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With streetlights and Christmas decorations glowing, with the air thick and heavy, people gathered. People from all over the state of Mississippi came together as one family to stand firm for a family facing a tragedy beyond belief. The Allan family, Philip, Jean, Michael, and Jessica, know they are loved…know they are receiving prayers… know that God holds them in His hands…and know that the people of Magee and surrounding areas love them.
The Allan’s lost their 13-year-old son to a gun accident Saturday, December 19, 2015. Forever their lives are changed…forever they will be different…forever they will know of what true community love means.
Approximately 200 people gathered at the Magee Fire Station to light a candle in memory of Jacob Allan…and in honor of the Allan family. Young and old were present for the ceremony.
Fire Chief Lane Steele welcomed the people. Mayor Jimmy Clyde gave a brief speech talking about Jacob and the impact of his young life. With the candles lit, Jacob’s pastor, Brother Jay Westbrook (Corinth Baptist Church) led in prayer.
And then…the soft sweet voices of over 200 people sang in unison from their hearts …you know, there is just something about an “undirected” choir…voices blend…emotions raw…a chilling experience.
If you were unable to attend the Candlelight Vigil, MageeNews.com taped the service and is available for viewing on this article.
In the words of Philip Allan:
“ To everyone
I am just sitting here trying to wrap my mind around all the emotions that I have experienced over the last several days. I can’t even start to say thank you to everyone for their acts of LOVE AND KINDNESS. We will try in the coming days to get out a proper thank you but we will be trying to give our other children a semi normal Christmas. I will say that we are so blessed with all the prayers we have received and continue to receive. These prayers are what’s keeping us going. Please remember us in the days and weeks to come. Thank you again and we love you all. Philip, Jean, Michael, Jessica and all of our family.”
There is no point in one’s life when the pain of losing a child or anyone dear to your heart lessens…through God’s mercy and grace, we learn to live and go forward. We learn how to live a “new” life…how to cope with the changes we did not ask for…how to face tomorrow. We serve an awesome God and He will never leave or forsake His children.
Continue to remember the Allan family. Donations may be made at any PriorityOne Bank in the state. (Make checks payable to the Magee Fire Department and on the memo line write “For Jacob Allan.”)
Thank you to “Popcorn” for organizing the event…the support of the Magee Fire Department…the City of Magee…and you, the people…who came, who cared, who loved….thank you for caring.
