Doing disaster relief with Samaritan’s Purse has been beautiful for so many reasons. One of these reasons is because I get to see Christ in the character of every one of the girls on my sweet squad. I want to introduce you to some of the girls by describing a characteristic of the Father I have observed in them.
Katie Lederer (Portland, Maine): Humility
Katie walks with so much humility. Her words are always humble, and her hard work is never in vain. She is clothed in dignity and gentle leadership while she lets her presence take a seat so that the Lord can stand.
Sarah Piepenburg (Dallas, Texas): Love
In John 15:13, it says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” What a perfect example sweet Sarah is of this. Her ever-growing love of her Savior is seen as she overflows love to the people around her by being inclusive, accepting, affectionate, and all-around lovely.
Landry Engler (New Braunfels, Texas): Creative
God is the creator of the universe. All it takes is a step outside to know that He values beauty and creativity. We are made in the image of God, so it is no surprise that His children are driven by a desire to express themselves creatively. Landry not only loves the Lord with her creativity but worships him with it. Whether jewelry making, coloring, painting, writing, or journaling, her life is simply a love letter to her Savior.
Emmalea Brown (Omaha, Nebraska): Integrity
Moral uprightness, dependability, and honor. Just a few words I would use to describe Emmalea. Her integrity shines in every room she walks in. Proverbs 22:11 says, ??” He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” Emmalea loves the Father as not only a savior, Husband, and Father but also a friend.
Raina Henderson: (Hanceville, Alabama): Hospitable
Raina carries the aroma of Christ wherever she goes. Her smile is contagious, even to strangers. Miss Raina is friendly, generous, helpful, and warm, or as I like to say, hospitable. She makes it clear that everyone is welcome and safe in her presence.
Syd Cranford: (Knoxville, Tennessee): Zeal
The definition of zeal is great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. When describing her relationship with Jesus, the word I would choose would be zeal. Her passion for the Lord is something I have never seen before. Her zeal is not only how I would describe her love of the Lord but her desire to bring others to love the Lord.
Maddi: (Jenkinsville, South Carolina): Contentment
In 2nd Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’ Maddi seems always to be living in a state of happiness or satisfaction no matter the situation. What an example of what real Joy, despite circumstances, looks like.
Ellie Zeller (Denver, Colorado): Wise
Ellie is what I would describe as having a young, old soul. She is Wise beyond her years yet wakes up every morning with a childlike wonder and love for the Father. Colossians 3:16 reads, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” Ellie lives this out every day, being an example of strength and dignity to everyone here, always ready to speak the truth over every situation.
Via Occilien-Similien (Covington, Georgia): Genuine
It is seen repeatedly in scripture that Jesus is sincere. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). Via lights up every room that she walks in, not only because she is funny, gives the best hugs and best commentary, but because her character does not waver.
Abbi Manos (Simpsonville, South Carolina): Honest
My lovely Abbi is honest. When I say that word, I am not only talking about trustworthiness, although she is a confidant and friend to all. Abbi is one of the most emotionally honest people I have met. As someone who is not the most emotionally aware person, I find it so beautiful when I see how she always knows how she feels without it taking hold of her. This is a huge gift in this community because she knows what others are feeling and is such a safe shoulder to cry on.
Ruthie Case (Augusta, Georgia): Meek
The original definition of this word as in “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5) can be translated to mean that those who have swords and know the power it holds but keep them sheathed shall inherit the earth. Ruthi embodies this controlled strength. She walks with inner humility, peace, and patience.
Alyssa Molinari (Tucson, Arizona): Tender
Alyssa is the sweetest soul. Within the first 5 minutes of a conversation with her, you will feel warmed, loved, and valued. Her words carry so much weight, yet her delivery is always tender and kind. What a vibrant atmosphere she makes for her squad with not only her selfless actions but her tender words.
Olivia (Cummings, Georgia): Empathetic
So many times in the gospels, we often see that “Jesus had compassion on them,” referring to the needy, hurting, and helpless, driving him to heal and reveal. This kind of compassion for suffering and sadness is seen in my friend Olivia. It hurts her to see others hurting; she is gifted in stewarding this connection and leading others to Christ in pain.
This is beautiful. You see others and celebrate them so well!