"Friends come and friends go,
but a true friend sticks by you like family." – Proverbs 18:24
Dear Friends and Family,
I would like to present to you: Darren & Lyndie Bateman, my family.
These two are a married couple who are on the World Race with me. What? Married!? Yes. Married people do in fact do missions together. Not just missions but this couple has decided to sacrifice 11 months of their lives for Jesus. I would like to just talk to you about them real quick.
First off, Lyndie Bateman. This woman is awesome. I absolutely love her. I know Darren more than her but I still see Jesus in her. It's obvious. She's a completely people-focused person and someone who inspires me very much. You see, I grew up with many women in my life. I lived with my mom and sister longer than my dad. Every family that has taken me in to live with them has had one very strong married woman who has loved me, encouraged me, and challenged me. I see Lyndie as another woman in my life who has done the same and will continue to do so.
Darren Bateman, D, D-Dawg, Homie, My freaking big brother. It's very hard to explain in short about how good of a person Darren is. In Albania we got really close because we had our all squad ministry month. For those who don't know (and how can you not?) I am a very physically affectionate person. I receive love through physical touch. I'm also a much more sensitive guy than the average man. But D doesn't care about how different I am than other guys. He gives me a hug every time he sees me. He literally encourages me with every conversations we have. I'm overwhelmed with all the wisdom that he has poured out into me. But he has also grown entirely in that one month where I saw him everyday. You know sometimes you say after a while you see someone grow? It could be physically getting taller or even someone growing in Christ. I could tangibly see Darren growing in Christ every single day.
About a month (and even longer) before we launched to our first country the Bateman's were having trouble selling their home. It takes about a month for a house to close completely when selling. Now they were at their month mark and their house still didn't sell. But they had faith and continued to go towards what God has called them to. Their house did sell and they have been doing the work that God has wanted them to do since He created them.
I don't know what else to say except that I love them. I want to share who they are with you. I want you to pray for them. I want you to encourage them. I want you to support them. Us single people on the Race raise about $16,000. This married couple has to raise $32,000. When we launched they had to have almost the entire amount that I need for the entire Race! It's because of the people that has brought them there. They listened to God and helped in the biggest ways and the smallest ways. I don't want support this month. This couple is one of the several that are on my heart to share with you. Because they are in just as much of a need as I am. Please give this amazing couple anything you have to spare.
If you want to support them or see their entire stories CLICK HERE!
