Christian mom of 19-year-old bride killed one day after her wedding says she feels a 'joy that is unexplainable'

The mother of a 19-year-old Christian girl killed just one day after getting married last Friday has spoken of the comfort she takes in knowing they are together in Heaven with Jesus. 

Rebekah Bouma and Austin Wesson, also 19, met earlier this year while doing missionary work in his native South Africa.

After a short courtship, they wed in the Sedgwick County Courthouse, Kansas, last Friday but less than 24 hours later, the car they were travelling in slammed into a tree.  

Austin died at the scene and although Rebekah's family hoped against hope that she would survive, she died in the early hours of Monday morning. 

Rebekah's mom Rachel Bouma spoke of her grief to People.com. She described them as the 'sweetest couple you'll ever meet' and said 'their love of Christ shone through with everything that they did.' 

She also described a sense of peace within the family even as they come to terms with such a devastating tragedy. 

" data-caption="null" data-credit="null">

'We're completely devastated by this loss. It's grief without words, and yet, we are at peace. There is a joy that is unexplainable knowing that they are together with the Lord,' she said.

Rachel has been leaning on her faith ever since the heartbreaking passing of her daughter.  She shared on Facebook that one of the songs that was speaking to her heart during this difficult time was 'Whate're My God Ordains Is Right.'

She also described the loving words she shared when she said her goodbyes to her daughter. 

'I told her that we would see her again soon and that we were looking forward to that day.  I told her to go be with her Savior and rest in His arms, and be with Austin,' she told People.com. 

In a Facebook update, she asked for prayers for both her and Austin's family, particularly as they travel from South Africa to the U.S. 

News
Faith in difficult times: lessons from 1930s Britain
Faith in difficult times: lessons from 1930s Britain

Architectural historian Steven Brindle talks to Christian Today about the faith that shaped 1930s Britain, the churches that supported struggling communities and what lessons the decade might have for us today.

Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach

Shine Your Light is aiming to mobilise half a million Christians to share the gospel with five million people across the UK this Christmas, with more than 2,000 churches already signed up, organisers say.

The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'
The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'

The Church of England's uneasiness about the government's ‘conversion practices’ bill is a perfect lesson in the old adage, 'be careful what you wish for,' writes Dr Martin Davie.

Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns
Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns

An internal Home Office report lists concerns about immigration, multiculturalism and changing social values among the characteristics associated with what it calls "Christian extremism", it has been reported.