A Life Mourned

-

11-year-old Favour Agu

Dear Favour,
I wonder how your parents are doing. I wonder what would have happened if you had waited for the walk light. I wish I could have done more to help, though I know you were probably gone when I first saw you. Did you ever know your Creator, the God of the universe, and Jesus Christ, His Son? I hope so! Do your parents know Him? If not, I pray they will. I wish I had a chance to talk to them. My sister’s best friend was also killed in an accident when she was 11. I know that a tragedy like your family has dealt with has no quick resolution, though I also know how powerfully the peace of God and His comfort works in the lives of His children. 
Love and prayers for your family, Rachel Burkey

 --------------------------------------------------------------------

 On September 22nd, 2016, a middle school boy named Favour Agu was hit and killed as he ran into traffic crossing the street towards his school. The above note is what I wrote to leave by his memorial site this year. I was on my way to the YMCA that morning before work when I saw him lying in the road that day. I stopped and performed CPR on him until emergency personnel arrived.

 Though I never knew Favour, his life leaves a memory that will never leave my mind. I saw notes and eulogies of what a kind person he was. Everyone at the school, all those passing by, and even those watching the news that day valued Favour’s life and mourned his death. 

Downtown FtWayne, IN outreach. This mom and her children were saddened to understand what is happening to preborn children.


The next day as I was doing outreach at a college in Indiana University, I wondered what life would be like if every person recognized the incredible value in each human around them – born or pre-born. 
It challenges me to continue seeking God for his eyes towards everyone I encounter. 

 In Christ, Rachel

P.S. This last month has been really exciting for my family and me, as both my older brother Daniel and my sister Elizabeth got engaged to be married! I am really blessed by both of my soon-to-be in laws (Hannah and Jacob) and looking forward to this new season in our family. I know the Lord will continue to faithfully teach us as we grow and change as people and as a family. 

The happy couples 💕Left: Jacob and Elizabeth; Right: Daniel and Hannah
I am only able to continue this work with your monthly financial partnership. If you haven’t already, please click HERE, and enter your gift amount in the bar marked “for Rachel Burkey” so your donation will go to me. Or send a check made out to “Created Equal” with my name in the memo line to: PO Box 360502 Columbus, OH 43236. Your donations are tax-deductible.

I talked with this man named Sky at a local Columbus High School when he came to pick up his brother. At first, he said he didn’t really have an opinion, but he left decidedly against abortion. 

Popular posts from this blog

Curing Misconceptions About Abortion

-
Image
“ Thank you for clearing it up, because there were a lot of misconceptions I had about abortion .”   – Travis, Eastern Kentucky University Bystanders see what abortion does to the preborn babies on our JumboTron TV while they overhear our conversations. Travis first said he was kind of indifferent on the issue of abortion. I was able to share some information with him, and ask if he had any questions.  “I think you’re really starting to clear up everything about it… you covered it pretty good.”   As we shook hands and he walked away, he said:  “ Thank you for clearing it up, because there were a lot of misconceptions I had about abortion.”  My colleague Sam winsomely draws protesters in conversation everywhere we go – he’s like a magnet for our opposition – and they listen! This month I joined our travelling team on the road in Kentucky for three days, and had some great conversations. I know many of you are not able to join us during an out...
Read more

A Crazy Week in Washington

-
Image
“…And such were some of you.” I Cor. 6:11 These words went through my mind, and I turned away from the rest of our team as tears began to drip down my face. I was thinking of how merciful God has been to me, the redemption I have experienced, and how lavishly He has poured out His grace on me.  This took place while our team was in D.C. at the Women’s March on Washington. After a turbulent day of outreach, we were heading out and our group had stopped to let the rest of our team catch up with us. As I looked across the masses, one thing that they all had in common struck me: they were all hurt and without hope of healing.  It started to make sense: their anger, violence, and hatred. They are a lost people, reacting to their wounds in the only way they know how. Christ is our healer, and people without Christ are also without healing. Upon this realization, I’m increasingly challenged to reach out to the hurting/wounded people around me and share the hope that we have in ou...
Read more

December 2016 - Reflection

-
Image
This month I have been reflecting over what has happened in 2016, and the best word that comes to mind is: blessed . I’m blessed with an amazing family. I’m blessed with a job that I am not only passionate about, but also one that I love. I’m blessed with like-minded colleagues who love each other – they really have become some of the best friends I have. I am blessed with a Godly team of friends who stand with me, pray for me, and donate to support my work. I am humbled. Back in December of 2015, God was preparing my heart to move away from home to Columbus to do His work with Created Equal. Since then I have grown so much personally--in my walk with God, in my faith, in my ability to defend my beliefs, and many other ways. One opportunity I’ve had to share Christ was when I approached a homeless man at a laundromat. He had been using the laundromat phone to call someone and was telling them that he was going to turn himse...
Read more