U.S. to Lesotho: Child's Death Catalyst for Family's Changed Life
June 20, 2007
Jim and Lynn Kelly of Sumner, Wash., leave this month as volunteers on a 50-city tour with the World Vision Experience: AIDS. The Kellys say that their daughter's death in 1999 has led them to re-evaluate their lives and make some changes, including speaking up for children who have been orphaned by AIDS.
The Kellys readily acknowledged, in an interview with Kathleen Merryman of the Tacoma News Tribune, that the latter event is inextricably linked to the former.
Taryn — an athlete, National Honor Society student and committed Christian who set high standards for herself — continues to have a palpable influence upon her parents. Because of their faith and Taryn's principles, Jim and Lynn have re-evaluated their lives and changed course.
New Life on the Road
One major change for them is taking place this month, as the couple are selling and giving away most of what they own, packing the rest into their fifth-wheel trailer and starting life on the road as volunteers for the World Vision Experience: AIDS.
Jim, 54, retired from his role as a sheriff’s deputy in Washington state after 28 years in law enforcement. Lynn, 48, is leaving her job as a nurse; meanwhile, the couple has sold their home in rural Sumner, Wash.
Africa's Children Capture Couple's Heart
A decision this big didn't come quickly or easily, however. It is born out of years of pain and personal growth that can be traced back to their daughter's tragic, early death at age 19, the couple says.
A year to the day after Taryn died, Jim went back to school to obtain a degree in Christian ministry. In February 2005, he joined Calvary Community Church members on a 14-day mission trip with World Vision to Lesotho.
While in Africa, he witnessed the toll AIDS has taken upon the children of this beleaguered southern African nation; he also witnessed the hope World Vision sponsorship offers to children orphaned by AIDS.
"I was smitten with Africa and its people," Jim told the News Tribune. "The next year I ended up leading a team to Africa. Lynn was on that team, and we got to meet the child we sponsor, Lapatile."
More Than 630 Children Sponsored
Calvary’s congregation now sponsors more than 630 children. And though that number seems small in comparison to the nation's population of 2 million, the Kellys know that each of the sponsored children's lives, their families and their communities, will never be the same.
The couple also sees their involvement is helping another nation to better understand Americans. "We were treated like royalty," Lynn said of their Lesotho visit. "We were so humbled. When we thought about it, we realized we were representatives."
Now, the Kellys are joining an effort to help Americans better understand the people of Lesotho through World Vision’s AIDS Experience in Chicago, which is the kick-off point for a 50-city tour.
Sharing God's Love
Visitors walking through an African village hard-hit by AIDS, which World Vision has re-created, will virtually experience what it is like to walk in the steps of a child affected by the pandemic. Once they leave the exhibit, they will meet the Kellys.
Jim and Lynn will then tell them about Lapatile. They will explain how she looked so sad in her first photo, yet because Lynn’s Sunday school students collected $100 for clothing, supplies and a doll for her, Lynn’s album now has a picture of Lapatile holding that doll and smiling.
It's a smile they know Taryn would share.
Learn More
>> Read more about the Kellys in a recent Tacoma News Tribune article.
>> View the World Vision Experience: AIDS online.
Two Ways You Can Help
>> Pray for the Kellys during their 50-city tour with the Experience; pray especially that God will give them strength and comfort, and that those who hear their message will begin to share their hearts for the millions of children orphaned by AIDS.
>> Sponsor a HopeChild. Give tangible assistance to a child living in an AIDS-ravaged community.
Learn More | ||
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| Read more about the Kellys in a recent Tacoma News Tribune article. | |
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Two Ways You Can Help | ||
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| Pray for the Kellys during their 50-city tour with the Experience; pray especially that God will give them strength and comfort, and that those who hear their message will begin to share their hearts for the millions of children orphaned by AIDS. Sponsor a HopeChild. Give tangible assistance to a child living in an AIDS-ravaged community. | |
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