It can be a difficult thing to "hold a loved one loosely", especially your own child. It forces a parent's faith and trust into a whole new depth when that parent realizes his own son or daughter has become an answer to prayer -- his own. Those "workers for the harvest" that he has been so committed in praying for over the years quite suddenly takes on the face of his own child who is volunteering to minister overseas. It is one of those moments when a parent's heart fails to beat from both extreme joy and intense anxiety. We share here one parent's experience...
"I just wanted to take this opportunity to let everyone know that our daughter ... and the mission team ... are now safely at home .... Thanks to everyone who prayed for our kids while they were gone. Those prayers were answered and we are grateful. (She) did bring home something to remind her of Niger for a few more days: a parasite. She ... made it until the last day in Niger before becoming ill.... Hopefully, everything should be okay in a few days. Right now, she looks great to me and (her mother) -- dirt, grease and all!!"
"The main item is that despite how tired she is right now, we can see and sense the excitement of how God has changed her through this life experience. Despite two sandstorms, being extremely airsick from the turbulence coming home, 117 degree temperatures, language differences, constant sand and dust in and on everything, and many other things; she would go again if given the chance. In fact, she told me that maybe we should send a team back to that area again next year. Being in the desert (physically), gave her a glimpse of God's paradise."
"Thank you again for your prayers..."
Download this testimony (.pdf)
