A Special Friend

Today I would like to give a special mention of a dear friend....most of you know how special you are to me!! So it's high fives for Glenna today!
Glenna Callihan and I have known each other practically since I moved to Lexington, KY. Our youngest were in the same 1st grade class together. Indeed her son was so 'taken' with my daughter that he wanted to marry her because she 'was a good Christian and didn't smoke'! Glenna and I are still laughing about that one. Since those early days, Glenna and I have crossed paths weekly for many years through Bible Study Fellowship. Glenna was my faithful piano player. She would make the piano sing and bring out our best voices in praise to God. She continues to play for the Evening Women's class. We share the love of a good cup of coffee and try to share our news over a Starbucks between my trips to Africa.
Today I would like to tell you why Glenna is an example of genuine Christian love and hospitality. She and her dear husband opened their home for Brian's mother, when she was no longer able to live alone. She was with them for many years! It was in the order of 7 years I believe. This dear mother-in-law was so lovingly cared for by Glenna and the family. There have been times when I hear people complain about their lives and them I think.....you have no idea what some people endure on a daily basis.
So this week, Brian's dear mother went to be with JESUS. I thank the Lord for knowing this dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Although Mrs. Callihan could not remember many things, she seemed to be able to remember about her Savior and Lord. Glenna always emphasized the positive strengths of Mrs. Callihan. I loved her story of giving her a basket of towels to fold while Glenna went to work. In the evening after Mrs. Callihan had gone to bed, she would get another basketful of unfolded towels ready for the next day. It gave Mrs. Callihan a sense of participation in the household.
I have learned and will continue to learn a lot from Glenna about faithfulness, patience and loving kindness. She not only did what she could to look after Mrs. Callihan but she did it long and consistently. How often do we fail to complete a task or project that we have started....how often have I? Today, I can assuredly say, that the Lord will be saying to Glenna and Brian...well done....good and faithful servants!!
I know what Glenna would say......It wasn't anything special.....she always points back to the Lord and says all that was done was for God's honor and glory. She does not want thanks for this work as she is looking for that reward in heaven that will truly satisfy.
Glenna will have the honor and privilege of playing the piano for Mrs. Callihan's funeral this week. Please pray for emotional strength and as the family say good-bye for a while. Please give Glenna a hug for me as I am here in Niger and miss not being with her to support her at this time. I know I can count on my Lexington, EW BSF sisters to give her loving support!

Beautiful People-CURE International

As our children grew up, my dear husband Paul intentionally provided opportunities for our family to meet and get to know people who exemplify the love of Jesus Christ in their lives....in character and service to Him.  Over the years, our children, who are now adults, enjoyed the privilege of meeting many missionaries, pastors and interesting people. Sometimes the people seemed unlikely candidates for God's kingdom work! Yet through all these special visits and relationships, we learned important lessons....God uses whom He chooses (not always the ones we think would be best suited for a ministry), God uses those who obey Him (no point in being a Jonah...look where that got him!) God brings glory to Himself often by the way He faithfully enlarges our vision and passion for His kingdom expansion. God receives much glory as He produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives....love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

Christine Lehman and Anne Negrini

Whenever I travel visiting CURE International hospitals, I meet beautiful people.  These are people who are sacrificial and outstanding in their examples to me of serving the LORD. I like to call them modern day heroes of the faith. Since I cannot bring these beautiful people home for Sunday dinner to introduce to the family I'd like to present in this blog posting two sweet friends and sisters who impressed me with their love and commitment to the LORD. Christine Lehman  and Anne Negrini are two women who I met in October 2010 while visiting the CURE hospital in Niger. These women are amazing examples to me of steadfast faithfulness and obedience to the LORD.
Chris is the wife of the hospital Executive Director Leron, she is the mother of three, and a part-time pre-school/kindergarten teacher. Chris is an amazing hostess, helpful friend and dear sister in the LORD. I love her cheerful attitude and ability to jump enthusiastically into a project. I was so grateful for her interest and help in sorting the toys for the 'Pavilion' so that the children had access to toys and books during their hospital stay. Chris is down to earth and practical in her relationship with the LORD and people. She lives her theology! Upon my arrival, she bought me a sac of groceries....sensible and practical. She also included me into her circle to enjoy 'girl friend time'. I love Chris and can't wait for the next time we get to be together!
Anne is the wife of the CURE surgeon, she is the mother of four children, a skilled crepe maker, an amazing cook, and a trained Radiology Technician. Anne was born in Switzerland and has served the LORD in many countries before and since her marriage to Jean Francois. She is no stranger to sorrow, experiencing and seeing many losses in various places as she serves GOD. But, look at the picture....she is smiling and she has the joy of the LORD. Anne is a sweet and tender sister....she took me under her wing when I was alone in the guesthouse. She treated me to many lovely meals and even invited me for a sleepover in their guestroom...with a water-bed! Anne was a patient tutor as I bumbled along in my Quebequois French. I insisted that we speak French as much as possible so that I could communicate with the nurses at the hospital. I love Anne and feel so much at home with her.
Both of these mothers are passionate about raising children who are aware of the realities of life....especially the reality that life is not about us (in case you are wondering....life is about God, His plans and purposes)! They are raising children who are aware of poverty, injustice and God's kingdom work amongst the 'least of these'.....the poor little children born with disabilities. These children are learning many realities in Niger. These are real kids....growing into citizens of the world, aware of God's plan to bring some of every tribe, language and nation into His kingdom.  They see by word and example the Love of Jesus Christ. My heart overflows with admiration and love for these precious MKs (missionary kids). God bless you dear sisters as you raise your family in difficult places and in trying times! Thank you for your example of love and generosity to so many. You are beautiful from the inside out! You are heroes of the faith!