Faithful to the End

By Elizabeth, Missionary in Brazil

Mr. E. was a longtime friend of our community. Missionaries have visited him continuously, accompanying him at the side of his bed to which he has been confined for over 20 years as a result of an accident, leaving him paralyzed. 

He loved to sing São João music, tell stories of his travels throughout Brazil as a truck driver before his accident, and show a special attention for each one of us, learning where we are from and asking us the names of each of our family members. He would often call his daughter over to offer us a snack, making us feel welcome the way he could. Yet sometimes when we would come to visit, Mr. E. would be very sad, calling himself worthless and saying he should be thrown out with the trash. There is sacredness before such a suffering that is indescribable.  

We received the news on November 10th that Mr. E. passed away, at 86 years old. There was a bit of miscommunication about the time of the burial and when we arrived late, we saw that his entire family had been waiting for our arrival to begin. It was very moving to see how important it was for Mr. E.’s family that we show up. I felt very humbled and unworthy to be present there in the name of over 60 missionaries who have accompanied him and were moved by his life. The moment, however sad and difficult, was also a solemn celebration of God’s faithfulness in Mr. E.’s life, never leaving him to suffer alone.

Since he’s passed away, we have continued to visit his daughter, Maria, who cared for him all these years and now is facing her own health concerns as well. Her simple presence is a beautiful reminder of her father, as well as a continued call to compassion for us.