Even though Andrew was younger than our son Justin, when his problems came about, some of Andrews' described behaviours were similar to our son's.

Our son was born prematurely and after birth found to be mentally handicapped (Trisomy 18).  He also was born with ASD-Atrial Septal Deviation (don't quote me here, but I think this was the right term, e.g.: a hole in his heart.  After birth, he did not develop normally:  he did not ever "crawl"; he "rolled" in a horizontal position.  He did not walk until he was almost 4 years of age.  He was quiet, lethargic and slept more than a normal child.  However, after open heart surgery to correct his heart problem, he took off like a rocket--jet propelled.  He became more and more difficult to handle.  He, too, had eating problems--he always wanted more food, even though he consumed more than the average child his size should eat & "got into" foods especially "bad" for him in excess:  chips, candy, soda, whatever he could find.  Since we didn't ever keep around much "junk" food, he would over-indulge almost anything he could get ahold of. 

 This whole situation saddens me and is such a terrible thing. I met Larry and Hannah back when Isaac was about 4 months old and immediately was drawn to this couple. I loved spending time with them and enjoyed the encouragement they always had for us during youth group. Since I was homeschooled  sometimes during the day I would go over to their house and hang out with Hannah and Isaac. I remember when she found out she was pregnant with Isabel (after she had a miscarriage), they were so happy. Hannah and Larry had always wanted six children and wanted to raise them in a loving and Godly home. Most young couples dream of being rich or having this or having that but not Hannah and Larry they wanted to be awesome parents and be the example for their youth group. Which they are amazing examples of Christ and awesome parents. I have been watching their kids a few afternoons a week and have enjoyed every bit of it. Those kids are so full of love and joy because their parents instilled those traits in them. They are very respectful and yes they do have their little sibling disputes (but what family doesnt) but they never stay upset for long or act out of
anger. Not only are Larry and Hannah encourages but the kids as well they encourage each other through scripture and tell each other how they should show God's kindness and how God made them something beautiful. I do not understand how people could think for one second that she is guilty. I know that according to the media she is this terrible person but the media does not tell the whole story. What mother with experience of being with children rushes their child to the emergency room or to the
doctor at the first sign of a fever or when their child throws up. In some cases most moms would wait longer than 90 minutes or just right it off as a virus. When I think about Hannah I think about the story of Joseph. Joseph was wrongfully accused and sat in prison thinking that God had forgotten about him but then God used Joseph while he was in prison which eventually led him to his freedom. I am sure Hannah and Larry both are discouraged at times but ultimately they know they are still God's children and that He will not forget them just like Joseph. Anyone who reads this that does not know the Overton's personally please learn the truth before you say hurtful things or just assume they are guilty because thats what the TV or newspaper said. Right now as Christians all we can do is pray for the Overton family and that God would speak to the Judge and soften the hearts who are against Hannah and Larry. God has not forgotten!

"You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done."
~Genesis 50:20

 “O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works” (Psalm 71:17).

I first met Larry Duane in 1992 when he was about 15 years old. I was blessed to be a part of his family’s home fellowship Bible study. We would meet twice a week for worship, Bible study and awesome fellowship. Over the years, we got to know each other really well! Larry’s parents are devoted to Jesus Christ, and they raised their three children to love Jesus with all their hearts, as well. As a teenager, Larry was a mild-mannered, soft-spoken, kind-hearted and generous young man who loved the Lord. And to this day, he is still the same! Only he is even more devoted to the Lord now.

When I first met Hannah and her Mom, Hannah must have been about 18. I only met her briefly at that time, but I could tell that she was a perfect match for Larry because she, too, was sweet, loving, gentle, mild and completely devoted to Jesus. Hannah’s Mom raised Hannah and her brother to love the Lord with their whole hearts; that godly foundation is so obvious in their lives today.

And now, to see this godly legacy passed on from Larry and Hannah to their beautiful children—it’s a wonderful sight to see! Their kids love their Heavenly Father and worship Him from their hearts during children’s worship at church. They are kind and loving to each other and to other people. It’s so great to be around this godly family.

Please pray that the Lord’s purposes will continue to be accomplished in their lives and that they will be reunited very soon.

 I just wanted to e-mail just incase someone talks to either one of them. I used to go to church with them at Oso Creek and they babtized me. I do not live in Corpus anymore because my husband is in the Navy, but i just wanted to see if at all possible if someone could let them know that I love them both and the kids very much and i've been trying to keep track of whats happening and pray for them as much as possible. I was shocked to think anyone could think that they were even possible of such a horrible thing. If at all possible let them both know i constantly think and pray for them and i love them very much.

Kasie

Hello my name is Melissa L.  I was good friends with Hannah's mom Lane.  I have spent many hours with Hannah,Nathan, and Lane.  I love the whole family and knew Hanna as a sweet young girl that loved Jesus.  What has happened is so unbeleivable.  My heart hurts for Hannah and the whole family.  One day as was praying I beleive the lord gave me this verse"yes and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given to me by the spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance". Phil 1:19 My husband,parents, the ladies in my bible study as well as myself are praying for Hannah and the whole family.  I am beleiving for Hannah's deliverance! I am beleiving the lord to draw close to Larry,lane and the childeren.  May He give them supernatural help during this season.

My name is Nathan Saenz and I am Hannah Overton’s brother.  I have no idea where to start, but I felt I should share a few words that could help at the time being.   I could probably write a book by now, as many could.  I’m not going to go into too much detail at the time, but I wanted to share a few things. To begin with, thank you to all who support my family.  It’s been so incredible how so many have stood up for the truth, honored the gag orders, and shown so much self-sacrificial love for my family during this trial.  Thank you for your continual prayers.  There’s really isn’t anything more we could ask for that you haven’t done, or are doing.  Thank you to the lawyers, friends, family, and the body of Christ in Corpus Christi.  I’d also like to thank the few reporters who have reported the facts since they heard the other side of the story. To those of you who assume the worst about my family, I can’t blame you or hold anything against you.  The media, a vigorous DA, and circumstantial evidence have brought you to where you are.  I hold nothing against you, accept or different opinions, and wish you the best.
I’ve been very close to my sister my entire life.  Hannah and my mother have been the two most influential people in my life.  Hannah pointed me to the Lord my freshman year of high school and taught me so much about living a Godly life while loving others.  She’s been the best example that I have encountered, besides my mother, of a woman who fears the Lord, loves Him with all of her heart, and has such a strong love for others.  Her faith is such a strong mountain, and an amazing example.  I hope that one day my wife has the same characteristics as she does.  I’ve watched Hannah lovingly raise her five children in the Lord, and seen the fruit of her love for them in their remarkable characters. Hannah is so full of God’s love, peace, joy, and grace.
This entire case has been such an absurd trail from the beginning.  I saw the joy in Hannah’s heart when she started to adopt Andrew, and stood next to her and held her in her tears at Andrews’s funeral.  If you know the Overtons, you know of their amazing love for her children, and the love they had for Andrew.  Only days after his passing, the accusations began, and the lies from CPS started to spread in the media.  It sickens me that this has all been the product  of Andrew’s accidental death.  Hannah and Larry faith, trust, and hope in the Lord has been the most encouraging and growing thing that I have encountered during this trial.  I’ve watched them pray for the very ones that have accused them, in the midst of their sorrow.  I’ve seen them refuse plea bargains that would let them be with their children, because of their faith, and because they wouldn’t lie about being guilty of something they didn’t do.  I’ve watched their faith grow, their example change lives, and God work in their church in remarkable ways.  I don’t’ believe that God is done with this case, and what he is doing is a mighty work that will bring Him Glory, whatever the circumstances.
        My family is doing remarkably well in the conditions.  The Lord is sustaining us in so many ways, without Him we would be such a horrible mess.  Hannah is doing well.   I had about an hour visit with Hannah last Saturday with Larry, and a forty-five minute visit with Hannah today along with my mother.  Hannah is strong in the Lord and hasn’t given up hope of course.  The times we have spoken, she has been at peace and has had continual hope in the Lord.  If there is one thing she would ask for, I am sure it would be to continue to pray for her deliverance, and for God to do a mighty work though all of this that brings glory to Him.  There is still a lot happening in the legal process that gives us much hope, so please continue to pray.  I may post some details about my thoughts on  the verdict that I am working on, but at the moment I just ask for prayer.  Pray for the Judge, pray for our lawyers, and pray for our family.  That’s the best thing we could use right now.   The Lord is sustaining my family, the kids are happy and at peace, and we hold firm to the love of Christ on a daily basis.  Many of us are
troubled by the current circumstances, as we should be, but there is one thing we must hold on to, and that is hope.  I would ask that those who support us continue to pray for my family, for Hannah’s deliverance, for the Lords will to be done, and for Christ to receive all the Glory.  I read a scripture this morning that read: But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.  Psalm 71:14.


Nate Saenz

My mother is Brenda M, I have known larry and beth since i was born, this has gotten to my ears way too slowly. I am praying, getting the church that i work at to pray and act. Let me know what i can do. I can put out flyers to this website, organize peaceable protest, etc. Praise God for justice, it will come.
-Harley M

In the spring of 06, I was privileged to be in a Bible study with the ladies from Calvary Chapel.  We were in Corpus for an extended period of time.  While attending this Bible study, I met Hannah and discovered that she is a niece of dear friends of ours.  I was at the Bible study the day they found out they would be able to adopt this precious little boy.  There was much prayer of thanksgiving and blessing for the Overton family.  The first thought that we have is what a horrible mistake has been made in this situation,  I praise God that we all know that He doesn't make mistakes.  I pray for peace, strength, and the revealing of God's perfect plan.

Blessings,
Jo W

I have just heard of your case through Homeschool Blogger.com.  Our family fostered for five years, including children with RAD and food and other issues; kids just like it sounds like Andrew was.  We were just finishing an adoption of three drug-exposed, physically abused and emotionally and physically neglected siblings when our agency experienced a death of a foster child.  The baby was very drug exposed and medically fragile, and when he died, they immediatly charged the foster mother with murder.  We quickly decided not to foster any more after the adoption was final.  They are losing all the good, loving parents and leaving these kids with those who exploit them for the financial support.

We'll be praying for your family and your church.  Wish I were close enough to help take care of the children so wrongly denied their mother.

 I have some info I would like to forward about faulty coroner reports for hospital deaths.  It is the reason why most hospitals don't do them routinely anymore (because of liabilities).  They seem to be dead wrong 25% of the time.  I have reference to some studies that have been done.  If someone would like this information please email me.  I cannot figure out how to put the link on here.  I have been burdened and have prayed for Hannah and her husband and their children.  I am a homeschool mom who has had 9 children, live in the area, and know Beth Overton.  Adopting orphans is also on our hearts.  This whole thing is such a fiasco.  I am praying Psalm 6 for her and especially the last verse.  "Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;  Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly. 

My name is MeredythB. I am a close family friend of Kenny and Cybil D K who had Hannah and Larry in their Bible Study. Last year, Camden, my youngest son was 2 months old and colicky. I put him on top of the dryer because I thought the heat and vibration might help sooth his tummy. I had to prop his head up a tiny bit with a towel because he also had reflux and I was told not to let him lie flat. I stood right next to the dryer and folded laundry on top of the washer. I thought it was safe because, at 2 months old, he couldn't roll over yet. It was the biggest mistake of my life. I guess because he was propped up he was able to roll. Though I tryed to catch him, Camden fell off and hit his head on the tile floor.  I took him to Spohn South where the head scan showed that his brain was bleeding.  The er doctor, Dr. Wagner,  and I prayed over my son together just before they transported him to Driscoll. I didn't just pray for God to make him better. I prayed for God to give me the strength to accept his plan, no matter what.

First, I would like to commend the commend the church members that have stuck by the
accussed during such an ugly time.  It is easy to bail on people but hard to stay loyal.  This is something that most of society knows little about.  Even if the mother was truely malicious in this act, there is a whole family caught up in the whole mess that dont deserve to be abandoned in their time of need.

Second, I do not feel that Hannah is guilty of capital murder in any way.  If anything, it was only negligence and a failure to act, which could have happened to alot of people in their situation.  Case in point, I have wonderfull parents that have done nothing but love and raise me right my whole life.  However, they did not immediatly take me to the hospital after I suffered a sports injury that collapsed my lung.  I

 It is heart rendering.  Similiar to the Brian and Ruth Christine story and their five little girls in Oregon. Sadly, CPS receives federal funding for every child they "rescue" which means they have a very invested interest in burning parents.  Last statistic I saw was a couple of years ago.  At that time around 1,000,000 children were wrongfully taken from parents based on anonymous tips and had to be returned to the parents. It usually took from four to six months to get the children back. The longer CPS can drag it out the more money they get.  The magazine "The New Republic" just had an issue dealing with the problem. 

It is very sad when a person is taken away from their children and especially sad when it is after a loss.  A parent does their best and when it isn't enough they have enough guilt and blame for themselves, but it seems like our society wants to make it worse.  It reminds me of the 16 year old girl in Iran who was hung for being unislamic after being seduced by a government official.

Our prayers are with the family and for our country.  We live in scary times.

I have adopted twins who are now 12.  We adopted them when they were a month old.  They are fetal alcohol babies and have autism and all kinds of "lovely" behaviors that accompany their diagnoses.  They, too, spread feces hither and yon.  They, too, have stripped their beds and even slept under their mattresses.

The public is so ill-informed about what it's like to care for special needs kids, and what it's like to adopt through the foster care system in this country.  There is not even enough information given to parents who do the adopting.  I personally know of another family that fell apart after adopting through foster care in this country.

I am incensed.  I admire your grace.  This is just plain wrong.  I hope more parents with special kids will speak up on your behalf.
Karla A

 Pastor Rod,

God Bless You my Brother...
I miss you dearly...

I was shocked when I hear about Hanna and Larry Jr. Larry and Beth and that family are near and dear to Jean and I.
I wanted you to know what the first thing I thought of. Words from you Dad's bed side when he awoke in the hospital...remember this?

   "Rod...we don't know what God is up to...
    but He's up to something"

I have told your words for  Tex's memorial many times to hospital patients here at St. Joseph Hospital Bryan/College Station.
Those who have no hope of life and who are sick with pain...I never fail to get a question or a smile...somethimes both. With Larry Jr and Hanna the question is  "Why"? Well...we don't know what God is up to, but He's up to something. a-man?

God Bless You Pastor Rod,
Psalm 42:11

Chaplain
    Jim Robbins

We are Larry Duane’s parents. Hannah is our daughter-in-law. We are heartbroken for Larry & Hannah; we love them both more than words can express.

We have known Hannah since she was two years old. We all attended the same church in those days. And believe it or not, Larry Duane first proposed to Hannah during that time, some 25 years ago. Larry was 5, Hannah was 4. Larry took one of several swan figurines from our living room, presented it to Hannah and asked, “Will you marry me?” Hannah replied, “No, we’re too young.” She did, however, keep the gift!

 I met Hannah 2 1/2 yrs. ago when she discipled me through the basics of Christianity. And throughout the time I have known her I was blessed with opportunities to love her children, including Andrew. It is often said that children are a reflection of their parents - and I have known none more sweet. Hannah is a woman who loves God and loves children. I remember when she began praying about adopting a child, and when she began praying about adopting Andrew. I remember how lovingly the whole family embraced Andrew, and how he bloomed in their care. He was shown a piece of the Father’s love for him, and how beautiful a sight it was! Hannah has taught me so much about following God and has shown me what a tender heart for
God and for others looks like. May God be glorified and may He surround her with songs of deliverance.

Please continue to pray for her and her family.

By His Grace,
Fallon

I cried out to You, O LORD:  I said, “You are my refuge,  My portion in the land of the living. Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low;  Deliver me from my persecutors,  For they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me,  For You shall deal bountifully with me.”
Psalm 142:5-7

 Hi,
My name is Ginny and I am an old friend of Hannah and Lane. I was hoping you could provide me with an address for Hannah. 

It was only recently I heard of this nightmare they have had to endure. I can't even image how Lane and the family is feeling. I know how my heart aches for them. Here in Chicago there is not a dry eyed day that goes by for us that know and love Hannah. We have many interceeding and believing that God will come in like a whirlwind and avenge her and we will one day hear all men say, "Surely God rewards the righteous." (Ps. 58)

I would like to thank you for all your efforts. I'm sure this had been beyond difficult for you and your family also, but all you are trying to do will not be in vain.

The only address I have for Hannah is her home address. I would really like to write
both her and Lane.  If you could get the addresses to me, I would really appreciate
it.

Thanks and may God give you wisdom, blessings and strength.

Ginny C

I met Hannah at a Bible study and was immediately impressed with her Christian walk.  She was always seeking God's will in her life and in her family's life.  I know Hannah is not guilty of capital murder.  She is guilty of loving her Jesus, children, and husband.  The Overton family has been on our church's prayer list since the ordeal has started and will remain until she is free.

 So many people know the truth about what really happened with Andrew - including our Savior!  I know Hannah and Larry are not only amazing, calm, loving parents - but also a great husband and wife and dedicated followers of Christ.  Not a day goes by, where I do not think of Emma or Larry or any of the children that have been robbed of their loving mother!!  Please call on any one of us for anything you need.  There are a lot of people judging, but don't let that make you forget how many of us are behind you.  Keep the faith and remain as strong as possible for now.  If you keep that faith you have - it will help you in so many ways!!!

Love, Tiffany K

Mark and I have known the Overtons for a few years.  They came over to our house regularly when we lived in Corpus. As we got to know them, we found them both to be such an incredibly gentle and loving couple. I remember when Hannah told me about adopting Andrew and how excited she was. We were so grieved to hear the news about Andrew's death as well as the charges brought against them. Andrews's death is a terrible tragedy and I am saddened by the injustice that this family is enduring in addition to their loss. I have seen Hannah with her children and I hope that I would one day be as gentle of a mother as she is. I am praying for the Overtons daily as well as the church family in Corpus. May God draw all of you into a sweeter fellowship with Him during this trial. "For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him." Isa. 30:18b

With all of our love,
Candice and Mark

 I remember when I first met Hannah I looked up to her as a role modal of what a good mother should be. I cherished the time I spent by her house and took mental notes of how she raised her kids. I have always been in awe of this God fearing family. Hannah and Larry are STILL people I look to as examples in almost every aspect of life ESPECIALLY parenting. Reading these reports online (I live in  NYC now) have been very hard for me. Hannah is a role model mother and I just hope that some day VERY soon that truth will come to light.

Always praying,
Jennifer M

 I am praying for Hannah and her family.  I was at Spohn South Hospital the day that Andrew was brought in by EMS.  I feel our community is way too aggressive to convict someone of a crime without considereing the true facts and the persons heart. I have unanswered questions in my mind...Why did no one pay attention to the medical examiner who gave testimony from Cali?  What was Hannah thinking by trying to help a meth addict's child?  From what I can see, she was very unselfish, trying to help a child that noone wanted.  Did the jury consider this?  Did anyone look at the intent of this couple that they would include in their home a troublesome youngster? They have to be made of something very special, definitely not murderers?  hello? Remember, they CHOSE to help this little boy...When I was young, my parents were foster parents, and they did it because they were good Godly christian people who wanted to help less fortunate children have a loving home.  I think Hannah and Larry are pretty special people to at least "try" to help the child of a meth addict.  I am sorry for the way the trial went.  It gives me no confidence in our judicial system and proves correct the survey about Corpus Christi having the dumbest people.  People seem way too easy to judge someone "for life"...this is a very sad time for this family.  What a terrible experience and example. I am certain that no one will want to help children of drug addicts if they hear how this woman was treated because she did not understand what was medically going on with this young uncontrollable foster son that she was taking care of.

My prayers are with you guys.  I went on a mission trip with them and they had brought their two sons and they were amazing with them.  God has a plan and a purpose through all this, it's just that sometimes we can't see it.

 Hannah,
I just want you to know we love and pray for you!!  I 'know' you through Larry's parents (who are VERY dear to us).  I can't believe this has happened!  It is absurd!  My heart hurts for you being apart from your children.  That, in my opinion is the worst part of all of this.  THAT is an injustice to a child, to take a mother away!!  We will pray for you until you are free of this!

I have a baby just a bit younger than your Emma.  I can not look at my baby without thinking of you.  This is good, because God is using it so that I pray for you daily...mulitple times a day!  God is good...hard to always understand, but good.

And to your church: wow...what a church should be!  You have been a beautiful example of "the church"!!

 I was friends with Hannah's brother in high school and had the opportunity to be around Hannah on several occasions. Like so many, I am shocked and grieved by the injustice of this situation. Hannah, I pray that you sense the embrace of your Heavenly Father and of your brothers and sisters who are encircling you with love. You are not forgotten by Him or by us. We will continue to lift you up in prayer.

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.                             
                      Psalm 9:10

 So many people know the truth about what really happened with Andrew - including our Savior!  I know Hannah and Larry are not only amazing, calm, loving parents - but also a great husband and wife and dedicated followers of Christ.  Not a day goes by, where I do not think of Emma or Larry or any of the children that have been robbed of their loving mother!!  Please call on any one of us for anything you need.  There are a lot of people judging, but don't let that make you forget how many of us are behind you.  Keep the faith and remain as strong as possible for now.  If you keep that faith you have - it will help you in so many ways!!!

Love, Tiffany K (friend of Amy P)

 My heart is broken.

On September 3 2005, two years ago, Hannah and Larry Overton opened their home to me.  I did not move out until a year later when Andrew got sick and the media attacked our home.  They saw that I was in need and although they had only met me twice, they said "Come stay with us for a while".  They never expected anything in return from me. They loved me, prayed for me, supported me, even threw parties for me.  

I was there when the Overtons all welcomed Andrew into their home.  I celebrated with them.  I loved Andrew with them.  I was there when Hannah hugged him, fixed his boo boos, said goodnight to him.  I was there when she sang to her children, and when she prayed with them.  I was there when she home schooled them science, math, history, the Bible.  I was there many nights when we all went out to dinner as a family.  I was there when she wiped her childrens tears and changed their diapers.
I was there when Larry worked all day long and still came home to spend an hour or two playing with his children.

I write all of this with tears in my eyes because I cannot understand how people who never knew this family can persecute and hate and judge people who did nothing wrong.

Romans 12:9-15
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice
hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

I will love those who persecute, and I will fight for the truth because I love God and because I love the Overtons, and I know that this is what Hannah is doing.
Dawn W

Ephesians 5:1-2

My name is Matthew C and I am the dean of men at a small bible college in Lima Peru.  I know Hannah and Larry very little, but I believe she is innocent.  I used to go to Calvary Chapel Coastlands and I believe in the judgments and decisions made by the pastors and leadership there.  We have a whole school in Peru praying for you Hannah and we will continue to pray.

 I have known Larry and his family for about 16 years.  I have no doubt in my mind
that this was a tragic accident.  The relentless hatred towards these good people
sickens my heart, because it is solely based on accusation and rumor.  I hear over
and over "you never know what goes on behind closed doors."  This simply isn't true
- there would be some suggestion somewhere in their lives of poor character if they
actually had poor character.  You just can't fake it all day every day.  There has
never been one iota or hint of evil that I have seen, for 16 years, and no question
that these are people of the highest caliber and love for the Lord and people.  I
did know a "Christian" once who abused his wife.  It didn't take me long to
recognize there was something wrong in his character, even though others in the
church had put him in a place of leadership and teaching.  And sure enough, just as
my judgment suggested, he killed his wife and then himself not long after.  So I am
a good judge of character, and Larry and Hannah are of the best character.

Just as Joseph endured the loss of family, friends, reputation and freedom based on
false accusations, so has Hannah.  And just like Joseph, she is choosing not to
hate, and to trust God.  That says millions.  God be with you, Larry and Hannah, and
with your 5 beautiful children.