Shaniya’s Mom Needs the Gospel
Shaniya’s lifeless 5 year old body was found off the side of the road in Sanford, North Carolina after a week long search. Preliminary autopsy results indicate she was raped and died from asphyxiation on Tuesday, November 10th. Her father claims Antoinette, the mother, trafficked her to pay off a drug debt. Whatever the reason, the life of a beautiful, precious 5 year old soul has departed after a gruesome event. Now, her mother sits in a jail cell two months pregnant. Antoinette’s 7 year old son has been removed from her residence.
One precious soul has departed, finally resting at peace in the bosom of Abraham (Luke 16). Shaniya’s father raised her for the majority of her life. He will never share another holiday with his little girl, take another picture, hear another laugh, or feel the tight embrace of her arms wrapped around his neck. He lost her due to sin.
Our Almighty Father has a child currently sitting in a jail cell due to sin. Antoinette has been lost in drugs and other sins that have kept her from the fellowship of the Divine Creator. Antoinette has been separated from the life of hope that the gospel offers every one. She has been lost to a life so desperate that she would allegedly trade her daughter to pay her debt.
Jehovah had His Son die for Antoinette (John 3:16). Jesus died, wanting nothing more than for Antoinette to be forgiven of her sins, and be reconciled to the Father (Rom 5:6-8; Luke 23:34). Jesus wants Antoinette to know that drugs will not bring peace to her life. Jesus wants Antoinette to know that life in this world is temporary, but life in God’s kingdom, which is now present, lasts for an eternity. Jesus wants Antoinette to have hope in the resurrection. He wants her to know that no matter what, His way is always better and that there is always hope.
Our Father wants Antoinette’s 7 year old son to know about the gospel. The Almighty wants her precious 2 month old residing in the womb to be raised knowing the security and peace that only the life lived by the gospel can provide. God wants Antoinette to know that He WANTS to forgive her, and live with her for an eternity. Jehovah wants Antoinette to know that drugs, prostitution, or any other sin will not bring her life back. God wants her to know that the only way she can ever be reunited with her beautiful 5 year old daughter is to believe and submit to the gospel of Christ.
Shaniya’s father already lost his little girl due to sin. Antoinette’s Father does not want her to be lost forever due to sin. Antoinette needs the church. She needs our prayers, as do all involved in this case. Most importantly, Shaniya’s mom needs the gospel. That is why the church is here.
