One year after the death of their 8-year-old son in a tragic accident, Southern Baptist missionaries John and Shannon Pettit are back where they can continue to heal.
For the Pettits, that place is the mission field.
On Feb. 9, 2005, while they were vacationing in Thailand, their son, John (J.D.), fell near a waterfall. He died the following day from injuries sustained in the fall.
After serving in South Asia for more than seven years, the couple from Spartanburg shared how going back to the mission field was the best decision for them and their two daughters – Joy, 7, and Simone, 11. They hope for some sense of normalcy and comfort after returning to the place where they raised their son and where people knew him best.
“The time we had with our family in the States after John’s death was very good for us and for them,” Pettit said. “But our home community was here on the mission field.
“We needed to be back at our house, to see the empty spot at the table where John sat,” Pettit said. “We needed to walk past his room, to hold his clothes and lie down on his bed and weep for our son whom we could no longer hold, laugh with or see play.”
The boy’s father recalls the helplessness he felt the day of the accident, but he also has found comfort in his faith.
“One of the things God has shown me through John’s death is our natural human desire for a Savior,” Pettit said.
“I would have given anything for someone to swoop down and save my boy. I did everything I could for that savior to be me, but I failed to save John that day … . I wanted John saved in the ‘here and now,’ but God saved him in eternity.”
Shannon Pettit expressed thankfulness for how the Lord has brought many good friends into their life to help care for the family. “I am thankful that God is not only holding our family together but also has drawn us closer together during this time of grief,” she said.
Memories of John’s commitment to Jesus Christ and his desire to follow God have helped the family cope. They reflect fondly on his laughter and infectious smile, his red hair and love for running.
“John had a special love for God which he showed in many ways, including the way he treated other people,” Shannon said. “Remembering his faith encouraged me to turn to God for comfort.”