My Dear Family in Christ,
Isn’t that amazing that I can call you that? “Family” - Normally, we think of “family” as being only those related by blood or marriage. How thankful I am for the family into which I was born and the family into which I married. How thankful and blessed I am for the family that Mike and I had, and now the sweet, precious families of our children.
However, I have come to realize that “family” can be so...
My Dear Family in Christ,
Isn’t that amazing that I can call you that? “Family” - Normally, we think of “family” as being only those related by blood or marriage. How thankful I am for the family into which I was born and the family into which I married. How thankful and blessed I am for the family that Mike and I had, and now the sweet, precious families of our children.
However, I have come to realize that “family” can be so much more ... especially among Christians. I have a family of friends, a family of supporting churches and a family of prayer warriors. I have my church family and my mission family. And then, of course I have my precious family in Honduras, my “children” and “brothers” and “sisters” there. I am referred to by so many of them as “mamá” (mother), “abuelita” (grandma), or “tia” (aunt)... and I love every bit of it! Also, for several years I have been in contact with a young Baptist pastor in Andhra Pradesh, India. His name is MurthyBabu Kalva. And even though we have never met face to face, he calls me “Mother Debbie” and I lovingly call him “son”. And last, but certainly not least, are my extended “family” members, my fellow believers and brothers and sisters in Christ, around the world! I may not have ever met them, or may not know their names, but nevertheless, we are “blood” relatives! When we accepted the precious blood of Christ as payment for our sins, we were made joint heirs with Jesus and part of the Family of God! ...” ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” Romans 8:17
In mid-July, I, a few members of my family and some of my church family will be going to visit some of our Honduran family members! I, my son, Brandon, his wife, Kathy, and their oldest (my firstborn grandson), Dakota, will be going as part of the Faith Baptist Church mission team. After visiting and ministering in Danli with missionaries Jason Tate and Allan Jackson, the team will leave, and I and my family will be going to my home in La Esperanza. We will spend a week there. Our plan is to, not only visit all the works, see “family” members and be an encouragement to them, but to also go thru Mike’s belongings and make some decisions. (As I understand it, I am now finally the legal owner of all our property there.) If seeing our precious people again was not exciting enough, even more exciting is the fact that my grandson, Dakota, will be there! Mike and I dreamed of the day when our grandchildren would be able to come and meet our other “family” members and see the reason and the need for us to be such a distant part of our grandchildren’s lives. Dakota has worked hard to earn money for this trip; however, I know that some of you have also had a part of making this happen. “Thank You” seems so small a token of appreciation for your unselfish and sacrificial generosity, however, I know of no other words to tell you how I feel.
Recently, I read some good sayings about “Family”. One said something like “‘Family’ isn’t defined only by last names; it’s defined by commitment and by love. It means showing up when they need it most. It means having each other’s backs.” There was more to it, but this is the part that stood out to me. The other said, “Family is not always about relations. Sometimes it is about who is there to hold your hand and support you when you need it.” You were such precious “family” to Mike and I while we were in Honduras... and to me after his passing. So many of you, even now, continue to show “commitment and love” to me and my Honduran family by your continued support and prayers. And now, once again, you are demonstrating that deep, blood relationship that we share by helping my grandson to visit the people to whom we gave 20+ years of our lives!
While only God knows what His future plans are to bring others into His family, one thing is certain: You have helped to do your part in preparation of the “birthing room”! May God bless you all, my precious family in the Lord! Maranatha!
Debbie Lane, Missionary to Honduras