today my mom is flying out to europe. she's meeting my dad to visit some missionaries. what else they will do, well, i couldn't tell you specifics. i just know they hit the road running and they help alot of people.
my parents live an adventure and they are such strong, stable, giving, real people and i know that is why others are so drawn to them. they live such an amazing life. funny thing since they were just two people, who started out in el paso, had a baby, moved to abilene, had another baby, on to dallas for a third baby, and then the calling to boise. i can't tell you that my mom was all that happy. i mean, who in their right mind would want to live in boise? where is that anyway? ohio? iowa? do they even have running water and electricity? besides, i'm sure it's miserably cold. all the thoughts i believe ran through my mom's head and her whole families when my father announced they'd be going :O) not to mention with 3 kids all under 5 in tow. but they went, because god called them. they couldn't bare the thought of not being obedient. they loved and still do love the lord with all their hearts. how many of us could say we'd be willing to give up our lifestyles, our friends, church, family, and move on to somewhere that we weren't even sure existed? this is one of the many reasons why i honor them and respect them so highly. they gave up a lot to come here, but it was without a doubt for much more gain than they'd ever expected. when they took broadway ave baptist church over, it had around 5 families. today, 30 years, two buildings, and an addition of 11+ staff later, it runs around 800. talk about reaping. i'm blown away at all god has done over the years. now my parents couldn't imagine living anywhere else. they love this valley.
all these years and even from the beginning, my parents have had a passion for missions. about 7 years ago (i could be off a bit) god began to call them to a new ministry, uncharted territory. god gave them a vision of a ministry that would act as a liaison for the missionary. IMAP-international missionary advocate personnel. imap takes on projects, raising money and support, so that the missionary doesn't have to come off the field, taking precious time away from their ministries and using their recources to do this. to go from a secure job, that you've done for over 35 years, being in your 50's, to start a new ministry was a leap of faith to say the least. but god has more than blessed and opened innumerable doors. it has been one miracle after another and god's providing.
so here's to you mom and dad. i'll miss you over the next few weeks. you're my best friends and i love you so much. but even more, i honor you because you are brave soldiers of the king and your testimony and legacy to your children and all who know you will live on for years to come!
to get involved you can visit their website at
3 comments:
hello I'm lola,spanish, i read ur text, I really love it, you should write a book, i dont know you but I'd like...post me
bye
Thanks for giving props where props are due. You're right. They are incredible people. We are lucky to have them in our lives.
Have you checked out my new blog? It's work related as well so I "have" to post at least 3 times a week.
Love you sis.
What a wonderful post on behalf of your mom and dad, Steph. I'm so thankful to have gotten to know them. I only hope someday that my kids admire me as much as you do them.
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