In 49 years of ministry, Jeannie and I have experienced many opportunities to present the gospel to others, to serve others. We have presented the gospel one on one to many, been on stages in front of 100’s of people with the same message.
I have led CRU summer projects, where we shared Christ with 20,000 people each summer. I have been a campus director at University of North Texas and built relationships with some of the best kids ever, many who remain my friends today. I have hosted retreats for people in ministry who are tired and wounded. I have led high school ministries and seen many come to know Christ.
I have spoken at Fraternity and Sorority houses to tell college kids about Christ. I have been a chaplain of a college football team. I have shared Christ with professors at Ivy league schools, like Dartmouth, and other schools like MIT and U Mass.
I have worked 100-hour weeks to put on events, have gone to bed at midnight, and gone back to the office at 2 am to complete a task to hopefully encourage others. There were nights when I left the Empire State Building at midnight, caught the train to Harlem, where I was staying, only to be back on the train at 6:30 am to help grow a Christian college.
I have sat on the dock on the Kenai River, after days of cutting grass, weed eating, buying flowers, creating a setting for those that have experienced devastating loss to find a healing place at a Spark of Life retreat. I have sat across the table from a mom, whose children were murdered; to hear her story, her pain, and to tell her I love her.
To help fund ongoing ministries, I have worked on golf tournament fundraisers, where I spent 7 months out of the year preparing for a one-day event. I have led an army of volunteers who taught Home Builder Bible studies across the country.
Jeannie and I led a Family Life marriage conference to CRU staff in Poland. I have spoken in public classrooms in Russia and presented the gospel to teenage kids to see many respond and accept Christ. I have walked the dusty streets of Mexico and shown the Jesus film, as families rode donkeys to view the outdoor presentation and lined up in front of me to have me share Christ in the broken Spanish I learned in high school.
Honestly, this list can go on and on.
Two thoughts – none of this compares to what Christ did for us on the cross; His sacrifice, His love is unmatched in every way.
The second thing is the word “I”, referenced above, should be replaced with “WE.” So many of you have prayed for us and sacrificially given so “WE” could have a ministry together. The above is your work, your investments, your sacrifices.
Jeannie and I trust we have been good stewards of your gifts. We have been in this together. WE have partnered with Him to GO preach the gospel. Jeannie and I might have been the arms and feet, but you made it happen. Jeannie and I could not have gone without you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
We are not quitting. In fact, we hope we are now operating out of our best place ever to do His will. Like seasoning to a good meal, we are seasoned. As we lead Legacy Landing we are in our sweet spot as a couple.
God has called Jeannie and me to a ministry of hospitality. Jesus welcomed everyone to His table. The verse below inspires us. I guess it could be said, it is what we bring to the table.
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2
The English word hospitality originates from the same Latin root as the word hospital. A hospital is literally a ‘home for strangers.’ Of course, it has come to mean a place of healing. There is a link between being welcomed and being healed.
Skye Jethani wrote, “Our homes are to be hospitals—refuges of healing radiating the light of heaven. And our dinner tables are to be operating tables—the place where broken souls are made whole again….When we lower our defenses, when we remove our façades and we begin to be truly present with one another—then the healing power of the gospel can begin its work.”
“Hospitality may be the church’s best weapon in the middle of the current culture war.” (Jon Tyson)
We are thankful for the opportunities you have given us as we continue to be His ambassadors.
Barry and Jeannie
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