Here’s to Many More – (40 years and counting)

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Six weeks before a rather significant birthday, I sent an email out to friends around the world that have worked with C in mission.  There are great men of faith he’s been mentored by, and young men of vision he has invested in!  Over the course of the next few weeks, messages poured in from the furthermost corners of the globe from people whose lives have crossed paths with his.  As I secretly compiled the video messages and worked to piece together chapters of his life to gift him on his birthday, I was struck by a recurring theme that came through clearly message after message….
C has impacted lives for eternity through modeling a life of unwavering faith!

Our 9 year old Evie, (meloncholy-like-her-momma) actually cried when she watched the video.
Happy tears momma“, she said.  “I just cant believe that there are all these people all over the world who love God more because of daddy!”
And this is precisely the point.
His aim has not been to acquire the praise of men, material gain, or even stability, but always, to glorify the Lord and to make Him known!  And in that, I believe, this amazing man has been hugely successful!

The kids see daddy leave.  For weeks at a time they dont get bear-hugs and tickle-monster.  They’ve had birthday calls from dad instead of birthday dates with dad more times than I can count.  He’s had to miss performances and ball games and awards ceremonies.
They miss him.
Bravely.
Yet there are tears at times.
But this ‘wise-beyond-her-years’ glimpse from daughter of why, and the wisdom to discern the gravity of daddy’s impact and influence leaves me humbled.   God is doing a deep work in their childlike hearts as well and giving them an eternal perspective of what really matters!  They are proud of their daddy, and so am I!

There are a great many other things he does well that deserve accolades….
….I frequently acquiesce the kitchen to the preferred parent when it comes to dinner time.  The kids love it when daddy cooks!  Homemade pizzas and grilled fajitas and french onion soup are signature favorites!
…he is handy-man extraordinaire!  There is precious little that he cant fix or rig or improve on his own.  He’s currently out of town for two weeks and Ive already had to call a locksmith and a repair man and a plumber.  Issues that would be resolved unbeknownst to me if my handyman-hubby were in town!
…he views father and husband as a high-calling.  Its rare that he gets a guys-night-out because he chooses to be present in the lives of our kids.  He makes family time a priority and still dates me and pursues my heart.  Instead of golfing on Saturdays, he gets up and fixes made-to-order omelettes (can you tell my love language is food?).
…he leads spiritually by example and has imparted to our kids the importance of quiet time daily with the Lord.
…he is generous!  Even as our own faith is stretched at times provide for our family of 9 while living on support, C’s heart remains sensitive to the needs around him and he responds with generosity to the ever pressing matters that are brought to his attention.  Im constantly humbled by the way he seeks to be stewarding hands through which the Lord can bless others.


May the next 40 years ahead be even more fruitful and may the Lord continue to be glorified through his life and sacrifice and service.  So grateful to be partnered in life with this man who lives with integrity and intentionality!

(its long, but for those who participated and care to see,
here is the 40th birthday video montage)

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  • Heidi says:

    This was so inspiring to read and the video to watch. Thanks for posting this as it was inspiring for me to see and also helps me to know how I can be praying for y’all.
    Happy birthday Chad!

    • cmsmity says:

      Thank you sweet Heidi for your words! Memories go WAY back to the early years at Capernwray. God has been faithful in every season for each of us! Hugs!!

  • Belinda Cress says:

    Wow. What a legacy. We know Chad from a distance and your family but are so grateful for the sacrifice for the kingdom. Is Australia on your radar?
    Also, I would like to know more about the family road map. Could you email me about that?

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