Many of you have written and asked about the situation with the family that just lost three children in a fire here in Columbus. Here's an update which I hope you will make a matter of prayer . . . The funeral was yesterday . . . three little white coffins were lined up in front of the church while bagpipes opened the service. It was extremely emotional and probably one of the hardest our pastor had ever done. The family, nautrally is torn up, but there is also much unrest in the family. There is a lot of talk about who did this and why they did it, with suspicions of possibly a family member being involved. The investigation is ongoing although they have a 17-year old boy in custody. The charges against him may be upgraded to 3 counts of murder since they feel it was more than just a random "hit" and evidence will probably prove that it was pre-meditated and intentional. Someone even said that they believe he was paid to do it, but that remains to be proven. The mother remains in the hospital although she is now off life support. The doctors are saying that if all goes well, perhaps by the end of next week she should be released. The funeral was taped for her . . . all the TV cameras were in the church for the funeral so with their footage and that which the family taped will help her to have the closure she needs with the death of the children. I learned yesterday that she had, within the last couple of years, lost two other children, one from a premature birth and another little girl about 2 years old. This news makes it even more difficult to comprehend how she can cope without the Lord. Somewhere between 100-120 people came back to the church for the meal we prepared; we know of only a small handfull of people are actually Christians. Our prayer is that through this tragedy that they will become receptive to the wooing of the Spirit of God and respond to His love and healing. That is also the request we pass to you for prayer . . . pray that the family will open their hearts and seek peace and comfort through a relationship with the Lord rather than allowing bitterness and resentment to rob them of what the Lord offers to them. Thank you for your prayers . . . the formalities of the end of the three little lives may be over, but the eternal decisions the family is now faced with is only beginning. May God be glorified through this tragedy with a testimony built in a family who does not know Him now but who are now in the best position to respond to His loving arm outstretched. Blessings, Jan Ross jross@... http://focusontheword.com ICQ#18767082 "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalm 84:10) Focus On the Word Banner Exchange--Sign Up Today and Receive 2,500 Free Credits http://focusontheword.com/banex Vote for Focus On the Word at: http://awesome.crossdaily.com/vote.php3?sid=5415