by Rebekah Barnett, David & Joy’s third-born daughter
Have you ever looked at the back of an embroidery piece? The messy threads zig this way and that, creating a dizzying labyrinth of color. Nothing makes sense from that side, but when you flip the piece over, you can see how every stitch works together perfectly.
Life these days for my parents feels like flipping between the front and back sides of a cross-stitch piece, which is why I offered to guest write their letter this time. One side is full of unresolved questions and a tangle of responsibilities, like my Grandma Sutton’s ongoing battle with cancer or my Grandma Weaver’s need for more concentrated care after her fall and pacemaker surgery. For my parents, this means prioritizing my grandmothers’ needs and doing what they can to ease their parents’ load while still doing all the work of full-time ministry.
Anytime the messy side gets overwhelming, though, God reminds them to flip the piece over, so that they can see the bigger picture He is weaving. On their first trip north to help Grandma Weaver, they saw God prepare four meetings and a new supporting church. Now, on their second trip north, they have three more meetings with supporters. They also see God providing for needs in the Philippines, such as land for the Malasiqui church. Filipino workers prepare the property by faith, digging a well by hand with just a few bamboo poles and a piece of pipe. Now, they wait for the Lord to provide the funds for the actual building.
In addition to the big stitches, there are tiny ones too, that add depth and color to the picture. Ruth and Nathanael’s precious little Jonathan Elior Knott (born July 16th) has brought so much joy to our hearts! We cannot wait to see what other stitches God has in mind to add to our family in the future.
As the Father orchestrates every stitch, He uses YOU to help with the process. Some of you are threads of hope, encouraging my parents when life and ministry intersect and get tangled. Others are threads of stability, offering practical help and encouragement when they need it most. Many of you are like the craft store, equipping them with the tools they need to train Filipinos to multiply churches.
Whatever role you play, thank you for letting the Lord use your prayers and support to bolster their efforts and motivate them to keep faithfully serving the Lord. Someday, the work will be complete, and the Master Designer will receive all the glory and praise for His masterpiece.
“Our cross-stitch pattern is only one small part in a worldwide design
that Christ is completing for all to see.” – David Weaver
Praise and Prayer:
- Praise the Lord for progress being made on the Malasiqui church project!
- Praise the Lord for the safe arrival of grandbaby Jonathan!
- Praise the Lord for new supporters!
- Pray for Grandma Sutton’s on-going cancer treatments and Grandma Weaver’s need for extra care.
- Pray God provides funds for the Malasiqui church building.
Donate to the Weavers:
Go to TEAM.org or mail a check to: TEAM, P.O. Box 1683 Carol Stream, IL
60132-1683 (Account 009312)
Contact the Weavers:
Address: 2508 Dunmore Dr. Birmingham, AL 35226
Phone: (205) 401-1310
Email: [email protected]
Sign up for email letters:
weaverthreads.org