Email address & Recap of events

Update June 15 @ 8:55pm Atlantic time. 

For those who want to communicate directly with Sarah & Matt you can email them at

vanessen.sarah@gmail.com 

Of course please understand they likely won't be able to reply at this time due to the fact that they will be without internet or at least limited access to it on their trip to and during their time in Montana. Also with all the planning and decisions there will be limited time. But rest assured when they get the time they will appreciate reading your emails. 

Thank you again for all your prayers for them. 

--- Rachel VandenBerg 

(Sister of Sarah Van Essen)  

leonardandrachel@gmail.com 

____________________________________________________

Past/ Original Update:

Dear Family & Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we let you know that the third eldest son of Matthew & Sarah Van Essen, David Van Essen drowned yesterday (June 14th, 2021) in a river in Montana, where he was spending the summer helping with carpentry. He was 17 years old. 

Search and rescue searched found his body the next day (June 15th) further down river.

In the afternoon of June 15th Matt & Sarah VanEssen and family started the 16-17 hour drive to the town of Cascade, Montana or near there. 

Please pray for them as they make decisions about burial and funeral etc. 

Van Essen Update As of 11:30 am Atlantic time:

 Van Essen Update As of 11:30 am Atlantic time:

The Sheriff just called to say they found Davids body down stream. The family is thankful for this as a long drawn out search would have been harder for them. 

Matt and Sarah and family hope to start driving by noon (Central time - Nebraska time) to head on the 16 hour drive (aprox) to Cascade, Montana. 

Pray for them as they make many decisions, about the funeral and deciding if they bury him in Montana or if they transport his body back to Nebraska. 

Update Tuesday, June 15th 10:34 am Atlantic Time

 

Update Tuesday, June 15th 10:34 am Atlantic Time:

As of this morning the Montana Sheriff department have resumed their search for David's body. 

Matthew and Sarah and their family (who live in Nebraska) are packing as they plan to all head out to Montana. 

Updated Photo of David in Montana

 Here is an updated photo of David in Montana. 

The Matthew & Sarah Van Essen Family need your prayers

A recent photo of David VanEssen in Montana

 

Dear Family & Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we let you know that the third eldest son of Matthew & Sarah Van Essen, David Van Essen drowned yesterday (June 14th, 2021) in a river in Montana, where he was spending the summer helping with carpentry. 

Search and rescue searched for his body but as of 9pm Montana time last night they have called off the search. 

They will continue the search today. 

Please pray as the search continues today. 

If you wish to write message to them email me, Rachel VandenBerg and I will pass on their information.

They do not have Facebook accounts. 

—Sent on behalf of the family

By Rachel VandenBerg 

(Sister of Sarah Van Essen)  

leonardandrachel@gmail.com 

I, or one of the other family members will continue to use this blog to keep you updated as soon as I know more. 

Please Pray for John & Krista Poidevin

You all did such a great job at upholding my Mother in prayer so ...
I am asking for prayer for this couple who are close friends of our family.
John and Krista Poidevin. Krista has a brain tumor.
John's father is Bruce Poidevin Pilot at Kalene, Zambia.
Mother knew this couple well and I know if she were still alive she would asking you all to pray for them as well.

Here is the post from Ethnos Canada that was posted on facebook:

"At the start of January, John and Krista Poidevin and their three children left Canada for their first term in Tanzania, Africa. Yes, they were excited about using their linguistics training to help bring the truth of God's Word to those who desperately need it. But they also anticipated facing challenges—studying culture and becoming fluent in Swahili while raising three young children isn't easy.
What they weren't expecting was the quick change of plans within two months of arriving. Krista started experiencing blurred vision as they left Canada. When the symptoms got worse, not better, they consulted an eye specialist and then a neurologist. The doctor discovered a brain tumour which needs to be removed.
Please pray for the Poidevin family as they enter into this unexpected season of life."

See original post here:
https://www.facebook.com/EthnosCanada/photos/a.468225360182667.1073741828.441338199538050/594153544256514/?type=3&theater&ifg=1

One year ago today

Mum's grave marker was installed the other week just in time for the year anniversary of Mums passing. Nothing like a grave marker to make her going feel very real and final. 

Thankful for the hope of the resurrection because of faith in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus.

Here again are three poems I found in Mums things. 

The first one I found not long after Mums death, it was like she was speaking from the grave.