Our Testimony

(given Sunday, November 21st, 2004 at Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church)

Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it..

Two years ago, as young newly weds, we could have never imagined experiencing so much blessing. God was faithful beyond measure because we were willing to submit all of ourselves to him.

Going to Brazil for 6 months was a part of that tithe that God called us to give. We knew he wanted to use us to serve others who had so much less than we did. There in Brazil we served an orphanage with 70 children. Chris helped them with their computer needs by building a computer lab, installing a network and teaching staff and children through regular computer classes. Becca worked with kids to help them grow spiritually and emotionally. She formed .conversation groups. where they had a safe place to share their feelings and learn about Jesus. We formed lasting relationships with many of the kids through loving one another and sharing in life together. Initially, we expected to go being a blessing, but left feeling as we were the ones truly blessed.

Leaving the children was very difficult for us, but knowing that God is faithful in continuing His work in their lives brings joy and peace to our hearts. Equally as hard was returning to the States with many unknowns. Where would we work? Where would we live? Just as we trust God with the lives of the children we came to love, we are reminded that we can continue to trust God with our own lives. And we are truly grateful for how God has carried us and provided abundant blessings, just as he has promised.

Many of those blessings are right here at Thornapple. God answered our need and desire for a welcoming church family. He also faithfully supplied jobs and a home. Chris has a good job at Calvin, serving other people with computers, and Becca has responded to God's prompting to pursue a Masters in counseling and to work with the Thornapple high school girls. To our surprise he also provided a home, as we are caring for the Friesen family house while they are missionaries in Thailand. We never expected that this is where God would take us, but we see His guiding hand all throughout the journey.

Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Living lives sold out to God and according to his promises is never easy, it is more like an adventure. There are many unknowns, twists, and turns, but incredible blessings to be found along the way. We are grateful, and have found God faithful to his promises as we live our lives for Him.