Prayer requests and assistance needed

[NewChief]

I usually don't post this kind of stuff, but I'm going to.

We found out tonight that my dad, on a mission trip to Nicaragua, was in a boat that capsized on Lake Nicaragua. He's still missing. They've found two bodies (not his) and six survivors. We can get hardly any news from there, we aren't even sure if the storm that capsized the boat occurred on Sunday or today (we're hoping today). If anyone has any connections in Nicaragua that might be able to dig up some local news on this, we'd really appreciate it. My brother is on his way down there tomorrow, assuming we don't hear anything new by then, but we're still looking for information.

Most of all, keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. We hope for the best, but fear the worst.

Sincerely,
NewChief

[greg63]

Done, my friend. I hope they find your dad alive and well.

[007]

Done buddy.

[whoaskew]

I'm keeping you in my prayers. Keep us updated.

[big nasty kcnut]

done and done prayers that your dad is ok and the souls who were lost are now with our lord.

[ferrarispider95]

Done, I am sure he will be alright.

[Bwana]

Done, sorry to hear about the news, I hope things turn out ok for your dad and family.

[Inspector]

I have done my part with the prayers. Hope it works - and it usually does.

Keep the faith man, and we'll keep up with the prayers.

Hoping the good..uh..make that great news comes today.

[Skip Towne]

Sorry to hear it. Our prayers are with you.

[Radar Chief]

You got it.

[Boozer]

That's awful. I'll keep your family in my thoughts.

[Sfeihc]

Your family and father are in my prayers.

[Old Dog]

Don't have any connections in Nicaragua, but have put in words with The Man upstairs.

[cdcox]

Sorry to hear about this situation. I pray the Lord's protection for your father and strength for your family.

[ROYC75]

Our thoughts and prayers are with ya man........

[patteeu]

Good luck to your dad, NewChief. I'll be thinking of him.

[shakesthecat]

Will do

[ct]

u got it, TnP your way! Hope your old man is one tough hombre!

[Nzoner]

Sorry to hear man,thoughts and prayers to you and yours.

[SquirrellyBastard]

Prayers that your father is safe and sound.

[REDHOTGTO]

saying a prayer now, man let us know how it comes out

[plbrdude]

have said a prayer . hope for the best of news

[R&GHomer]

Done. I hope your Dad is safe and gets back to you and your family very soon.

[morphius]

Sorry to hear the news! I hope everything works out well and my prayers are with you and yours.

[Rain Man]

Good luck to you and him.

[BIG_DADDY]

You got it NewChief I hope everything comes out alright.

[ChiTown]

Done.

Hoping for the best.

[Lzen]

U got it.

[seclark]

in.
sec

[Bowser]

Done. Hang in there.

[MOhillbilly]

regards

[CosmicPal]

That's terrible. You and your family are in my thoughts...I hope it all turns out OK for everyone.

[ExtremeChief]

Done. Best of luck to you and your family.

[chiefsfaninNC]

I found some news about it in a Nicaraguan Newspaper. I can post it and translate it if you want. Is your father named Jack? He is still missing.

[bkkcoh]

you got it from here also...

[bogie]

Good luck to your Dad. Positives thoughts coming your way!

[the Talking Can]

wow...I hope your dad is safe...

[Frankie]

NewChief, I hope we will hear good news about your father real soon. He and you are in my thoughts.

[Manila-Chief]

As a missionary I'm very concerned for your Dad and his team. We need to pray for comfort for the families of those who went to be with the Lord as we pray for your Dad and your family. You know that he and the others are in God's hand, who has all power and seeks the best for all. That gives an assurance & comfort the world cannot have. You can rely upon Him. But the pain/uncertainity is still very real. Praying for all of you. Hoping for the best for you and your Dad.

[chiefs4me]

I'm so sorry to hear this, prayers from my family to yours..

[OldTownChief]

Prayers to you and your family and to your dads safe return.

[Vegas_Dave]

Many prayers to you and yours.

[Coach]

Done.

[Frazod]

Hope everything works out okay.

[Herzig]

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there.

[tommykat]

Prayers are up for your Dad and family....remember, he was on missonary trip so God is there~

[PastorMikH]

I will be praying.

[NewChief]

I found some news about it in a Nicaraguan Newspaper. I can post it and translate it if you want. Is your father named Jack? He is still missing.

Yes. That's him. We were able to find the article and translate it as well. We've had quite a bit of news since then, and it doesn't look good. We're still hoping because all the news has been since sketchy and contradictory, so we just pray that the bad news was incorrect like some of the good news has been. Thanks for everyone's prayers and good thoughts.

My brother is on the ground there and should be able to give us better information soon.

[Coach]

Yes. That's him. We were able to find the article and translate it as well. We've had quite a bit of news since then, and it doesn't look good. We're still hoping because all the news has been since sketchy and contradictory, so we just pray that the bad news was incorrect like some of the good news has been. Thanks for everyone's prayers and good thoughts.

My brother is on the ground there and should be able to give us better information soon.

Keep us posted.

[Mr. Kotter]

Wow, NC. I'm so sorry to hear about this, and more sorry I had over-looked your thread until now....

I hope you get some good news soon. Best wishes and prayers have been sent your way. Godspeed.

[Halfcan]

Best wishes to you and your family!

[dirk digler]

My thoughts and prayers are with and your Dad NewChief. I pray everything turns out alright.

[Reaper16]

Absolutely, your father and family will be in my prayers. I hope dearly that everything turns out right.

[kregger]

Thoughts and prayers your way NewChief. I hope you hear good news soon.

[KChiefsQT]

The girl I work with has a sister that lives there, she does missionary work as well. I don't know the time difference but I'll swing by work tomorrow and see if we can call her then if you haven't heard anything before tomorrow a.m. I'll check the planet before I take off. Said my prayers for your father and for god to protect him and for you and the family as well. Keep the faith.

[tk13]

That's pretty tough. Best wishes, good luck.

[KCKID58]

My thoughts are with you and your family.

[kcfan88]

I hope all turns out well. Prayers are with you.

[memyselfI]

I just saw this thread for the first time. My prayers are with you and your family.

[UTChief]

My prayers are with you and your family.

[NewChief]

I feel weird posting here during this time, but I guess it's helping me cope with everything and process my thoughts. Here's what we know happened now:

Their boat capsized due to high winds. They were all clinging to it. At some point, two of the Nicaraguans decided to try to float on an ice chest and swim to shore. My dad and the other missionary went with them. We don't know why this decision was made, but knowing my dad there was a good reason for it. Perhaps the boat wasn't keeping all of them afloat or perhaps they thought they had a better chance with the added kicking power of two more.

At 9am on Monday morning, the ice chest was no longer able to support the four of them and they'd gotten even further from shore. My father spoke last words to the three remaining and pushed off the ice chest, surrending himself to God. At 2pm, the other missionary did the same. On Tuesday afternoon, the two Nicaraguans were rescued, still floating on the ice chest. They've said they owe their lives to my father and the other missionary.

My brother was able to find his body today, a complete blessing as he would not have been able to find closure otherwise, having set out to bring dad home regardless of whether he was alive or dead. Evidently my father passed along messages to the Nicaraguans for his family just before pushing off, and my brother is to speak to them and bring those words home to us.

The mixture of anger, grief, and pride I feel right now is extremely strange. Regardless, my thanks for all the prayer and offers of help from the Planet family.

Continue to pray for my brother, who is stuck far from home without family during these hard times.

[Reaper16]

I'm incredibly sorry for your loss. Your loved ones will continue to be in my prayers.

[PastorMikH]

Wow. Your father's sacrifice is truly amazing. Still, I know the grief you feel has to be extremely great right now. I will keep praying for you and your family.

[Iowanian]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

I'm sure that tonight, its no solice that he chose his final fate for the good of others. I'm sure he was a fine man.

[Herzig]

I am truly sorry for your loss. I know you guys have been through it over the last year. Someday, all of you will be together again. I hope that you can somehow take comfort in that. You're all in my prayers.

[Jenny Gump]

Wow. What a tough place you find yourself in. I sincerely hope all works out for you.

[Dartgod]

"Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak, and at last some crisis shows us what we have become."
— Brooke Foss Westcott, British theology professor and bishop (1825-1901)

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will pray for comfort for you and your family.

[Jenny Gump]

I apologize, I had not read the update before I posted. I am so sorry for your sudden loss, and I hope somehow, you and your family find peace through this.

[greg63]

Wow. Your father's sacrifice is truly amazing. Still, I know the grief you feel has to be extremely great right now. I will keep praying for you and your family.

...My sentiments as well.

God Bless you and your family.

[R&GHomer]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times.

[patteeu]

What a brave and selfless thing to do. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

[Bwana]

Sorry to hear about your loss NewChief. Your dad sounds like he was an amazing man, someone you can be very proud of. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

[stevieray]

the greastest gift a man can give is to give up his life for others.

My prayers are with you and your family.

[journeyscarab]

NewChief -

First, never apologize for reaching out to this community for prayer and support. We all have our "internet" personalities, but we are real people who have real issues and the least we can do is support one another in times like these.

Second, I apologize for not seeing this sooner. I am sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man and gave himself so others could live. What a great example to have. May God bless your family and hold you all in his hands.

You are in my prayers.

[kregger]

Condolences, NewChief. More prayers being sent to your family. I wish your brother well on his return.

[yunghungwell]

You have my deepest sympathies.

[KChiefsQT]

I know no words can take away or even help soothe the pain you're going through right now, but I truly am sorry. Hopefully in time the wonderful memories you have of and with your father will help you to heal. In the meantime, we're all here for you buddy!! Don't hesitate to ask for help, vent or whatever you need to do. I'll listen, as I nkow the rest will be happy to do so as well. God bless you and your family.
**A bigggggg hug sent your way**

[bogie]

Your father was a great man. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[58-4ever]

The world is a worse place without your father. What an amazing thing to do. You have always seemed like a genuinely good guy and it seems to stem from your dad.

[King_Chief_Fan]

IMost of all, keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. We hope for the best, but fear the worst.

Sincerely,
NewChief

as you requested.

[plbrdude]

the greastest gift a man can give is to give up his life for others.

My prayers are with you and your family.


ditto. i am vey sorry for your loss. pray that the Lord gives comfort and strength in your families' time of grief.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Grief and sorrow are obvious in this case so I will spare you from more of the same. I've lost both of my parents so I can relate to some of the feelings you must have right now. I only post right now because I feel the need to state out loud what a great man your father was. I don't know him, nor do I know anything of his life. However when you are able, and willing to make such a selfless sacrifice to save two complete strangers two things are evident. One is you have tremendous faith. I mean the kind of faith that bears legend. Everyone aspires to have the kind of peace your father had in their hearts and their minds, but so few ever get even a sliver of it. This may sound insensitive but I truly believe your father was a very lucky man. I can only hope that at some point in my life I am able to to achieve that kind of divine self realization. The 2nd thing it shows is his complete and utter love for mankind. Who would actually leave this world and everything they love behind for two complete and total strangers. I mean a lot of people say they would, but I would reckon that pressed with the challenge most would fail to find the courage in their own hearts to make that kind of a sacrifice. What a brave, honorable, loving man. You should be very, very proud. I would surmise it speaks volumes about the kind of man you are as well. My thoughts, prayers, and well wishes with you and your family as you pass through this most devastating tragedy.

[big nasty kcnut]

god bless your family in this time of grief

[alpha_omega]

Done!

[Dunit35]

Your father is the definition of a true american hero. I am sorry to hear of your loss and will pray for your family.

[HemiEd]

Very sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family. Your Father made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country and I thank him and your family.

[Eleazar]

Wow, I'm very sorry to hear of his loss NewChief, but the man is a true hero. I hope that brings you some comfort in this time.

[the Talking Can]

Their boat capsized due to high winds. They were all clinging to it. At some point, two of the Nicaraguans decided to try to float on an ice chest and swim to shore. My dad and the other missionary went with them. We don't know why this decision was made, but knowing my dad there was a good reason for it. Perhaps the boat wasn't keeping all of them afloat or perhaps they thought they had a better chance with the added kicking power of two more.



incredible...your father is a great man, I am very sorry for your loss...

[Sfeihc]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss but your father's faith and selflessness are inspirational and heroic.

[Fish]

Your father has my respect.

Use his courageous faith. Stay strong. Remind your kids how much you love them and what an amazing grandfather they had. Hang in there and help the family through it.

I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

[KcMizzou]

Damn.. that's terrible. Wish the best to you and your family, man...

[morphius]

Sorry for your loss NewChief.

[siberian khatru]

There was a man who lived his faith. And gave the ultimate sacrifice to save others.

"We beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days."

As painful as this loss is, you should be very proud of your father.

[cdcox]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father was obviously a man of great faith, and I pray you and your family can take comfort in that, even during your great sorrow.

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."

[Frazod]

Sorry it turned out that way. I wish you and your family the best during this bad time. :(

[REDHOTGTO]

very sorry it ended this way for your father, he sounds like a heck of a hero to me. we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers over the next few days as you grieve. hope all gos better for the rest of the year for your family

[kc hopeful]

No one has greater love than this according to John 15:13. What a great man. Prayers to you and your family for peace in your hearts and minds during this terribly tough time.

[Mr. Kotter]

God bless your family in your time of grief. You dad sounds like he was quite a man. You were blessed.

[Coach]

Condolences NewChief.

I can understand the pain of losing a loved one, but as stevieray said it best. "the greastest gift a man can give is to give up his life for others."

At least you can be proud to say that your father is a hero to those two people who were rescued.

[NewChief]

I thought I'd post an update on the story, because it's a fairly amazing one and many people here have expressed their interest, concern, and condolences. The particulars have done much to console my family as you'll understand upon reading them.

My father (Jack Logan) and Bert Alexander, another missionary, had stayed over for a fishing trip after finishing their mission work. My dad found fishing to be a good way to bond with the locals wherever he went. He'd brought some of the Nicaraguans fishing gear on his previous trip, and they'd promised to take him fishing on this latest one.

Ten people set out from Puerto Diaz on Sunday in a small john boat. Very likely the boat was overloaded and had no life jackets. They caught many fish that morning and went to cook the fish and have a shore lunch on Isla Grande. Upon their return, they were a half mile off the island when the wind kicked up, causing large waves the swamped and overturned the boat. They righted the boat and began to bail it out, but another wave upended the boat. When this occurred the anchor fell from the boat, suspending it vertically in the water with only the nose of the boat sticking out of the water. This was difficult to cling to and shortly after this, two of the Nicaraguans (a pastor and his wife) drowned.

Upon their drowning, two of the couple's children panicked and grabbed an ice chest and decided to swim for help, hoping to get a rescue crew to possibly help their parents. They set off, and it quickly became apparent they were poor swimmers. They began to panic and were unable to make any progress back toward the island or back toward the boat. My father and Bert, being the best swimmers, grabbed an oar and went out to the ice chest. They stuck the oar throught the handles of the ice chest, had the boys float on the chest, then began to kick it toward the island while grasping the oar on either side of the chest.

They tried to make the island throughout the night, but due to tides (Lake Nicaragua is large enough to have them) and winds were unable to make the island. In fact, they ended up even further out in the lake.

At 9am Monday, my father was exhausted and the ice chest was starting to sink as he had to rely on it more and more for floatation. It was at this point that he made his decision. At 2pm, Bert Alexander made the same decision for the same reasons. As you all know, their decision saved the boys' lives as they were able to stay afloat on the ice chest until rescuers found them on Tuesday.

While my family grieves greatly, we are so comforted and inspired by my father's decision. My brother says that he and Bert's son are being treated as the sons' of heroes down in Nicaragua.

Thanks again for everyone's offers of assistance as well as the many prayers and thoughts. They've been a great comfort.

[BIG_DADDY]

I thought I'd post an update on the story, because it's a fairly amazing one and many people here have expressed their interest, concern, and condolences. The particulars have done much to console my family as you'll understand upon reading them.

My father (Jack Logan) and Bert Alexander, another missionary, had stayed over for a fishing trip after finishing their mission work. My dad found fishing to be a good way to bond with the locals wherever he went. He'd brought some of the Nicaraguans fishing gear on his previous trip, and they'd promised to take him fishing on this latest one.

Ten people set out from Puerto Diaz on Sunday in a small john boat. Very likely the boat was overloaded and had no life jackets. They caught many fish that morning and went to cook the fish and have a shore lunch on Isla Grande. Upon their return, they were a half mile off the island when the wind kicked up, causing large waves the swamped and overturned the boat. They righted the boat and began to bail it out, but another wave upended the boat. When this occurred the anchor fell from the boat, suspending it vertically in the water with only the nose of the boat sticking out of the water. This was difficult to cling to and shortly after this, two of the Nicaraguans (a pastor and his wife) drowned.

Upon their drowning, two of the couple's children panicked and grabbed an ice chest and decided to swim for help, hoping to get a rescue crew to possibly help their parents. They set off, and it quickly became apparent they were poor swimmers. They began to panic and were unable to make any progress back toward the island or back toward the boat. My father and Bert, being the best swimmers, grabbed an oar and went out to the ice chest. They stuck the oar throught the handles of the ice chest, had the boys float on the chest, then began to kick it toward the island while grasping the oar on either side of the chest.

They tried to make the island throughout the night, but due to tides (Lake Nicaragua is large enough to have them) and winds were unable to make the island. In fact, they ended up even further out in the lake.

At 9am Monday, my father was exhausted and the ice chest was starting to sink as he had to rely on it more and more for floatation. It was at this point that he made his decision. At 2pm, Bert Alexander made the same decision for the same reasons. As you all know, their decision saved the boys' lives as they were able to stay afloat on the ice chest until rescuers found them on Tuesday.

While my family grieves greatly, we are so comforted and inspired by my father's decision. My brother says that he and Bert's son are being treated as the sons' of heroes down in Nicaragua.

Thanks again for everyone's offers of assistance as well as the many prayers and thoughts. They've been a great comfort.

Wow that quite a story. I am very sorry to hear about your loss nothing is as bad as losing family. It sounds like you had one awesome father though and I am sure you couldn't be more proud of him. Take care and may god look over you and your family.

[RedNFeisty]

Condolences to you and your family, may your family find peace in the smiles on the faces of the children saved.

[ChiTown]

NewChief

So sorry to hear that. Thoughts and prayers to your family.

[siberian khatru]

If I could ever be half the man your father was ...

[Calcountry]

I thought I'd post an update on the story, because it's a fairly amazing one and many people here have expressed their interest, concern, and condolences. The particulars have done much to console my family as you'll understand upon reading them.

My father (Jack Logan) and Bert Alexander, another missionary, had stayed over for a fishing trip after finishing their mission work. My dad found fishing to be a good way to bond with the locals wherever he went. He'd brought some of the Nicaraguans fishing gear on his previous trip, and they'd promised to take him fishing on this latest one.

Ten people set out from Puerto Diaz on Sunday in a small john boat. Very likely the boat was overloaded and had no life jackets. They caught many fish that morning and went to cook the fish and have a shore lunch on Isla Grande. Upon their return, they were a half mile off the island when the wind kicked up, causing large waves the swamped and overturned the boat. They righted the boat and began to bail it out, but another wave upended the boat. When this occurred the anchor fell from the boat, suspending it vertically in the water with only the nose of the boat sticking out of the water. This was difficult to cling to and shortly after this, two of the Nicaraguans (a pastor and his wife) drowned.

Upon their drowning, two of the couple's children panicked and grabbed an ice chest and decided to swim for help, hoping to get a rescue crew to possibly help their parents. They set off, and it quickly became apparent they were poor swimmers. They began to panic and were unable to make any progress back toward the island or back toward the boat. My father and Bert, being the best swimmers, grabbed an oar and went out to the ice chest. They stuck the oar throught the handles of the ice chest, had the boys float on the chest, then began to kick it toward the island while grasping the oar on either side of the chest.

They tried to make the island throughout the night, but due to tides (Lake Nicaragua is large enough to have them) and winds were unable to make the island. In fact, they ended up even further out in the lake.

At 9am Monday, my father was exhausted and the ice chest was starting to sink as he had to rely on it more and more for floatation. It was at this point that he made his decision. At 2pm, Bert Alexander made the same decision for the same reasons. As you all know, their decision saved the boys' lives as they were able to stay afloat on the ice chest until rescuers found them on Tuesday.

While my family grieves greatly, we are so comforted and inspired by my father's decision. My brother says that he and Bert's son are being treated as the sons' of heroes down in Nicaragua.

Thanks again for everyone's offers of assistance as well as the many prayers and thoughts. They've been a great comfort.Wow. There is no greater love, than to lay down ones life for another.

God bless you and your family. Sorry to hear about your loss.

[tommykat]

Wow, never a story from someone I sorta know.....How beautiful to see what Dad's did. To think this close to Easter your Dad is walking in Glory! I'm sorry for your pain and pray God will ease it. However, just think one day soon you will hear the story in person. ;) Now that will be cool.

[Rain Man]

I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. Condolences to you and your family, newchief, and you can be proud of your father.

[WilliamTheIrish]

An incredible story about the most benevolent of human beings.

I don't think I've ever read a sadder, yet more inspiring story.

I wish you all the best in your time of grief, New Chief.

[NewChief]

Thanks for the sticky, mods, but you can probably unsticky this one now.

Once again, thank you all for the prayers, thoughts, and personal messages. They truly mean a lot. It looks like my brother is going to be able to get dad's remains back on Tuesday. They were also able to find Burt's body last night, so he'll be returning home as well. Everything has really worked well, and the Lord's hand has touched this entire experience. To quote my mom, "It's like we've been lifted into another domain through this entire experience." By that she means that we really haven't been confined to the material, temporal world of grief and despair but have seen the ultimate reality of eternity.

I'm sure once we return to our routine lives and everything dies down, things will get hard again, but right now we're all really doing well.

Thanks again.

[ROYC75]

Sorry to here of your loss, You can be proud that he was a good man. May God bless you and the family.

[Chief Henry]

NC,

One incredible story. Your father is in a very good
place to help you and the rest of your family.

I will dedicate this mornings church service to him and your family. Your father is a good man. Savor your memories.

Your father is now fishing with my dad.

[Sure-Oz]

Your father is awesome, i wish you and your family the best.

[mcan]

Truly amazing. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for telling your story, however. It's inspiring, and it makes me want to be a better man myself.

[gblowfish]

You're a good guy. We all feel for your loss and our thoughts are with you and your family.

[Boozer]

I'm sorry for your loss. You're lucky to be able to call a guy like that "Dad."