Re: “Grief and Hope” (April): In Sierra Leone, a country with high child-mortality rates, young children who die are often not formally grieved. In our work with Nyandengoh!, serving children with disabilities, we realized the toll these deaths take on our team. We did not want them to become overwhelmed by the losses or numbed by their frequence. This year we started writing “liturgies for children gone to heaven.” We invite the family of the child (Christian or Muslim) and friends. We gather around a table set with flowers and a picture of the child. We share memories and encourage one another. Then we pray, asking the Lord to help us move forward with hope. 

One of our young workers with Down syndrome initially cried uncontrollably and did not want to see a picture of the little friend she lost. At the end of the prayer time, she was cradling his picture in her hands and giving him kisses. We are grateful for God’s healing and comfort.

Heleen Yoder, Atmore, Ala./

Mattru Jong, Sierra Leone 

Yoder is executive director of Nyandengoh!