Kansas City/Independence, MO

Cindy's dad died unexpectely Wednesday, Feb.27. He was 68 year old. To say it was unexpected is an understatement. Both Cindy and I knew these days were going to come. All of our parents have lost their parents (our grandparents). No matter how many times you visualize these events in your mind's eyes, they never quite play out that way.

I am thankful for my church family which immediately let me go to minister to my wife and family. I am thankful for the Winston-Dillard School District for allowing my wife to take leave so that we could be with the family. I am thankful for the provision that God has made in our lives that made it possible for us to purchase airline tickets and travel. I am thankful to be part of a denomination that provides support in emergencies such as this one. One phone call and an email went out to dozens of people that were able to assist me in providing someone to lead worship in our church in my absence.

Most of all I am thankful for the love and support that Cindy and I have received from numerous friends during these days.

The days literally pass in a whirlwind of activity. We arrived Friday morning. Our daughter had flown in Thursday evening. Our son and his wife arrived by car on Saturday. Here is is just after noon CST and we are together on a Sunday. That is a rare occurrence- but thoroughly enjoyable.

So far everyone including Vicki, Cindy's step mom, is holding up well. That seems to be a normal pattern. The weather- which has been gorgeous is supposed to change later today and tomorrow.

Spending time with Cindy's family- totally unchurched, though they would all consider themselves Christian- is always an interesting time. Their lives have been filled with activity- their children (two nieces and one nephew) are heavily involved in school and typical extra-curricular activities (tae-kwan-do; piano; sports...and the list is literally endless). The parents work, belong to gym's,
have their own hobbies and interests. Trying to interest them in 'church' would be a significant challenge. Their Sunday activities are almost exclusively focused on family and home activities- in many weeks Sunday is the only day the family is together during waking hours.

We have tried different ways to engage them in finding a church but to no avail. I honestly don't know how to approach them about it any longer. We have had 'the' conversation about their relationship with Christ with all of them- and they all claim some kind of faith experience, though it makes little or no difference in their lives.

So, every time I visit I am challenged by the question- how do I live so that my faith relationship with Jesus is so vital, so real, so attractive that those in my circle of influence are impacted? Have I been truly transformed by the power and presence of Jesus in my life? Am I living transparently enough to demonstrate the reality of Jesus?

Somehow I've got to reconnect with that kind of presence and power so that my life leads people to faith instead of away from it!

More later-


Steve