It's amazing how someone you have only seen for 4 days in your life can impact the rest of your life. But, that is true for me, and a few other people who were blessed enough to be with me on my first mission trip. I know part of it might be that it was my first experience, but most of it was meeting someone who has the power to inspire people and give them hope. By sharing his story of facing obstacle after obstacle, and believing God was walking with him to help him through it all, he is able to give everyone around him encouragement and confidence to look to God.
Etched in my memory is a moment in time- sitting in his living room and hearing him talk, hearing him sing with the most beautiful voice, and knowing God was in that room with us. That week we went to Alabama to help others. That week we actually got so much more than we could ever give. We built a ramp for this man. But, he built up our group and he helped build each one of our spiritual lives.
Lately, I noticed his posts on facebook mentioned that he is having more health issues. I noticed today he mentioned talking to his hospice nurse. He was in hospice before we went there a few years ago, but it sounds like he is again. Before, he got better and was able to leave hospice because God obviously had more for him to do. I am hopeful that his health improves. I sent him a message to let him know our group is praying for him. He responded by telling me the cross we had given him was sitting right next to him. It had been an idea we thought of while there. We made a cross out of some of the wood we were using, put a scripture on it, and signed it. Such a simple thing. I'm glad he still enjoys it. And, it reminds me that sometimes it is the simple things that mean the most.
Because of what I learned from him in those 4 days, I am a better person, a better leader for my youth, and a better follower of God. And, he is a person I would like to be like. Someday, I hope someone can say that about me- that I was a person who gave them those gifts.
So, where was God today? He is with this amazing man, as He has always been, walking beside him to comfort him when he needs it.
Etched in my memory is a moment in time- sitting in his living room and hearing him talk, hearing him sing with the most beautiful voice, and knowing God was in that room with us. That week we went to Alabama to help others. That week we actually got so much more than we could ever give. We built a ramp for this man. But, he built up our group and he helped build each one of our spiritual lives.
Lately, I noticed his posts on facebook mentioned that he is having more health issues. I noticed today he mentioned talking to his hospice nurse. He was in hospice before we went there a few years ago, but it sounds like he is again. Before, he got better and was able to leave hospice because God obviously had more for him to do. I am hopeful that his health improves. I sent him a message to let him know our group is praying for him. He responded by telling me the cross we had given him was sitting right next to him. It had been an idea we thought of while there. We made a cross out of some of the wood we were using, put a scripture on it, and signed it. Such a simple thing. I'm glad he still enjoys it. And, it reminds me that sometimes it is the simple things that mean the most.
Because of what I learned from him in those 4 days, I am a better person, a better leader for my youth, and a better follower of God. And, he is a person I would like to be like. Someday, I hope someone can say that about me- that I was a person who gave them those gifts.
So, where was God today? He is with this amazing man, as He has always been, walking beside him to comfort him when he needs it.
Joshua 1:9 (
New International Version (NIV)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
(the scripture on the cross we gave him)
Blessings,
Jennifer
(the scripture on the cross we gave him)
Blessings,
Jennifer
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