Thursday, June 19, 2014

The Quilt/Comforter



Rob and Robin have worked in the high school division at church for many years.  On Sunday mornings, they taught 11th graders truth from God’s Word.  After each Bible study lesson, Rob would challenge his young men with, “So what?”  How are you going to apply what you have just studied from the Bible?  What difference is it going to make in your life?  But the investment in their lives didn’t stop on Sunday mornings.  They would go to their ball games, Camp Tallowood, and other activities to support them.  Long after students promote from their department, the ministry continues as they pray for, keep up with, and love and encourage the young people.

Rob and Robin, with son Alex, at Camp Tallowood, Camp Eagle


Last summer, after Camp Tallowood, Rob was diagnosed with cancer.  Instead of planning to die, Rob valiantly fought to live and bless his family, friends, and co-workers.  On December 4, 2013, Rob met Jesus face to face.  For the past few months, Robin has been piecing together a quilt out of Rob’s Camp Tallowood t-shirts, while remembering special times, lessons, and relationships from different camp years in the process.  And just like Robin, as she was tying off each section of the quilt, she spent time praying for the 6th to 12th grade young people who would be attending camp this summer.  Camp Tallowood began on Father’s Day, June 15, and Robin, along with her quilt, once again went to camp as a sponsor.   Another summer camp listening to her Heavenly Father and investing in the lives of His children.  My prayer is that the quilt will be a comfort to Robin as she remembers her times with Rob and others at camp and will also be a piece by piece reminder of God’s provision, encouragement, peace, protection, hope, joy, and care during these days.

 


As Robin would give updates on the progress of her project, I began to picture the quilt/comforter as a visual representation and reminder of the Comforter that God sent to be with each of us when Jesus went to Heaven. God knew that the early believers and we would need someone to remind us of His great love for us, to lead us to Jesus, to encourage, teach and convict us.  And like Robin’s quilt, God wants us to feel His presence and be wrapped in and comforted by His protection, provision, care, hope, faithfulness, and guidance as piece by piece He adds our lives to His story.

But when the Father sends the Comforter instead of me*—and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you.
John 14:26 (Living Bible)

“But I will send you the Comforter—the Holy Spirit, the source of all truth. He will come to you from the Father and will tell you all about me.
John 15:26 (Living Bible)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

1 comment:

  1. Debbie, what a beautiful tribute to Rob and his love for our Savior and the students in the youth ministry. He was really as kind, giving, and devoted as I have continued to write about him. I think back to last year when he went to camp unknowingly filled with cancer and blood clots in his lungs. He was so sick that week, but he continued to pour love into the lives of those in our tribe. What obedience and courage. I'm so grateful that he was covered by the Father's protection and care so we could have a few more months together. God is so good!

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