Keeping the faith

It has been 12 days since Maj. Ken Bourland went missing during the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, only minutes after e-mailing his family after arriving for a disaster relief event. Despite day after day of pain, shock, and anxiety, those closest to the Air Force major are still showing unflappable courage. In an update posted Sunday on Facebook, purportedly from Ken's loving wife, Peggy, one can grasp how faith is keeping the family strong during this emotionally devastating ordeal:

"I didn't get a phone call this morning, but I know they are working very hard. I can't explain it, I'm not sure anyone will understand what I am gonna say: I still have faith that my husband is still alive. I know him, he is strong and smart, and I feel it in my heart. I have no other reason to believe otherwise. God is in control. [Ken's mother, Adrienne] and I still believe."

A Facebook group started shortly after the Haiti disaster, "Praying for the rescue of Ken Bourland," already has 4,518 members at last check. The page is filled with prayers, tributes, and messages of encouragement. Here is one, posted by a fellow soldier currently serving in a war zone:

"Our church service at HQ ISAF, Kabul, Afghanistan, prayed for you this morning. God bless you and your family and all of us who have faith. Peace be with you."

Hope for Ken Bourland and his family truly stretches around the world.

Image courtesy: Bourland family/Facebook