Missionary Support Raising Training: Stories to Inspire - Father’s Love

(Coach Curt shares some real memories from his life, and his favorite sermon illustrations. He hopes you are more than entertained, but inspired and built up in your faith as you pursue your support raising.)

My wife, Kay, had been in labor close to 24 hours when our first child was born. It was great to be with her during labor and delivery. When Heather was born I was able to hold her right out of the womb. It was an incredible experience. What surprised me the most was the immense amount of love I felt towards her. Here was this new little stranger on Earth and I was overwhelmed with emotions towards her.

Kay was ok, and after a few hours of celebrating, I headed home in my car for a few hours of sleep. On the way home I began to thank the Lord again for his goodness and taking care of Kay and Heather; that they were healthy, etc. All of a sudden that is when it happened. I met the Father.

My testimony goes back to when I was 12 years old and accepted Jesus as my saviour at a church confirmation camp. It was very real when I met Jesus. No longer afraid of death, I knew he had purchased a place for me in eternity. Now at 22 years of age, I was married, I had completed Bible College and was on staff at a large church.

As I was driving it was as if LOVE poured into the vehicle. I was overcome and was sobbing - then a voice spoke to my heart. I knew instantly I was communicating with Father God. He said:

“Curt, you really love Heather, don’t you?”

All I could think of is that I hadn’t thanked Him enough - kind of like when someone gives you a gift and says: “Do you like it?” So - I began to thank him through my tears, knowing He was right there with me - I could feel and sense His strong presence.

I was undone.

Of course theologically it all made sense and was part of my belief system. It lined up with how my brain understands the Bible. God is love. God loves us. God of course loves more than any human possibly could, But - at that moment the thought that Father God loved me more than the intense love I felt for my newborn daughter was overwhelming. We continued down the road as I wept.

Then He asked me another question: “Curt, what has Heather ever done to earn or deserve your love?” I was silent for a few moments. In my mind I wanted to give a really good answer - after all it was the Lord of Heaven and Earth asking me this. I begin to do a tally in my mind:

She had caused my wife a lot of grief with a hard pregnancy.

She had come unexpected, so our lives would need to be radically readjusted.

She had caused my wife a great deal of pain in labour.

Finally I answered: “Lord, she has done nothing to earn or deserve my love, in fact it is all negative.”

His next and final words in the car to me that day continue to resonate with me 28 years later as they penetrated the unbelieving heart of a believer -

“Curt, you will never do anything to earn or deserve my love.”

Even though I had known Jesus, I had met the Father and now REALLY understood the Gospel. God loves me and sent His son so that we could have a love relationship. After three full decades of ministry, we continue to spread the Gospel - for Him; for those who haven’t heard of this Father in Heaven who sent His son Jesus. It doesn’t earn us one spot of love or acceptance from God - but what a privilege it is.

Insight to apply to your Missionary support raising training and activities:

One possible application to raising support: