Dear Sevy Family,

We are devastated by the loss of Joel. We will be fasting and praying in Hanoi for Travis' recovery and for the family. Travis has always shown me so much love, kindness, and grace, and I know I am not alone in benefitting from his leadership and friendship. Your family is loved around the world, and we are all grieving. 

I remember when Travis brought the twins to join him in performing a Mando pop song at our visa section's 2015 Lunar New Year celebration in Beijing. Travis sang and played guitar; the twins were meant sing back up. They were having a great time on stage, though it was at the expense of the performance. Travis started the song at least three times, but there was too much giggling and shrieks of joy. As he watched them circle around his guitar and mic, Travis took in stride; he was so full of love for them that from the look of his face he was happier to see them running around having a good time than to finish the ballad. It was such a wonderful display of family and love.

Lindsay and family, my heart breaks to hear this news. Joel sounds like he was an amazing young man who was well loved by so many: very much someone whom I would've liked to have met. Sending you all my love and support from half a world away. ❤️‍

Travis and family, my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I pray that the Lord will bless you to feel his comfort, guidance, and love. I pray for healing strength and guidance and for the warmth of peace for each member of your family.

Dear Sevy Family,
I'm deeply sorry for your loss and my prayers are with your family. I met Joel every time I checked attendance for the students, and I couldn't believe the tragedy happened to him. I know God is being with him till we meet again, and I pray for the healing power to your family especially for Travis, be still for this hard and challenging time. God is with your family and we are also.

Dear Lindsay and Sevy family, our hearts are broken for your beloved loss. The last time Joel greeted me was only few days ago, the taste of the cookies sent by Joel and Leif on the Christmas night has not gone yet, the surprise of the Christmas Carol you family presented in front of my house is just like yesterday. Sharring in your sorrow, praying for Travis's recovery and the family!

Dearest Sevy family - I am so incredibly devastated to hear the news about Joel and Travis. I didn’t know Joel well but clearly he deeply touched the hearts of everyone he met and spread love and light to those around him. I know the same is true for Travis. It’s been a while since we first connected in Beijing at the Embassy years ago but I have never forgetten his commitment to service, his love for his family, and his passion to help others and change the world for the better. I send my deepest condolences to the Sevy family on your enormous loss, and will send energy, prayers and strength to Travis tomorrow but also to all of you for the challenging days ahead.

Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. We hope you will feel the comfort and peace of our Heavenly Father.

Dear Joel,
I didn’t know you at school that much, but I could see how much you meant to other students, teachers, and the community. You’ll always be missed by everyone. Rest in peace Joel, and sending thoughts and prayers to the family.

Prayers & condolences for the family during these difficult times. We will certainly be praying for successful surgery.

Dear Sevy Family,

I am praying for you all as you mourn the loss of Joel and praying for Travis’ upcoming surgery. I remember teaching Mayah when she was a junior and meeting Lindsay and Travis during conferences. As the Zoom was starting, I heard Lindsay and Travis expressing their love and affection for each other. Years later, I still remember this as it was so touching and cute. Such wonderful, loving people whom I always adored interacting with. May the Lord and Savior comfort your family now and forever.

Much Love,
Robin Mathews

Dearest Sevy family,
I am so sorry to hear of such tragic news. You are one of the most amazing (and sweetest) families I’ve met in Beijing. Each and every one of you were so kind and genuine.
I trust that you will stay strong for each other during this difficult time, but do know that we will be praying for you as well.
May Joel RIP and pray that Travis’ surgery be successful and will recover quickly.

With much love,
The Young family
(Cindy, Brent, Maddie, Weston)

Being in very deep thoughts with you!

Dear Sevy family,
Since we are neighbors we have seen Travis and Joel then and when in the street. Your tragedy has hit us all very deep and made us think again, what life is about „Family - Faith - Healthiness“!
I don‘t think that there are any words or actions, which can reduce and describe your pain, you as a family must feel right now. Nevertheless, dear Lindsay we are here for you for anything we might be able to do for you. The least thing we can do and will do is praying for Joel, Travis as well as for your whole family to get through during this hard time and looking for new promising days!
We hope that Travis - a very brave father - can fully recover from his injuries and gets well soon again!

The Arabaci Family

„Allah rahmet eylesin- mekani cennet olsun - Amin“

My condolences to the entire Sevy family, who all have made such a positive, loving impact on our community. Travis and Lindsay were always so warm
at parent teacher conferences, and I hope for Travis to recover and get all the support he needs. Though I didn’t teach Joel, I remember seeing Joel come out with his MS class to cheer on Asher at APAC baseball; he was the first kid to volunteer to bang the drum (a big water jug) and carried such a bright, energetic spirit with him. May his memory be eternal.

The love, strength and determination of a mother knows no bounds. Listening to your words of courage and hope during this difficult time is truly a testament to your faith and love for your family. My family is praying for yours during this time. From one mother to another, I am sending all the love I have for my children to yours.

Joel, I don’t know you in person. But I do know you will miss the world, just like how much your family, your friends and we miss you. Rest in peace. God bless you .

To the Sevy family, may you find comfort in the outpouring of love from friends near and far. Our prayers and thoughts unite us, transcending borders and languages, as we collectively lift Travis and your family in our hearts.

Dear Joel, I haven’t got chance to meet you but have heard so many times about you from your proud dad Travis. I know as an amazing young man you must have lightened up your loving family and lots of people’s life around you. I always believe that our passed family members are just living in another form in another dimension, but still with us. May you find peace at where you are and together with your family to get through this difficult time.

Dear Sevy Family,

You were the most welcoming and kind neighbours when we arrived in Beijing, we were so glad to have you across the street.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you all at the devastating loss of Joel.

We pray that Travis’ surgery goes well and for strength in his recovery.

Dear Sevy Family,
Sending you our deepest condolences for your loss. We had the pleasure of meeting your family back in Beijing, and met Joel when he was just a baby/toddler. We pray that Travis makes a full and speedy recovery, and that Lindsay and family stay strong.

Dearest Sevy Family,

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Joel. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with you, and we hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you.

As Travis prepares for his upcoming surgery, please know that our prayers are with him. May the doctors be guided by wisdom and skill, and may Travis be granted the strength he needs.

Additionally, we pray for your beautiful children and their wellbeing. May they find comfort and solace in each other’s love.

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family.

With deepest sympathy and warmest regards,

The Nieveen-Castro Family
Adelie, Ezzy, Trevor and Paty

I'm so sorry to hear this news. We have fond memories of your family from our days long ago in New Haven. You will certainly be in our prayers for an eternal reunion with Joel and a recovery for Travis. We love you guys!

We Pray for your family! May Joel rest in peace. And best of luck for Travis.

Dear Sevy Family,

We are heartbroken and grieve with you on the loss of your son and brother, Joel. We are holding you all close in our thoughts and prayers, and we are praying for Travis' full and speedy recovery. 

To Travis and his family,

I didn't know what happened these days until I received XiaoOu's message when I was in class in New York this morning, because I also experienced disasters and I know what these mean. Although I've only met Travis and Mayah, I know what a great family this is and can only imagine how wonderful Joel is. Pray for the Sevy family, and let me know whenever you need me, and I will do everything I can. I know you're going to have a big surgery in a few hours, and I'm sure you'll get through it.

With heartfelt condolences,
Yi(Elissa)

Some things I remember about Joel are his contagious smile and laughter, him singing karaoke at the hotel next to the Great Wall, and going on bike rides with him close to River Garden (especially “the gulch”).

He is an exceptional young man and I enjoyed being able to interact with him and the other boys during activity days several times a month. He was truly one of the pillars of the River Garden youth and Embassy community in Beijing.

One time at Church, I was helping in nursery, which was right next to Joel’s classroom. About 10 minutes into class, I heard some very loud, strange noises coming from that classroom so I went next door to investigate.

When I opened the door, I found that there was no teacher, the lights were turned off, and Leif and Joel—along with all the other kids—were down on all fours scampering around the room and barking like dogs.

I turned the light on, took one look at the weird scene before me and left to go find their teacher. This quirkiness was completely on point for Leif and Joel. Joel’s sunny personality, and positive energy will be missed by all.

For those of us who remain, there is never a good time for one of our loved ones to leave suddenly. I’m so sorry that this grief came to your family. I hope the you are able to find solace in the miraculous power of the resurrection. The sting of death is swallowed up in the resurrection of Christ. He is the first fruits, but He will not be the last. (1 Corinthians 15)

Joel, may God be with you ‘til we meet again.

-Doug Anderton

Our hearts mourn for Joel and his family. On behalf of MSPE we send our prayers and deepest condolences for the tragic loss of a bright young student and son. Our healing thoughts are with Travis.

Dear Sevy Family,
We are devastated to hear about the loss of beloved Joel. Your family and loved ones will be in our thoughts and prayers. Our family will be praying for strength and fortitude to deal with these challenges and we will be with you every step of the way. Please let us know how we can help in any way. ‘The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit’ Psalm 34:18. ‘So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy’ John 16:22

With Love,

Idjagboro Family.

Dear Sevy family,
We will pray for Travis and Lindsay.
So sorry for your loss.
Love from the Messicks in Shanghai.

We will always celebrate his life and beautiful spirit. Thank you to Travis and Lindsay for raising such an incredible young man who welcomed my son without hesitation when we moved to China in 2022. Joel has most certainly left an indelible mark in my son’s life.

May the family get strength to pass through this difficult time and May His AllMighty bring complete healing to Travis and May the doctors going to operate him be given the wisdom to operate him to save his life.

Dear Sevy family, sending my deepest condolences on the loss of Joel and sending strength and healing to Travis and all of you in this time of great loss. Travis is a shining light of our A-100 class, and his kindness and care for others shine bright. Holding you all in my heart.

亲爱Joel，虽然我很难过得知你和你家人所遭遇的悲剧，但是我相信你已经回到了天父的身边，为你和你的家人祈祷，更为你父亲的完全康复而祈祷！

Sincerest condolences Lindsay, from my family to yours,

With love,

Nicole

Dear Joel, I’ve seen your lovely smiles at your home when we were invited to lunch, at Consular New Year party when you, Leif and your dad were performing and in your dad’s WeChat moment. You have the best parents and wonderful siblings and brothers. We all pray for your family at this most difficult time. You will be forever loved and missed. Rest in peace Joel.

I’ve never met Joel, but am a friend of Callie’s. When I saw her post about Joel, my heart was deeply saddened. Children have a special place in my heart and I can only imagine how Joel’s family is feeling right now.

God has the plan of all plans. The most magnificent plan. I’m certain, the sweet day your family will have to reunite with Joel will be one that will be remembered and savored forever into the eternities. God seems to be calling back His strong and select warriors, Joel most definitely being one of them.

Sending so much love and comfort your way. Praying for you and sending angels your way.

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

Our hearts are broken. Joel was such a sweet, funny, kind and wonderful kid. I remember the dad jokes Leif and him shared during the online talent show. And how your family taught Marcus and Callum how to play football on American Thanksgiving. We are holding you in our hearts and sending so much love and healing your way. We will also be fasting and praying for a full recovery for Travis. 

Mo, Nathan, Marcus and Callum Vanderklippe

Sevy Family,
We love you so much. We are grieving with you and praying for you. Joel will be missed and remembered always.
Love, Lily Palmer (Weddle)

Dear Joel, I met you a couple of years ago when our “Fraud Squad” were invited to lunch at your home. You and your brother Leif came running to welcome us followed by an immediate vivid introduction of your little cute watch. That moment was like a picture in my mind always.
Rest in peace, Joel. You will be very missed.

Dear Jeol,
当我听到关于你的消息，非常震惊，我知道这对于一个幸福家庭意味着什么，你的父亲也用尽自己最大的努力去挽救你的生命，他是个伟大的父亲。孩子虽然你的属世生活短暂，但你活得很精彩，就像烟花般綻放留下最美的瞬间。天父爱你，我们大家也爱你！我们会为你的家人祷告！
Rest in Peace!

In this sorrowful moment, I deeply mourn the young soul who passed away due to the accident. His spirit will forever reside within our hearts.
He was so young, brimming with vitality and hope. He leaves behind endless memories and our eternal longing for him. Though his life may have been brief, the impact he made is everlasting.
At this difficult time, we also extend our sincerest prayers to his father. May he find strength amidst the sorrow, may his heart find solace, and may he swiftly regain his health.
Let us unite in facing this sadness together, praying for the departed to rest in peace and for the living to be blessed with health and peace. May the departed find peace in heaven, and may the living be blessed by the grace of God.

Joel, you were my best friend and one of the friendliest in my life. You always stayed with me when I needed a little help. Rest in peace Joel.

When I first met Travis in 2004, I knew at that moment I was in the presence of an incredibly kind, virtuous, and great man. Fate has since brought us together into the same profession, then to Taipei, and now Beijing. Over the years, Suzi and I have come to experience firsthand Travis' infectious optimism, positive energy, and above all kindness. It's clear to us that Travis and Lindsay are such deeply devoted parents with such amazing kids. We are so saddened by the loss of Joel, whom we remember as an athletic child with a prowess awed by our own little ones in Taiwan. Travis & Lindsay: please know that you and your family are in the Wong family's thoughts, our hearts are with you, and we're sending our strongest and most positive vibes to Travis to pull through.

Dear Joel,
I enjoyed your humorous acting in Shrek a lot, and I hope you can continue being a humorous person in your brand new life.
I hope you will enjoy watching our final production of Shrek. Thankyou for contributing to "Shrek the Musical".

Rest in peace, Joel.

Sevy family is the best!
We are all praying for you Travis that all goes well with the surgeries and recovery.
And for Lindsay and kids to have peace and strength in this difficult time.

Dear Joel,

I had Leif in my PE class, but I was also lucky to have got to know you in our combined elementary PE classes. You were a student that stood out as you always chose kindness and fair play over everything else. Once you moved onto Middle School, even though you were never directly in my class, you would always stop to say “Hi Ms. Gidwani” with a big smile across your face. You made the spaces you were in brighter. Rest in peace, Joel and I’m sending so much love to your family during this painful time.

Dear Joel,
We used to be in the same ASA, you’ve always been very nice and positive and greeted everyone with the warmest smile ever.
Wherever you are right now, I hope it’s filled with all the happiness and love imaginable.
It had been a terrible loss, I wish nothing but the best for your life in the future, may it be free from pain and hate.
Rest In Peace️

I remember first meeting Joel when I was in fifth grade, playing with him and other friends during recess. He was a humorous person who was also very kind. I wish I could’ve been a closer friend to him and seen his performance at the Shrek Musical. But sadly he has left us all too early. I will forever remember him and his humorous personality.
Rest in peace Joel.

亲爱Joel，虽然我很难接受你和你家人所遭遇的一切，但是我相信你已经回到了天父的身边，也许你还有别的使命要完成，我们会想念你，为你和你的家人祈祷，永远爱你！

Hi Joel,
The time we spent together in 6-4 was quite short, but that doesn't mean we'll forget you anytime soon, right? Even though we didn't see each other so much in 7th grade, I'll never forget you in 6-4 family memories. As for more memories from 6-4, when we had to choose a PE leader or something, you were picked right away as a leader. Being liked by everyone is very hard, but I'm sure you were one of those people who made everyone around you happy and comfortable. I enjoyed being a classmate with you and having you around, too! I hope you're as happy as you've made others over there.
Thank you for everything, Ain

We met Travis and Asher at youth conference in Hong Kong. Travis talked of how he wished the twins could’ve been there but they were shy of the birth year. We saw them again when we visited Beijing branch. Our son Rex speaks highly of the boys from Sunday school. We pray for recovery for Travis and peace and support for the family during this time of tragedy and loss. . - The Corless Family