Let me tell you this story

This is Apa, planting a juicy kiss on my Elias.  Every time I see her, her face beams with the joy that is in her heart!  She is family.  Her husband has left her to work in Russia where he has taken another wife and refuses to return.  She has raised 2 sons and a daughter all on her own.  A woman of great faith, she has been used to raise many in their own walks with Father.  She came fasting to my 3 hour, full spread party to honor T.  While in my home, she drank one glass of water.  Yet it was evident she was fully satisfied on Him.  Later I would find out she was fasting for T's healing.

This is my dear friend and teammate T.  She has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and cancer has also been found in lymphnodes in one side of her neck.  Her and her family (5 kids and husband) left July 4th for Turkey, where she will have surgery and undergo treatment.  The exact details on treatment are yet to be determined.  So much of their future is uncertain, but my heart is encouraged and challenged by her deep trust in the goodness of God.  No doubt I have seen her faith and trust in Him fleshed out in new and authentic ways.

And in the background is Mari.  Mari is deeply intrigued with Jesus.  Any talk of him and she leans in.  The conversation may not be directed at her, but she is not afraid to eavesdrop on what is shared.  She has seen genuine love; passionate faith; and humble service modeled in the lives of many.  Oh that she would enter in wholly and no longer stand outside wondering what's she missing.