Tested Ministry Couple Gives Thanks

April 12, 2013

By Jay and Beverly Bellamy, serving in the Republic of the Congo

The following excerpt from the Bellamys’ recent update describes how the prayers and support of many have sustained a Congolese ministry couple whose faith has been severely tested.

Several months ago we shared about the devastating losses that our friends and coworkers Jean-Philippe and Rose had suffered. Because of severe flooding, most of the furniture and belongings in their home and the orphanage they run were destroyed.

Just days later, their adult son, Orley, succumbed suddenly to malaria.

We asked you to pray for this couple, who have poured themselves out for the orphans living on the streets near their home.

Another Challenge

Then, during the first week in December, this couple experienced another crisis—their son, Dany, became quite ill. At first the doctors didn’t have a diagnosis. “I was a little afraid for Rose,” Jean-Philippe told us.

“The shock was hard for her, because just after the death of Orley, our youngest son was in the hospital. (Dany was later diagnosed with yellow fever.) With many unbelieving family members wondering what was happening to us, she got very discouraged.”

In spite of her many challenges, “Rose was in church the next Sunday morning worshiping God,” says her husband. “Her faith was an example to extended family and friends, and it brought glory to God.”

Thank You!

Dany has since experienced complete healing from his illness. Jean-Philippe and Rose have asked us to thank you from the bottom of their hearts for your prayers.

The assurance of believers’ prayers, and the gifts many sent to help the couple recover, has been a tremendous encouragement to them. As a result:

• None of the children went hungry.
• The family was able to replace the doors to their home as well as the destroyed floors.
• A new wall was built around their property that kept their home and the orphanage dry during ensuing weeks of flooding.
• A new shower, toilet, and kitchen sink were installed. (Now, it’s unnecessary to go outside in the pouring rain or when it’s dark to use these conveniences.)
• Mildewed clothing and bedding were replaced as well as school notebooks that were destroyed.
• New mosquito nets (one of the best means of protection against malaria-carrying mosquitoes) were purchased.
• Finally, one outfit was purchased for every child in the orphanage so that each could have something nice to wear to school and church.

Additional gifts will be applied toward paying for the orphans’ schooling and medical needs.

Also, we want to remind you that if you give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF), you have helped contribute to this couple’s support.

Gifts to the GCF made it possible for Jean-Philippe to receive training at West Africa Alliance Theological Seminary (FATEAC) in Côte d’Ivoire.

Again, thank you! Jean-Philippe and Rose believe that had they gone through this dark valley alone, their faith would have faltered.