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SERVE: Winter 2021

Winter 2021 SERVE READ THE SERVE (opens in e-reader) Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Recently, while playfully hoisting my kids up into their bunk beds, I showed them how to do a trust fall. Excitedly, one by one they enjoyed the nervous fun of closing their eyes, falling backwards, and waiting for my arms to grab them before they... Read More

In Between

During this time, we were supposed to discern where our family would go next. There was a little anxiety about this. I didn’t feel adequately prepared to “make a major discernment” during this rocky time of prayer.

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So I Do Not Run Aimlessly

We started dreaming up a plan to build a fitness center and a school of faith and art to inspire local kids to live better. Many of the local youth only get one or two meals a day, and these are often just rice, noodles, plantains, or yuca.  

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Change of Heart

We were in the middle of praying the rosary when we heard a voice behind us call out, “Can you please talk to my daughter? I don’t want her to have an abortion!”

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A Lesson on Mercy

I was angry and resentful, counting the ways this man “duped” us. It was another lesson of mercy. If I think about it, how many times do I call on God just to get what I want? And he still loves me just like Chris loves this guy.

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The Cross

I grasped and kissed that wooden cross and thanked and praised Jesus over and over and over. I knew and believed deep down, Jesus wanted me here, in Peru. He MUST be willing my good in some way through this suffering.

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Frankly, I Want to Go to Heaven

Naturally, in a family with eight children, you learn to take care of others. When Mrs. Genie asked us to watch over Mr. Frank while she went to visit a relative, we were slightly uncomfortable. Even though we were used to taking care of others, never had we taken care of someone whom we had respected as much as Mr. Frank.

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God Loves All His Children

My Dad coordinated one day with the nuns to visit their Girls Home. We were greeted by about a hundred of them, in the driveway of the home, all of them waving and trying to get a look at us, a family of nine white foreigners.

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Birthing a New Mission

These hidden sufferings are the things that till the soil of the mission post, that soften our hearts to the sufferings of the poor. Each suffering, endured with patience, offered up for the salvation of the souls around us, are the seeds that will spring forth into flowers and trees.

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Kiss Her Foot

When our day was coming to an end, a woman named Irma showed up at the clinic. Unfortunately, it was too late in the day, and our doctor could not see any more patients. It broke my heart that Irma may not be able to receive the medical care that she needed.

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Near Me

As a little girl, I could always tell when my mom had stubbed her toe. We would hear a crash from the other room followed by, “Praise you, Jesus!” Then, “I’m okay.” When I was learning the Ten Commandments, I asked her if that wasn’t using God’s name in vain? “No,” she answered decidedly. “I am choosing to praise God in my suffering. I really mean it.” 

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Do Not Say, “I Am Only a Child”

I love St. Patrick’s Day. He really inspires me. I am always awed by his story: to be kidnapped and enslaved, then escape, become a priest, and return as a missionary. He must have had some PTSD from his capture during which he endured many lonely years, probably abuse, and hardships of many other kinds. 

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A Bike Track in a Cow Pasture

When I first saw the land, I felt a bit discouraged. It was very overgrown with trees, bushes, tall grass, and brush everywhere. And there were cows and a horse living there. The spot he found for us to build was in a cow pasture! Well…at least the land would be leased to us free of charge, so I thought, let’s give it a try.

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More Than Just a Handout

In an effort to assist the poor in a sustainable way, several missionaries have helped those in need to build their own sources of income. Starting a business can be a slow and patient process, but it’s also fairly straightforward and common in many of the countries in which we serve. People simply need some starting cash, perhaps a little training and guidance, and a good dose of encouragement.

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When God Plans the Party

Our friend Eliomar had prepared a reflection which included two gifts—one wrapped like garbage and scribbled on, and the other wrapped beautifully with glittery ribbon. He asked two kid volunteers which one they wanted, and they both chose the beautiful one. He gave them the gifts and asked them to open them. Inside the beautiful one were nasty old fruit peels and garbage. Inside the scribbled package were chocolate and candy.

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