From the Sorensens in New Zealand

Thank you for the update on Sheryl. One of the great mysteries of the universe is why? I wish that I could answer that with regards to Sheryl but no words I believe can adequately answer this plea. And if there was an answer it may not bring comfort but instead result in more questions. The only thing that is constant in all of life (and death for that matter) is the reality that God lives and is in control. That He knows our suffering and concerns. NOt only that He knows but that he has experienced what we feel as he watched helplessly as His son suffered unjustly and then died knowing he had the power to stop it all. From this experience he can succour us. It is also to know that families are eternal. permanently sealed for time and all eternity and that whatever may come glory will be to God always.

I have always drawn comfort from the words of Job who after he had lost everything, includng his family to death and illness and all he had left to give was his life he said "though He slay me yet will I trust him."

It is that kind of faith that separates us from the natural man. Faith of that magnitude is not born out of a life filled with ease and devoid of struggle. Faith of that kind comes from challenges and inspite of the challenges still going back for more. My dad struggled when he was dying with the question why? I don't believe he received his answer until just prior to departing this life when he said these last words "God is good". Notwithstanding his questioning of God over the last years of his life - it was when he was at the threshold of beholding him that I believe that answer came.

Maybe our answers to these questions may also have to wait until we get to that threshold. However, in life we can have the same courage that Sheryl exhibits in her steadfastness in spite of her challenge. She will not be overcome. And if that is the message then what a great lesson we all can learn from her.

I will put her name on the prayer roll this weekend. We express our love to you both and your family. If the Lord had intended for you to be home with Sheryl then you would not be here. For whatever reason you are here and she is now in China we know not except that God is in control and we are his servants.

~Hans Sorensen