Texas Widow Pieces Life Back Together After Death of Missionary Husband
Elisabeth Loua's story is heart-wrenching. She's left trying to reassemble the pieces of her life after her husband, Michael, was killed while serving as a missionary to his native country of Guineau last November.
Michael Loua left behind four children, including now seven-month-old Michael Jr., whom he never had the chance to meet. Elisabeth says that as Michael Jr. grows up she “will tell him that his dad was a strong man, first of all that loved the Lord, and second of all that liked to work hard.”
Guineau is a predominantly Muslim nation in West Africa and can be hostile to Christians. Loua knew from first-hand experience that he would be in danger by going there.
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Michael O'Conner, youth pastor at Rosewood Baptist Church in Gilmer, Texas, and a friend of Loua's, said that when Loua converted to Christianity one of his family members attacked him with a machete, leaving a lasting scar on his head as a reminder of the violence and ever-present danger facing missionaries at work in Guineau.
“He loved the people of his country,” said O'Conner.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's one-page “Status of Global Mission” document provides a statistical overview of the entire Christian world. According to the 2011 report, in any given 24-hour period, an average of 270 Christians will be martyred for their faith worldwide.
Elisabeth, a native of the West African nation who now lives in Texas, spoke to The Christian Post on Tuesday and reflected on who her husband was and all that she's been through since he was killed.
"He was someone that when he's determined to do something he just wants to accomplish it, no matter how much he would struggle,” she said. “And he was trying to have Christian life impact in people's life."
“He was someone that didn't fear to tell the truth to anybody,” she said, stating that Michael wasn't intimidated when speaking to those in power. She said that the authorities in Guineau are “making people to suffer” and “he would evangelize them and tell them what they are doing wrong.”
In addition to raising their kids on her own, Elisabeth is also pursuing a nursing certification.
"That is the very big challenge I have, because it’s a lot on me. I don't have any help. It's really hard ... I just do what I can do. I take care of them, I do whatever I'm able to do, and the little time I have ... I concentrate myself to study,” she said.
Elisabeth hasn't been entirely without support, however. An account was set up at Austin Bank that allows donors to help financially support the Loua family during this tough time. The Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary previously ran a fund for the family too, but now all donations are being directed to the bank.
"It's a great, great support,” she said.
“I don't know how I can describe it ... the only thing I do every day in my life is to praise God for His grace and for His children and pray for their blessings so that God Himself can reward them."
Though her husband was the missionary, Elisabeth also has a message to proclaim. She says that Christians should “stay focused on the Lord” and stand strong for Jesus as they wait for his return.
