Apr 07 2009
Be in Prayer for the Dyal, Nicholls, Ratzlaff & Silva Families
I know many who read this blog will have no idea who these people are, but I would simply say they are good people whom God has used to remind me again and again of his great grace and awesome power. Yesterday, Laura Dyal-Silva and her brother in law Tony Silva were killed in a climbing accident. Laura’s husband, and Tony’s brother Bobby was at the scene, and tragically lost two very important people in one day. Laura’s parents Richard and Janelle are an integral part of our church, as is her sister Tressa and her husband Jason, (and their boys: Logan, Carson and Brandon). The Ratzlaff’s also attend FBC, and are Aunt and Uncle to Tony.
Both Tony and his father were police officers in Gresham, and Richard and Jason are firefighters in Gresham. All are godly men who have blessed our community and churches in many ways, and I hurt for them. Bobby and Laura were just wrapping up their time at Multnomah, and were heavily invested in outdoor ministries.
Their accident has hit the news here in Portland, and we have been encouraged by the way God is using this tragedy to His glory. But prayers through this season of funerals and mourning will no doubt be appreciated. I had the privilige of spending today with them, and found much strength in their home and lots of tears too.
2 responses so far
I am a student and Multnomah Bible College. Laura and I were in the same Counseling Psychology class this semester. She was always smiling and surrounded by people who loved her so much. I will miss seeing her bright smile around campus. My prayers are with her entire family during this tragic time.
Our family has been privileged to know Laura since she was about 10 years old. Words cannot describe what a beautiful woman she was in every way. Our prayers are with the entire Dyal and Silva families. Thank the Lord that Tony and Laura are with Him, because of His great mercy which we will celebrate this week. The words which have comforted me this week are ‘For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now we know in part, but then shall we know even as also we are known.’ Tony and Laura now see and know what we only get glimpses of. We grieve, but such joy for them. Some day we will join our sister and brother in that amazing place! Our family sends our greetings and blessings to FBC.