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.
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2 comments:
Walter, Kim and Family,
Our hearts go out to you during this time. We are all praying for a miracle for Austin. He is such a role model for young and old alike with his faith and presence. Cole wants to send a special prayer for Trace. He is concerned about his baseball buddy. We are all concerned about you.
In His Loving Name,
Terri Plyler
Our church here in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding area and everyone we know is praying for ALL of you.
You are in our CONSTANT prayers.
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