My son Michael, that went to Africa with us last month, was asked to give a five minute speech tonight for about 300 people at the Children’s HopeChest partner conference… this is what he wrote and said; “Dad, I will add to this, it’s my highlights”!
Swazi
What do you think when you here the word
Africa
? Maybe you think it is a hot humid place with a lot of animals. But I think something different. I was really not prepared for the journey that I was about to experience. All I thought was that my dad and I were going on a trip to meet some orphans, but God had a different plane for me. He took me through a life changing series of events. Some hard and some really full of life… For instance, Two little Girls; I have five pairs of shoes, they had one each! People like Don Kapoff, who’s my buddy forever, Claude and Mary, they do the unthinkable and what NO one else wants to do, especially Americans. Another, Kevin Ward a man that sets up an environment that kids get to live and not die in. They grow their own food and know how to become leaders of their own homestead. And some really hard parts; watching these kids say good by, without sad faces, they already expect disappoint, everyone they have every known as left or died. When we were at care points, we were served food first because we were guests, and knowing these kids hadn’t eaten for weeks, and that this could be there last meal for days, just killed me inside. The best part was being with my dad and Tom Davis, and my good buddy Hayden, it was a great journey and I hope you will go change at least one life, and have the experience I have had; I will never be the same. Thank you.
Dear Michael,
Way to go!! What a blessing you are. It sounds like you are continuing to do great and mighty things for the Kingdom. Looking forward to hearing about your move to Africa. Keep up the good work.
God bless,
Ron Meyer
Gary! Wow, tell my little covenant cousin he’s awesome! Hope you guys are having so much fun and Happy Birthday!
Michael, you are an awesome Man of God! Your conviction and passion for God is an inspiration to us all. You’re such a great brother and I can’t wait to serve in Swaziland with you someday!!!
Michael, you were great last night. We really felt we understood your heart for Africa and for the orphans. Thanks for blessing us with your courage to share what God has done!
Hola Miguel!! : ) I was just proud as a peach watching you up on stage the other night at the Hopechest banquet… uuuummm… yea a little less proud of your precious toast to your daddy for his 40th. Gary, Why don’t you create a special little blog about that, eh. (wink. wink.) With mucho love.
Michael – You are an amazing man of God!! I was so glad to finally get a chance to mee you this weekend. I could only dream of having a son like you someday. I will always be praying for you and your family. A life lived by following God is the greatest adventure in the world. Keep living it, and I’ll be watching and cheering you on!!!