On Saturday, Aug. 20, we received the very sad news that Pasuk student Cherry Mae died of tuberculosis. She was only 17 years old. Cherry Mae received support from Pasuk Foundation for more than eleven years. Cherry Mae's passing away means a big shock for our project directors Russel and Nenette, who supported her so faithfully and intensively. Also the whole Pasuk staff, all sponsor children and the volunteers of Pasuk Foundation in the Netherlands feel deeply defeated. Over the past months we have sympathized intensely from a great distance and thought carefully about the best care for Cherry Mae. She was truly the worry child of our project and acquired a special place in our hearts and prayers. We will never forget Cherry Mae.
Comment Russel Villafuerte
"As project director, all Pasuk scholars have a special place in my heart. But with Cherry Mae, I was especially familiar because she had been in the Pasuk program for so long. She was a girl who didn't share much about her feelings. She didn't use many words, on the other hand, her eyes spoke volumes. We noticed from her that she strongly craved parental love and compassion. As a father, I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for Cherry Mae to grow up without the care of her parents. We thank God that Cherry Mae's grandmother took on the responsibility and care of Cherry Mae. I will always remember the sweet smile when she greeted me loudly with "Pastor!" Then I put my hand on her head and told her how much the Lord Jesus loves her and that we love her too. Cherry Mae then clung to my legs like my own children do. It is very sad that we had to lose her. Praise the Lord for all the beautiful memories, which we will keep in our hearts forever."
Tuberculosis
Aug. 20 starts as a very ordinary Saturday. No Saturday program this week so the Pasuk team has time to catch their breath after an intense vacation Bible week. A familiar face has been missed at the project for some time: Cherry Mae's spot is empty. For several weeks she has been staying at home severely weakened. Tuberculosis has reared its head again in all its ferocity. It is vital that she faithfully take the prescribed medication. However, she refuses, her resolve seems stronger than ever. No consequences, promises or loving advice have been able to change her mind. The loving reaches of Pasuk's staff seem to have come to nothing. This chafes and stings in the hearts of those who love her and see clearly the critical gravity of her situation. There was such a beautiful plan, things seemed to be going so well. This is the reality facing the Pasuk staff, to have given everything but open against a wall of resistance. We can make such wonderful plans as a child development organization, but the raw practice in the dark slums, where poverty and darkness prevail, is unruly. In this troubling situation, there are only empty hands that may be raised to God who "inclines His ear to us" when we pray. There, at His throne of grace, this precious Pasuk child has been brought many times. The child who has been entrusted to Pasuk's care for so long. Sadness
This seemingly ordinary Saturday is given a rough turn by deeply sad news from one of the small houses in the slum. Cherry Mae has had to exchange the temporary with the eternal. She is no more, passed away from the effects of tuberculosis. We received the news later that evening from her mother, with whom she recently lived for a while again. The loss of Cherry Mae has great impact on everyone involved with Pasuk Foundation, both in Cebu City and in the Netherlands. For eleven years, Cherry Mae was allowed to be part of the Pasuk family. Much has been invested in her, both educationally and medically. Above all, the seed of God's Word has been sprinkled. Time and again she has heard of the Lord Jesus, Who came for sinners and that salvation was also possible for her. We may surrender it to the Lord. Cherry Mae has acquired a special place in many hearts. Precisely because she needed so much care and customization. Her extremely sad circumstances show how urgent the need is among the children of Cebu City. It shows us again how important it is for God's love, His glorious Gospel of salvation and grace to penetrate children's hearts while they are still alive. Farewell
In one of the narrow streets of Cebu City is a small chapel. The Filipino population is predominantly Catholic. This is evident at times like this.
The little chapel, where Cherry Mae's body is laid to rest, is richly filled with statues and candles. Yet on August 22, in the hustle and bustle of the city, our project director Russel, along with the Pasuk children, may say goodbye to Cherry Mae. This profound event is an opportunity to remind the children once again how temporary life is. The Gospel was allowed to sound, just out in the open, where passersby pass the little chapel and street children with brown curious eyes watch and listen to Russel's message. The seed was allowed to be sprinkled again, and it is our prayer that children will be touched and drawn out of darkness into the wonderful light. That they may come to know the Lord Jesus personally as their Savior and King. For He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life.