Looking Back

January is a time to look forward to the future. A positive thing. But our family can’t help but remember the January four years ago when Jan lay in intensive care, battling a cancer-caused brain hemorrhage that would soon take her life.

She had just celebrated her 50th birthday on December 31, 2006. In the Old Testament law, every 50th year (the end of 7 Sabbatical year cycles) was declared the Year of Jubilee, in which certain debts were forgiven and slaves were to be set free. The mercies of God were on full display.

From a human view point, the mercies of God seemed lacking four years ago as Jan struggled to breath and the hope of another Christmas with her family all but gone. But from the viewpoint of heaven, God’s mercies couldn’t have been richer.

Jan left behind mature children who bear the imprint of a loving mother and a tireless teacher. She left behind a beautiful testimony of an uncommon faith that blessed the lives of many. Now she is enjoying and glorying in all the eternal rewards that such dedication earned. And the fruit of her faith continues.

On December 17th, I was guest speaker at the University of the Philippines ecumenical service, attended by about 2,000 faculty and students. Before the service began, I roamed the crowd greeting as many as I could. One lady stopped me, asking, “Was your wife named Jan and didn’t you used to live in Mandurriao in the mid 1980’s.”

I replied, “Yes, that would have been during our language study,” and she continued her story.

“You probably don’t remember my sister, Becs, who lived a couple of houses down from you. But Jan often came to her house, and one day led Becs to faith in Jesus. Well, since then, Becs has led her husband and children to the Lord, as well as me and my family. We are all involved in churches, and I just wanted to say thank you for coming to the Philippines to share Jesus with us.”

Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of sharing in Jan’s life – a life dedicated to You. May we look ahead to this new year, taking advantage of every opportunity to make You known to those You bring into our lives. And may we remember to “number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.”

P.S. Please pray for Martha and I as we share the topic, Living for Jesus, on January 25, 26, and 27 to about a thousand students at Central Philippine University as a part of their Christ Emphasis Week.