I’ve been thinking a bit about the idea of legacy this week. On Monday my family had a memorial service for my step-grandmother. Grandma Sue might have only been part of our family because she married my grandfather later in life… but nevertheless she has left a spiritual legacy within our family. She was a person of deep, unwavering faith – and anyone who knew her… knew that. Grandma Sue married into a family that already had 48 people in it, yet her love for Jesus affected each and every one of them. Some of my female cousins are inspired to be like her.
It is quite a sense of accomplishment when we are able to pass on knowledge, experience and wisdom to others. I remember a few years ago working with our track team’s boys freshmen 4×100 relay team. We spent hours practicing baton exchanges to make them as quick and efficient as possible. Then, one week-end at an all freshman invitational, I watched them execute 3 perfect exchanges and win the race. They were excited for the accomplishment and I was excited for them.
One year while coaching an 18 year old girls’ Junior Olympic volleyball team, I coerced a 6’5” left-handed girl to move from the right side of the net to the high impact and demanding middle position. She was nervous and had been told by her high school coach that she was too slow and un-athletic to play middle, but I was convinced she could do it. The first tournament we played her in the middle… and she was unstoppable! And two months later she had a full-ride college scholarship to play volleyball as a middle hitter. I was so proud of Michelle’s courage to make that switch.
Today, our church will commission two young people who grew up among us. Many of you have had a hand in helping them develop consistent Christian character and a solid faith in Jesus. I’m convinced that what we do today by commissioning Kyle and Caitlin is the Church at its best. Mike Stachura said, “The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity.” Truth. The reason it is true is because the Church has been called to action. It has been called to carry forth the banner of Jesus Christ. It has been commissioned to spread the Gospel.
I am calling CAC to action today. It is imperative that Kyle and Caitlin know that their church family has their back. They need us… and our investment in their lives is far from completed. Would you commit to pray for them regularly. Maybe you could place the insert in the bulletin of their prayer needs in a prominent place to remind you. Make sure you sign up for their newsletter so that you are informed about their ministry.
Our church leadership has gifted them with a $5000 gift to help with their outfit fund and vehicle purchase, and we are challenging our folks to match that donation. Let’s affirm Kyle and Caitlin with at least $10,000 from our church… I know we can do it! And they are worth it – because they are part of our legacy.
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