The Makools

I've shared with you a bit of our history concerning our journey from 13 years of living outside of Christ to our walk with God that lead us to now 20 plus years of ministry. We were at the end of our marriage.  Divorce was imminent.  Our lives had fallen apart and there was no hope in sight.  At least I didn't think so.  But God used this to bring Rickey to Him and as a result Rickey brought us along with him. A decision that  I will be forever grateful for to both God and Rickey.  


What I want to share with you today is who He used to help keep us on track until Rick was ready for the call God would place on his life, our lives. 


The Makools.


When Rick and I began our journey with Christ, we had to give up a lot.  Our life style had to change.  Our friends had to change.  Most Christians don't know what it takes to do that.  Leaving your friends behind is a hard thing to do because you feel alone and if someone from the church doesn't step in to replace those friendships, a lot of people return to what they know to avoid that loneliness. That's exactly what the Makools did.  They replaced what we had given up with something better.  A couple that had our best interest at heart.  A couple that had the same goals that we now had.  Friends that would be there for us through thick and thin.


 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  1 Peter 4:8-10 


We did everything together.  If we weren't at their house, they were at ours. We were together every weekend and often with other Christian friends fellowshipping, eating, playing games.  We just loved being together. We became more like family than friends.  Their children called us Aunt and Uncle. Our children loved their children like brothers and sisters. They are a big part of who we are and where we are today. 


I can honestly say that if we hadn't had that relationship I don't know if we would be in the same place spiritually that we are today. They will never truly know how much their love meant to us, how instrumental they were in our spiritual growth.


There's so much more that I could say about them and their children.  How much we love and appreciate them.  But, I will simply ask you a question.  Who are you helping to walk that path to freedom? 


It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1


13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Galatians 5:13-14


I thank God for sending us the Makools and pray God's abundant blessings on them for eternity.


Who were "the Makools" in your life?  Leave me a comment.




~Sharon

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~Sharon