Since we last wrote to you we have had some devastating news.  On September 25th we received the news that Patrick’s father, Dr. Sean Stitt, passed away. He was 57 years old.  Although he had recently been sick, his untimely death was a complete shock.

When we lose someone close to us it is so naturally comforting to bring to mind our fondest memories.  Fortunately Dad gave us so many wonderful memories to choose from.  As painful as the loss is, we were so blessed to have known and loved Dad.

For those who didn’t have the honor of knowing Sean, he really was a remarkable man.

My father had many passions in his life. He was sensitive to the causes of social justice and was a fervent academic. As well as serving the underdog through practical development and scholastic research, he was an accomplished intellectual. He was the first member of his family to attend college and continued in this path, eventually achieving a Ph.d. Dr. Stitt was an author and a university lecturer.

He loved Celtic football club with fanatical devotion.  He also adored fishing. Little gave dad as much pleasure as the solitude of the hunt. When we were young our family spent many happy weeks in Cavan. Dad spent much of that time there fishing as is evident by our holiday photos, were he is never pictured without displaying his latest catch.

In the past few years dad hadn’t been in the best of health. Despite this he stayed active. He was lecturing in Britain and also he traveled to Minnesota to see his grandchildren who love him dearly. Only a few weeks ago he was discussing going back college and was looking forward to meeting his youngest grandchild, Levi.

Dad gave us all unconditional love and encouragement.  He taught us the importance of standing up for what is right, regardless of the cost or the support.  He was a wonderful father and we’ll all miss him so much.

Prayers are being answered but more are needed.  Last time we wrote we asked you to pray for Mary*.  Mary decided to give her life to Christ but shortly thereafter began to have nightmares, leaving her timid and fearful.  This was exacerbated by the approaching trial of Mary’s traffickers.  Prior to leaving for Ireland we received the news that the traffickers were convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison.  Since then Mary has completely transformed.  Today she seems to be an endless fountain of joy.  She never stops smiling, laughing, telling jokes and above all singing.  I can barely reconcile the memory of a withdrawn and timorous girl with the new creation in Christ, who skips down the road singing songs of praise.

Psa 5:11 “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.”

Thank you so much for your prayer, but please keep praying as we need miracles everyday.

Mary’s testimony is cause for celebration but there have also been trials.  Ali* had been in the home for a few years and her progress has always been precarious.  After some difficult decisions it was decided it would be better for Ali if we rented her an apartment and help her transition into the real world.  Alas, the transition did not go well.  Ali became hysterical. She called the police and summoned neighbors under the guise that those who were helping her were criminals.

To make a long story short Patrick, along with the director of Freedom Home and Jessie Love (another missionary) were brought to the police station and questioned by the Anti-human trafficking bureau for several hours.  This was certainly a unique and harrowing experience.  The police are still investigating the incident; please pray that the Lord’s Will will be done.  We need the Lord’s protection, pray that we can have solid cooperation with the police and neighbors.  Also pray for Ali.  As hurt as we are by her actions we must remember to love and pray for her.  Christ died for all and loves all, and He loves Ali.  We must love her too.  Also she has two beautiful children who need your prayers.

With Love and Prayers,

Patrick, Kalyna, Jack, Finnian and Levi Stitt
Mission Moldova