In Memory of Yvette Villanueva

of Rio Grande City, TX

    In early spring of 2006, Yvette was a healthy and very popular 11 year old, active in sports and a terrific student. And then, one day, suddenly, tragedy struck and the cancer appeared, without warning, out of nowhere.

    Only a few short months later, doctors at the Edinburg hospital told the devastated family that there is nothing more that can be done, that only a miracle can save this young child's life.

    Yvette fought hard, breathing through a breathing tube inserted into her throat and connected through tubes and hoses to life-preserving equipment. I personally prayed for Yvette many times, in her home as well as in my own, but God decided He wanted her to be with Him.

     It is through tragedies like this that our faith is being tested! And it is in these situations that we have to take a step back and remind ourselves that even though the Bible as well as many other Holy Books tells us that FAITH in being healed is necessary to induce a healing, the healing only CAN, but not necessarily WILL occur. However: as soon as we have reminded ourselves of this, we have to forget it again, or our faith will be permanently damaged and is in danger of being degraded to a mere wishful thinking.

    Having lost a child of my own, I know the pain the parents are going through. And even though only time can partly fill the void created through such a senseless loss, prayers help. And thus I invite you to pray with them:

Surrounded by friends
yet all alone
the one we loved
God has called home

Tears now flow
across our face
as we long for just
one more embrace

then comfort comes
and we see Christ's face
He hugs Yvette
and we feel God's grace.