Several Doves have sent me words of comfort and encouragement after my tear -filled letter about my friend's death. I thank you all for those letters.
     What I am not certain of is that Lucrezia went to be with the Lord. She did not "pray the sinner's prayer" with me, she only listened as I prayed with her and told her how to confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour. I cannot say that any person who has ever simply recited a few words of a "sinner's prayer", which is not in my Bible, but is a favorite evangelical method for "saving" people, have truly repented and come to salvation. I was raised in a Southern Baptist church, and for years I naturally followed the way I had been taught to lead people to the Lord. I am sorry to sound so jaded, but looking at the fruits of those who have personally prayed such a prayer, I am not convinced this method leads unto repentance and salvation.
     There are people I know, who without a doubt are children of the King, and when they died I know for certain they went to be with the Lord. When those deaths occurred, many times they were a blessing, and the salvation message was preached at their funeral. I can say with all assurance that those individuals are with the Lord, and knowing this was a comfort to me and the families of those dear departed ones. What I cannot say with conviction is that Lucrezia is now with the Lord, nor can I comfort her sons with that assurance. I cannot lie. As she grew up in a false religion and her memorial service was held in a harlot church, I wonder. I can only hope that the Lord did reveal Himself to her, and that she is with Him in glory now.
    I have not, and will not, lose my faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ. But I am deeply saddened that two young men and their dad are having a very difficult time dealing with their grief. Rodolfo is bearing a lot of guilt because he had no health insurance and was not able to provide the care that Lucrezia needed, and I am at a loss for words to express to this family. Please pray for their peace and comfort and that they would all come to salvation. I do know that God is sovereign and that all things do work for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. I am just not certain who the called are.