So there I was looking at all this stuff – paintings, wooden sculptures, surfboards ($3000 kinds), figurines, all crammed into this million-dollar home. Mostly things Marc had accumulated that Ingrid now had to deal with. I thought to myself, the guy must have loved shopping!
This month my team and I had the opportunity to partner with an awesome church community called Horizon Church. The members of Horizon are very intentional with reaching out to people in their community and sharing with them the love of Christ. They asked my team to help a woman named Ingrid, whose husband, Marc recently died of cancer. Marc had quite the reputation in Jaco. The only analogy I can think of is, he’s like the Hugh Hefner of Jaco. He was known for glorifying sex, drugs, alcohol, and rock-n-roll. He was also known for bashing Christians and Christianity as a whole. Marc was the last person you would have ever thought would give his life to Christ. BUT praise be to God he did before he passed away. Marc came to the realization that fulfillment and joy can not be bought; it is not found in materialistic possessions. Who do you know takes their million dollar home with them after they die? You can bury someone with all their money, 50 years later dig up their grave and that cash will still be there. Fulfillment, joy and happiness can only be found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Now let me tell you about my friend George. Few days ago, I had the opportunity to meet a man named George. George was our chef for the cooking class fundraiser we put together (blog pending with details). Without really knowing me, George openly shared his testimony. He shared his past how he was heavily into the drug scene and was a sex trafficker (sold girls and women) and simply lived far away from God for thirty-something years. He said it got to the point where he felt no remorse about his actions and saw the girls as $ signs. Two years ago George had an encounter with God and his life has never been the same. He now takes every opportunity to share his testimony and also works to mentor those coming out of rehab. When speaking to George, I can just feel and see the glory and light of God exuding from his being. George said to me, “I’m having the most beautiful romance with God. I’m seriously in love with him.” Wow! How great is our God!
The beauty of these two stories about Marc and George is all about God’s redeeming love and grace. Grace is the fact that God can meet us right where we are, despite our pasts, despite our failures, He’s still faithful. He loves us. He cares deeply for us and is literally waiting with open arms calling us back to him. No matter what we struggle with whether it’s materialism like Marc or an addiction like George when we realize God’s redeeming love we no longer have to be ashamed because in His eyes our slate is swiped clean. What in your past is still haunting you? Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy that you’re not good or worthy enough for God’s love. You are precious. You are worthy. You are HIS.
Few Announcements:
- I’m in ASIA! Landed in Thailand a few days ago. This month working with the YWAM (Youth with a Mission) organization. Currently having a debrief with my entire squad in Bangkok for the first few days. Then heading off to Ubon, Thailand to start ministry.
- Tuesday was my birthday! But of course since I’m 13 hours ahead I celebrated both Tuesday and Wednesday. Yes! For a two day birthday! Thanks to my awesome teammates for making it special and for my awesome tiara (which I may just wear everyday!) Here are some fun pics!
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- I received all the birthday & Christmas cards yesterday! Perfect timing got them on my birthday! God is so cool! Thank you so much! I feel truly loved and it means so much to me that you took the time to send them! I haven’t opened the Christmas cards yet. I intend to wait till the 25th to read the Christmas card!
With Love,
