Three weeks ago today Kristen went home to be with the Lord and I have wondered and asked HIM so many times why He took her so early. Her influence for Jesus was ever growing and from my perspective and many others- now would not be the best time for her to go to heaven. But since her passing, her influence for Christ has done nothing but expand and grow exponentially. We have heard from folks around the world, and even though our tears still remain, we are beginning to see a bigger picture of how God is still using Kristen here on earth. Even recently I received an email that shows HIS omniscience. We as a family, were greatly encouraged and wanted to share it with you. Read and be blessed -and encouraged too! By His grace, Kurt
Hello, I am not a member of your church or a resident of your town. I work at an advertising agency that provides social media management for various clients. One of my responsibilities is to monitor social media channels and through our software, we generate any status, tweet, blog or mention that contain the word “Sauder”. Last week it happened to bring up a woman named, Kristen Sauder. Little did I know that through one of my mundane day-to-day tasks sifting through thousands of social media messages would I find myself being impacted by a woman I’ve never known and never met. Hundreds of your church family members were tweeting, sharing and posting about this incredible woman of faith and as I read through them, it made me think about the type of impact we leave on the world once we are gone. Sentiments were shared about her using the words “sister”, “servant”, “beloved” and so on. Reading further I realized she is a mother and wife, clearly a woman who left a positive light for everyone she touched. The kind of woman we all want to be. Her story had a profound impact on the way I look at the things around me. We are blessed, we are showered with grace, we are forgiven and redeemed and, most importantly, we have the love of Jesus. This woman fought a battle that could make her question all of those things, ask herself, “why me?”, does God really love me? Instead, she fought through it, looked her fears in the eye and said, I will be with the one who loves me. Victory. This may not mean much, it may even seem strange to share with you but I wanted someone to know that this incredible woman, the strength of her faith and the impact she left behind touched someone she doesn’t even know. It makes me want to be a more and better follower of Christ, shining his light to those around me, in hopes that he is glorified. I am grateful for her story. Kelsi from Wisconsin
May all who come behind us find us faithful.
Thank you for sharing that message! Thank you to Kelsi from Wisconsin for writing! It does and did mean much! Kristen’s story also makes me want to be a more and better follower of Christ, shining his light to those around me, in hopes that he is glorified.
Prayers for the Sauder family. May you feel His presence.
What a wonderful piece of encouragement and how kind of that woman to take the time to write!! May God continue to show you ways that Kristen’s life has impacted others and may this be a source of great comfort to you and your family. Praying that your pain eases a little each day. Thank you for sharing your journey. God bless.
What a beautiful, though not surprising, story as Kristen’s impact has been and I am sure will be great for years to come. We are blessed by her and the family. Thank you for sharing this story. Continued thoughts, prayers and love for your family. Harold and Arnella
Praise God !!! Thanks for Sharing !! She Still goes On And On in so many ways !! 😉 While in Lifeway Last Week, a Lady asked if they Sold Books by Kristen Sauder !!!! 😉 She is with Us !! CMR
How comforting to receive that message. I feel certain there are many more like her who have not reached out to you. Kristen, and all of your family Kurt, have been a wonderful source of inspiration to keep our focus on Jesus. God bless you Kurt!
Kurt, I pray for you and your children every night when I kneel by my bed to pray.
So awesome….still praying daily for you all❤️
Thank you so much for sharing. Although we do not always understand the mind of God, it is comforting to see God gives us glimpses in to His thoughts. Please know, even in busy parts of the day, the Holy Spirit prompts us to lift you and your kids in prayer, often. Thank you for continuing to be a faithful witness in midst of your grief.
Thank you for your uplifting comments. It’s refreshing to think that she continues to minister us by the seeds that she planted. I am in awe of her courage, her servants heart and her love for the lord. I too would love to be more like her. Families need to understand this sort of thing and can learn so much from her journey. I am blessed to be part of her church family.
Amid all the stories about the damaging impact of social media, here is a wonderful example of the good. Your family is a shining example of the power of God’s love!
Kurt; praying for you brother. I can only imagine what you are going through. My heart crys for your hurt and loss.
Don
Kristen was an inspiration to many and will be an inspiration forever. We were so blessed to know her and you, Kurt, when you were Youth Pastor at LaGrange Bible Church. We were so fortunate to have you and Kristen as good friends – we loved both of you so much! We will always remember her and we pray for her and your family each and every day. We share your grief, but we know that she is with Him and her example is an inspiration forever. May God bless you Kurt and your lovely family.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Kurt. And thank you, Kelsi from Wisconsin, for reaching out. I feel the same way Kelsi feels – I long to be the woman of faith your dear, sweet wife was.
I am praying for your family – I can only imagine the the devastation and magnitude of your loss.
Blessed I most certainly am!!!! What an amazing and miraculous sign of God’s fingers stretched out to his children near and far from Kristen’s life to others!
I never met Kristin either. I became aware of her battle when my friend, Alvetta Bryant, placed her name on our prayer list at Bethany Christian Church in Charlestown, In. I am deeply moved by the woman she was and will continue to pray for her family and friends.
I pray that this glimmer of sweetness will be just the beginning of thousands and thousands of stories you will hear that you will hear. You are in our prayers every day dear Brother in Christ.
Debbie for Scott and Jackson Robbins
I only met Kristen once & I barely remember it. Ellie & Ivy go to the same cottage school that my Audrey & Lauren attend on Fridays. I wasn’t even aware that Kristen was ill until her passing. I still cry knowing how much your family has lost. . . . . and I am touched beyond words by Kristen’s faith AND the impact she has had on her children, her husband, her friends & so many people who didn’t even know her!! Thank you for sharing your journey!! My girls LOVE your girls and we will continue to pray for you all!!