Called to Be Witnesses – A Pentecost Practice

On Pentecost, Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez, reminded us of our call to be witnesses.  “You will be my witnesses,” said Jesus to his disciples before ascending into the heavens.  Being a witness is a key practice that supports our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Thus, we will practice “witnessing” by simply sharing where we have recently seen or experienced God in our lives and how that has made a difference for us.  This week, we give thanks for the sharing of Brenda Wong.

About 6 weeks ago, I found new meaning in a cherished promise from God in Proverbs 17:6, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” On May 2, the Lord blessed us with Jonah, our 1st grandchild (son of Micheline & Ruben). Becoming a grandma finally, I was filled with many emotions that I never knew I had! When I first laid eyes on our little surprise bundle, who arrived 3 weeks early, I felt God ‘s wonder, awe, grace, love and joy filling my heart in the Neonatal ICU where Jonah was kept warm in his little crib. We had our moments when we worried if he was maintaining his temperature. Was his pale complexion turning pink? How is he responding and acting? Was his cry, breathing, and heart rate normal? How long was the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck at birth? God renewed my faith when I saw God in the obstetrician who prayed with Ruben, and I was strengthened and encouraged, knowing that friends and family were also praying. God was in control, is all powerful, and merciful! I saw God’s peace in Jonah’s sweet face and he pulled through like a champ and was able to go home on day 3. Thank you, Jesus!

When God blesses, he often gives us more than we ask for or expect. Ephesians 3: 20-21 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever.” The Lord not only gave us a precious grandson, but doubly blessed us with a beautiful granddaughter, Leia (daughter of Jenielle & Todd), born just 3 weeks after Jonah on May 21st. Again, God created another miracle and I now look at babies with new eyes and appreciation for God’s blessing and gifts to parents and grandparents. Even though Leia made us all wait 27+ hrs. in the hospital before she made her grand appearance, she was healthy and very alert at birth, bringing double happiness to our family.

Grandchildren are indeed heavenly crowns to the aged and watching our children become parents show us that God truly loves our children more than we do. All

those years of “training the child in the way he/she should go”, was not in vain.

People say you know how well you did as parents when you have grandchildren! Praise God for grandkids who just melt your heart and fill you with a joy greater than you have ever known. What a privilege it is to be a grandparent, something we can not take for granted, and all we have to do is to love them and hold them, to pray for them, and to teach them about God and His amazing love. It’s comforting to know that God will always be by their sides, protecting them and guiding them. God knew that our arms would not be long enough and that we can’t be with them at all times, so they will be embraced and tucked under the Lord’s wings wherever they go. Children are God’s gifts and grandchildren are the frosting on the cake. We praise God for Jonah and Leia, our chocolate and strawberry kisses, made by the Master Chef.