Last year one of our teammates in South Africa lost a parent. We had the honor and privilege to travel to be with them and their family as they celebrated their parent’s heavenly homecoming. We only got to briefly meet him before he passed, but after the service we felt like we had known him for decades. All throughout the service, we heart stories that built a legacy of faith and love.
We got to see that legacy so beautifully displayed in his daughter and grandchildren. It was in little things like hugs, smiles, twinkling eyes, laughter, and so much more. Knowing that we get to continue to watch that legacy in life and ministry… let’s just say we can’t wait to see him again in heaven to thank him. Thank him for raising a family that we didn’t know would become like family to us. Knowing how much of his life poured into the lives of the people we will be working and living alongside is beyond beautiful; it’s breathtaking. He poured into our lives and countless others without even realizing it. He woke up everyday and was a father and supporter. He carried his children to church. He was steadfast, and now we get to bask in the benefits of his life of service, through his descendents.
Seeing this legacy demonstrated was something we expected. In the time we have been with our teammates, we have seen countless character traits that make them the amazing people that they are. Going to this memorial service was like driving to the ocean after being away from it for a time; you held memories of what it looked like, but as it slowly comes into view you are reminded of just how beautiful it is. We knew that we would enjoy it, but soaking it in is so much more vivid than the memory.
There was one thing did take us by surprise that day. Sitting across the table from some of his fellow church members, we were asked a very simple question, “how did you know him?” We explained how we came to be there, and they responded in a way we did not expect: “Oh! You’re the ones we’ve been praying for!” They then explained that for years, our teammates had been sending out their newsletter asking for their supporters to pray for God to send them more teammates, and finally, God is answering that prayer through our family.
Even now as I type the words out I am crying again. We looked into the eyes of two women of God seeing the answer to their prayer, and they were looking at us…
If you gathered up all the good things that we have done and multiply them by a hundred, it still would not be enough to earn being the answer to people’s prayers. These prayers went up to heaven and God reached down and called us, out of billions of people on this earth. And He didn’t pick us because we had done enough good things, He picked us because He can do enough good things that He has prepared for us to do [Ephesians 2:10].
God, help us be your instruments. Be the answer to prayers through us. And let our legacy be one of service to You and Your Kingdom. Amen.