Suprising Impact

Today we received the newsletter from the couple, Travis and Roberta Sanders, at Casas por Cristo that served as our team coordinators for the mission trip that our family took at Christmas time in 2007.  Because this newsletter is not on-line, I want to share it with you here, otherwise I would just give you a link.  But this is the article that Travis wrote:

"A couple of Christmases ago Roberta and I had the privilege to be a part of the Bergfalk family in celebrating Addison and Peggy's 50th wedding anniversary by building a home for Sergio and Flor Venegas.  This January the world lost an incredible man as Addison passed away.  Instead of flowers Addison and his family requested people to donate to the work of Casas por Cristo.  About a month later Casas received a substantial check in honor of Addison.  After hearing of Addison's passing, I began to look back on the brief time that we got to spend with him and his family and about the impact that our time together has had.  The focus of Casas por Cristo is to provide adequate housing for people in desperate need.  The generosity of Addison and his family has had a deep and significant impact on my life and my ministry here.  I have always known that doing what we do has a lasting impact on not only the families who receive homes but also everyone who has ever gotten the opportunity to  be a part of a build.  After all, that experience is the reason that every single person at Casas has moved hundreds or thousands of miles for their homelands to serve here.  I have seen thousands of people's lives get changed here, but none have hit me so hard.  The thought of being part of the seventy-two hours that Addison chose to represent who he was as a man is probably the most humbling experience of my life.  I am not anywhere near being worthy enough to be a part of the life changing impact that goes on here. However, I am incredibly grateful that we serve a God that does not see that unworthiness, but allows us to share in what He's doing.  Thank you to all of you with whom I've been able to share in what Christ is doing here, and thank you to the entire Bergfalk family.  Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family, for your continued prayers and support, and for reminding me that this is bigger than building a home or serving our friends across the border.  It's bigger than any of us."

To hear of the inpact that my Dad had on Travis is so touching.  I can't say I will ever tire of hearing stories of how my Dad made a difference in others people's lives.  It continues to prove to me that I cannot wait to be "perfect" for God to use me, but allow God to use me in the midst of my journey.

 

 

Comments

[Megan]

What an amazing legacy, Judy. I never tire of hearing your stories or seeing the twinkle in your eye when you talk about your dad. Every great story I've heard about your dad reminds me of you. Love you, friend.

[msburrell@yahoo. com]

Well said Travis. Well said.

[Cheryl Finch]

How awesome!!! What an terrific family that God has knit together as a model for the rest of us.

[Belinda Kendall]

Beautiful tribute to you all! Joy to witness such impact and love lived out! And the legacy lives on through the Sturman family...

What a joy to know God can use these cracked clay pots of ours to carry His life-giving light!

Love watching God display His glory in you and yours dear friend! Your dad and your Jesus look shine through you!