"Immersed in Tears...
Paul writes on, "Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open spacious life... Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"
This past Sunday, listening to the Warriors share how much the Joni and Friends Getaway meant to them, I felt the same for you (my support network). I want you to live an expansive life of faith and knowledge of the wonder of our salvation through Christ. I pray that you don't take your freedom for granted. I speak not of just "patriotic freedom," but the freedom we experience as the redeemed of the only Son.
I was immersed in tears watching grown men and women, wounded for my freedom, cry tears of gratitude for what they had experienced during the weekend. For many it was the first time they had been free from worry of doctor's appointments, military roll calls and responsibilities of daily life. They were given a "getaway" from all the "new normal" activities they are dealing with.
This weekend they heard inspirational messages (brought by Dave Drvecky), rode horses, played golf, got manicures and pedicures, learned to dance like native Hawaiians (at the Saturday night Luau) and even attended an impromptu wedding ceremony! Who could have imagined this wide-open life. Their hearts openly shared their pain, as the joy and love that was poured on them nourished their wounds with healing and redemption.
Each family received a copy in their gift bags of "A Good Reason to Go" when they arrived. Throughout the weekend, I would hear, "We can't believe you would do this! We could never..." These were men and women who had sacrificed health, family life, comfort and security to provide for MY freedom; for every American's freedom regardless of race, religion or color! We live in a country where free speech reigns; opportunity knocks and hard work pays off.
The courage and bravery each one of these individuals (soldiers and their families) sacrifice is humbling. I am proud to serve them and it inspires me to take full advantage of the freedom they fought for. I am "free indeed" (John 8:36) and I am eager to tell the world.
In a few weeks (April 4-17) I will be returning to Voronezh, Russia to visit the young men and women who I have known since they were children in various orphanages across the region. They are now part of the ministry of Ann and Robert Fuqua and the GAP program that provides a transition home, discipleship and love once they graduate. (Visit their website for more information: www.fuqua.eastwest.org )
Consider your participation through prayer and financial support for our ongoing efforts to "set the captives free" (Isaiah 42:6-7).
His truth goes marching on!
With a smile and a quick step
Charlynn
Sunshine After Rain Ministries is a 501c 3 organization. All donations are considered tax deductible. For more information or to make a donation by credit card online, please visit our website, www.sunshineafterrain.org
"You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone... They'll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession, for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, His gift. No language can praise it enough."
2 Corinthians 9:13-15
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