Thank God for Your Friends

Tomorrow, June 13th, we will attend the memorial service for Dr. Carl Boonstra. For Craig and my family, he has been the face of missions our entire lives. And, not simply just that; instead, he and his dear wife Elsie were dear friends. Not only did they both love my parents, but they also loved my grandparents, and siblings. It was mutual. When Craig and I moved to Springfield in 1990, Bro Boonstra became a very familiar face to us, even inviting us out to the farm. As I reflect on his life today, and the past few weeks, let me strongly suggest to you, “Thank God for Your Friends!”

My Friend, Carl Boonstra

Dr. Carl Boonstra loved Jesus Christ and people. He carried the burden of the lost world close to his heart. Under the banner of “Together We Can Do More,” he challenged churches and individuals all over the world to give to world missions and go take the Gospel. As one of the attenders at the Texas Hotel when the BBFI was formed, he both understood and lived out the DNA of this fellowship with an emphasis on evangelism where Missions is the strong right arm.

We were so blessed to have him visit and speak to us at Sonrise just weeks ago. Outside of a retired pastors and missionaries event at BBC, we were the last church in which he ministered. What a special privilege for us. We prayed for him that day and asked God to show him mercy. God did.

Here is the LINK to a blog about our day together and a video of our time together. You’ll love the pictures and the video located there.

Thank God for Your Friends

When we heard that Dr. Boonstra was sick with a terminal disease, we determined to ask him if he would come to Sonrise to talk with our church family. Craig and I essentially wanted to tell him how much we were thankful for him and that we loved him. Now, less than two months later, I am so glad we did!

As I reflect on friendships, so many people come to mind. I will not name them in the blog because there are so many. Today, I had the opportunity to spend time with a friend. It may be in person, it may be by phone, text, email, a card, or a letter, but what a special joy to have friends, especially those who are the closest.

By any standards of measurement, I am not rich and my family is not rich. But, when you measure it in terms of friendships, I have to be one of the richest!

What a shame when cares of this world, sin, and bitterness get in between friends. If you are one of those or have one of those, please persevere to be a friend regardless. And, when you get a second chance with a friendship, enjoy every minute of it as God’s blessing.

Rejoice in your relationships in Christ where we are all siblings by the redemption provided through Him. Love Jesus more and as you do, you’ll love your friends that much more.

And, rejoice in God’s grace of friendship! It could be a dear friend who was the voice of missions. Or, it could be the person who knows just how to make you smile. Then again, it could be the person willing to talk with you just to be an encouragement. What about that person who will talk on the phone with you just to keep you awake as you drive? Or, the one who offers to drive for you. Maybe it is the one who provides you just what you need as soon as you need it. On and on I could go.

Thank God for all friends, especially those special ones.

Who are you thankful for?