Counting the Cost

    A fellow classmate shared the following story on his family's blog and it cut me to the heart. I wanted to share this story as well, not to bring glory to Phil or our classmate that lived this story but to show the kind of heart that I desire to have, "that there is nothing more important than following Jesus". I hope that I can encourage those that read this to also place Jesus in such a place in your heart.

Greg

Imagine this scenario… 


    A young family walks into a pawn shop. While mom and dad engage in conversation with the shop owners, the older son peruses trinkets while the younger son stays close to his parents. As they slip off their wedding rings and exchange them for cash, the younger son begins to cry. His tall boisterous father kneels down to make eye contact with his son and asks what is the matter. Through bitter sobs the boy says, “You and mommy are taking off your wedding rings and I want you and mommy to always be married. Does this mean that you and mommy are not married?” 


    The father stills and pulls the boy into his arms and gently rocks him. He whispers into his ear, “My son, your mommy and I will always be married. Our rings are only an expression of the vows that we have made in our heart. Our vows will never change or go away. Today, mommy and daddy sold our rings so we could follow Jesus and move to America to be trained as missionaries. This is our moment and, though it is sad to sell our rings, there is nothing more important than following Jesus. So we give up everything to follow Him, even if that means giving up something that we care a lot about. But, mommy and daddy will always be married.” 


    He hugs the boy again and wipes the tears from his cheeks. “Do you understand?” 


   “Yes Papa, I understand,” replies the son. 
________________________________________________________________ 


    This is the story of one of my classmates at SMAT. He and his bride sold not only their wedding rings but much more because they consider the call to missions a privilege and an honor. They consider the Gospel the greatest treasure on earth. 


    It is humbling to see the sacrifices of others for the sake of the Gospel. It is an encouragement and a blessing to rub shoulders with men and women who’s focus is on Christ alone. We know that we will be called to sacrifice as we pursue God’s calling for our lives, but it is nothing compared to the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf. 


    May you be encouraged and spurred on by the testimony of our friends, and may you know that knowing Christ is the greatest treasure in the entire world. 


Phil Vana

Halfway Point

     I could hardly believe it when Greg brought it to my attention that we are now halfway through our time here in Michigan and for Greg's course. Which means in a few more months I have to start thinking of packing again and preparing to move again. This time around should be so much more fun to pack with my mother close by as she is great a packing a huge amount of things into a box or suitcase. Our household has been extremely busy over these past weeks as we have found ourselves involved with many different ministry's, school projects, and extra challenges.  Greg has been enjoying his bible studies with different men from school and now he is preparing to lead our adult Sunday school class at church for a few weeks.  He even had the privilege of leading the Wednesday night study last week for our church.  I am so proud of how Greg has willing followed God's leading as he has stepped into these roles which have nothing to do with airplanes.  Sometimes I think that going to school is the easier part of Greg's day as God has been asking him to step out of his comfort zone and do different things.  A few weeks ago I started hosting the ladies bible study in our own home and I really enjoy having all the ladies over as we fellowship together and learn more about Him.  Of course I think that Franklin enjoys having the study here more then me because that means he doesn't have to start school until after lunch time!  And last week we had a special visitor from Alberta (our brother-in-law) who was in the area for training was able to come for the weekend and catch up.  I love Isaac's reaction when we told him who was here.  He said, "what in the world is he doing all the way over here for?"  It was a great visit and Greg was even able to take him flying so he really got a good look around.  The children were even able to send a message on video back to grandma and grandpa through their uncle.  All the children are doing great and it seems like their favorite thing to do lately is EAT!!  We just went through a few weeks of all three of the children going through growth spurts at the same time and they ate us out of house and home.  Thank you for all your prayers and support as we continue to serve here in Michigan.

 Look what Greg found in Michigan!

                                                   

Taste almost like home!

                                                         

Welcome to Michigan Andy!

                                                       

Franklin hard at work doing his school.

                                               

Practicing up for when the snow gets here, do they get snow in Michigan?