While We’re Waiting–A Testimony of Hope

After 24 hours I am still trying to absorb all I saw and heard yesterday. Our friends Ted and Brenda Fulford invited us to Sardis Baptist Church to hear the testimony of two families who also have children waiting for them in heaven. I don’t know what I was expecting but I had no idea the blessing that God had prepared for me. I am still searching for the words to describe it. Their countenances were absolutely radiant. There is no other word. Their smiles were contagious and their words were encouraging and all this because their hope is in our Savior.

Larry and Janice Brown’s son Adam, a member of Seal Team Six was on a mountain in Afghanistan when he lost his life while defending our freedom. Brad and Jill Sullivan said good-bye to their sweet Hannah at age 17 after a battle with cancer. But, as they told their stories there was not a hint of bitterness or hopelessness in their voices. I have often quoted one of my favorite verses from Isaiah 58:10 when speaking and writing:
“If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness and your darkness shall be as the noonday”. I saw the personification of this verse yesterday.

Instead of retreating after their loss, these two couples (who didn’t know each other until after the death of their children) advanced. They established “While We’re Waiting…Faith Based Retreats for Bereaved Parents”. They offer 3 types of faith-based retreats for bereaved parents:
Weekend-long retreats for couples/singles
Weekend-long retreats just for dads
One-day mini-retreats just for moms
And guess what, they are all offered AT NO COST to the attendees.

When I inquired about the next available retreat they smiled and said the next available opening is June of 2017!! I promptly had them add my name to that list!!

For the last few years these retreats have been held in their homes but they are currently knee deep in the building of a beautiful facility to house the retreats.

Few times in my life have I felt such an immediate connection to others. It was as if we had know each other for years. Knowing our children are all in heaven waiting for us creates a bond that is hard to understand if you aren’t part of this never desired fraternity. But it was more than that. I firmly believe we had a divine appointment with these two couples and only God knows where it may lead but I am anxiously awaiting the unfolding of His plan.

As they closed yesterday they presented such a clear and simple picture of the Gospel and the necessary steps to salvation–truly our only hope. It was beautiful.

If you would like to learn more about this project you can visit their website www.WhileWereWaiting.org or email them You can also find them on Facebook at “While We’re Waiting”

You know ultimately we are all “waiting” for that great day of reunion. What are you doing “while you wait”? I don’t know about you but I want to make the days count!!