A couple of weeks back, we headed up around the Cleveland area to see some new friends and some old friends. We had a great weekend of simply - fellowship. I believe one of the most amazing things about being a Christian is the presence of the Holy Spirit amongst the fellowship of his believers. His presence never ceases to amaze Liina and I with so many conversations that can only be explained by the simple mystery of God. Only he could have orchestrated this.
The first part of our trip we spent time with Dave and Lenna Black who have been to Estonia at different times over the past several years. For those that know my best friend Craig Hamer, Dave was his high school youth pastor. Dave and Lenna have many years of ministry experience both in the states and internationally. They really took time to listen and speak truth and love into our lives. I know that Liina and I left stronger as individuals and also as a couple with just spending a little time with them. They were a huge encouragement to us as they are beginning a transition into something new.
The second part of the trip we spent some time with of my grandmothers closest friends Sallie and her husband Arden. We enjoyed listening to their stories and how God has been working in them and through them. I know that they took really good care of us. It was also great for Liina to hear more stories about my grandparents. Also we were able to speak at their church a little bit about Estonia. After the service we meet a firecracker named Don. He was hilariously funny and entertaining. I know he will never know how much of an encouragement he was to us. We don't know if he will ever make it to Estonia, but we need more old dudes like this spending time with young people. You can tell God is in him because his spirit is so contagious you could simple talk for days without getting tired of talking about God.
Again, we were blown away by this weekend of people who took the time to listen, encourage, and speak into us. God has been so gracious to us. We are thankful for the people that God has brought into our life at this particular season of life. God definitely knows our needs and he has faithfully meet them every time.