Friday 5 September 2008

What would you do??

I would like you to meet Jake & Jess with two little ones. I presented this picture to my SS Class about 18 months ago. The question I presented to the class was: "If this couple walked into our church, as a new couple, with these two small children, what would you tell them was necessary to be a Christian?" Answers were varied, such as confess your sins, accept Christ, read your bible, pray, attend church. Mostly standard answers that I would give as well. Now let me tell the real story!

I went to Jake & Jess's wedding in July 2006. Mama and Papa will never forget THAT wedding! what a wedding - outside, they were barefooted, bride wore a wedding gown she got at a thrift store, came in on a motorcycle to the tune of Wild Thing!' She had a garage sale setup in the basement - all wedding gifts went into the garage sale immediately - they wanted cash. Why just cash?

In a few weeks they went overseas to various countries on the other side of the earth to help with aid victims, drug abuse victims and orphans. One incident has to do with the two children in the picture above.

One night a man found these two children next to their mother who was over dosed on drugs sitting on a street corner. The man remembered the shelter where Jake & Jess were at and put them on a bus and began a 2 hour ride with them to that shelter. Enroute the mother died on the bus. When arriving at the shelter Jake & Jess now had two young children and a dead body.
They immediately began trying to find family - no success.

This past Tuesday, Jess stopped by mama & papa's house. As we shared and wept, papa asked whatever happened to those two small children?? Long story short - they are in an orphanage and are waiting finalization of adoption here in the USA! They will have a home here next month if all continues as planned.

Friend, what would you do? You and I have the respondsibilty as Christians and human beings to be at service for Christ. Jake & Jess did not rescue everyone - but they did these two. Pray with papa today that we will be instruments that can be used by the Master.

Jake & Jess are today residing in the U.S. in a large city, serving in their community and both working with people. Jess will soon begin serving as a director for a refugee relief organization. Pray for this couple that the fire will continue to burn!

20 comments:

Jake and Jess said...

they are also so big & beautiful now! Rumi smiles, Reshma is all teeth & cheeks! we're so excited about the possibility of them coming to the US soon.

Thank you for your love Papa & Mama. How your legacy has grown and continues to be laced into each one of our stories. specifically jake & mine. you both are so precious to us both & we look forward to using those hot peppers you nurtured so long in our dinner this evening!

here is the link to the organization i am thrilled to begin working with in a couple of weeks: www.gecrc.org

these last couple of days have not been easy here but the future is lookin' good beside my man & within our God.

we love you both.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Jess - we love you!! You and Jake are one special couple - thanks for challenging papa - enjoy the red peppers! I typed this and did not weep! :)

Jake and Jess said...

yeah right... :)

Indian Lake Papa said...

jess - I just read this post to mama - guess what - now I am weeping - it is all your fault!

CrossView said...

So are "Jake and Jess" in the process of adopting the kids?

Sorry- I'm tired and my brain is moving slow.... =/

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - good question - but the answer is no. They were in another country - halfway around the world - working as volunteers for a shelter facility when these children appeared. However, having returned to the U.S. they now are reaching out within their own community.

Jake and Jess said...

crossview: sadly we're not in a position to adopt right, although we most likely would if presented with the opportunity. a most amazing woman from CA is in the process of becoming their mom at this time. it looks as though it may be a done deal BUT please continue to be in prayer, international adoptions are just so unpredictable.

Robin said...

Jake and Jessica are incredible people and it's my honor to call them friends in the real world! Such tender hearts toward those who are hurting. To know them is to love them :)

Jessica, I could so see you adopting a bunch of kids - you'd be awesome!

Robin said...

Jessica, wasn't the picture Papa posted on your blog a good while back? I know I've seen it before. And I could have so seen you adopting those two kids...but I'm glad they found a mom in CA. Praying the adoption process is smooth!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - that picture was posted when that incident occurred. As Jess' Indian Lake Papa I did a great job raising that daughter didn't I?!!! lol

Robin said...

You sure did :)

Life Adapted said...

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing it. I pray these children always be blessed by the actions of Jake & Jess. Be blessed.

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - these are two young people who love Jesus and are putting it in their walk.

Anonymous said...

Just reading this post makes me want to hang with Jake and jess. thanks for sharing this!

rk said...

Oh my goodness what a sweet sweet story!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Brewster - they are a very special couple who have challenged papa to greater depths of service.

Roxx - In this picture - is something you do not see - Jess, I hope I can share this, Jess had a major struggle with lice - she refused to quit hugging, kissing and loving these kid and others. It was a constant battle. what are we willing to do to minister for our savior?

Robin said...

Life Adapted - just wanted to let you know they look good in person too! Jessica and I have had some incredible times together. She is one of my lifetime friends I won't ever let go of :) I'm glad God brought her into my life. And since she married Jake he's a friend too! Great people! Big hearts! Real!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - you are right - these are two real people - papa listens and cries when he gets to share w/these precious people.

Kimberly McKay said...

Thanks for sharing this. When led I will pray. And thank you both for praying for me too. I needed it last week. I love you both in Christ!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Kim - these are two of God's servants that we can learn from. We MUST commit our lives totally to him.