Reflections from Romania

We hope to use this blog to keep you informed with what is happening with our ministry in Romania.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

A Life Well Lived

This past week has given me a lot to think about, but first a little bit about what we have been doing.
Last Wednesday, we were invited to speak at the House of Faith Open Bible Church in Des Moines.  Pastor Sheila Boesen and the kind folks there listened carefully to what we had to say about our work in Hungary and our plans for Romania.  We love visiting smaller churches and talking with small groups.  It gives us more opportunity for personal contact with people, not only talking about our work, but getting to know others better.  Thank you, House of Faith for your invitation, hospitality and generosity.
Mike speaking at House of Faith
 Sunday we visited the Church of the Open Bible in Iowa Falls, Iowa.  Pastor Jaccie Kenyon and her husband Herb are long-time friends of ours, so it was good to see them and the church again.  It was encouraging to note the growth in the church, especially the many young families with children.  This church loves and cares for missionaries and we benefited from their generosity on Sunday. Thank you, Iowa Falls!
Watching the children in the back of the sanctuary and listening to the service. (Photo by Jean Lindsay)
 The most touching event of last week was the funeral of our friend Joel Ide.  It is not often we are close enough to take part in such an occasion, but we took advantage of being in Des Moines and drove to Austin, Minnesota on Thursday to honor the memory of Joel and to support his family and the church.
Joel Ide
Joel passed away unexpectedly the week before, leaving behind his wife Brenda, a 25-year-old daughter and a 15 year-old-son.  Despite the sorrow of the sudden loss, there was celebration of his life.  Joel was a vital part of the Living Bible Church in Austin and we got to know him well during the ten years we pastored there.  Our son Paul is now the pastor of that church and was also a close friend of Joel's.

Joel was a man who lived his faith out loud.  He worked hard at everything he did on his job, at the church, with his family and for his neighbors.  He was always talking with people, putting them at ease and was not afraid to talk about Jesus.  He was everyone's friend and was constantly and joyfully helping someone in one way or another.  Joel left a powerful testimony of what it means to follow Jesus in everything you do. The over 300 people who came to his funeral are evidence of this.

We continue to pray for those who will miss Joel the most--his family and his church family, but we are thrilled to know that he is with Jesus and that we will see him soon.  The question I ask myself is, what sort of testimony for Christ am I living right now?  Can people see Jesus in me, in all I do and all I say?  Am I unashamedly telling others why I live the way I do?  How will you be remembered?

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