What do you say in the face of devastating loss? How do you respond when your world is falling down around you? How do you make sense of the death of yet another missionary colleague?
It seems like our missionary community is still reeling from the untimely death of Sarah Lantz, a Samaritan’s Purse post-resident who recently died from advanced breast cancer at age 34. She had been faithfully serving as a surgeon in Zambia. Even after returning to the states, her fire and passion for serving Jesus never dimmed. Even in death, the light of Christ continues to burn brightly through the legacy she left behind. (Kent Brantly wrote a beautiful tribute to her which you can read here.)
And now we receive news of another saint that has been called to his forever home. Todd DeKryger was a physician’s assistant who has worked in Togo, West Africa for many years. He recently became critically ill and was evacuated to Germany for definitive treatment. Despite the efforts of physicians at Hospital of Hope in Togo and in Germany, Todd passed away overnight leaving behind his wife and four boys. Another life lost while faithfully serving on the foreign mission field.
Again we hurt. Again we shed tears. Again we reflect on what it means to follow Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are told to count the cost of becoming a disciple. In Luke 14 we read
25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Counting the cost. It may mean giving up your own dreams. It may mean giving up material possessions. It may mean leaving your family behind. It may even mean losing your life in service to Christ. Sarah counted the cost and left what could have been a prosperous medical career to serve. Even as she was losing her battle with cancer, she remained faithful. Todd, along with his family, also counted the cost and went all in to follow Jesus and become His disciples. As a family they have served and Todd certainly heard “Well done good and faithful servant” as he entered into eternity (Matthew 25:23). Even in these dark days of mourning, God will honor their commitment.
Here is the message his family has released.
We regret to inform you:
The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! John 4:36
Today, Jesus called Todd home from the work he was doing planting and harvesting in Togo. In the mystery of His will, God chose this day to reward Todd with the unequaled joy of heaven. This is the promise of God that we as believers cling to through tears and pain. Todd poured out his life as an offering to God in Togo. I know that Todd would similarly encourage us who remain here for a little while longer to also be faithful in our service to our King (Philippians 2:17).
Please continue praying and ask Jesus to bring comfort to William, Grant, Luke, and Drew. Ask that His Spirit would provide peace that is beyond the knowledge of this world. Keep praying that the boys grow strong in their knowledge of God’s Word so they can live out the legacy that their father has given to them. Also, pray that our Father in heaven would send more workers like Todd to the beautiful fields of Togo where the harvest is so great!
My heart is overwhelmed with unspeakable grief – for myself, our boys, our extended family, our spiritual family and the Hospital of Hope team. I cling only to the gospel and the certain hope of our salvation through Jesus Christ. I long for the men, women and children of Togo to know the Savior that Todd served so faithfully. Even in my pain, I am confident that our sacrifice – that Todd’s sacrifice – was worth it. I believe that the great commission is a cause worth dying for. And in the midst of my grief, I fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.
The outpouring of prayers and support in recent days has been overwhelming. And I can’t begin to thank all those who have shown kindness to our family. There are many decisions to be made and I will update you again in the days to come. Please be patient as I will not be able to respond to every call, message or e-mail personally. Thanks for standing with us through this time.
In Christ Alone we find our strength, The DeKryger and Benefiel families
Prayer requests:
-Pray for Todd’s family and friends in the wake of this huge loss. Pray for the hole left in his absence, both at home and at the hospital. Pray for all of the staff who will continue to count the cost and serve. May Todd’s life shine brightly for Christ.
-Continue to pray for Sarah’s family. May her life and death continue to bear fruit for the kingdom.
-Pray for all missionaries as they daily face the realities of life and death in challenging settings. Pray for faithfulness in their efforts. Pray that they will serve well until they too are called home.
-Pray for those that we serve on the mission field. So much of the world suffers in ways that are hard to imagine. So often they endure debilitating illnesses and deaths simply because they don’t have access to care that is readily available in other parts of the world. Pray that we can bridge that gap. More importantly, pray that through these healing ministries that they will be introduced to the Great Physician.
-Pray that more workers will sense the urgency of the need to live a missional life, not just on the foreign field but where ever they happen to be. May we all lives God-honoring lives. May we all be willing to count the cost and follow Christ no matter what sacrifice may be required.
- Changing Seasons - September 4, 2016
- Well Done Good And Faithful Servants - May 2, 2016
- Looking Back….Looking Ahead - March 14, 2016
1 Comment
Miriam Taylor Wert
Feb, 29, 2016My heart aches for those who mourn the loss of loved ones…family, co-workers, people whom they served, and all who knew them. Sarah is a true heroine and Todd a real hero, both of whom were faithful and true to the end as they served their Master. So let us be, dear Jesus, and comfort those who have lost these loved ones. Amen