I only recently met Travis when he was on official travel to visit our section, but I appreciated his optimism, energy, and authenticity. Offering our wishes for his full recovery, and profound condolences on the loss of Joel. Praying God's hope and light for your family though this time. With love - Joe and the Maertz family, Shanghai Consular

Dear Joel,

Although we didn’t know you that well, we will always remember you in our hearts. Your kindness, personality, and that laugh that brightens everyone’s day. You never hesitate to lend out a hand to someone who needs help, you were always so excited about everything, and always had such a postive attitude. Now you are off to a place with no pain and no suffering, you are free. Rest In Peace, Joel.

Dear Sevy family,
We pray for Mr. Travis’ speedy recovery, our deepest condolences to your family, no words can express the grief you guys are going through, if there is anything we can do to help, please tell us. 

-Ella and Isabella

Dear Lindsay, Travis, Mayah, Asher, Leif and Paige

We have been at a loss for words since hearing the news about Joel. Our thoughts have frequently wandered to fond memories that we hold of your wonderful family. From the cocoon of warmth, love and support enveloping each of you from near and far, we hope that each of you emerges strengthened by faith, love and the care of family and friends. We continue to offer prayers for healing, ease, understanding and comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead.

With love and deep affection,
Clarissa, Stephen, Connor and Ania

Dear Sevy family,

Deepest condolences from the Hellers. We are keeping you in our prayers as you mourn the loss of Joel. We hope for a speedy recovery for Travis. And we are thankful for you, as you have enriched the Mission China community, and other communities, so much over the years. We send our love to you as you navigate through this incredibly difficult time.

Dear Sevy family-

We met around 2010 in Falls Church, when Travis was our home teacher and you had new twin boys. I always thought you were such a strong, loving family, much admired. I’m so very sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. I hope you find peace and comfort in the time you had with him, memories, and heartfelt love from those around you. Sending my sincere condolences, and wishes for a quick recovery to Travis.

Your family brings so much light and joy into the world, positively impacting everyone you interact with. I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. My heart is with you during this challenging time.

The kindness and love that the Sevy family gifts to the world is a treasure, clear to all those lucky enough to be around them and weaved with any thoughts of their name. 
My heart aches with the weight of this devastating news, and I cannot fathom the pain of this loss on your family, but please know that we are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May Travis have a full recovery. Stay strong, and may you lean on us for some kindness and love when that gets too hard.

Dear Travis,
Your son was taken from us too soon, but the beautiful memories he left behind will last and be cherished forever. You have my deepest condolences. In this time of profound sadness, please know that you are surrounded by love and support. Your son’s spirit will continue to live on in those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

Our hearts are with your family, we pray for Travis’ recovery, we also pray for Savior’s tender mercy and strengthening power be upon you along the way.

Joel, although I wasn’t as close to you, but i knew you were a nice and warm hearted friend. I miss you joel.

Dear Sevy family,

I am praying for your family and I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of you during this difficult time. Your family is wonderful example for us missionaries in Washington DC and throughout the years that I have gotten to know your family ( in US & Taiwan. I have a lot of respect for Bro. Travis Sevy and love for his family. I cannot imagine the pain that you are going through right now. May you find solace and the peace of God which passes all understanding in your family as you are trying to process what transpired. Fasting and praying for full recovery from the surgery and that Joel rests in peace and many cherished memories will forever live on.

Dear Lindsay (Mayah, Asher, Leif and Paige) -

We are extremely shocked. Our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your son, Joel. We’ll continuously pray for Travis for his surgery and recovery. Please be brave! You are not alone!


With all our hearts,

Jessica and Celena

Dear Sevy family,

Can’t imagine the pain you went through for the loss of your beloved son and brother. Please accept my condolences. In my a few encounters with Joel, he is a polite and kind boy who is always willing to contribute and help out. Rest in peace in heaven, Joel.

Travis is the nicest, warmest and kindest person I’ve ever met. He always has a big smile on his face and treats everybody with much respect and love. I am sending my prayers for your recovery soon.

With all my heart, Lisa.

Sevys, my heart is broken knowing of your loss. Your family embodies all that is beautiful and kind in the world and that radiated through Joel. I will always remember Joel with a smile on his face. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Sevy Family,

I have been struggling to find the words, and I still don't have them. I am utterly heartbroken. Joel was an amazing young man that was taken from us too soon. It is so hard to understand why. I am honored to say that I had the privilege to be his teacher. He will forever remain in my heart. I pray for full recovery for Travis and I pray for strength for all of you. We love you all.

I am so sorry for your loss, My heart aches for you during this incredibly painful time. Hang on there, Travis. I'm with you, we're all with you together.

Dear Travis,

You are a gift to the world. My heart breaks for you and your dear family following the sudden tragedy that took Joel far too soon. I only met Joel once in Beijing when he was about five when you brought the kids into the office briefly one day. Merely from how beloved and treasured you were to the whole community at post, in that moment, it felt like a genuine honor to meet the Sevy kids.

I am pleased to know that your surgery was a success. Wishing you strength in your recovery.

My deepest heartfelt condolences to you, Lindsay, the kids, and your entire family during this unfathomable loss. 

Dear Sevy Family,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Joel. I will remember him as a kind, compassionate soul with a ready smile that brightened up the day. One memory of Joel that always warms my heart was when he and Leif would see each other and happily hug before they lined up for PE lessons. I am honored to have taught him and to have known him during your time in Taiwan (and beyond through Jia).

I am keeping you all in my thoughts and heart as Travis undergoes his surgeries and beyond.

With love and hugs,
Lisa

亲爱的Sevy family,请节哀。我知道你们现在正在经历着突来的变故带来巨大的痛苦，任何安慰的语言也许都显得苍白，我们都深切感受到你们的悲痛，但希望你们能够坚强，我们陪你们一起度过这个困难的时刻！为你们，为伟大的父亲祈祷！

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I wish you all healing and recovery at this difficult time. 

Dear Sevy Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With fondest memories we cherish our time together in Taiwan. We appreciate the friendship and kindness that you extended to our family. We have confidence in a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who will bless and sustain your family during this trial.

With much love,

The Jergensen Family

To Lindsay and Travis, and Mayah, Asher, Leif and Paige...

You have all been in our hearts and prayers for the last week. I can only imagine the loss and heartbreak you are going through of losing Joel. I am grateful for our knowledge that we know families are sealed together forever and ever, that Joel will forever be yours to love and to hold. I know those in your family who have passed on before, will have enveloped him in love already. I know it doesn't take the sting of death away, but hopefully it brings you all some peace and comfort knowing that he is not alone. He will never be alone. 

We are grateful for the opportunity to have fasted and prayed for you all, especially Travis. We pray that he will continue to recover, gain strength and know he and your family are loved. We hope you will continue to see the Lord's tender mercies as you grieve Joel and lay him to rest. We love you all very much.

Love,
Seth & Amy

To the Sevy family,

I cannot find the words to express my grief, but know that our hearts break for your loss. You are all in our thoughts, and we hope so very much for Travis’s full recovery. While we cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling at this moment, we hope that you can find some comfort and strength in each other and all of us who care for and love you all.

Sam and Ruth

Dear Lindsay, Travis, Mayah, Asher, Paige, and Leif,
   I have so many fond memories of having Joel and Leif in music and in choir. Joel always had a sparkle in his eye, endless bright ideas, and a joke at the ready. He made learning fun whether it was in music or in choir. For one of his CASTA class performances, he (and a few others) could play every part of the piece so they figured out how to rotate instrumentalists without stopping the performance. It was so clever and fun to be part of the process.
Matt and I send our sincere condolences, love, and well wishes for the full recovery of Travis and to you all.

Dear Sevy family,
I and Jessica were extremely shoked by this news. Sevy had been a good boy a good son,we are so sorry that you've lost him.I and Jessica will pray for Sevy.We also care about the father Travis, hope he will recover soon,hope you and your family have enough courage to face this hard time.Rest in peace Sevy.
Black and Jessica from Yangshuo

Travis and family- I am deeply saddened by your tragic loss and pray for your peace through Christ and for Travis' recovery. We haven't kept in touch, but clearly you've continued to spread joy and kindness as always.

Sevy family, Lindsay,

There are no words. We mourn with you and send our deepest sympathy and love from afar. I pray for each of you during this time, place faith in Joel being at peace, and send our love and warmth as you move through the days ahead. We are rooting for Travis' recovery every step of the way. With love,

Coby, Dan, Ellis, and Fiona

Dear Sevy family,

It breaks my heart to see such great loss befall such a beautiful family that I have had the pleasure of meeting. I personally did not know Joel but now I know that his is an amazing young man that is so loved by his family and friends and God. I pray our lord Jesus Christ can ease your anguish. Trust in him that he can restore what is
broken and hurt.

I am so happy to hear that Mr. Sevy’s surgery went well! Praise be to God!

My dear friend Asher, I know this is a really challenging time for you. Know that Lord Jesus is with you and your family. He loves you abundantly. Through Christ I pray for your father a speedy recovery, and that he may strengthen you and make you courageous!

My family sends love,
Jason W

Dear Sevy Family,

It is a shock for us knowing the sad news. Our hearts are with the Sevy family. We pray for them and wish Travis a successful surgery and go back to the family safe and sound.

Our family will pray for the Sevy family. We hope Joel’s father will recover well from the operation. Thank you, Joel, and rest in peace.

Dear Sevy Family,

We are shocked and extremely saddened by your family’s loss and the continued trials that you are going through right now. We are thinking about
your family and sending our thoughts and prayers.

Some of our happiest childhood memories were of gatherings with your
family. We still have happy memories of that amazing day when all the kids
went hiking, swimming and enjoyed that bbq at the AIT compound.

We will always remember Joel as a happy face every day at school and how he
lit up the classroom with his incredible energy.

Heaven has a special angel now.

With Love
Shelley, Abby, Coco and Tyrone

亲爱的Sevy family,我们全家对于你们的遭遇非常难过！那么好的孩子离我们而去，我们希望他能够在天堂继续快乐的生活，没有伤痛和悲伤！希望爸爸今天的手术顺利成功，可以平安的回到妻子和孩子们身边！希望妈妈和孩子们不要难过，我们相信爸爸一定会健康的回家！全家祷告中

The Sevy family has touched the lives of so many! Your love, example and friendship have been a huge blessing to so many people, all over the world. Today, as Travis undergoes extensive surgeries, we join you in fasting and prayer. We share in your sorrow over Joel's passing, mourning alongside you during this difficult time. Lots of Love, The Other Tanners: Shane, Mel, Jonas, Ezra & Naomi

Father of God, please protect Travis, the father of a family. He will have surgery soon. Please protect his life and restore his health. Let him and his family receive God's comfort

Just prayed for the Sevy family and especially for Travis’ surgery. GOD gave this verse:

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12 NIV)

Dear Lindsay (Mayah, Asher, Leif and Paige) -

I have sent you a longer letter but wanted to add my voice and my prayers and my faith here in this community of love and support for you. We have kept you in our thoughts and prayers continuously since we heard the unbelievable news. I pray that the outpouring from so many people who love you will lift and help carry you through these days of grief and worry. I know Joel is near you and along with unseen angels will be wrapping you in their arms. 

We are joining the fasting and prayers today for Travis, that the surgery will go as well as it possibly can and that he will have miracles of healing, while trusting that the Lord will help your family through all that lies ahead. You are not alone!

With all my heart,
Carrie

My deepest condolences to the Sevy family on your loss. Sending strength and courage as you deal with Joel's loss and my best wishes for Travis's recovery.

Sweet Sevy Family,
It's hard to find the words that will comfort you somehow at this terrible time. Just please know that each of you are in my heart right now, knowing how you must be hurting beyond belief. Although it's been years since I've seen you all, every memory I have of your family is associated with kindness and generosity. I am so sorry you are enduring this. I grieve with you and send my love and prayers.
Jennifer Brown (Davis), Nate & Jonah

亲爱的Travis,

    你舍身救子，感动天地，希望你手术顺利，渡过难关，我们的心与你同在。

I am heartbroken to hear about this family tragedy. I have known Travis and Lindsey since they both were my students many years ago and both worked for me as TA/RAs. We have crossed paths many times on my trips to Beijing and sojourns in Washington, DC.  Such wonderful people and a beautiful family. I pray for you all at this time mourning the death of you dear son Joel. And pray for Travis’s speedy recovery.

Dear Travis and Family,

Words cannot fully capture the depth of my sorrow upon learning of the tragedy. In the wake of such a devastating loss and the pain you're enduring, my heart goes out to you. I am grateful for the successful outcome of your surgery today. May each passing day bring you closer to full health and wellness.

Travis, you are the nicest person in the world, please know that you are surrounded by love and admiration from everyone who knows you. Your presence in this world makes it a better place.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you all the love and strength in the world.

with love,
Wang Xu

Dear Travis,

You exemplify remarkable courage and devotion as a father. Your selfless efforts to save Joel's life reflect the love and sacrifice akin to that of a Heavenly Father. While I understand your determination to battle against adversity and plead for Joel's well-being, I implore you to consider the anguish of the families left behind. They rely on your presence and support. Our prayers fervently petition for your swift return, for the unity and solace of all affected. May the benevolence of our Heavenly Father guide you safely home, where you can resume your vital role within our cherished circle of loved ones.

Warm regards, Ricoh, Joyce , Jericho Pascual

Dear Sevy Family,

My sincere condolences on your tragic loss of your precious son. I am praying for you at this dark hour and that Travis can recover from his injuries.

Travis and I served together in Beijing in 2015.

Sincerely,

Claire

Dear Sevy family,

My heart breaks for you all at this very difficult time. I know that Joel is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the resurrection. We pray for you and your family that you may have strength to bear your tremendous loss. Praying for Travis and his speedy recovery and healing.

Dear Sevy family

非常痛心听到这个消息，我们永远纪念Joel，节哀，祝愿你的手术一切顺利。加油！

Dear Sevy Family,

Our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your son/brother Joel. We will continue to pray for the repose of his soul and for God to give you strength to bare this loss. We will also be praying for the speedy recovery of Travis. Though we have never met , we belong to one city Beijing and my husband and daughter join me as we are with you all in prayer.

Amen
Anika, Rahul and Anitra Coelho

Dear Lindsay and family,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your son and brother Joel.

Thinking and praying for your husband/Dad Travis for a successful operation and recovery.

Holding you all up in prayer.

Dear Sevy Family,
I join so many who have worked with Travis and delighted in the love and joy your family brings to the world, in person and through following your adventures on Facebook. My condolences on the loss of your son Joel. Thinking of your while family and sending strength and healing thoughts as we root for Travis's recovery.
Nancy

Lindsay,
The heartbreak and anguish you all are facing right now is truly unimaginable to me. Though it’s been years since I’ve had the pleasure of seeing you and your beautiful family in person, I’ve enjoyed watching everyone grow from afar via Travis’ updates and social media posts. Travis left an indelible mark in my life, as he did for so many fellows in his time with the Yale-China program. I wish you the greatest strength from the family you have nurtured and the faith you have cultivated to get through this immensely challenging time. Sending all our love to you and Travis now.
Dan
Yali Fellow 2007

We express our love and support to Lindsay and family this day as we fast and pray together. Grateful for the incredible Sevy Family and their message of love and hope. We are so sorry for your loss of your beautiful son, Joel, and we pray for God's hand to be over you all, especially Travis and his medical team during this time. We love you all so much and are sending hugs of love and support. All our love from the Lewis Family.