Hello friends.
A bunch of great people showed up yesterday to play some games and help Luke celebrate his 17th birthday. In the midst of heartbreak, it meant a lot to our whole family. Luke's words: "Mom, dad, there's something I want to tell you." "What's that buddy?" "These last two birthdays have been the best...16 & 17." Our prayer remains the same. We can't stop, WON'T stop praying for God to heal our boy. (James 5:14-16) God bless, James & Lu (for Sam, Jay, & Luke)
6 Comments
Hello friends.
We are home! As week 3 at TimberWolf Lake unfolded, it became evident that Luke needed to take a step back. His body is tired, so he is needing increasing amounts of rest each day. Luke let us know he had accomplished his goals and dreams, and that it was time to head home. His crew has five more days (a discipleship camp), and will finish their session on Sunday. Luke's Work Crew experience was amazing and fulfilling. We are grateful for his housekeeping team (see photo), and for his boss Evan Penn, who embraced him so well during the month. Luke's contribution looked different from his fellow Work Crew mates, and that's the beauty of being in the body of Christ. Everyone does their part, and God is glorified. We are so proud of Luke, because he chose to spend this time serving and connecting with new friends, in order to help kids hear about Jesus. All of Luke's Work Crew friends wore their yellow R818 shirts to honor Luke on his last day. He was very touched and thankful. Thank you also to everyone who sent packages and cards...it honestly made a huge difference for Luke. Your words and prayers emboldened Luke and our family. Luke's first request (of course) upon arriving home was for visitors! Please let me know if you'd like to stop by and see us this week. Luke would love to see you. Our prayer remains the same. We can't stop, WON'T stop praying for God to heal our boy. WILL. NOT. STOP. PRAYING. (James 5:14-16) God bless, James & Lu, (for Sam, Jay, & Luke) Hello friends.
Luke has completed his 2nd week of Work Crew at TimberWolf Lake. It has been challenging for sure, because Luke's body is just so tired, but we have seen God's merciful hand in many ways. A few highlights: 1) After feeling terrible (stomach pain, nausea, etc.) the first week, Luke suddenly started feeling much better. It's been remarkable. We are grateful to God for providing this relief. For all six days Luke was able to work and connect with his crew, and in his words it made for an "amazing" week. 2) During each week at Young Life camp, members of the Work Crew go and visit cabins to meet campers and share about God's work in their lives. During week 1 Luke really wanted to participate, but just felt too lousy. During week 2 he was able to do it. He visited two different cabins. The first was a "Capernaum" group, with special needs kids, and Luke loved it. Then he spent some time with a group of guys from Chicago, and was able to share his story. The leader of the cabin said it was very powerful...he didn't think it was possible for his guys to be so quiet. :) 3) Another tradition at Young Life camp is the "cardboard testimonies." The Work Crew kids are asked to describe the impact God has had in their lives in two short phrases, and then they write those descriptions on the front and back of a piece of cardboard and reveal them in front of the entire camp. Luke was determined to participate. He was the last Work Crew person to walk (yes, he walked!) onto the stage. The front of his cardboard (see photos!) said "broken on earth," and when he turned it over it said, "made whole in heaven." Through our tears, Laura and I were so tremendously proud of Luke. His perspective and trust in Jesus made a huge impact on the entire camp. 4) At the end of the week, the entire staff team (see photo) gathered in the club room to encourage and pray for Luke. This was a complete surprise to him, and he was incredibly touched and humbled. Everyone wore a yellow "R818" shirt (for Romans 8:18), and they cheered for Luke and then prayed for him as well. We are so grateful that, in the midst of terrible, Luke is not alone. 5) Once again, this past week at TimberWolf Lake a bunch of kids (60+) put their faith in Jesus for the first time. Luke got to be part of that. What a privilege. Now it's on to week 3, with almost 500 Middle School kids arriving at camp this afternoon. We will continue to take things one day at a time. Luke is determined to make a contribution, to help kids find their hope in Jesus. Please keep praying...it's making a difference. Our prayer remains the same. We can't stop, WON'T stop praying for God to heal our boy. (James 5:14-16) God bless, James & Lu, (for Sam, Jay, & Luke) |
Archives
March 2019
|