade Stand. My daughter and children from 3 other families worked together to set up the stand. We did set $500 as the goal. We had just set up the stand when a man came by and we explained the Whetsell's situation to him. He wrote out a wonderfully generous check for $300. At that time we had just "opened" the stand and probably had about $50. We then raised $387 more for
a total of $637. But what was really nice was all of the people who stopped by not for lemonade, but just to convey their sympathy and to donate money. Our children learned a good lesson about helping others in their time of need, and they were very pleased to have been able to help the Whetsells in some way."Thanks to the Stec family and the children of Govenors Grant for making the stand such a success!
Seeing Jesus' Words Played Out
I wanted to share with the folks reading this blog (sorry for the several day hiatus) some of how God may be using this circumstance for His purposes. Jesus does not hold back from us the truth about this life. Sometimes we are led to believe that Jesus only preached about a sense of fulfillment and happiness in following Him but anyone who believes this simply hasn't read Jesus' own words. There will be pain and suffering. There will be fear and even death but this is the why He came.
The news of Austin being lost in the waves came just at the end of our evening worship services on Sunday night, July 1st. Here is an excerpt from the sermon preached that night (Realism, Hope & the Future, Mark 13:1-11; 25, 26):
Things come that cause us great distress. They upset the current system and our present stability gives way to a turbulent future. How should we respond?
First, Jesus seems to be saying, ‘Get real about the future.’ The future for them was going to be quite awful. The future for us may hold uncertainty and pain. The church in America has difficulty in being realistic. Many churches teach Christ as way of being happy and secure. When reality finally does break in we often fall to pieces because we have not been taught and mentored in how to deal with those realities. The uncertainties of life are frightening. Think of the life of this church (Lexington Presbyterian). In 1996 our pastor of fifteen years and the man the Lord used to build this congregation left for another call. How could things get worse? Shortly thereafter the Christian Education Building was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Things will come that cause us great distress.
The second thing Jesus is saying is: ‘Refuse to be distracted by these events!’ They fall within God’s purposes and in God’s control. Can you believe that in the tomorrow that holds upheavals? Can you believe that it is not a hindrance in seeing your true hopes fulfilled but actually a means to that end? If we can’t see this, perhaps our hope is in something other than the work of Christ to redeem us from the grave.
Jesus continues on with the bad news:
Mark 13:9 "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them."
The disciples will be dragged before councils and beaten in synagogues; they will give testimony before Roman governors and eventual before Caesar himself. We see the fulfillment of this in the Book of Acts (Acts 4; 5; 7; 8; 12; 14; 16; 17; 19; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26). But Jesus seems to say that even though - from a human perspective - the disciples will be on trial, they will actual give testimony on God’s behalf! Frightening, intimidating, but these things that cause us great distress are actually the means by which the Gospel will spread!
What happened in Mexico was not a result of persecution but it was a painful event in the life of the Whetsell family and the church. But Jesus told us such things would come. He also told us that through it the Gospel would be preached. This past Sunday at Austin's funeral, youth intern David Gentino preached as clear a Gospel message as I have ever heard in such a setting. On account of Christ David stood as a witness to the grace of God before friends and relatives certainly but also state legislators, a US congressman and a US senator. That very message was broadcast all over the Midlands through television and newspapers. What the Spirit will do with it is yet to be seen but God has remained true to His word on this score. It gives us reason to believe that He will remain true to His word on other matters. I look forward to the day He makes good on His word at the resurrection!
The news of Austin being lost in the waves came just at the end of our evening worship services on Sunday night, July 1st. Here is an excerpt from the sermon preached that night (Realism, Hope & the Future, Mark 13:1-11; 25, 26):
Things come that cause us great distress. They upset the current system and our present stability gives way to a turbulent future. How should we respond?
First, Jesus seems to be saying, ‘Get real about the future.’ The future for them was going to be quite awful. The future for us may hold uncertainty and pain. The church in America has difficulty in being realistic. Many churches teach Christ as way of being happy and secure. When reality finally does break in we often fall to pieces because we have not been taught and mentored in how to deal with those realities. The uncertainties of life are frightening. Think of the life of this church (Lexington Presbyterian). In 1996 our pastor of fifteen years and the man the Lord used to build this congregation left for another call. How could things get worse? Shortly thereafter the Christian Education Building was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Things will come that cause us great distress.
The second thing Jesus is saying is: ‘Refuse to be distracted by these events!’ They fall within God’s purposes and in God’s control. Can you believe that in the tomorrow that holds upheavals? Can you believe that it is not a hindrance in seeing your true hopes fulfilled but actually a means to that end? If we can’t see this, perhaps our hope is in something other than the work of Christ to redeem us from the grave.
Jesus continues on with the bad news:
Mark 13:9 "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them."
The disciples will be dragged before councils and beaten in synagogues; they will give testimony before Roman governors and eventual before Caesar himself. We see the fulfillment of this in the Book of Acts (Acts 4; 5; 7; 8; 12; 14; 16; 17; 19; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26). But Jesus seems to say that even though - from a human perspective - the disciples will be on trial, they will actual give testimony on God’s behalf! Frightening, intimidating, but these things that cause us great distress are actually the means by which the Gospel will spread!
What happened in Mexico was not a result of persecution but it was a painful event in the life of the Whetsell family and the church. But Jesus told us such things would come. He also told us that through it the Gospel would be preached. This past Sunday at Austin's funeral, youth intern David Gentino preached as clear a Gospel message as I have ever heard in such a setting. On account of Christ David stood as a witness to the grace of God before friends and relatives certainly but also state legislators, a US congressman and a US senator. That very message was broadcast all over the Midlands through television and newspapers. What the Spirit will do with it is yet to be seen but God has remained true to His word on this score. It gives us reason to believe that He will remain true to His word on other matters. I look forward to the day He makes good on His word at the resurrection!
Friday, July 6, 2007
Memorial Fund Details
The response of giving to the memorial fund has been amazing. It is not so much the amount on the checks but the number of them that is so encouraging. The opening of your hearts to the Whetsells is simply wonderful. I wish there was some more grandiose or even sublime way to say it but you have just been wonderful.
I wanted to share one story with you all about a young lady (with perhaps sibling or friends from the block) in Governors Grant (a Lexington neighborhood) who started a lemonade stand to raise money for the fund. They set a goal of raising $500... a lofty goal indeed for a lemonade stand. When they reached just over $200 (which in itself is amazing) a gentleman 'happened' by and asked, "How much farther to go before you reach your goal?" They shared with him that they needed about $300. He then wrote them a check for that amount. Again, what can be said about such kindness except that it is wonderful.
In keeping with the idea of setting goals, the family has given us a bit more definition for the memorial fund. As I wrote before, some of that money will be used to defray costs incurred during the search for Austin and in bringing him home. The family however wants the emphasis on supporting the mission work in Zihuantanejo (Iglesia Vida Nueva). They are looking to purchase a piece of property near the church that would help them expand the scope of their ministry in the community. The property costs ~$50,000 US. Combined with the expenses Walter had, we are tentatively setting a goal of $70,000 for the fund. We have not done any tabulating of the money that has come in but you have made a good start in reaching that goal.
In the end, however, this is not about money or reaching goals... it is about honoring the work of God's grace in the life of Austin. And as the story above shows, many of you are doing just that using the means and gifts God has given you. That is a precious gift to the family. Thank you for your kindness.
I wanted to share one story with you all about a young lady (with perhaps sibling or friends from the block) in Governors Grant (a Lexington neighborhood) who started a lemonade stand to raise money for the fund. They set a goal of raising $500... a lofty goal indeed for a lemonade stand. When they reached just over $200 (which in itself is amazing) a gentleman 'happened' by and asked, "How much farther to go before you reach your goal?" They shared with him that they needed about $300. He then wrote them a check for that amount. Again, what can be said about such kindness except that it is wonderful.
In keeping with the idea of setting goals, the family has given us a bit more definition for the memorial fund. As I wrote before, some of that money will be used to defray costs incurred during the search for Austin and in bringing him home. The family however wants the emphasis on supporting the mission work in Zihuantanejo (Iglesia Vida Nueva). They are looking to purchase a piece of property near the church that would help them expand the scope of their ministry in the community. The property costs ~$50,000 US. Combined with the expenses Walter had, we are tentatively setting a goal of $70,000 for the fund. We have not done any tabulating of the money that has come in but you have made a good start in reaching that goal.
In the end, however, this is not about money or reaching goals... it is about honoring the work of God's grace in the life of Austin. And as the story above shows, many of you are doing just that using the means and gifts God has given you. That is a precious gift to the family. Thank you for your kindness.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
The Austin Whetsell Memorial Fund: Supporting the Mission in Mexico
It has been humbling every time I have spoken with Walter this week as I consider what he and Kim are experiencing and hear of his passion for the people and the mission of Christ in Zihuantanejo. As friends, people want to contribute to the fund to ensure that Walter & Kim don't face any financial burdens coming from this tragedy. Walter & Kim really appreciate this kind and loving motive, but want the emphasis on supporting the mission he and Austin went to help in Mexico. Specifically, the church has hoped to purchase some property near its main building in order to expand the ministry. Walter & Kim want the fund to primarily pay for that property (we have put some requests in to determine what it would take to purchase the land but are still waiting to hear back). This spirit of generosity speaks for itself.
Folks have expressed a desire to purchase flowers for the funeral. The Whetsells wanted to pass along to you all that they too love flowers and there will be flowers on Sunday but in lieu of purchasing flowers please make a contribution to the memorial fund.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this family. I hope you feel the same. Please continue to serve them by lifting them up in prayer.
Folks have expressed a desire to purchase flowers for the funeral. The Whetsells wanted to pass along to you all that they too love flowers and there will be flowers on Sunday but in lieu of purchasing flowers please make a contribution to the memorial fund.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this family. I hope you feel the same. Please continue to serve them by lifting them up in prayer.
Prayer Service at Heritage Christian Academy
Austin attended Heritage Christian Academy for many years. Those of you familiar with Christian or private schools know that these communities can be a tight knit group. That is certainly true of Heritage and they are feeling the loss of a former student and a good friend. Tomorrow morning, Heritage will hold a prayer service in honor of Austin and support of the Whetsell family. The service is mostly for the heritage community but is open to anyone who wants to pray for the family. Debbie Rogers (Heritage Board member) asked me to pass along the details:
WHERE: Heritage Christian Academy (649 Barr Road, Lexington, SC) in the Chapel
WHEN: 10:00 AM, Friday, July 6
This event will include families with small children and out of respect for them and sensitivity to these tender hearts we are asking the press not to attend. We appreciate all the work the press has done getting the word out about the search and the memorial fund but please give these families some distance. Thank you for your understanding.
WHERE: Heritage Christian Academy (649 Barr Road, Lexington, SC) in the Chapel
WHEN: 10:00 AM, Friday, July 6
This event will include families with small children and out of respect for them and sensitivity to these tender hearts we are asking the press not to attend. We appreciate all the work the press has done getting the word out about the search and the memorial fund but please give these families some distance. Thank you for your understanding.
Online Donations to the Austin Whetsell Memorial Fund
Many of you have called or e-mailed asking about the costs associated with the search and getting Austin & family back to the states. It has been obvious that your questions are born out of a desire to help with those expenses and make sure Walter and Kim don't add a financial cost to the immeasurable emotional costs of this past week. I don't have many details at the present on specific expenses but we have made it easier to make contributions to the memorial fund. You can continue to contribute to the fund by making a check out to the Austin Whetsell Memorial Fund and send it to the church (Lexington Presbyterian Church, 246 Barr Road, Lexington, SC 29072) or by making a direct deposit into the fund at a local Wachovia branch. You can now also make a donation online.
With some help from folks who work with Walter, we were able to set up donations through PayPal. You will see a donation button on the upper right of the screen. If you would like to make a donation, click it and follow the directions. I do want to point out that PayPal charges ~3% transaction fee on most donation (it decreases as the amount of the donation goes up).
Walter and Kim will be bringing Austin home today and I know many of you would like to express your sympathy by phone or in person. I would suggest that at least until the visitation on Sunday, let Walt and Kim know of your love & concern through this blog by leaving messages for them here. There is just a lot going on. I know they would appreciate some time to reconnect with their kids. Thanks for your understanding.
Thank you again for all your thoughts, prayers and expressions of love & sympathy. It means so much to the family.
With some help from folks who work with Walter, we were able to set up donations through PayPal. You will see a donation button on the upper right of the screen. If you would like to make a donation, click it and follow the directions. I do want to point out that PayPal charges ~3% transaction fee on most donation (it decreases as the amount of the donation goes up).
Walter and Kim will be bringing Austin home today and I know many of you would like to express your sympathy by phone or in person. I would suggest that at least until the visitation on Sunday, let Walt and Kim know of your love & concern through this blog by leaving messages for them here. There is just a lot going on. I know they would appreciate some time to reconnect with their kids. Thanks for your understanding.
Thank you again for all your thoughts, prayers and expressions of love & sympathy. It means so much to the family.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Funeral Arrangements for Austin (with editorial corrections... sorry for any confusion)
The outline of visitation and funeral arrangements for Austin is now set. The family will have a visiting time at Lexington Presbyterian Church (in Tomlin Hall) on Sunday July 8th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. As we are expecting a large number of folks to come this Sunday, this may not be enough time for eveyone to personally greet the Whetsells. Do not let that discourage you from attending. Just your presence during those hours will communicate your sympathy and affection for the family.
The family will take some time to rest at 3:00 PM and this will give us some time set Tomlin Hall up for overflow (we are attempting to have audio and video feeds into Tomlin Hall to accomodate as many folks as we can). The funeral will be at 4:00 PM in the sanctuary followed by a private burial.
Continue to prayer for Walter & Kim as they travel home. Pray for their children as they await their homecoming. Pray also for the team members still in Mexico and for their families.
I wanted to share with you part of an e-mail from David Gentino, our youth intern at LPC and one of the leaders of the Mexico Team (Dave... I normally don't share things without asking the author but this seemed appropriate):
"Last night the Mexican church had a service: three visitors gave their lives to Christ and the fireman chief asked the pastor if they might meet and talk more about eternal life! So fruit is being borne even after death."
Pray that this report would be mutliplied many times over in the days and weeks to come both here and in Mexico.
The family will take some time to rest at 3:00 PM and this will give us some time set Tomlin Hall up for overflow (we are attempting to have audio and video feeds into Tomlin Hall to accomodate as many folks as we can). The funeral will be at 4:00 PM in the sanctuary followed by a private burial.
Continue to prayer for Walter & Kim as they travel home. Pray for their children as they await their homecoming. Pray also for the team members still in Mexico and for their families.
I wanted to share with you part of an e-mail from David Gentino, our youth intern at LPC and one of the leaders of the Mexico Team (Dave... I normally don't share things without asking the author but this seemed appropriate):
"Last night the Mexican church had a service: three visitors gave their lives to Christ and the fireman chief asked the pastor if they might meet and talk more about eternal life! So fruit is being borne even after death."
Pray that this report would be mutliplied many times over in the days and weeks to come both here and in Mexico.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Update 7-3-2007, 11:40 PM
This has been a long and difficult day for the Whetsells. There is great relief that Austin was found but now begins the long journey home and preparations for a funeral. Final arrangements have not been set as of this writing but it appears that services will be held over the weekend after Kim & Walter return with Austin sometime on Thursday. Pray for the flight home and all the necessary arrangements.
The team is scheduled to come home on their previously planned return date this Friday. We realize that many friends and members of Lexington Presbyterian would like to be there at the airport but we are asking that only family, pastoral staff and selected volunteer youth staff be there to welcome them home. This has been an overwhelming experience for these young men and women and we would like to give them time to reconnect with their families. The parents appreciate your understanding.
I also want to acknowledge a kind gesture by the South Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball League. Austin played on the Lexington All-Star Team for the Dixie League. In honor of Austin, all Dixie League players will wear a black arm band at all their games through the weekend.
Again, your comments and expressions of sympathy are greatly appreciated by the Whetsells and the families of team members. We can't see all of God's purposes but we entrust ourselves to Him knowing He is working something amazing in our midst. Pray that God shows us soon.
The team is scheduled to come home on their previously planned return date this Friday. We realize that many friends and members of Lexington Presbyterian would like to be there at the airport but we are asking that only family, pastoral staff and selected volunteer youth staff be there to welcome them home. This has been an overwhelming experience for these young men and women and we would like to give them time to reconnect with their families. The parents appreciate your understanding.
I also want to acknowledge a kind gesture by the South Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball League. Austin played on the Lexington All-Star Team for the Dixie League. In honor of Austin, all Dixie League players will wear a black arm band at all their games through the weekend.
Again, your comments and expressions of sympathy are greatly appreciated by the Whetsells and the families of team members. We can't see all of God's purposes but we entrust ourselves to Him knowing He is working something amazing in our midst. Pray that God shows us soon.
Update 7-3-2007, 11:15 AM
I am so sad to tell you all that at 8:15 AM local time (9:15 AM EDT), the harbor master found Austin's body. We waited to release this information until we had the chance to notify the family. We don't have any more details at the moment.
We have set up a memorial fund at Wachovia Bank to help defray the costs of the search, travel for the family, the return of Austin to the U.S. and possibly projects that the Whetsells would like done in Austin's memory. If you would like to make a donation to the fund, please make your check out to the Austin Whetsell Memorial Fund and send it to Lexington Presbyterian Church at 246 Barr Road, Lexington, SC 29072. You can also go to any Wachovia branch and make a donation to the fund. We hope soon that we will have the ability for folks to make a donation online through PayPal. I will update you on that possibility through PayPal does charge a 3% fee for use of their services.
This is not the desired conclusion to the search but there is relief in recovering Austin. This closes the chapter on the search and all the emotional limbo it created. It obviously starts a new chapter of grieving. Please continue to pray for Walter & Kim as they bring their boy home. Pray that the complications of transporting Austin home will resolve themselves. Pray for the team as the are now hearing the hard news. Pray that they would come home safe.
We will continue to post updates on the Whetsells and the team so check back later today. Thanks so much for your prayers.
We have set up a memorial fund at Wachovia Bank to help defray the costs of the search, travel for the family, the return of Austin to the U.S. and possibly projects that the Whetsells would like done in Austin's memory. If you would like to make a donation to the fund, please make your check out to the Austin Whetsell Memorial Fund and send it to Lexington Presbyterian Church at 246 Barr Road, Lexington, SC 29072. You can also go to any Wachovia branch and make a donation to the fund. We hope soon that we will have the ability for folks to make a donation online through PayPal. I will update you on that possibility through PayPal does charge a 3% fee for use of their services.
This is not the desired conclusion to the search but there is relief in recovering Austin. This closes the chapter on the search and all the emotional limbo it created. It obviously starts a new chapter of grieving. Please continue to pray for Walter & Kim as they bring their boy home. Pray that the complications of transporting Austin home will resolve themselves. Pray for the team as the are now hearing the hard news. Pray that they would come home safe.
We will continue to post updates on the Whetsells and the team so check back later today. Thanks so much for your prayers.
Changed Settings on Comments: Your Comments Mean a Great Deal
When I first set up the site, in haste, I did not check over the settings in the comment section. As a result, some of you may have attempted to make comments but were not able. Anyone viewing this sight may now leave comments by clicking on the comments link. The comment may not appear immediately as we review all comments but this is just a precaution to protect the family from anything hurtful.
Though this space is focused on Austin, if you have a comment for any of the other team members or family of team members, you may also leave them here. Thanks so much for your prayers and support. They have meant a great deal to Walter, Kim and the rest of the team.
Though this space is focused on Austin, if you have a comment for any of the other team members or family of team members, you may also leave them here. Thanks so much for your prayers and support. They have meant a great deal to Walter, Kim and the rest of the team.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Update 7-2-2007, 10:40 PM
It has been a long day of marshalling local resources for the search and helping the youth members of the team work through this difficult situation. Debby Matthews, our church secretary and experienced hand at working with people in trauma escorted Kim down to Zihuantanejo. She (along with a number of other adult leaders) called with some updates this evening.
First, there is still no sign of Austin. Walter has gone to extraordinary lengths to get local resources involved with the search and paid for all of it out of his own pocket (more on this later). There has been some government help but nothing close to what we might expect here in the U.S. As you can imagine, there has been a certain level of frustration with the low level of help from local authorities. The local people in the village and in the church however have been wonderful. Their hearts are broken over what has happened to Austin.
Second, the team is talking and comforting each other and eager to stay for the duration of the scheduled trip. We had a gathering of the parents of team members this evening to pray, prepare for the team's homecoming and discuss whether or not to bring them home early. Due to the complexity of travel to Zih., Mexico, it looks like the team will remain there until Friday. We certainly want our attention focused on the Whetsells but please be in prayer for the other team members and their families. This is a stressful time for them as their teenage children face possibly the first loss of a friend and do so at a distance of thousands of miles.
Third, as the parents met tonight and heard of the Whetsell's situation, they felt a need to respond to the financial burdens of the search. More details will be posted here tomorrow, but we will start a fund to help finance this search. Look back here tomorrow for how you might contribute.
Lastly, continue to pray that they will find Austin. Obviously, we all want him home back alive and well... no one more so than Walter & Kim. But whatever the Lord's providence has for Austin, pray that he will be found... and soon. I am told that after the first 48 hours, the chances of finding someone - either alive or otherwise - diminishes dramatically. Tomorrow morning when the search resumes we will be at the 36 hour mark.
We don't understand the Lord's ways... but we know whatever the circumstance may be, Austin is secure in the strong arms of the Lord. Continue to plead to God that He will use this in the lives of His people for good. Only God can figure this one out.
First, there is still no sign of Austin. Walter has gone to extraordinary lengths to get local resources involved with the search and paid for all of it out of his own pocket (more on this later). There has been some government help but nothing close to what we might expect here in the U.S. As you can imagine, there has been a certain level of frustration with the low level of help from local authorities. The local people in the village and in the church however have been wonderful. Their hearts are broken over what has happened to Austin.
Second, the team is talking and comforting each other and eager to stay for the duration of the scheduled trip. We had a gathering of the parents of team members this evening to pray, prepare for the team's homecoming and discuss whether or not to bring them home early. Due to the complexity of travel to Zih., Mexico, it looks like the team will remain there until Friday. We certainly want our attention focused on the Whetsells but please be in prayer for the other team members and their families. This is a stressful time for them as their teenage children face possibly the first loss of a friend and do so at a distance of thousands of miles.
Third, as the parents met tonight and heard of the Whetsell's situation, they felt a need to respond to the financial burdens of the search. More details will be posted here tomorrow, but we will start a fund to help finance this search. Look back here tomorrow for how you might contribute.
Lastly, continue to pray that they will find Austin. Obviously, we all want him home back alive and well... no one more so than Walter & Kim. But whatever the Lord's providence has for Austin, pray that he will be found... and soon. I am told that after the first 48 hours, the chances of finding someone - either alive or otherwise - diminishes dramatically. Tomorrow morning when the search resumes we will be at the 36 hour mark.
We don't understand the Lord's ways... but we know whatever the circumstance may be, Austin is secure in the strong arms of the Lord. Continue to plead to God that He will use this in the lives of His people for good. Only God can figure this one out.
Update 7-2-2007, 2:00 PM
There is not much new to report. Team leaders and local folks are still searching the beach. Kim did make it to Zihuantanejo so please be in prayer for her as she joins the search. Local boats, a diver specializing in rescue & recovery and perhaps even a helicopter are now part of the search team. It has been a long time since anyone has seen Austin but continue to pray for a miracle.
Some of you have had questions concerning an early return of the missions team. Right now the focus is on finding Austin and no plans to return early have been made. We will consult with the families of team members and let you all know if there is any change on that matter.
Some of you have had questions concerning an early return of the missions team. Right now the focus is on finding Austin and no plans to return early have been made. We will consult with the families of team members and let you all know if there is any change on that matter.
The Situation
Many of you have already heard the news regarding Austin Whetsell but we have had numerous requests for updates on this situation so the staff at Lexington Presbyterian Church decided to start this blog so we can keep family and friends as current as possible.
Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, our youth missions team in Zihuantanejo, Mexico, was swimming at the beach. The waves there can be quite high and Austin was hit by a series of waves and apparently knocked unconscious. The turbulent waters prevented other members of the team reaching him before he was swept out of the cove where they were swimming.
Local fisherman have been assisting in a search but as of this morning (Monday, 10 AM EDT), there has been no word on Austin. Walter, Austin's father, was an adult member of the team and is there in Mexico. Kim, Austin's mother, is on her way to Mexico as I write this. This is a very dark time for them so please be in prayer for them and their family.
Our LPC family will meet today at 12 noon for prayer in the sanctuary. There will be some child care. If you can attend, I know the Whetsells would appreciate the prayer support.
The team of ten youth and six adult leaders are very upset but the team leaders are still helping with the search. We will post updates here as we receive them. In the mean time please pray!
Please pray for the Lord to do something amazing and bring Austin home safely.
Pray for Austin’s parents, Walter and Kim as they anxiously await an answer from the Lord.
Pray for the team leaders and members as they are upset and worried for their team member.
Pray for the many youth who called Austin their friend. If the evening service was any indication most youth will take this news quite hard.
Pray that the God of all comfort would extend to the Whetsells and our church family comfort and peace beyond all reckoning. Pray fervently for a miracle.
Resting in Him,
Daryl Madi
Assistant Pastor for Shepherding & Outreach
Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, our youth missions team in Zihuantanejo, Mexico, was swimming at the beach. The waves there can be quite high and Austin was hit by a series of waves and apparently knocked unconscious. The turbulent waters prevented other members of the team reaching him before he was swept out of the cove where they were swimming.
Local fisherman have been assisting in a search but as of this morning (Monday, 10 AM EDT), there has been no word on Austin. Walter, Austin's father, was an adult member of the team and is there in Mexico. Kim, Austin's mother, is on her way to Mexico as I write this. This is a very dark time for them so please be in prayer for them and their family.
Our LPC family will meet today at 12 noon for prayer in the sanctuary. There will be some child care. If you can attend, I know the Whetsells would appreciate the prayer support.
The team of ten youth and six adult leaders are very upset but the team leaders are still helping with the search. We will post updates here as we receive them. In the mean time please pray!
Please pray for the Lord to do something amazing and bring Austin home safely.
Pray for Austin’s parents, Walter and Kim as they anxiously await an answer from the Lord.
Pray for the team leaders and members as they are upset and worried for their team member.
Pray for the many youth who called Austin their friend. If the evening service was any indication most youth will take this news quite hard.
Pray that the God of all comfort would extend to the Whetsells and our church family comfort and peace beyond all reckoning. Pray fervently for a miracle.
Resting in Him,
Daryl Madi
Assistant Pastor for Shepherding & Outreach
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