Darren LeBlanc

sunday travels

February 24th, 2009 | Category: Other

I love that we have “regulars” on here. It feels like a cute little coffee-shop that I now visit every couple days and inevitably run into some familiar faces. One of our regulars, Dania, asked to hear about our travels as we visit churches that prayed for Misty. That sounds like a great idea, Dania.

Last Sunday, we visited Crossroads A/G in Englishtown, NJ. I wanted to mention this church because I have been to few places with love like they have. Pastor Frank Jacobs is an incredibly warm man, and I think we can all learn from him. Months ago, when Misty was still with us, I often got notes from him. Here is one:

Dear Darren,
I pray for you every day.  Everyone in Crossroads Assembly of God in Englishtown knows Misty’s name.  She is on every prayer list and mentioned in every service.

In Christ’s Love,
Frank

Some were longer, but basically, that is the kind of note that I think we all need to write to people who are hurting. It says, “I care about you so much, I pray EVERY DAY, and I’m making sure the people close to me do as well”. There is no Bible verse telling me “just trust God”; no personal story about how his sister’s, cousin’s, brother’s, dog-sitter’s, best friend battled cancer once; no catchy cliché about God’s grace being sufficient; no big barely understandable words like sanctification…no, just love.

Anyway, I visited his church and was so lovingly accepted by everyone there. I’m proud they bare the same name I do; Christian. So how about if we skip the clichés this week and just tell someone we love them….or we are praying for them (if we really are). Or we just give them an Anthem of Hope gift….oh wait, that’s not out yet. Coming soon :)

11 comments

11 Comments so far

  1. Topics about Christian life and Bible readings » Archive » sunday travels February 24th, 2009 6:14 am

    [...] Martin’s World! added an interesting post on sunday travelsHere’s a small excerptBChristian/B. So how about if we skip the clichés this week and just tell someone we love them….or we are praying for them (if we really are). [...]

  2. Aunt Amy February 24th, 2009 9:02 am

    Darren,
    It’s so great that so many remember Misty, and you. But who could forget an amazing man who had the most amazing wife and mother and best friend in the world. It’s great that everyone still remembers OUR beautiful wonderful Misty.

    Love you and Livi~

  3. Diana February 24th, 2009 11:15 am

    Thinking of you!

  4. Venessa Benson, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada February 24th, 2009 11:31 am

    Hey Darren,

    Love reading your blog. It’s my first stop in my blog list every morning :) I even have a coffee in hand most times!–no need to brew up a latte for me! haha. Good ol’ Canadian Tim Hortons, too!

    I’m always praying for you and Olivia and your family.

    Take care!

  5. Lyndsay Oka February 24th, 2009 12:10 pm

    Love it…just love…

  6. cassey February 24th, 2009 1:16 pm

    sending love your way!

  7. Kathi H February 24th, 2009 2:49 pm

    Darren, I think your idea of visiting churches that had a hand in praying for Misty! And I think it’s great that you are willing to share your experiences at those churches with us!

  8. Valerie Trimmer February 24th, 2009 4:12 pm

    Darren, Hi, Iknow it’s been awhile, but just gotta tell you that John and I are continuely praying for and Livi and the rest of the family as well.

    I have got to say that the pictures that you share with us as well as the blogs are always so SPECIAL to me.

    Thank you for being such a blessing!

  9. POP ELLISON February 24th, 2009 8:03 pm

    OUR DEAR DARREN ;JUST A NOTE TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH WE LOVE YOU AND LIVI.YOU NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME WITH YOUR LOVE FOR THE LORD AND YOUR GREAT INSIGHT IN WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT.YOUR AN INSPIRATION TO GRAM AND I ,AND YOUR COURAGE AND SPIRITUAL GRACE HAS BEEN SUCH A BLESSING TO SO MANY. OUR PRECIOUS MISTY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN.HER LIFE HAS EFFECTED MANY PEOPLE FOR GOD AND ONLY GOD KNOWS HOW MANY MORE HER DEATH WILL EFFECT.ONLY ETERNITY WILL REVEAL WHAT BOTH YOUR LIVES HAVE PRODUCED FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD I LEAVE THIS VERSE WITH YOU 11PETER 1;3 THE SPIRIT HAS GIVEN US ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO LIFE AND GODLINESS THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGEOF HIM WHO HAS CALLED US TO GLORY AND VIRTUE ” KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOUR DOING AND GOD WILL MEET YOUR EVERY NEED AND OUR PRECIOUS LIVI.AGAIN I SAY WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH .YOUR POP

  10. Pam Chadwick February 24th, 2009 10:45 pm

    Dear Darren,
    Oh Wow! I love (Pop Ellison) Your Mom, Pop and Gram mean so much to me! I understand what he is saying to you, because that is the way I felt about him. He always seem to make everything all better, just the way
    he spoke of God, There love for the Lord was so clear and they all did a wonderful job with you, as people of my church have just enjoyed the love you share with others. They tell me how awesome you are and they are so right!
    I love you and Olivia and cont. praying for you each and every day.
    Love,
    Pam

  11. Emilie Olson February 25th, 2009 10:52 am

    I love this- so true- always reading!

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