Blessed are those who mourn…

On October 4, 2024October 7, 2024 By MitchenersIn Angela3 Comments

We all go through seasons of mourning. I suppose you could say I’m in one of those seasons now. The different ways I’m grieving aren’t super connected to each other, but I’ve been lamenting several “deaths” in recent months.

1.) One year ago today, we received the unexpected phone call that Scott’s wonderful dad had passed away. It’s still so strange to think that the hugs, laughter, and memory-making for us as a family of 11 ended very suddenly 365 days ago.

I don’t like that Ted is gone – or that the family trips he loved to plan will no longer take place in the same way. I don’t like that he wasn’t at the church’s annual chili cook-off last week – or that there’s this giant Ted-shaped hole in the handbells choir where he used to fit.

I could pose the question, “What good has come from losing Ted?” At first glance, it certainly seems like there isn’t a good answer…

2.) I’ve been mourning in other ways as well. I’m also grieving the “loss” of a ministry I love.

After Ted died, we felt like the Lord was calling us to move back to the States to be closer to family. There have certainly been adjustments for us as we settle in to new rhythms. The kiddos are getting used to going to a new school and church. Life has been busy. However, I find that in the quiet moments, my mind can sometimes wander. I’ve realized that I am mourning the life that was mine for the past 12 years.

Ironically, the simplicity of everyday living is gone – even though I now have every modern appliance and convenience at my fingertips.

The friends who worked alongside me and experienced some very real, shared hardships are thousands of miles away.

The little sea of brown faces that I’ve come to love so dearly are just found in pictures now.

Again, I could pose the question, “Why, God? How is it good that I was removed from this precious place? Wasn’t I doing my best to serve you?”

A cursory look at my circumstances doesn’t seem to warrant such loss…

3.) Perhaps this sounds strange, but I’m also mourning the decline of our nation. To me, it’s fairly evident that the principles upon which this amazing country was founded are no longer prioritized.

Many of our Founding Fathers chose freedom, liberty, honor, integrity, and sacrifice as their guides. Some even chose Jesus. If I think too much on the current state of our nation, I literally want to bring out the sackcloth and ashes.

Sadly, I believe that this blessed land needs to experience some true hardship before a humble turn back to God will ever happen.

This is where that beautiful little Beatitude in Matthew 5:4 comes into play. Yes, I’ve been experiencing the loss that comes along with these “deaths.” But if I really think about it, I must admit that God has been so good in the midst of pain and sadness.

1.) For example, I’ve found comfort in knowing that Ted’s faith has been made sight. Because we can’t physically see him anymore, it’s hard to imagine just how happy he must be, spending the rest of eternity in the presence of the Savior.

In addition, Ted’s testimony lives on in others! The way that Ted was “salt” and “light” to those around him made a difference. In particular, I think about his grandkids. What a spiritual heritage they have because their grandpa was willing to daily live out his faith. And when I think back to Ted’s funeral, I’m still so encouraged by all the people who came – both to support our family and to honor a man who lived a good life. The stories others shared of how he touched them meant the world to me.

2.) While the ministry of Freedom has not ended, our leaving the DR has made me feel as if I’m personally experiencing another death of sorts. Yet, even as I go through this hard change, Jesus’ promise of His presence has proven itself true for me!

I’m so happy that Freedom’s work continues on. To know that the boys and girls I’ve loved for over a decade are still being poured into by others is such a comfort. This ministry never was and never will be “mine.” Jesus simply allowed me be a small part of it for awhile. What a gift!

But God’s goodness doesn’t stop there. Now I have the privilege of serving with Freedom in a different capacity, 2,000 miles away. I’ve been able to continue working behind the scenes in a way that will hopefully serve to tell Freedom’s story of God’s provision.

On top of that, I’m grateful that we’re settling in to this next chapter here in Indiana! Our kids are making sweet friends and experiencing things they weren’t able to while living in a foreign country. I’m truly excited for these new opportunities that they’ll have to make Jesus famous right here.

10/1 – Getting ready for a band/choir concert

3.) As for my nation, I’ve lived long enough to understand that God truly does know best. There is no assurance that “my people” will return to Him in my lifetime. Hundreds of thousands of Israelites never experienced the land that was promised to them. Hundreds of thousands more watched their nation turn to idolatry and sin time after time. The thought that America is walking that same path saddens me, but the promise that rang out across that mountainside long ago still holds true today: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

I am comforted to know that someday – even if I must wait til my Savior’s return – things will ultimately be set right. Everyone will bow before God and acknowledge Him as King. I am so looking forward to that day! Until that day, may I do my part to offer His Good News to those who need it.

Jesus said that the good life belongs to those who mourn. What a strange statement. But it’s true – life is good because the Creator of the universe has promised to comfort and uplift.

And He’s been doing just that.

Saying #goodbye to Marcia

On May 27, 2024May 27, 2024 By MitchenersIn Angela, Dominican Republic4 Comments

When we moved to the DR 12 years ago, one of my first roles was teaching kindergarten to our oldest group of students. At that point, we didn’t have a school building of our own; we were borrowing churches in village Lima in order to teach our little band of 90ish students.

Those days seem so far away now. Life was awfully full back then. I had 2 little guys of my own at home. I was learning Spanish, writing lesson plans, welcoming a teenager into our family, and attempting to control an unruly group of 6-year-olds each weekday. While I was definitely pushed to my limits, I loved what I was doing. Looking back, I wouldn’t change the fact that our team was gifted the opportunity to love on those precious little souls.

One of our precious little souls was Marcia.

As a 6-year-old, Marcia was so very spirited. She often found herself in the “time-out” corner in my makeshift classroom for some defiant act or another. I remember once it got so bad that I went to her mom to ask for her help. She shook her head and said, “Marcia won’t listen to me either. Go find her dad. He can help. He lives on the other side of the village.”

I went to visit Dad to explain how Marcia had been behaving. He told me he’d be in my classroom first thing after the weekend to observe her.

When Monday arrived, I wasn’t sure if Marcia’s dad would actually show up. We went through a good portion of the morning without seeing him. But right as we started our Bible time, he walked in. When Marcia saw her dad, she sat up ruler-straight, hands clasped, barely moving a muscle. The kids were reviewing the verse of the week. I looked for volunteers, and several students raised their hands to recite it in front of the class. As we closed out our time, I asked if anyone else would like to try. Marcia’s dad piped up from the back: “Marcia, get up there and say your verse.”

Marcia solemnly and reluctantly headed to the front of the room. She repeated the verse perfectly, then slowly returned to her spot on the mat. I congratulated her but didn’t want to draw too much attention. She was embarrassed that she had a visitor.

The ironic thing was that Marcia’s dad was the witch doctor’s assistant in Lima. He was always very nice to us, but he was involved in a lucrative business. Lima’s witch doctor was well known for miles around, and he had many clients. And there, sitting in my classroom, was the brujo’s “right-hand man”, supporting us in the teaching of God’s Word to his daughter.

Like most kids, Marcia has had her ups and downs over the years. As we built our own school building and hired more teachers, Marcia had varied experiences with each of the people who were put in authority over her. She has obviously connected with some more than others, but hopefully she has felt loved and safe as she has grown up with us. Incredibly, she’s just finished up her 10th grade year! What a beautiful young lady she is.

In 2022, I had the privilege of working one-on-one with Marcia in our high school mentorship program. We had the space to talk about life: church, boys, school, emotions, family, and faith. It was so refreshing to “reconnect” with her after having been involved in other facets of the ministry.

Staying after school one day to take some birthday pictures

In 2026, Marcia will walk across a graduation stage to receive her diploma. She has learned a lot of truth over the last 12 years. She has been armed with much knowledge of her Creator, of her world, and of who she is in Christ. But her beautiful story is unfinished. While I’m so sad that I’ll only watch it unfold from a distance, I am forever grateful to have been a part of these few “chapters” of her life.

Since it’s oh-so-hard for me to truly say goodbye, for now, Marcia, I’ll just end with “See you later.”

Simple Stories, Sage Advice

On January 15, 2021January 19, 2021 By MitchenersIn Angela4 Comments

Isn’t it funny how certain memories stick with you over the years? Often, the seemingly insignificant moments are the ones that resonate with me the most.

Growing up, I remember sitting in church three times a week listening to my dad preach. As a little girl, I was most interested in the illustrations he’d tell between the points in his sermon outline. One of Dad’s stories has continued to impact me throughout the years, and I draw on its principle often. It goes something like this:

A farmer was visiting his friend one afternoon, but he happened to stay at his friend’s house til after dark. As the farmer prepared to walk home, his friend gave him a lantern so he could find his way. The farmer stepped outside, but he quickly returned. He told his friend, “This lantern isn’t any good. I can only see far enough to make it one step.” The wise friend said, “That’s OK – take that one step and you’ll be able to see far enough to make the next one. Keep doing that, and pretty soon, you’ll make it home.”

This simple story has grounded me in the midst of uncertainty over the years.

Oswald Chambers once said something similar: “When you don’t know what to do, trust God and do the next thing.” What sage advice from a man of God who experienced life on several different continents during such a pivotal point in history.

Today, this world seems to be spinning right off its slanted, little axis. To look at the circumstances – in my home country and in my own community here in the DR – is unbelievably overwhelming. How do I respond?

I must remember: my sovereign God has a perfect plan that He’s allowed me to be a part of. And then I must take that next step and do the next thing.

Albel

On March 15, 2014March 16, 2014 By MitchenersIn AngelaLeave a comment

Oh, Albel.

At the beginning of the school year, the mention of this kindergartner’s name brought some mild feelings of frustration rolling my direction. For me, Albel was not an easy kid to love. I didn’t feel like I had a “connection” with this lanky, big-eyed boy. He wouldn’t respond positively to me, and that bothered me. It didn’t help that he was always picking on other kids or disrespecting visitors in the classroom. I often found him getting under my skin as he talked over me during our whole group teaching times.

I can’t pinpoint any certain day or momentous event where things changed. The pace has been much more gradual with Albel. But slowly – ever so slowly – we’re seeing tiny glimpses of transformation in this little man’s behavior and in his desire for academic success. He listens more quickly when we correct him. He frequents the time-out corner less. He’s taken some serious pride in his writing notebook. Now he’s one of the first to finish copying his letters each day. While nothing will truly be changed for Albel until he’s walking with the Lord, outward signs of growth are being seen by the Freedom team.

You know, God’s been doing something in my own life as well. I’ve recently been reminded of a simple yet profound truth. God created Albel in His image. He is valued and loved. Whether or not I ever personally see Albel change, I have the opportunity to guide and direct him in my class this year. Whether or not I ever find that “connection” with Albel, I can do my part to help this boy understand how important he is in the Lord’s eyes and that He sent His own Son to rescue Albel’s little soul.

DSC04020crop — Albel the Wiseman – Christmas 2013

DSC05295crop — Alfredo and Albel – Independence Day Parade – February 2014

The Mitcheners

Tag: change

Blessed are those who mourn…

Saying #goodbye to Marcia

Simple Stories, Sage Advice

Albel