LOVING THE UNLOVEABLES

Holly said it became clear Myron had developed a special love for the Acholi, a persecuted people group of “unloveables.”

The ministry there was originally designed to be an orphanage, according to Ryan. But as the time investment was made, ministers to the area recognized the ministry would need to change.

“The Acholi take care of their own,” Ryan said. “When a child is orphaned or cannot be cared for, the extended family take the child in and raise it.”

Ryan said Four Corners realized the ministry needed to be oriented more toward loving, supporting and encouraging Acholi families. That was something a number of Myron’s family indicated he was specially equipped to do.

Nighty, a housekeeper at Abaana’s Hope, said Myron’s love for her and the Acholi people had a transformative effect on them.

“I had never experienced love as he showed me,” she said. “He was my father, and Holly my mother. I am a sister to Ryan and Rachel. This love was made possible by Christ.”

“The love Myron had for people, especially the Acholi, could only be given to him by the Lord,” Holly said. “That kind of love can only come from Christ.”

That love was put on display throughout the family’s stay in Uganda. Ryan told the story of an instance involving a community drunkard in Kinene.

He said a local woman had been participating in one of the programs offered at the ministry. She told participants of spousal abuse and her husband’s drunkenness. The family said this came as no shock to other community residents, many of whom knew the man to be violent and intoxicated more often than not. He also poorly supported his children.

“My dad took off to find him,” Ryan said. “And when he found him, he talked to him.” It was Myron’s willingness to love the “unloveable” that Ryan believes made the difference in this story, as well as numerous others. “He didn’t scold him,” Ryan said. “He just talked to him and loved him.”

The result of the meeting was not immediate. But, over time, Ryan said the man began coming to the mission, participating in worship and other programs and was eventually led to believe in Christ as his savior.

Many have speculated it is the authenticity of the West’s faith that has had such an influence on so many. Scripture says, “No greater love has any man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friend.”

The West family believes Myron gave his life for the Acholi people because God led him to do so—a selfless act explained by Etheridge.

“He died for the Acholi people and the cause of Christ. That’s the love of Christ. You can’t fake that kind of love. It’s a love more people must experience. You can’t really understand it until you do.”

That love, according to Myron’s parents, doesn’t stop the sorrow they feel, but it tempers it, offers hope and makes them proud of their son’s sacrifice.

“We are so proud of the man of God Myron is,” Doug said. “He followed where the Lord led him, and loved the Acholi. His heart was there and he gave his life for them. That’s what Jesus did. That’s what Myron, because he loved the Lord, did too.”

Barbara said she misses her son, but because of Myron’s faith and that of his family, there is no doubt in her mind they’ll be reunited soon.

“He’s not here right now, and it hurts so bad,” she said. “But we know where he is and who he is with, and that helps. I know he’ll be waiting on us when we get to heaven.”