Today is Father's Day!
Almost 14 years ago, I stepped from a back room of a church to await my beautiful bride to be with my brothers as my groomsmen and my father, my best-man.
I've worked in Youth Ministry long enough to know that when you are in a group of students all you have to do is mention the word, father, and people start to stare off and the tears begin to come. In a world of broken relationships and pretty cruddy fathers, my dad is a shining example of what a dad should be!
When we were kids, my father was at everyone one of our games. He would leave work early, travel hours by train, just to meet us in some remote corner of the city and watch us play volleyball... and then sometimes return to work.
When we had no money and the creditors were calling, he was laughing and telling jokes with them on the phone. (It drove my mom nuts).
When we had no idea what to do next he always seemed to know what to do (he probably didn't have a clue, but he always looked like he did.)
When we lost something, broke up with someone, or just got really hurt, he always had a Life-savor candy (usually, Butter rum) for us to eat.
When I read in the Bible that God is our Heavenly Father, it is easy for me. I know that is the hardest reality for some people to understand, but for me that one is a gimme. God rocks, God loves, God is patient, God is kind, because God is like my dad, Jim Sappia.
What scares the pants off of me, is when I see the same look in my kids' eyes that I had in my eyes when I was a kid. Now, I pray... Lord, make me like my dad, so that I can more like you!
Well, Happy Father's Day, Dad! You are still my best-man!
Who we are:
Thank you for clicking onto our blog. We are thankful for your partnership in the mission that God has called us to. Please enjoy the site and thank you again for praying for our family and for Paraguay!
The new CMA videos of our family arriving in Paraguay are in...
Family Life...
www.flickr.com
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Meet the team in Paraguay
Here is the team that we work with in Asuncion...
Bob and Joy Brougher (Team Leaders)
Bruce and Sylvia Harmon
Forest and Sarah Schell (on Home Assignment until July 2010)
Bob and Brenda Boston (on Home Assignment for Medical leave)
J and Karen Spurling (on Home Assignment)
Postcards from Paraguay
Click on the video below to get a glimpse of Paraguay
Our Van
Our van!
Vehicle Fund Update
We have purchased a new van. It is a Hyundai H-1 that seats up to 12 people. This reliable mini-bus has been excellent for transporting our family around town.
Thank you so much for helping us purchase this van!
However, we still could use some donations towards our vehicle fund. We still need a little over $4000 to reach our goal. The van is bought, but we need to "pay back" the mission what we borrowed.
We know that the economy around the world is in very bad shape. We want you to know that we have always appreciated every cent that has been donated... and even more so, in these times, we appreciate your support! Thank you!
*If you would like to donate towards our car fund, click the link below and give towards "Approved Specials List,"
* When that screen opens up simply find "Latin America" and then under Paraguay select, "Vehicle Fund John Sappia"
3 comments:
Beautifully said!
When do you guys ship out? Just awaiting visa's? We're praying for a smooth transition, especially with the kids.
that was great re: your dad. That reminds me of my own dad. He was always there for me. I miss him alot, but he is in a better place.
Is this the great volleyball family from SBHS? If so hi it is Jeff class of 92 if not I am sorry I have bothered you. In any case keep smiliing!!
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