Goodbye to friends

Today I said goodbye to a family I admire very much.  Some friends of mine are going off to be missionaries in New Zealand.  I will miss them for several reasons.  Number one, God has worked through every member of this family to make me think, laugh and help me learn about myself.  Now when Michael first told me that he was thinking about moving to New Zealand, it was sad but not a shock. The more I got to know him over the years, the more I knew that his days in Pueblo West were numbered.  I knew that God would call him somewhere, but New Zealand?  Come on, what a cop out!  Missionaries go to Africa or China.  Someplace where they will suffer, right?!  Then I started reading about New Zealand.  Wow!  Geographically, I can think of worse places to go but spiritually, holy mackerel!  In fact, just a couple days ago I read an article on Fox News.com that listed New Zealand as one of the most non-churched countries in the world.  The headline read "Is Religion Dead?"  I know that they are going to have their work cut out for them but, I can't think of a family better suited for this task.  David, their oldest, is one of the most Godly teenage young men I have ever met.  Today he was showing me his new Bible and when he talks, you know this guy knows his stuff.  He is awesome.  As far as the rest of the family, words can't describe the example they have been to me.  I had the pleasure to teach Sunday school for Titus and Maddie for a while.  They always made me smile and were two of the reasons I continued to teach for longer than I had wanted to.  They are special kids, all three of them.  Then there is Nancy.  Nancy is an inspiration.  I can't imagine if my spouse came home and told me that they wanted to move out of the country and start a church.  Even with all her reservations, she allowed God to move in their lives and submitted.  Not many wives would do that.  She has always been an honest and caring person.  And I should mention that she always made me laugh (sometimes intentionally, sometimes not!)  Then there is Michael.  I can barely type this without tears coming to my eyes.  Michael has been there for me every time I needed him.  He loved me enough to say "I love you so I can say this."  You knew that meant "hold on, cause your probably not going to like this"  but he meant it.  If he loves you enough to say that, you are a very lucky person.  Michael taught me that God has worked through him to make me a better Christian.  Not once did he take one ounce of credit for himself.  I didn't always agree with him, but he would always respect my opinion and, when appropriate, point out in scripture why I was wrong.  He gave the best advice I have ever been given.  There is one reason and one reason only for that; Michael speaks with Bible scripture in his heart.  The greatest gift he gave me was a love for the word of God.  I wish I would have listened to him sooner but I finally got it.
I love and will miss every member of this family but I praise God for the work they will be doing in New Zealand.  If you get the chance go to www.graykiwis.com and show them some support.
One last thing......I will be praying for the people of New Zealand.  They have know idea what is coming their way.  The Grays are going to turn their world right side up!  I love you guys!