family blessings

Sharptown family, it has been to our true joy and pleasure to be with your wives, children, siblings, husbands, fathers and friends this past week...to sweat alongside them, to translate their testimonies, to serve them and to be served by them, to give the Gospel with them, to share rice, to laugh together, to learn their stories, and to realize anew that EVERY person has a journey.

Every person has a story, and each, a gift.  Every one our own valleys and shadows.  Every one our mountaintops and joys.  And to share our stories with one another and realize that we have each been gripped and dramatically changed by our God and His grace...what a gift.  


This team has reminded me anew that we're not sharing the Gospel with Haiti, or with America, or with any place, but with people.  Individual, complex, intricate, gifted, personalized, storied people.  What a gift that is, to work life-on-life and be touched by the strengths, the weaknesses, the heartbreaks and the joys of each other.  


I've never done this before, but want to take a second to thank each of you for your help, your friendship, and your peanut butter :), and to share with you specifically the Christ I see in you--the hope of glory.  


(If you've never heard of Sharptown or any of these people or live on the other side of the universe, I hope you're still touched by the family we're all in.)
  
There is no flattery or empty compliments here.  This is the Christ I saw in you each this past week and our prayer for you, and I'm giving Him the glory!




Uncle Don--  "Faithful" is just always the word that overwhelms me when we thank our God for you.  Unwaveringly faithful to your Father and to your family.  Faithful to only and always do your very best at every task.  Faithful to do the work you came to do.  Faithful to be encouraging, to be positive, to be humble and to bless those around you.  We could write a whole post about what the faithful and generous giving of your God-given gifts has meant in our lives.  We love you, Don, and are so glad to have you as family.  (you can come back now)


Nana Brenda--  We know that this time in your life and this place that we're in is not the easiest for you, and yet here you were, laying down the burdens in your own life to alleviate some of the burdens in ours.  Any woman will tell you that there is no sweeter gift than that of a clean home and that of another woman caring for and loving your children as if they were your own.  We were SO thankful to have you with Don this time (and so glad Lily finally agreed to let you stay in "Uncle Don's Room").  We love you and are grateful to know that we will each continue to carry to the Lord the burdens of each others lives.  


Emily--  Em, I continue to just be so blessed and even amazed at the gift that God has given you to work with youth...and with joy, energy, patience and His great love!  We all have our "talents", but your ability to Jesus-Love the often neglected and sometimes very-difficult-to-love 12-20 category of God's creation is of HIM.  It's downright beautiful to see Him at work in you, Emily.  Praying for continued direction, provision, and peace for the journey as your family works towards Him!



Melissa--  It was the very first prayer I translated for you that truly opened my eyes to your sincere and deep love for our God and for others.  The theology and Gospel packed into those prayers was as sweet, clear and powerful as any evangelism done this week.  You possess the "at peace" Spirit that I so greatly desire as an easily frazzled mama.  Thank you for sharing that with me...you have our prayers as He reunites and expands your family!


Judy--  I never heard a complaint or harsh word leave your lips, and never looked at you, no matter how hot or tired, that you didn't give me a big smile.  I was so blessed your attitude, but never more than at the cooking lady's house when you shared your testimony and then the Gospel with such a passion and joy in your voice that I could have sworn the woman was your dear friend.  "That's how it should be," I thought, and am so grateful to have met a woman of your example.


Natalia--  "That is one brave chick," I thought when you not only volunteered to join the door-to-door evangelism group, but then joined the group that had no other women.  There is more of His strength in you than you realize, made perfect in our weakness!  Your heart to serve, Christ-like attitude and the courage to go and do what you feel you should blessed me greatly.  Keep ON.


AJ--  You came looking for the one thing everyone else was avoiding: tarantulas :) Sorry I didn't do a better job finding you one!  AJ, we had a GREAT time with you, and while I know parts of the trip were a stretch beyond what you thought you were ready for, you let Him.  He is able to be victorious through us when allowed, and it was GOOD to see that in you.  THANK YOU for making this trip, AJ, and for acting on the love you have for Him.


Katie--  Your passion and emotion and interaction while sharing the Gospel surprised me...and may have even surprised you!  The way you are able to powerfully share with others the heartbreaks and joys that God has shared with you is a true gift.  He has so much for you, Katie...such a deep, rich, uncompromising and free life, and you have everything you need to embrace it!  Keep handing Him the control...I'm so glad you're our sister!!


Sami--  Lily isn't the only one who loves you, Sam!  I'm SO glad you were able to be here with us and have this "one last family hurrah" before heading to Asbury...and SO GLAD you're heading to Asbury!  Beyond your gifts and talents you have a love and patience for children that is beautiful to watch.   During the "report" session of evangelism day as we all sat together, I saw you sitting on a back bench surrounded by children, one of them being a lame little girl I had just watched you gently carry to your side, and I was blessed to see Jesus in you "let the little children come."  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and He will make your paths...


Shelby--  Whether it comes from Jesus or your mama, I'm not sure, but your attitude is just unmatched.  The joy that Jesus IS in your heart radiates even when you're talking about flavors of pop or your favorite movies.  I know it seems trite to say you have a fantastic attitude as you work or play, but it is rare, friend, and of HIM.  What you put out exudes what you possess in the secret places of your heart, and I was so blessed to see that this week!


Leann--  Why don't you sweat, how are you so good at Jungle Whatever, and how in the world do you sleep on these roads?  I don't know, but I've never seen a girl work a machete so hard or persevere so long, and your insight runs deep.  Your gentle spirit and constant determination (like, coming to Haiti AGAIN after having all of your possessions stolen the first time) will take you far, but it's your concern for what HE wants that will take you just where He wants you...the best place.


Rachel--  I can't tell you how many times this week Matt or I have said, "Rachel is REALLY thoughtful."  You see things that others miss and jump to do them, think of things that others would forget and ask about them, and care about things that might seem unimportant to most, but not to ONE.  All of that we call "Christlikeness" :)  Your story, His call on your life and your desire to be like your Father has touched our hearts.  We're blessed to be in His family with you, Rachel.  Praise the Lord!


Jake--  Besides being Lily's first real crush ("Mommy, I like him so much because I LOVE him...do you think he'll like this shirt?") you are also Don's first real echo.  We've never seen anyone work as diligently, thoroughly and thoughtfully as Don until now!  Your obvious (even if you deny it) gift with children, the way your attitudes and approach includes everyone, and your desire to do what He has for your life, not just what you can, are inspiring.  He loves you deeply, Jake.  Hang near to His heart...


Mason--  Whether is was your hair or your dashing good looks the girls in church were mesmerized with, we'll never know, but it was your "ready" that we loved.  Ready to go, ready to work, ready to play, ready to share, ready for whatever came. Your openness and desire to be changed by Him and by this experience testified to us both.  Continue to be ready to speak of what He's done and who He is, and ready for the plans He has for your life!  


Dylan--  When I asked if you were ready for tomorrow, and you told me you like to take things a day at a time, I immediately thought, "I'm pretty sure the Bible says something about that!"  What a testimony you are for embracing the moment, worrying not about tomorrow, and for giving everything you've got to the day.  The way you speak to and treat others is the way you should be spoken to and treated, and I'm pretty sure the Bible says something about THAT, too.  We are blessed to have found out you're our brother.


Hannah--  There may still not be an American Ninja Warrior, but I think you qualify for the Haiti division.  You were bought with a price, Hannah...know how dear you are to Him and how great the plans are that He has for you.  Plans to give you a hope and a future.  We are SO glad to have met you and so glad that you came, and persevered.  Keep giving Him you...it's all He wants!


Ryan--  When I was told that you'd be "all over" the door-to-door, I was surprised...because it's hard to find people excited about walking through a foreign neighbor, knocking on doors and preaching Jesus.  But man, they were right, and it was SO FUN to watch you have so much fun Tuesday, unhesitant, passionate, and ready.  It is He who has made you, and we're pumped to see what the future holds with all of the gifts He's given you.  Keep givin' 'em back as best you can, and let Him work.


Kelli-- As I got to know you throughout the week, Kelli, I realized more and more how much of a s-t-r-e-t-c-h this week must have been for you.  What a testimony your coming and your giving and going all week is to His call on your life and your commitment to obedience!  Your willingness to be stretched and your determination to cling to Him, man...I am touched, Kelli.  Touched and very incredibly blessed to know you and to call you sister!  


CHOP, CHOP, Sharptown team!  We're sending you to the mission field!

"It's not a matter of our equipment, but of our poverty;

not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts in us;

not a matter of natural virtues, of strength of character, of knowledge, nor of experience--

all of that is of no avail in this concern.  

The only thing of value is being taken into the compelling purpose of God and being made His friends.

We are here for the purpose of God."

O. Chambers