When bad things happen there are naturally a lot of questions you ask yourself about why and how this could have been prevented. Believe me we’ve asked those questions in the days following the cowardly and conscienceless attack on our home that ended in beating and rape. This is the kind of thing you see on TV crime shows or read about when they happen to some other unfortunate person, but it is unimaginable that it could actually happen to you or someone you know.

Maybe that explains the tremendous support we have witnessed from our family, friends and the community at large. We have been surrounded with support and prayers from literally thousands of people across our city, state and nation, as friends and friends of friends added our family to their church and personal prayer lists. We felt those prayers as we lived each day following this crime trying to cope with what didn’t seem real.

We are proud to say those prayers were answered last week, exactly two months since that awful day. Today those arrested and accused of this crime are no longer a threat to the rest of you after the excellent police work of the Vicksburg Police Department.

Our faith in our community was bolstered as we witnessed an outpouring of concern from a diverse group of people who were united on one thing — senseless crime like this cannot go unpunished.

Our respect for River Region Medical Center grew as we witnessed their genuine kindness and competent care under emergency and duress.

Our faith in law enforcement was solidified as we witnessed the Vicksburg Police Department work hard with not much to go on. They took it personal. We know because we could see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices. We are forever in debt to them and everyone else who remembered us in our time of need.

Most importantly, our faith in God was made strong as we witnessed God making something good out of another bad thing that happened in a world marred by the influence of sin. He has assured us that we are always in His care and He is so awesome that only He can make a blessing from evil.

Our house is still our home and it is still His dwelling. Nothing can change that. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,” Psalm 46:1-2

Our humble thanks to all of you! Keep praying!

Doug and Tina Jones

Vicksburg