- Olivia: Growing up and going out to make disciples of all the nations!
Kurt, myself and all four kids huddled around the computer, laid hands on the monitor and on Olivia and prayed for the favor and direction of Almighty God. The amen sounded followed by the click of the mouse, and it was done. Liv’s application to attend Bible College in the fall of 2011 has been sent. Now we wait for the Father to unfold His good pleasure for her life.
Our oldest daughter Olivia anticipates life on the mission field. Where? Not sure yet. Possibly South America. Possibly here in the States to work with one of many, growing Spanish-speaking communities.
As a mom, I am just so excited to think about the years of Bible College training that lie ahead for Liv. If the Lord opens the door, she’ll be on her way next fall to join a community of young men and women dedicating their lives to Kingdom work and God’s glory! So many opportunities to learn to love Him and love people await.
It will be a new season – a new normal – here in the Sauder house. We’ll miss Liv, and yet our sorrow is sweetened knowing she is pursuing her Christ. She loves Him because He first loved her.
Parenting continues to be the most challenging job the Father has ever assigned me to do. It requires vast amounts of time, energy, training and most importantly prayer!
Scripture describes children as arrows in a quiver. Our quiver held five. One traveled straight from the womb to the Throne Room. The other four, still with us on earth, are being sharpened, strengthened and prepared for flight.
May God give the grace and endurance to disciple our children so that we can fully say with John, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4).”
Way to go Sweetheart. Your Uncle Jim and I are SO-O-O proud of you. We’re praying for you too.
That is so exciting! And not at all surprising. I can’t wait to see how God will use Olivia’s completely surrendered heart to further His kingdom.
God has blessed so many people through your family. Jeff and I are grateful for the privilege of being substitute ‘grandparents’ to your children when they were younger. They brought such joy to our lives. Even though we have drifted apart, they always make us feel so special when they smother us with hugs when we see each other. Olivia is a beautiful example of a ‘Christ-inspired’ big sister. Our prayers will be for God to continue to use all your family as He blesses those who are yet to come into your lives. In Jesus’ love, Pat
Pat, you and Jeff have been such a huge blessing to our family. The kids still talk about visits to your house. We love you guys and pray God’s best for you, especially in your ministry of helping so many young families.