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We recognize that when we choose to serve with Live|Dead our families back home pay a price. Their sacrifice is silent, and often unnoticed, as life is lived thousands of miles apart. Here are some words of wisdom from a Live|Dead mom. 

When our baby girl was born she joined two big brothers and I knew that our family was complete. The Lord had given me the desire of my heart. I loved being a mom. I mean, I think I was born to be a mom! Along with busy careers, my husband and I trusted, loved, prayed and did our best to raise our children in the ways of the Lord.

Back to our little girl. At the tender age of three, she seriously and innocently asked Jesus to come and live in her heart at the leading of her Dad. You may think, really, age three, but she still remembers that prayer and it’s impact. We mustn’t underestimate our “little ones” understanding of the simple gospel.

As she grew, her heart was always tender towards spiritual things. She began reading her Bible and writing about the impact of Jesus in her life in her many journals at a young age. She also spoke freely of Jesus to her friends.

We encouraged her and prayed that she, as well as her brothers, would fulfill the destiny that God had for their lives.

We attend a tiny little church in a small town on the Midwestern plains. Although there were few youth activities locally, there was good solid teaching of God’s word, His goodness and greatness. There were missionaries that would occasionally come and speak of their ministries, and our daughter would love to hear of God working around the world as a young girl. She went on a mission trip with youth from our state at the age of sixteen and then again as a young adult and loved it.

As she approached college age, she sincerely wanted to go to a Bible college in our state but felt called to get a nursing degree to go along with her long term goal of mission work. She graduated, got a job and did very well. I loved having her a few hours away to visit and spend holidays and family gatherings together.

Letting Go

I knew she was waiting on the Lord for clearance to go, although I wasn’t fully prepared for that departure quite yet. I wasn’t sure I ever would be. My dialogue with the Lord went something like this, “Lord, don’t you think it would be better if she wasn’t single?” To which He answered, “I will be her Bridegroom.”

“Okay Lord, will she be safe? Are you sure about where you’re sending her?”

He replied, “Trust me, she’s going to fulfill her destiny that I planned long ago.”

My mommy-ness wanted to hold her back and He was telling me to let her go. He’d take care of her. So, I find myself praying, “Lord, I trust you with my girl,” knowing He has her back. Psalms 91 has become a frequent prayer, inserting her name into it – He is her hiding place; she abides under His shadow; He is her refuge and strength; He delivers her, covers her, is her protection, makes her victorious, dwells with her, promises angelic presence in times of difficulty, and satisfies her all because He loves her and knows her better than I do.

I had to release her into the big hands of my loving Heavenly Father and trust Him with my sweet daughter. I find myself speaking to Him for the people and the workers of Central Eurasia more than ever before. I have expectation for all He has planned. It’s so encouraging to hear stories of good things happening in the lives of the people there, relationships being built and prayer opportunities in the midst of daily life.

It’s like the verse in Prov. 25:25,  “As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.”

It’s wonderful to hear.

Yes, my God has again proven Himself faithful and good to me personally and I am thankful.

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