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We have IMB friends who work with and know the Americans who were killed/injured in the bomb blast yesterday (March 4, 2003) in Davao City in the Philippines. Chris
From: Stephen Anderson [mailto:sband@mozcom.com] Dear Friends and Family, Once again we want to say thank you for lifting up our mission family in your prayers this week, especially the Hyde and Stevens family. Lyn's son Steve and wife Noit, missionaries in Cambodia, were able to arrive Thursday morning followed by her other son Tim and his fiancee, from Texas, on Friday. A memorial service for Bill was held on Friday afternoon. It was a very worshipful time as we celebrated the great life of Bill Hyde. Bill was honored and God was truly glorified through this service. We then gathered as a mission family to eat and celebrate Bill's "early retirement". It was a bitter sweet time of fellowship as we shared both tears and laughter. The Luzon mission (northern Philippines) are having a memorial service today for the family. (Bill and Lyn also served in Manila for a number of years.) Pray for Lyn, Steve and Tim as they begin their journey back to the States on Monday morning. Funeral services there will be in Iowa on Thursday.
The Stevens family are back home and doing well. Praise that there was no need to do surgery on little Nathan. They were able to check out of the hospital on Friday in time for the memorial service. Sarah, of course, cried when she was told about "uncle" Bill's death but is carrying on as any other 5-year old would. God not only spared her from death or harmful injury but from horrible images in her mind as she was immediately taken to the car and away from the bomb site. Continue to pray for Mark and Barbara as they process all that has happened and as Mark does carry those awful images in his mind as he saw Bill and all the other injuries right after the bombing. Pray also for Steve and others who remained at the hospital with Bill that night until he died as they also witnessed a gruesome sight as a result of this evil attack. Pray for the recovery of the other 100+ people who were injured, and for the families of the other 19 who died, that through this tragedy they would find comfort and life in our Savior, and that somehow, in a way only God can do, He will be glorified in these events. All of us who were closely or directly involved in the events of this week met last night with our Member Care Consultant for our region. He helped us to chronologically share our stories and feelings. As we began to all share at different times, it was a blessing to see how the body of Christ--our mission family as well as our Filipino brothers and sisters in Christ--came together at a time of need and minister to these families. What a beauty to see that work and a blessing to be a part of it! (Rom. 12:4-8).
Dear All, We so much appreciate all the calls and emails encouraging us and our mission family with your prayers. Yesterday was one of those days you try to be prepared for but think will never happen. Many of you have written to find out how we are. We are all ok but please continue to lift up our dear friends and missionary family at this time. We have worked together with Bill and Lyn Hyde on the same team for the past 3 years. Steve had a special relationship with Bill because Bill was also Steve's high school music teacher at Faith Academy Manila. Bill and other teachers at Faith have been a big influence in his life. Lyn is very strong and holding up remarkably well. Continue to pray for her strength, much needed rest and wisdom in making many decisions she is facing at this time. Mark and Barbara Stevens are still staying at the hospital with 10 month old Nathan who has some metal in his liver. They are still monitoring his vital signs and blood work but praise the Lord that there have been no signs of internal bleeding at this time. This means there is no need for emergency surgery but pray for wisdom as they are having to decide if, when, and where to have the surgery to remove the shrapnel from his liver. Their 5-year old daughter Sarah is staying with us for now until Nathan is discharged from the hospital. She is fine also but does not yet know that her uncle Bill who is her neighbor and like a grandfather to her has died. Pray for Mark and Barbara as they share this news with Sarah. We, of course, are grieving the death of Bill but can rejoice that the lives of Barbara, Sarah and Nathan were spared. Bill was picking them up from the airport and 5 seconds earlier the 3 of them were standing right with him. He handed Barb the keys and told them to go ahead to the car while he helped Mark with luggage. Barbara was walking towards the back of the "waiting shed" when the bomb went off and the blast went up and towards the front where Bill was standing. They feel he saved their lives. We are trusting and resting in God's sovereignty at this time. We in no way feel this was an attack towards Americans. Bill just happened to be there among many other Filipinos whose lives were lost. It is our prayer that God will reveal Himself in a mighty way in this tragedy. Bill has had a great impact in the lives of pastors and other workers all over Mindanao and we know that His work will continue to bear much fruit in the years to come. This was Bill and Lyn's last term on the field before retirement. Rejoice that he has faithfully finished the race set before him and is now celebrating in heaven with our Lord and Savior. Pray for strength, safety and wisdom for all in the days to come. Thank you for your concern and faithful prayer support. We love you all! Steve, Judy, Brandon, Brittney, Bailey and Beth Ann Anderson
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Lyn
specifically asked that we pray for strength and wisdom as she faces media
back in the states that she will know what to say and when so that God may
be glorified through this tragic event. Lyn was to lead a