I am and always have been a very private person. My idea of a great time is to stay home, eat some popcorn, and watch a movie. As we prepared our family to make the journey to Kenya my comfort bubble was stretched as we had to make our rounds explaining God’s calling on our lives. Even more uncomfortable was asking for financial support. Just not my style. Now the events of the last several days has taken my bubble and completely destroyed it. When I first started my blog, it was with some protest. I don’t journal and I certainly don’t share what I’m thinking in that kind of way. My blog was really just so I could share what we saw and experienced at Tenwek with our supporters. It would seem that God had other plans. Our story and our lives have been intimately entwined with countless people around the world. For that reason I will continue to open my heart and life with you through this medium.
As we prepared for our trip, one of the things that we would pray for every night with our boys was that through our work in Kenya that we would draw closer to Him and that He would use us to tell “lots of people” about Jesus. I’ll be honest, it was one of those prayers that I only half meant…mostly because I know that the way that prayers are answered can be so different than what we expect. As we watch what is happening literally around the world….I’m at a loss. To think that the short life of my baby girl is impacting so many is nothing I would have ever imagined. I am in awe.
I would love to say that it has taken away the pain but it remains ever present and real. Daddy’s arms ache for his little peanut. I still walk into a room half expecting her to look up, flash her infectious smile, quickly crawl over to me and lift her tiny arms so she could be picked up. I miss her snuggling her head into my neck waiting for kisses. I miss the games that she would play with me…we even played them the night before this all started. I would give anything to have just one more chance to play.
Waking up the past two mornings, my first instinct was to hide in bed with the curtains drawn and my head under the covers. The pain of walking down the hall past her room was more than I wanted to face. I decided instead of avoiding her room and toys to embrace them. I walked into her room, knelt at the extra bed, held tightly to her favorite lovie, and poured my heart out to God. I questioned why this was His plan, why it couldn’t have been me instead and I pleaded for deeper understanding. I was reminded of our prayers to reach “lots of people” and I felt the Holy Spirit ministering to me. I was told, “just wait and see what I will do with your pain”.
When I committed my life to Christ as a child I did so in the way that so many do…not realizing the sacrifices that may be required. As I matured in my faith, I learned more about the sinful nature of this world that started with Adam and Eve. I learned of the ways that man had tried to unsuccessfully reconcile himself to God. I learned that it was God Himself though who had to bridge the divide between us…and He did it through the life, death, and resurrection of His only son Jesus Christ. Prior to leaving for Kenya I committed my life…my entire life to doing His work, no matter the cost. The reason I can still get up out of my bed of sadness and carry on with my day is not because I am strong. It is because His “power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9….and I am weak. I need the grace that only He can provide. So many people have said that they are amazed, impressed, overwhelmed by me and the way I am handling everything. Don’t be. Be amazed that the God who created the world desires to know us and be with us. Be impressed that no matter the situation, He has offered to carry us through. Be overwhelmed that He was willing to sacrifice His Son in our place offering the free gift of salvation to anyone who will simply believe and place their trust in Him.
Thank you for your ongoing love and support for my family. We are so incredibly grateful!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord ; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened — burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord ; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, Lord ; come quickly, Lord , to help me.
14 May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.
- Changing Seasons - September 4, 2016
- Well Done Good And Faithful Servants - May 2, 2016
- Looking Back….Looking Ahead - March 14, 2016
54 Comments
Alicia Miloradovich
Mar, 16, 2013You & Steph have really impacted me-even before this tragedy happened. The fact that two high school sweethearts from our little town were doing big things- a doctor and a mom of 4! Then to move to kenya!! I admire both of you. My heart aches for you both. I’m still praying for you both & your beautiful boys.
Nana Jana
Mar, 16, 2013God is. That is the truth we can hold onto. The Bible tells us over and over again that our timeless God’s ways are different from our human ways. We don’t understand, but that’s okay, for I Corinthians 13 says that though our vision now, in this finite world, is as one seeing through a glass darkly, that someday when we enter the realm where your daughter now dwells, we will know, even as we also are known. Having lived six decades, and having borne many heartaches and sorrows, I have come to accept those verses. We don’t understand. But we know that God does not exist to bring us sorrows: He exists to bring us through them. One day, we will understand how this huge puzzle of humanity fits together, but for now we hang our trust and hope on that one Truth…GOD IS. and because of that truth, we can believe the promise that Jesus made, “I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come again to redeem you unto Myself, that where I am, you may be also.” Your sweet, pure little one is there…and one day, if we have believed and obeyed, and if Jesus’ blood has washed our sins away, then God’s grace is sufficient to make us whole. And when we enter those Heavenly gates, your sweet daughter will greet us with her gorgeous smile, welcoming us to our forever home. May your family find some comfort from the prayers spanning the globe for you, and in time may the sweet memories of your daughter fill you with amazing peace and joy… and hope, for God is with us … Always has been, and infinitely will be. May His comfort embrace you at this painful time, and in the days ahead. As the FOOTPRINT poem affirms, He will carry you until you can stand on your own two feet again.
Sarah
Mar, 16, 2013I am in France with the McCropder team who used to be in Tenwek; I grew up in Kijabe. I have not stoped thinking about you all these past few days. I find myself waking up and crying again for you. I am asking questions about my own faith – and I don’t even know you! -But these words you have written have spoken to my soul. You are being used by the Lord to declare the most mighty of all messages – joy in suffering, hope in darkness. and it is all because of Jesus! I will continue to pray for the five of you and for your wider family. Oh I long for the day when we will all be together before the throne! When eternity is our reality! It is already certain.
olav
Mar, 16, 2013Hi, I’ve followed the mccropders blog for many years. Now I read there about this tragedy. I will take a moment of silence to pray for you. God bless you and be with you in the days to come. olav, norway.
Elaine
Mar, 16, 2013Weeping with you, praying for you….
Michele Meiser
Mar, 16, 2013Thank you, Aaron & Steph, for your obedience at every turn. The world, so it seems, sits at computers, being ministered to by your grief and pain. I am, as you say- and as so many others express- in awe. Seldom do we have a chance to glimpse God at work as we are seeing Him in your life. Thank you for your transparency and faith. I know that even your faith is not of yourself, but you two are such amazing vessels. May the rest of us follow your example and watch God change the world. It is impossible for me to really understand why God’s plan has always involved such sacrifice-and now your sacrifice of praise. Adding my prayers to the thousands, begging God to continue to uphold your family through this heartbreaking time and beyond. I was so touched by the words of the person who had lost a child and shared with you that you will walk again, but with a limp. Indeed, a Holy limp, remembering and treasuring dear, sweet Hannah.
Love & Blessings, Michele <
John
Mar, 16, 2013My grandpa’s name, Robert K. Smith, is on the plaque down by the falls at the base of the Tenwek station. Can’t imagine the pain you and your wife are feeling. I was able to link to your blog off of a post by Mike Chupp. Prayers coming your way as you grieve and keep engaged mentally, to come out of this on top. Praying for you, your wife, your family. May the grace of GOD send waves of light, blessings, and peace in the midst of a walk in the dark.
Diana
Mar, 16, 2013Aaron, out hearts ache for your grief and your inability to not hold Hannah in your arms again. God give you comfort.
Angela
Mar, 16, 2013My husband and I served at Tenwek years ago. We came to your story through the Chupps. I am praying for God to continue to make you and your family strong in His power, for His Spirit to continue to speak to you, for God’s mercies to pour over you daily as you mourn the loss of your sweet Hannah.
Lisa
Mar, 16, 2013Holy God, yours is the beauty of childhood and yours is the fullness of years.
Comfort us in our sorrow, strengthen us with hope, and breathe peace into our troubled hearts.
Assure us that the love in which we rejoiced for a time is not lost, and that Hannah is with you, safe in your eternal love and care.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who took little children into his arms and blessed them.
Amen.
Karlie
Mar, 16, 2013I lived at Tenwek with my family when I was growing up. I now have three little girls of my own. When I heard your story I was so grieved for you and your little girl! As I was thinking and praying for you the other night I thought about Jesus. These kinds of things can really make you question God. And I thought about how scripture says Jesus was tempted in every way, but then I thought, “but he didn’t have kids.” I feel like having kids is a completely different experience than anything else and completely shifts your loyalties. You lose all sense of yourself and would do anything to keep them safe. Of course in my mind I knew that just because Jesus didn’t have kids didn’t mean that scripture wasn’t true, but it felt like it somehow. Then I realised we are all God’s kids and I saw Jesus dying (doing everything, paying the ultimate sacrifice) for the children who had wandered so far from Him. I was so humbled as I realised He is the ultimate Father and what I experience as a parent is just a glimpse into who He is and an opportunity he has given us to be like Him. I praised Him for who He is and prayed for your hearts. I continue to pray for you and am blessed by God’s work and faithfulness in your lives. Thank you for coming out of your bubble (you may feel it was burst, but the truth is you chose to come out of it) and being vulnerable.
Jill
Mar, 16, 2013We’ve never met but I just want you and your family to know we are praying for you.
Merridy
Mar, 16, 2013Aaron and Steph, you stand on a platform with a spot light, through a great tragedy. You didn’t ask for any of it…but in truth, our Father heard your cry to be all, give all, for the sake of His Son Jesus Christ. Many, many people are watching your lives right now. In a world of hopelessness and deceitfulness, Father is giving you the opportunity to reflect WHO He really is. Thank you so much for being transparent with pain because pain is real…but also very transparent with tangible hope, faith and encouragement because people often forget how very REAL that is as well. My full time job is prayer…and I am and will cover you and your family in prayer as you continue to heal. Expect great miracles way beyond anything you could ever have imagined!!!
Kirston
Mar, 16, 2013GOD IS-God is the joy and the strength of my life,He. moves all pain, misery and strife.He promised to keep me, never to leave me. He’s never ever come short of his word. I wanted share this verse of a wonderful song with you and your family. Rev. James Cleveland “GOD IS”-when you get a chance please YouTube it and I pray it brings you all comfort. I am in amazement in the God that dwells in you and your wife. What I know is that your baby girl Hannah is walking and talking with Jesus. She was chosen by God because she has a greater work in heaven than on earth.She too is a missionary, see you and your wife are destined to serve on earth, thru this union a greater missionary was birthed. She will touch lives you may never meet.Your son’s will travel places and lands your feet will never touch should. Greater is in me than he that is in the world( 1John4:4) MY JESUS. HANNAH is greater ,she came from you, God said I will loan her to you, she will live,love,and touch the lives of many,but she must finish her work from Heaven because her life is Greater, her mission is Greater. We live in flesh we hurt in flesh, but in God we have comfort and perfect peace. Continue to be blessed,what the enemy meant for bad GOD meant for your good. A child shall lead them Isaiah 11:6
kathy
Mar, 16, 2013I do not know your family..but I do know your Jesus. Your testimony has touched my heart deeply and I weep with you for the loss of your precious Hannah. I pray for the peace of god that passes all understanding to wash over you and your dear family during this difficult journey. Lord bless you
Kirston
Mar, 16, 2013GOD IS, by Rev. James Cleveland please You Tube, when you can. Hannah’s destiny is greater than this one on earth. The union between a husband and wife births something greater. Your son’s will travel lands and places your feet may never meet, touching lives of all kind. Hannah has already brought together people all over the world thru her parents. God knew her greater mission was from heaven, so he tried to prepare you day by day with filling your hearts will all her love, smiles, kisses and laughs. He knew something about this Angel would impact his people forever. He always calls his GREATEST workers first. He knew what she was more capable of than anyone could ever know. Just imagine her now walking and talking with Jesus, and still snuggling up next to you all, that breathe if fresh air that graced your face was your baby girl, reminding you she still loves you,but she has to continue her mission. Thru her life she shall lead people to Christ , with her mother and father. See this is a family thing, in each of your lies the connecting component to reach many ppl in different ways. God’s word is too plentiful to stay in one place.It has to be spread all over the world. 1John 4:4- Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. God is using Hannah – his greater that came from you to bless the world. He knew from this, your work, will be greater, your love for him and faith in him would be greater. Your anointing is now greater, in the midst of your pain he elevated you both. Isaiah11:6-and a child shall lead them. Look at your beautiful baby girl,with God she is leading people all over the world. A father leads, he is the head of his family, and an example to his children, She was paying attention, she got it, she’s leading just like her daddy, she is blessing and soothing like her mother. Continue to be blessed, I’m blessed thru your family’s journey, thank you for allowing the God in your lives to be a blessing to our souls. My family is praying for yours as we have shared a similar experience, but God is the joy and the strength of our lives.
Carolanne
Mar, 16, 2013Aaron and family…I am Brian’s Aunt. I have been following your
Blog for awhile now. I have been so moved by your faith and at
the same time my heart aches for all of you. Hannah’s story has touched so many people. I can’t imagine what you and Steph are going through. Just know that there are people from all over supporting your family and are praying for you all.
You Na
Mar, 16, 2013As I am reading your blog, I hear the Holy Spirit is silently groaning and moaning within me, and I am crying with you, so are thousands and millions of brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe.
Dear Jesus, I thank you for the gift of life, the hope of life and resurrection, and the life everlasting in and through the blood of Jesus Christ. I thank you Jesus for the Kelleys and how they are fighting, struggling, and persevering, even in the midst of sufferings, trials, and pain. Jesus, I ask you to cover them with an overwhelming love, grace, mercy, and healing power. Lord, I ask you that you bring every single one of their family members and friends at Tenwek closer to You, the Mighty One, and to one another, as the body of Christ – Jesus, the head, and we, the body.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the hope that we have in You. The world does not know the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, the Mighty and the Great One, Jesus, but we do, and we rest in You, and You alone. At this trying time, I ask you to comfort the Kelleys, especially the boys at this moment… that they would embrace the message of Jesus and hope of resurrection even more tightly to the core of their hearts.
Today, we decide to place our trust in you. Again. For You are Good.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Valerie Ballantine
Mar, 16, 2013I am a friend of Keri McHugh. I am truly sorry for your loss. When praying a few years ago about why my sisters only two children were afflicted with a rare terminal illness, I was led to John 9.
9 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
I wanted to share this with you and remind you as you so clearly know that the tragic loss of your sweet girl will give countless people the opportunity to do the work of The Lord, and your faith and conviction will change lives all over the world, and it has certainly changed mine!!
May God bless you and your family on the journey that lies ahead of you, until the day comes when you get to hold your little angel again!
PL
Mar, 16, 2013I can’t even begin to imagine the pain you are going through or know what to say that would give you comfort. I have not lost a child. But God has. He knows your pain for he gave his one and only son. I do know that we serve a God who can give you and your family comfort and that is what I am praying for. I learned about your story through Operation Christmas Child on Facebook and have been reading your blog. I went back and read from where you started and now am following it. I will be thinking of your family and lifting you all up in prayer.
Jack
Mar, 16, 2013Your pain and your choice to turn to God for strength reminds me that often we hear “God will only allow into your life trials you can handle” (ok, Jack’s version…) but I submit this may be slightly wrong. We often face things beyond our strength. Can a child of 5 lift a car? Would you ask him to? I submit the child can lift the car just as we can face the trials which come our way by accessing the power available to us. A child can lift a car by simply releasing the power of a hydraulic lift and we can release the power which created the universe simply by turning and submitting to the Father.
In the midst of this incredible trial, may your eyes stay fixed on the Cross and may you allow Him to provide the strength you need one day at a time. He will be faithful. You do not need to have the strength, you only need to release the strength He has stored up for you.
Jack
MK Kenya, Ethiopia
Sara Bachtell Burke
Mar, 16, 2013My eyes are still cloudy from reading Stephanie’s post on Hannah. The love a mother has for a child is rivaled only by our love for our Lord and Savior. Yet reading about Stephanie relinquishing her precious girl to the Lord touches every mothers’ worst fear. It wasn’t until I was able to grasp in my finite human mind that our Heavenly Father loves my children more than me and in a way that I can’t comprehend was I able to push back my constant worry. Stephanie’s mature faith confounds me and will serve as an inspiration to all of us moms who struggle with worldly child rearing rather than focusing on eternal child rearing. Stephanie helps me realize that the little treasures God has given us are on loan from Him. We must teach them how to have Christ as their personal savior since His plans are not our plans and His timing, though perfect, can change everything. Praying constantly as you grieve, Jim, Sara, Katelyn, Sally and John Ross Burke
Allison Oconnor
Mar, 16, 2013Praying and praying for your family. Asking God to give you strength for each moment. Her sweet life has impacted many for Jesus Christ and the testimony to Gods work in your lives is amazing. Thank you for serving Him in Africa and for being incredible examples of laying down it all to follow Christ. Many prayers from your Christian brothers and sisters in the western NY area.
Leah
Mar, 16, 2013I’m crying and aching along with you. I love your little girl and I never met her! She was such a beautiful and sweet little angel.
Eric
Mar, 16, 2013Erin, our boys and I have been praying for your family. Thank you for being so transparent and honest on your blog. It is evident that God is using what you are learning for His glory. Many people you have never met here in West Michigan are growing in their faith because of your story. I know it is hard. But, know that as you continue to find refuge in Him, others are learning to.
Cindy Johnson
Mar, 16, 2013You and your family are a royal blessing to us. We hoped for Hannah’s healing here but know God knows best and the enemy must payback what he has stolen. The number of souls your little Hannah will save..we think of her as a seed. The harvest will be unimaginable. We will continue to pray for you. Looking forward to meeting little Hannah on the other side. Heaven is real and she is alive and healed because of the blood of Jesus. Thank you for your encouraging words during an exceedingly difficult journey.
Mary Beth
Mar, 16, 2013dear Kelley family, I found out about you through a friend from my church who knew you when you were in medical school in Wv. My heart aches for your family and i will continue to pray for you. May God put His arms around you all and be with you in a special way at this time of loss. There are no words that i could say that would help you in your grief. I only know that you will see your little girl again and that she is being well taken care of by her Maker. there are so many things that we dont understand in this life but God is still in control. I write this with much sorrow, love, and respect for you and your family. May He bless your family and the calling of our Lord that you have chosen to follow. i will remember you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah
Mar, 16, 2013I have been continually praying for you and your sweet family. I read this verse today, “But know that The Lord has set apart him that us godly for Himself: The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.” Psalm 4:3
I know He hears the cries of your wounded hearts and the cries of those of us that are suffering with you. My prayer is that He will do a mighty work through all that you are going through. I know that God has placed you on my heart for a reason and He is working on my own heart and life thru you. I am praying daily in Michigan. Love and many hugs from across the globe.
Joy
Mar, 16, 2013I am a co- worker of your sister, Sarah, who I consider a friend. I am so sorry for your loss of Hannah and continue to pray for you all. I participated in The Color Run, locally, today, and shared with Sarah that I walked in memory of Hannah, who is in the most joy and color filled place,ever! I know of the pain and tragedy and personal weaknesses you speak of, but I also know of the Grace, Great Love and Strength of our Lord, that He will continue to lavish on you all,to get you through each day! By His Love and Grace, Joy!
serem
Mar, 16, 2013God loves your family. Pole.
Patricia
Mar, 16, 2013Dear Aaron and Family,
I found your blog through Operation Christmas Child yesterday and was filled with sadness to read of the loss of your precious Hannah. Yet at the same time, I was glad to know of your love for Jesus and the hope we have in Him. In January our family lost our precious Ali. She was born early and was with us 40 days. I am still sad that she is no longer here but rejoice in the knowledge that I will see her again. I look forward to the day when you are reunited with Hannah and am so glad she is in the arms of her Heavenly Father today.
May God continue to bless your family as you move through this time.
In Him,
Patricia
Jeannene
Mar, 16, 2013Aaron I am one of the people that would be considered a stranger to you. Yet, in Christ we are family. The words of joy, pain and sorrow that you and your wife have shared have touched my heart so much. I can not imagine the ache your hearts are feeling because I have not walked the path that you all are walking now. But as a mom my heart weeps. The words of testimony that you all share give God the glory for the way He is providing strength one day at the time. As one who believes in the great power of prayer I will continue to ask God to meet your needs during this very difficult time of your lives. May reminders of Gods great love and blessings (like the double rainbows) continue to be evident to provide encouragement and strength.
Barbara Spears
Mar, 17, 2013Carol, told me about your precious little Hannah. I am so terribly sorry but I wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your precious family. GOD is being glorified through you and little Hannah. I pray God’s richest blessings will be yours in the days ahead.
Love and prayers,
Barbara Spears
Jean
Mar, 17, 2013I found your blog through Samaritians Purse facebook page, I am so very sorry for your loss. I can imagine your pain, but grief is different for everyone, and grief is a journey of one. I lost my husband 18 months ago, and it is a long journey. God has been so very faithful, with friends, and family reaching out. God will be there with your family as well. The pain won’t go away, but over time (a very long time) it will become more doable. Tears and prayers for your dear young family. My husband was only 50-years old. So I am a young widow, But your girl was a little baby, so sad for your family. Hugs from a stranger who cares.
Rebekah
Mar, 17, 2013Your blog today reminded me of Moses. God certainly took him out of his comfort zone, but what a great work He did through Moses. My heart aches for your family and I pray that The Lord be your strength and your comfort. God bless you all.
Katie
Mar, 17, 2013I’m praying for your family.
Amanda
Mar, 17, 2013Dear Kelley Family,
How my heart breaks for you all; yet the tide of hope in Chris and His promises always overwhelms our deepest griefs – only because of His Spirit and His miraculous Work to comfort us in our deepest distresses (2 Cor. 1). I’m one of those who, too, have been humbly blessed to share in Christ’s sufferings with you in this-type loss as two of my children were taken Home due to genetic illnesses – a daughter, Meredith Hannah, in 2005 and a son, Asher John, in 2010. I, too, know what is it to have…and to let go; to be given the gift of perseverance when it hurts to breathe……to be given His strength to take the next step and do the next thing when it is humanly impossible. Let Him do His work in you and keep submitting to Him – even through this grieving process….He will complete this good work He’s begun in you…..but it is His work and must be done by Him and in His perfect time.
Isaiah 61:2b-3 reminds us that our Triune God IS the same yesterday, today and forever – forget not His benefits and wrestle with Him in prayer and in pouring our your heart to Him.. He promises:
“To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
It has taken our family three years, but we’re about to complete the classes to foster children in our county (with the hope of adopting). The LORD WILL use Hannah’s Homegoing for His glory, for your good…and for the good of many, many, others… He will; He is The God Who keeps His promises. It won’t be too long before you see Hannah again; live this life to His glory and He will conform you to His image in ways that are truly, truly, awe-inspiring.
Praying for you all; especially your boys. The LORD will strengthen you and give you the words of truth and comfort to keep saying to them as you lead them to Christ even through the heartache.
Much love to you all.
Amanda T.
PS: these 3 sermons are a BLESSING:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?keyword=godly+grieving
Melissa Davis
Mar, 17, 2013Dear Aaron and family,
Though we have never met, my heart aches for you. I am one of the many, many people your story has reached and I so badly wish I could help you in the pain you are feeling. Your testimony of God and his son JesusChrist is an inspiration. I know you will find your feet again when the time is right and that God will carry you until you reach that point. Hannah is beautiful! Can you just imagine the angel she has become in heaven? My unwaivering thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you and may He continue to be a pillar of strength for you. Thank you for letting us into your lives and allowing us to know Hannah through your blog and photos. I consider myself lucky to be one of the many whose lives your family has touched.
Jon L
Mar, 17, 2013Praying for your family… I’m thankful the Holy Spirit cries out for us in ways we can’t. Know you are loved and being prayed over daily.
Esther
Mar, 17, 2013The Lord is with you. Your blog reminds me of this song from JJ Heller – Who You Are. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8jilr8qsYU&feature=youtu.be
Your work and sacrifice is a great picture of God’s love for people. Thank you for serving Him and being His Hands and feet. God Bless.
Here is a blog post I did recently about not understanding God’s plans. http://www.everygoodthing.com/when-it-is-hard-to-comprehend/
Leda Nix
Mar, 17, 2013Aaron and Stephanie,
Heard about you and the loss of your daughter through Gabe and his aunt who is a friend of ours. Just sitting here sobbing as I read your blog and pr-ing that G will give you his peace that passeth all understanding. My husband and I live and work in Ethiopia, so we are not that far from you…know that we join hundreds, probably thousands, that are pr-ing for you and your sons during these difficult days. May G receive lots of glory through your lives.
Leda
Rachel Van Dyken
Mar, 17, 2013Your words and testimony are a shining light for Christ in the midst of unspeakable pain and loss. Prayers for your family from all around the world.
Frances Feudale
Mar, 17, 2013Aaron…my words are not as eloquent as yours but when i was younger my mother who has since died as well, always told me – everything happens for a reason. I was never particularly religious. I believe in a higher power but I always have this very strong scientific reasoning behind a lot of things and “faith” is a hard concept for me. However, As I read your words, I want you to know, my Faith grows stronger each day.
Karen
Mar, 17, 2013You and your family are in our prayers. God will guide and comfort you.
Dennis & Priscilla Probst (retired missionaries with World Gospel Mission)
Mar, 17, 2013We have not met you, but your story has touched our hearts and lives. We pray that the God of all comfort will continue to be with you in your great loss. We know that God can use what seems like an earthly tragedy for heavenly glory. May you and your precious boys feel the everlasting arms of God holding you in these days. (Deuteronomy 33:27 a) We know God is using your love and devotion to Him as you minister to others there at Tenwek. He is granting physical and spiritual healing to others through your loving obedience to Him.
Meredith
Mar, 17, 2013As I sit here and read your blog the tears are pouring out. I have never met you or your family but have been touched and encouraged by your faith and dedication to The Lord. I am a mom of two small boys 2,5 I can’t imagine the pain that you are experiencing- there are no words to take away the pain but I know and believe that our Lord is faithful and I pray that He would hold you and your family close and minister to you all! Thank you for your testimony! You are reaching the world !
Sally Pry
Mar, 17, 2013It’s so hard for me to comprehend how you must ache for your beautiful little girl. Your faith has definitely made you strong. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your famiy continuously. May the wonderful grace of
God be with you all
Marie
Mar, 17, 2013Dear Kelley Family .. as many before me wrote ‘we’ve never met’ one of my nursing friends who works at LVH told me about your sweet Hannah and asked for prayers — which I was only too happy to do & to pass your info along to my prayer buddies to enlist them as well. There are no words that I could possibly say to comfort you and help you ‘feel better’ about the passing or your little sweetie. So I offer this simple prayer to ask the good Lord to wrap His arms around all of you, hold you close in His warm embrace so that you may feel Hannah’s love flowing into each of you. God Bless you for your sacrifices and I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Deborah Ray
Mar, 18, 2013Aaron, Steph, and boys,
May God bless you and be with you as you grieve for your little daughter / sister. May His peace rest on you as you trust your lives to Him. You will be in my prayers. I know God has required a lot of you. I trust that He will bless you in a mighty way in the days to come and use little Hannah’s life to bring people to Him.
Cheryl
Mar, 18, 2013I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet daughter. I pray for God to transcend this darkness … one day at a time … as you continue to press into Him. May God’s comfort be with you … and again, so sorry. There can be no greater loss.
Joan
Mar, 18, 2013I am so sorry for your loss. Please remember, you will be with her in Heaven for eternity, which is a lot longer than our brief time here on Earth. Her short life has impacted more people than you can imagine. She lives on in your heart, she is not gone.
Elizabeth
Mar, 18, 2013“I am weak, but He is strong!” The “power” of this social media has allowed me to learn of the difficult struggles of so many parents whose children are not well. It is a privilege to carry their requests to the throne, and it is a tremendous joy to learn of their faith and trust in the ONE who prevails, despite the sadness and evil atrocities of this world. This is temporary, and we will share in an eternity where there will be no more suffering. Praise to the Lord! And may your voice, along with so many others who shine through their adversities, continue to make ripples across this world. Thank you for singing of his goodness. And I am so sorry for your terrible loss. Godspeed and traveling mercies.
Hebrews 12:7 and 11
Mar, 19, 2013God laid this on my heart for you tonight: “Do not waste your suffering. Endure hardship as discipline – for those trained by it – it will produce a harvest of righteousness.”
Hebrews 12:7-11
Hannah is a single seed that will produce a harvest of righteousness through your suffering and God’s faithfulness. Persevere in what is right through the grace of Christ and may God be praised in the valley!
Heather Palumbo
Mar, 20, 2013Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lams with his arms, and carry them in this bosom and HE SHALL GENTLY LEAD THOSE THAT ARE WITH YOUNG (or who are weak and weary….)
Praying like no time ever you hear his heartbeat close to your own as He holds you…..
Campus Crusade and The JESUS Film Project still praying for you.