Thought I would share this with you all. It was made by some friends Kymm and WIll Sargent for a youth group in Newberg, Oregon.
It’s been very enjoyable lately to be able to share my story in different settings. I loved being able to share with Renovatus last night about Grassroots Conspiracy and what it means to be a co-conspirator in the fledgling movement. And I’m looking forward to sharing with the House of Providence crew this upcoming Sunday (June 3rd). Regardless of where I am at, what I am trying to develop is a consistent story that I can share in any context. With only a few minor tweaks here or there to tailor it to the particular situation I’m finding that this works rather well–that the story God’s telling through my family is one that truly does resonate in virtually any setting.
This video captures fairly well the gist of my story as it stands (or as it stood a few weeks ago when we recorded this!)
This post has helped me a lot. I'd like to contact you two – email, phone, anything. Thank you.
Hi Ryan, We've never met, but I knew your dad during the year ('04-'05) that my family lived in Oregon and worked with the chruch in Newberg. I've been following news of your journey on facebook and other places. I've prayed for you, too. Will and Kymm Sargent are friends of mine; they sent this video. Brother, I say this to you and your wife: Your testimony frames an attitude of courage and faith that absolutely inspires. Knowing that life on this side may be shorter than you had counted on and handling it the way you are is a testimony to authentic and palpable hope. You and your wife speak with a wisdom beyond your years. I know pain and hardship bring greater insights, but I wanted to tell you that I'm touched by your honesty and the way you've chosen to share the experience with others. You have my deepest respect and appreciation. I'm still praying for you, but if we don't meet on this side of eternity I'll look forward to meeting on the other.
Mike Stroud
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Jess & Ryan, thank you SO MUCH for the Spirit of your story, into which we also may enter, so our stories will resonate with yours to create hope, peace, joy, and love in the Living God among us. Emmanuel!
Ryan, I watched your video. I believe I can help you. Contact me.
A. Gordon turned me on to this when I asked her about her "check in" to Compass Church. Your story is sad, but incredibly uplifting and hopeful. I can only pray to have the kind of courage and faith you and your wife have. Thank you for sharing this. You are a true inspiration. – Justin Nickelsen
Ryan and Jessica,
Thank you so much for allowing God to tell his story through the two of you. Your faith, your courage, and your hope along with the humility is takes to be vulnerable enough to let God openly become the star of your story so that it becomes his story….well, that is encouraging and inspiring. The question, "what sort of story will we allow God to tell through us?" is percolating in my mind right now.
Grace and Peace,
Rex
Ryan & Jessica,
I'm truly touched by your testimony, thank you for sharing it with the world. I admire your attitude towards your journey, and I love your conviction of "victory over death". Your testimony gives us strength knowing that together we can share brokenness and still be joyful and thankful for our stories. Our journey, the story my beautiful wife Jan and I share is also a story of brokenness (borrowing your words), and like you, we are holding on to the promise of He carrying our burden and that everything is possible through Him that gives strength…My wife was diagnosed with Stage 3A breast cancer a few months ago, and presently this is not a death sentence anymore, however it is a rough journey of emotions, side effects, physical and mental changes she has and still going through. However her faith in Jesus is carrying her through. I agree with you when you say that God makes your broken story a beautiful one… if we let Him… In our journey we have met people that are in the same path of cancer and it has given my wife a whole different perspective on life… and even a how to relate to those that cancer touches and leaves scars. It happens that my wife also leads the women's ministry in the church where we congregate. It has given her a new set of "glasses" to see through and she continues to honor God's Kingdom even when we are hurting…
We will pray for you and your family and God's Love and Grace to cover you all.
Daniel
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