The Works of God

Today is a sad anniversary.

For 39 years we’ve lived with the consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade.

But it won’t last.

Woe to him who builds a town with blood
and founds a city on iniquity!
Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts
that peoples labor merely for fire,
and nations weary themselves for nothing?
For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
Habakkuk 2:12-14 ESV

It is coming.  Let’s tell people about Jesus so they are happy, free and not condemned when Jesus himself makes ‘all things new’ (Revelation 21:5):

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 ESV

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Lord willing, I’m either in transit or actually in Oregon when you read this.  I’m going to see some crazy people – most people do not know what to do with radicals like these!

They don’t look like radicals, do they?

God has made Craig and Susan (on the left) into pretty amazing people.

Their story is interesting.  The way they tell it, they were good-hearted, nice church people – then God moved on them to change their lives in ways they never could have expected.

Susan started a program to serve young mothers a few years ago – they’ve served more than 1,500 women and children!  All with volunteers and all with donations of clothes and baby items.  And every woman hears the gospel.  Here’s a five minute video that tells the story much better than I can.

Maybe the most telling comment is this one from Susan: A few years ago all my friends were basically like me.  Now my best friends have criminal records and tattoos!

They moved across the street from this ministry, which is located in a poor part of town.  God planted more dreams, and Craig responded in faith.  Most men don’t consider a radical shift from a professional career into the ministry at his age, but that’s what he’s doing.

They aren’t ‘nice’ people at all – joy-filled, hospitable, smart, kind, hard working – but not nice.  There is a tenacious clinging to Jesus for joy that is special.   Satan knows how dangerous they are.

So, I’m going to happily hang out with them for a few hours as they celebrate the launching of their new church that Craig will be leading.

Then I’ll drive down to Bend to spend time with more dangerous people.  Justin (the fellow on the right above) gave up a good business to work full-time on The Elisha Foundation, which is entirely dedicated to making Jesus known to families like ours through retreats, respite nights, and reaching out beyond the boundaries of the United States.  My family has experienced their God-centered, Christ-exalting, Spirit-filled hospitality – as have dozens of others.  This kind of pouring out of one’s life – looking the suffering of disability squarely in the eye and proclaiming the sovereignty and goodness of God – isn’t easy or simply.  But it is wonderful to experience.

I’m grateful to God for these people and how he has made them and sustains them.  I’m grateful to God for my wife’s generosity in releasing me for these three days as that is no simple thing either.  And I’m grateful to God for Desiring God posting (Lord willing) Pastor John’s message on Monday, as I won’t be in Minnesota to hear him deliver his annual pro-life message which God has used to change how I think about unborn life and the goodness and sovereignty of God.

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Another encouraging word from Jan Lacher.

Please note how much Jan invests in both the church and in Michael.  It isn’t always possible, I know.  I’m not even suggesting it is always wise.  That’s why every engagement in the church that needs to be different because of disability should be prayed for ‘without ceasing,’ asking and expecting God’s help.

But I love this example of God using this family to guide the hearts of boys.  What might God be preparing them for as men?

Here’s Jan’s update:

Here is a little update on Michael’s Wednesday night connection class to encourage you to press on dear brothers and sisters. As you know, we have “mainstreamed” Michael into his class for about three years. Currently, we are in Diane’s (team leader) Wednesday 3/4th grade class.  I attend the classes with the Fox to care for him.  I typically glean tremendous truths from the rich lessons that are taught.  I love seeing Michael’s peers and enjoy interacting with them.

God has done incredible work in the hearts of people to include Michael even when it is hard or uncomfortable.

Last night, before the class, Michael’s teacher, Mr. P asked me if he could call upon Michael and have us place a visual on the poster during the lesson.  We are currently studying the Biblical definition of a fool. I raised my eyebrows and agreed on Michael’s behalf to have him “do” it–that is if they can part the Red Sea of chairs to allow us access to the front of the class.

We usually sit in the back of the room.  It allows me to come and go with Michael as needed.

The lesson began.  At one point, Mr. P called upon Michael to place the visual.  The kids gasped–Michael, do it? Some exclaimed, “YEAH, Michael!”

I cautioned Mr. P, as we approached the front, to protect his computer that he uses during the lesson, as Michael would find it fair game to bang on the floor. Mr. P did so.

We made our way forward with Michael’s teacher asking the class,  “On which road should the foolish heart be placed?”  They answered appropriately.  We placed (I placed) the visual on the poster, and I turned to wheel Michael to the back of the room.  The boys in the room started to chant, “MICHAEL!” followed by clap, clap, clap; “MICHAEL!” clap, clap, clap.  Some of the girls joined in.  I was moved by their kindnesses to him.  Michael rolled side to side in the wheelchair with excitement.  My heart was swollen in gratitude.

I think that when people see how God uses all types of people–people like Michael–they are blessed and are more apt to take a risk and do that which is out of the comfort zone.   May God be honored and praised and glorified.

Amen, Jan.  And thank you for letting Michael lead us to God.

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Pastor John ruined our Thursday morning.

In a good way!

He sent the link for the video below, which I watched early Thursday morning.  I told Dianne she needed to watch it, so we did so together.  Then, as the children got up, they all watched it as well.

We are not a well-oiled machine to begin with, but we generally know we have to keep moving to get everyone where they need to be.  Taking out 30 minutes from our routine basically meant we were in a mad scramble the rest of the morning!

Yet, not a complaint could be found; we were all pretty happy.

This is what ruined our morning:

What is it in our hearts that wants to know others understand, that we aren’t alone, that there are people who don’t just live a life of disability, but live THIS life of disability?

From the moment I saw this dad lift his son and guide him to the center of stage – I’ve lifted Paul like that, with his elbows close in to the body!  That little cane with the marshmallow tip – Paul had one of those for years!  That little hand making sure his dad was near – that’s what Paul does!  The finger flicking, the rocking while he sang, the thumb and fingers around his chin and neck – Paul does that!

The unselfconscious singing.

Even his dad admitting he might not be able to keep his composure!

Yes, it was sweet.

God is good.

And this is still my favorite ‘catch’ of Paul singing!

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