In memory of Jared Birk - the first children's home on Project Canaan: A Place of Hope

Jared Ryan Birk, the 20 month old son of Teresa and Dale Birk of Jackson, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday August 18, 2009 after a tragic accident at his home two days earlier. Teresa Birk had just completed her first trip with Heart for Africa to Swaziland on July 26, and like the others who have served in Africa, returned changed forever.

The Birk family has established the Jared Birk Memorial Fund with Heart for Africa.  All funds will go towards building the first children's home on Project Canaan in Swaziland.  The land was dedicated to the glory of God on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 and building has begun.

If you would like to be a part of bringing hope to the children of Swaziland please give generously today

Here is the obituary that Teresa wrote for her son:

Heaven’s special child, Jared Ryan Birk, 20 months, of Jackson was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, August 18, 2009. He died peacefully at Childrens Hospital in St. Louis surrounded by family and friends. 

Jared was born November 23, 2007 to Dale and Teresa and Austin Birk of Jackson. He was baptized on January 12, 2008 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. 

Loving survivors include his parents; brother Austin; paternal grandparents Glen & Alice Birk; maternal grandparents Larry & Clara Dixon; great grandmother Sadie Dixon all of Jackson. Loving uncles and aunts are Terry Birk, Ralph and Diane Birk, and Kelvin and Marsha Birk. Jared was blessed with loving cousins who served as Godparents, Eric and Heather Birk. Honorary Godparents are cousins Josh, Kelsie, Adam and Clay. Special friends include Brad Gaines and Kelly Parres. He was preceded in death by his cousin Chad Ryan Birk, after whom he was named. The family stands strong knowing Chad welcomed Jared into heaven where they will play ball forever. 

Jared was a blessing to many. His months were few but mighty. He brought joy to so many with his beautiful smile, white blonde hair and big blue eyes. He and his older brother Austin, age 13, were incredibly close. Jared spent hours walking in Austin’s footsteps and playing with Austin’s friends. Anything they could do, he thought he could do also. 

Thousands of prayer warriors throughout 50 states, 2 continents and countless prayer teams include our dearest family and friends, our MedAssets family, our Heart for Africa team, our St. Paul Lutheran Church & School family, Boy Scout Troop 311, La Croix Methodist Church, Dr. Eric Becking and Childrens Hospital staff.

While Jared did not receive a miracle to restore his body, he is a blessed to be a blessing to others thru organ transplant. Jared will live on thru multiple recipients in three states to whom he offered the gift of life.