“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:53). This was my husband’s life verse and anyone who knew him, can testify to the fact that he remained steadfast in the Lord and his labor was not in vain! Over the last couple of months, I have heard countless stories of the impact Ryan had on lives all over the world.
As I grieve and process Ryan’s death, I am continually reminded of how much he loved Jesus and how diligently he served Him. When I left Malawi with my three girls, I felt as though it would be impossible to stay or even return anytime in the near future. But now, I am reminded of how the Lord called not just Ryan to cross-cultural ministry, but our whole family. So, FMWM has left the door open for me to return to missionary service as the Lord leads me.
Meanwhile, I am taking time to be with my girls, to grieve and to process. FMWM has given me a leave of absence and will continue to support me financially over the next several months. When I do return to missionary service, I am hoping that my supporters will reactivate their support at that time. During my leave of absence, supporters can redirect their support in one of the three following ways:
1. Africa Area Country Shares
2. Ryan Bartlett Memorial Fund for Ministry in Malawi OR
3. Bartlett Family Support Fund to care for the girls and I during our leave of absence.
All donations can be written and sent to FMWM at PO Box 535002, Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002 and designated to the fund of your choice. I want to thank all of you who have showered us with cards, emails, phone calls and gifts. I truly sense that you care and that you want to love us with the love of Jesus!
I love that picture of you and your girls!! I am hopeful for what God has in store for the four of you! Your in my prayers! Great to "chat" with you the other night too!! Love you!
Posted by: Colette Hudson | February 22, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Katie,
You continue to amaze me. I know that Lord has a plan for the three of you that involves missionary work. Whether it is in another contry or right here in our the USA I know that you will continue to touch lives just as you and Ryan did as a team.
Posted by: Misty Aguilar | February 23, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Hi, my name is Cheri. My brother is Brian Kerth. He went to high school with Ryan. I have also been involved with missionary work in Africa. My brother told me a little about your story & sent me this link. My heart is deeply touched by your story as I sit here crying. I just wanted you to know how much I admire you for your strength & willingness to do the Lord's work in Africa. I'm sure it's difficult beyond words to think about your future with just the three of you now. God has an amazing plan for you. I can only assume you have an undeniable connection to the people you worked with, ministered to, and lived with in your time in Malawi. The African people have a magical way of weaving themselves into your heart forever. Your family will be in my prayers and I wish you strength, guidance, and peace in your heart through your time of grieving. ~ Cheri Lopez
Posted by: Cheri Lopez | March 13, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Dear Sister in Christ: I too, sit here crying as I read this. My heart is saddened for the pain you are going through, and I am in awe of your own faithfulness to God and in your desire to seek His will if He desires you to go back to Malawi.
As Elisabeth Elliot says (as she quotes from the Bible)... "You are loved with an everlasting love, and underneath are the everlasting arms." I pray that His everlasting arms will uphold you during this time. I will be praying for you and your beautiful precious girls.
Posted by: Tina Bostian | March 24, 2009 at 06:49 PM
I just wanted to tell you I'm praying for you and your beautiful daughters, Katie. I am praying the peace of our loving Lord over each of you. He is your rock and your refuge today.
Posted by: Julie | March 25, 2009 at 05:09 AM
My name is Peace Ndalama and my wife is Faith. We have three children named Success, Favour and Courage. We are from Malawi and are serving the Lord as missionaries in Concord, North Carolina. We bumped into your website today and learned of the tragic death of your husband. As Malawians and ministers of the gospel, we would like you to know that we appreciate so much what the Lord has used your family to accomplish in our country. May the Lord give you abundant peace. May He supply all your needs, In Jesus Name. Amen! We love you and God bless you.
Posted by: Peace & Faith Ndalama | March 27, 2009 at 05:32 PM
Hi Katie,
Jim here, from Mexico.
Just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and your girls. The Spirit knows what to pray when we don't! For that, I'm thankful.
Posted by: Jim | March 28, 2009 at 07:58 PM