Thankful Thursday

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20


For many of us this passage of scripture calls us to be witnesses in our communities. Maybe the place you have lived all your life, the city you moved to from college to take your first job, or the place where you chose to raise your family. However, there are number of people in this world that have been called to leave their homes to make a new home in a foreign country and be witnesses there. In some cases, they are called by God to a foreign country where the citizens have no interest in God. Or, in other cases, they are called to a foreign country where it is even illegal to mention the name of God.

This week I am thankful for these people that so courageously and faithfully follow God’s calling to these foreign lands. And, to be even more specific, I am thankful for one particular family that will be following God’s calling to another country in the next 5-6 months. This family is very dear to me. I was there when Carrie & Clem married and then started their family. I have watched them as they have raised their two precious children, Hunter (9 yrs old) and Allie (6 yrs old). Carrie & Clem first began to hear God’s call a couple of years ago and I have watched and prayed for them as they have discerned God’s will and begun the process of entering the mission field.

At this time they are preparing to leave for Prague in May or June of 2009. They are making memories with family members they will not see for several years. They are selling their home and clearing out many earthly possessions they are unable to take with them. They are preparing their children for a very big life change. They are praying and they are following. They have found peace. They are also excited for all that lies ahead of them.

And, we that love them so very much are happy for them, praying for them, loving them and enjoying our time together with them before they leave. You see, there is also a 2nd reason I am so thankful for this family. Carrie is my baby sister. I remember like it was yesterday when she was born (although, family stories will tell you I was terribly upset when I found out I had a new baby sister instead of a baby brother… but, hey… give a girl a break… I was only seven at the time! :) ). I remember when she started talking, when she started walking, when she started school. I was thrilled and excited for her when she met Clem and realized that he was THE ONE. I love her as only a sister can love another sister.

I also love Clem dearly. He is the perfect husband for Carrie… they go together so well and have grown a beautiful home and family. Hunter and Allie are so blessed to have these two as their parents. I love these two kiddos as much as I love their parents! Plus, they are super cute! :)

I thank the Lord for this special family. I thank Him for all they are to me personally and for their willingness to follow Him… even to a foreign country…. even to a foreign country where very few people know Him.

In closing I ask, if you don’t mind and if you feel the Lord place it on your heart, to pray for Carrie and Clem and Hunter and Allie over these next few months. I know it would mean the world not only to me, but to them, as well.


For more Thankful Thursday visit Iris at Grace Alone...!