Many of you, I am sure, have heard us speak and announce projects related to Palmyr’s Playhouses. But, some may not know the story behind them. Would you allow me to bring you up to speed on what is happening?
On Thanksgiving Day 2013, I was carving turkey when the phone rang, we were preparing the Thanksgiving meal for all the family to come and be with GayNell and I. Our lives stopped, our hearts caved, and little Palmyr left us all behind and made a premature trip to what is our ultimate destination, Heaven.
My heart broke for my son and I could not help relieve his sorrow and grief. Angie who was the proud mother of twins was devastated. I watched herhelplessly as she held 18 month old, Palmyr in her arms and cried out in an anguish only a mother or God, who lost His son prematurely for our sake, could ever understand. I hate even reliving it in my mind.
For the long days after, Paylinn would crawl up the stairs in their home and look back to see if Palmyr was following after her like she always had. Pyper was five and she felt the vacuum of the loss of her baby sister who was a carbon copy of Pipes, as I call her. The thick veil of grief was like an angry shroud that would not lift. Only those who have gone through this kind of loss can understand. This is why Jesus is touched with compassion for us, he knows what it is like.
Then the Lord spoke to Angie and gave her a plan. Then, she and Kyle knew they were on the mend. One by One was building an orphanage in Kenya and it was exploding and many of our congregation were involved with Matthew and Becky Murray who lead this ministry. Here is what the Lord had spoken to them, “Extend Her Legacy of Joy and build Palmyr’s Playhouses, play grounds for children around the world, in her memory”.
To date we have:
- PALMYR’S PLAYHOUSE KENYA
- PALMYR’S INDOOR PLAYHOUSE HERITAGE FELLOWSHIP
- PALMYR’S PLAYHOUSE SRI LANKA
- PALMYR’S PLAYHOUSE PAKISTAN
- PALMYR’S PLAYHOUSE INDIA
- PALMYR’S PLAYHOUSE HERITAGE ACADEMY (coming in the spring of 2020) from monies raised by students of the academy and families.
Angie has coined a phrase that speaks to the counting it all joy when it comes to trials of any nature: “WHERE HURT AND HEALER COLLIDE”.
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TEAMS AS THEY GO ON A MISSION TO KENYA’S KINGS CHILDREN’S HOME. HOME OF THE FIRST PALMYR’S PLAYHOUSE.
Angie is making this mission trip with them and will be blessed by the children who benefit from such a beautiful gift, in the middle of a dusty poverty, in the heart of Africa.
Your loving pastors,
Cleddie & GayNell Keith