Helping The Thames Family

A Story of Suffering, Sorrow, and Longed for Restoration

There is an ancient story about the suffering of a man named Job that is the inspiration behind this fundraiser. Job experiences multiple disasters in quick succession, including the death of his children, the loss of his health and the disappearance of his financial resources. Yet, the story concludes not in sorrow and suffering but in an intimate encounter with God and the redemption and restoration of Job’s health, family, and livelihood. Similar to Job, our family has experienced deep suffering and sorrow and we are longing for restoration.

Backstory: In 2018, our parents made the hard decision to leave their mission and pastoral work in Idaho and move to Fort Worth, Texas as a way to provide better community and support for our younger brothers. During this time, our dad worked for and invested a sizable amount in the construction business of a family friend. Unfortunately, and unbeknownst to anyone, the friend was mismanaging the finances, causing the entire investment to be lost and the business to be dissolved.

Recent suffering and sorrow: After this financial and relational loss, our dear mother started struggling with depression and anxiety more severely than any of us realized. The extent of this struggle was made clear in October when she made three separate attempts at taking her own life. Even now she is recovering from her most recent attempt in a mental health facility in Fort Worth. 

The shock, grief and confusion of the past few weeks have been agonizing for our entire family. From the youngest four boys still living at home to the oldest kids and our dear father, we each have felt the pain and sadness of heartache. We hurt for our beloved mother/wife who, herself, is hurting and who we so badly want to see healed. 

Invitation: Job 42:11 indicates that the Lord used Job’s brothers, sisters, and friends to participate in the consolation of Job and the restoration of his life. This means of restoration has inspired this fundraiser because unfortunately, insurance does not cover any of the expenses related to the past, present, or future care that is 100% necessary for our mother. We want to invite you, like Job’s family and friends, to participate in the ongoing restoration of our mother and our family. Would you consider serving our family and mother through comforting words and financial support? 

We are targeting $250K as a way to pay for past, current and future medical care, medicine, and counseling. We also hope to help our dad reduce his involvement in running a construction company to focus on bringing mom to health and supporting our younger brothers who are still at home. We truly appreciate donations of any amount and would value your prayers, notes of encouragements, texts and calls. We love you all and are so thankful for the impact you all have had on our lives.

For our mom,

The Thames Kids

David & Heather, Katelyn & Ty, Josh and Molly, KaraLea and Michel, Hannah, Susanna, Caleb & Megan, Jonny, Jesse, Zach,
Thad, Timmy & Noah