Jesse

To all my Wesleyan brothers and sisters (and of course, the rest, too!)
In my last appointment, there was a teenager named Jesse. Jesse is one of those incredibly impressive youth. He was in a disfunctional family, really tough, made his way to church by walking and calling for rides. Was saved, baptized and joined the church. Was responsible for bringing his two younger brothers every week. He was 14, they were 7 and 9.
He got me as the pastor involved with his parents in providing marital counseling for them and his older brother, who was in serious trouble with the law. His mother was a very bad bi-polar. Jesse even had the misfortune of finding his mother in bed with another man once, but he always expected the best and prayed for his parents to work things out. He was even then an inspiration to so many. He took care of the family when his mother attempted suicide on a number of occassions. I once told his parents AND him that if needed due to financial trouble, Jesse could live with me and my family (my wife loves him too). I've never made that offer to another church member. I have loved this child so--and I am so proud of him.
It's been a year since I left that church--Jesse is in his second year away at college and doing well, still trying to care for his parents and siblings as the spiritual leader of the household from a distance.
I got word today from the pastor that followed me. Jesse's mother killed herself at home today. She knew we were close and wanted me to know. I can't reach him by phone.
I am experiencing a wide-range of emotions (which of course is normal). I am angry, hurt, worried, sad, hopeful, etc. Anyway, I was feeling the need for fellowship and prayer with some fellow Wesleyans. Please pray for Jesse, his father, his older sister and brother, his younger brothers and his younger sister.
and pray for God's wisdom and peace for his mother.
Thanks for letting me share. God Bless.
Tommy

thanks all, Please continue to pray. I reached Jesse by phone, he's numb--he'll be coming home tomorrow. I will go see him and his father as soon as possible. God bless, and pray for wisdom, peace and strength

Thanks again for all the prayers--I have been asked to preach the funeral on SAturday. May God give me wisdom

Thanks for all your prayers, we just finished the funeral about an hour ago. The family has gone through many ups and downs. Tuesday, they told me she committed suicide. Thursday, they told me it was an "unfortunate accident" and yesterday, some told me they think her husband killed her. (I am nearly 100% convinced it was suicide). For the most part today, it seemed family had come back together and are grieving and healing together. there are six children affected, the oldest boy, 25 is in prison and could not be at the funeral. The oldest girl is around 22 and will end up being caretaker in many ways, though she has two children of her own, then there's Jesse, 19, two younger brothers, 13 and 10, and the youngest girl, 3-1/2. Keep all of them in your continued prayers and thanks for your support--it has meant a lot to me.
Tommy