*Stolen Goods Update*
First, a huge THANK YOU to all of you for the prayers and words of encouragement regarding our recent misfortune with the burglarizing of our home! I've read many of the comments, but still have hundreds to go. Wow, the outpouring of concern and prayer has buoyed us through an understandably difficult time. So, again, THANK YOU!!!
What happened? Well here’s what we know: our home was broken into and left a mess by thieves about a week ago. The police have come and done their thing and they said it looked like the work of professionals who knew what they were looking for. Fortunately, most of our treasures are in heaven! In reality we’re not a particularly good target for thieves; we have no jewellery, hidden cash, liquor, television, fancy stereo, etc. Many of the items would-be thieves would find most desirable (laptop, cameras, lenses, spotting scope, binoculars) were with us in Tasmania, thankfully. Another blessing: my hidden hard drives with all my photos and sermon material were unfound and unmolested.
It could've been worse. Between the musical instruments, bicycles, guitar amp, and other assorted items, we conservatively estimate the value of taken things around $25,000 AUD. All of our keys were also taken, which will require changing the keys for our home and cars, which is a giant and expensive hassle. Fortunately, we have great landlords who have already changed the house locks. Thank you Phil and Gail!
And perhaps worst of all, our youngest son’s prized Lego collection was taken. This is beyond devastating to him. There are Lego maniacs and there are Lego MANIACS, and Jabel is the latter. Many of his sets are no longer made and are essentially irreplaceable. At this point, he is crushed; pray for him. I want my youngest to learn the valuable lessons of trust and heavenly-mindedness through this. He’s no theologian, so his questions are predictably pointed and raw. I feel his frustration. It’s the world we live in, yes, but it stings most when your children are its victims. God knows this pain well.
Did we have insurance? Unfortunately, no. Right after we purchased the family road bikes in December, I said to Violeta, “When, we return from Tasmania we need to get renter’s insurance.” True story. We will certainly have insurance going forward!
Many of you have asked if you could help in some way. That’s a tough one to answer. The answer is yes, of course, but as we all know, it’s not easy to ask for help, even when it’s needed. It’s humbling and difficult. I’ve raised money for others on dozens of occasions; I actually love doing it! But I never really imagined myself on the needy end of such an enterprise.
Amazingly, a church on the other side of the world, in Florida, started a gofundme account on our behalf. We didn't ask them to do this and didn't even know they had until a couple days ago. We are humbled and HUGELY thankful. If you feel inclined to help, thank you. We know that not all are in a position to do so and we have no expectations. Like I say, this is not something we initiated, though we are very appreciative to those who did—you know who you are.
On behalf of myself, Violeta, and the boys, THANK YOU for your prayers, words of encouragement, and, should you feel inclined, financial assistance. We cannot say this strongly enough or too many times.
The gofundme “goal” has been set by the church in Florida at $10,000 USD. Whether or not we get there, or even beyond there, or not isn’t our greatest concern. The love we’ve felt since this happened is what has really put our hearts at rest.
God is still good! And always will be!
Humbled and thankful,
The Asscherick Family
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