Annually, Carlos and Alicia Rojas family hosts a birthday party in honor of their beloved son Matthew and this year we were invited to come to the special event.
Step Right Up…
After we arrived, all the kiddos received their brown bags to collect their tickets from playing in the Midway. So many friends and family volunteer to manage the games or contribute to the festivities. There were very creative games, ring toss, bowling, a shooters corner and so many more fun things to do. The kids had so much fun! Face painting, a giant obstacle course, a race track and a hay ride. There were hot dogs, nachos and the evening ended with a spectacular fireworks show!
At sunset Alicia shared, “Every year I ponder what I’m going to say in honor of our sweet Matthew on his birthday. This year a phrase kept popping up in songs, sermons, and my own personal quiet time: This is God’s Story. Matthew’s story is not just about Matthew or Carlos or I. It’s truly about God and his goodness, faithfulness, and redemption during a difficult season for Carlos and I.”
She explained about their loss, “At our 13 week appointment we were told Matthew had a condition called anencephaly. This condition was fatal. Our world was rocked and we were devastated. Once the shock wore off, we had to ask ourselves, “Now what? Where do we go from here.” We clung to the promises of God. God is the giver of life and also the taker of life. We prayed for this child and he specifically chose Carlos and I to be Matthew’s parents. After lots of prayer, we felt that God would have to be the one to take Matthew when it was the right time. Each day was a gift with Matthew.”
Alicia said, “We knew God allowed this pain to happen for a reason and there was a purpose for our pain. In his word God tells us we will have trouble in this world, but to take heart because he has overcome the world. I knew the moment Matthew left us that he was immediately in the presence of God in heaven. As crazy as it sounds, there is peace in that promise. Peace that our sweet boy is healed and living in a much better place than here. We also have the promise that as believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we will see our Matthew again.”
“Our pastor has said,” Alicia reminded those listening. “Multiple times that your greatest trial becomes your testimony and your greatest misery becomes your greatest ministry. We’ve taken the pain of losing Matthew and used it for good and to hopefully shine Jesus’s light and point people to God. We’ve had the opportunity to encourage and comfort parents in a similar situation, I’ve found community among a group of moms who have lost a child, and each year on his birthday we find a way to give back to others. It was our desire from the moment we lost Matthew to make sure his story continued even after he was gone. One way his story is continuing is through Tessa Grace. Tessa Grace is an organization that provides miracle milk to families in need. Not only do they meet their physical needs but also spiritual needs. We are asking any friends or family who would like to please consider making a donation to Tessa Grace in honor of Matthew.”
Alicia affirmed God’s love and redemption, “I hope you see that through out journey with Matthew that God can turn any sorrow into joy, darkness into light. God can be apart of your story too. From the beginning of his story God desired a relationship with us and everything was perfect until sin entered the world. That sin was not part of God’s original story. Man sinned and brought sin into the world but thankfully God didn’t end the story there. He brought himself into our story by sending Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life and paid our debt. A debt he didn’t owe, but we couldn’t pay on our own. Death was not the ending of Jesus’s story. On the third day he rose to life. Because of this, Matthew’s story didn’t end with death. Carlos and I story’s won’t end with death. Anyone who has confessed their sins, repents, and chosen to follow Christ will not have their story end in death. The ending of the story for those who believe is perfection. An eternity spent in heaven with God, Jesus, and all fellow believers. Your story doesn’t have to end in death either. God can be a part of your story and bring you from death to life. If you have questions Carlos and I would love to visit with you.”
Message Received
It was so encouraging to hear Alicia share their hope in sharing God’s role in Matthew’s story. I felt that the message shows others how God brought them through to the other side of a difficult journey. We believe that God has a purpose for not just our pain, but anyone’s pain. He will use it for His glory if you let him. I believe she is living proof of joy in the Lord.
So many children there were smiling, laughing and just playing. It was simply priceless. What a beautiful way to celebrate a life. We were very thankful to be part of such a fantastic event. On a personal level, it lifted my spirits up regarding some personal struggles that I am managing through. God bless the Rojas family for their talents and compassion. It is so needed in our world today.
The following ladies I have to give a shout out to for their talents of their edible creations. And listen, I’m not into eating cake because it tends to be dry. Hello Donna, yours was the perfect consistency and you have a gift lady!!! The cookies were picture perfect, consistent in thickness and the icing was well done.
A two layered fondant carnival themed cake with dark chocolate with a top layer of cookies and cream were produced by Cakes Cookies By Donna.
An assortment of carnival themed sugar cookies were produced by Cardinal Confections by Gay.
Also, the big tent, tables, chairs, cotton candy and popcorn machines were managed by Jacob Lozano of AAA Bounce.
Rockwall Nonprofit That Provides Infants with Miracle Milk
For those interested in contributing to a great program where babies, mothers leave healthy and with a new hope in Jesus. The Rojas family has chosen to continue to support the Children’s Relief International (CRI) program Tessa Grace.
The Tessa Grace Nutrition Program is part of nonprofit organization in Rockwall called Children’s Relief International (CRI). In parts of Africa and Asia, the child mortality rate is high due to deep poverty. CRI steps in and provides infants with high protein nutrition through Miracle Milk, gives health checks to the babies, and educates the moms. CRI not only meets their physical needs, but also their spiritual needs. Click here to learn more about the Tessa Grace Nutrition Program and click here to make a donation in honor of Matthew.
Alicia shared, “I loved receiving a letter this past year about families who were blessed by the Tessa Grace program as a result of our family donation in honor of Matthew.”
Please be sure you put, “Matthew Rojas” in the box labeled “In Honor or memory of someone.”
Isaiah 66:9
View Event Photos Below
Photo Cover Credit: Adrienne Balkum