Today, with a broken heart, I want to share that Jackson passed away last night here in Santo Domingo and has now gone home to be with the Lord.

Jackson fought kidney disease for almost his entire life. Through countless treatments, dialysis, pain, hospital visits, and uncertainty, he fought bravely. I watched him endure far more than most adults could bear, yet through it all, he continued to trust God, love Jesus, and lean on the faithfulness of his Heavenly Father.

Jackson was an orphan, but his story did not end there. Though he experienced the pain of earthly loss, he ultimately received the greatest adoption of all through Jesus Christ. He is deeply loved, chosen, cared for, and held securely in the hands of his Heavenly Father.

Jackson was loved by tens of thousands of people around the world who prayed for him, supported him, encouraged him, and carried him through so many difficult seasons. But perhaps no one loved him more deeply than his family at the children’s home in Haiti, and his devoted Mommy and Poppy, Bobby and Sherry, who poured out their lives loving and caring for him as their own son.

Because of the life-saving care, treatments, medications, transportation, and continual support, Jackson was given years of life he otherwise would not have had. Those years mattered deeply. They were filled with moments of love, laughter, family, care, hope, and the opportunity to keep fighting.

While our hearts ache with grief, we are also grateful. Grateful for every prayer that was prayed. Grateful for every nurse, doctor, donor, friend, and supporter who stood beside him through this battle. Grateful that days, weeks, months, and years were literally added to his life. Grateful that Jackson knew he was loved!

And we are grateful for you. Your prayers and support helped carry him through countless difficult days and reminded him that he was not alone. You became part of Jackson’s story and part of the love that surrounded him throughout this journey.

Though we grieve, we thank God for every extra day, every answered prayer, and every person God used to help sustain and encourage him along the way.

And today we mourn, but we do not mourn without hope. Jackson is no longer suffering. No more pain. No more fear. No more machines. No more dialysis. He is now safe in the arms of our Father God, whole and healed in the presence of Jesus whom he loved.

Please continue to pray for everyone who loved him so dearly, especially the three nurses who cared for him daily, Phanise, Polynice, and Ketty, the children and staff in Haiti, and Bobby and Sherry. Pray for strength as we walk through this deep sorrow.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Jesse Ostrander