As part of a Mission Southside site team, many of the volunteers who make a commitment to GO and make disciples put their whole heart and life into this local investment of their time. It is more than just planning an event. It is about relationship. We begin to form amazing relationships with people who may be struggling with things we can't begin to appreciate or understand.
Sometimes while we sit in our warm homes in one of the most affluent counties in the state, we just can't even wrap our minds around what trials others may be dealing with....others being our neighbors right here in Johnson County.
Over a year ago, Miranda found herself in a difficult situation. Some technical issues arose with her husband's visa, and he was deported for several months until they could get it all corrected. The challenging thing about that time was that Miranda was pregnant with their second child. Miranda soon ended up on bed rest and had to take a leave of absence from her job. With her husband out of the country trying to fix the legal issues, she found herself with a 3rd grade son, no income, and no help.
This was a hard position for Miranda. She is usually someone who was helping others. Asking for help didn't come easily.
When she ended up in the hospital facing the birth of her sweet baby girl, she had nowhere for her son to go. It was a complete blessing to welcome him into our home as part of our family. He stayed with us several days until his mom and sister could come home. Mission Southside and Olathe Christian Church and many others came alongside her and were the hands of feet of Jesus.
Miranda and her husband were reunited several months after the birth of their second child and they are doing well now.
Last month she created three personal cards and delivered them to me, Mission Southside and my church. The cards featured artwork, photos, a heartfelt thank you and scripture. The scripture was James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Miranda and her family persevered through this trial and are now giving back. She has donated items for events, brought lunch but this hand made thank you note was priceless. The photos represent family, and that is what a site team can become because WE are all part of the family of God.
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