“The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.” 1 Samuel 30:24

How to Make an Impact

In South Africa, we just celebrated a national holiday called Heritage Day. It started me thinking, once again, of the wonderful heritage I have. I had a praying mother and a wonderful, godly mother-in-law and father-in-law. I am so blessed to have been loved, prayed for, and influenced by them. They have helped shape who I am today.

But I started thinking, too, of others who have been influential in my life. I am grateful to many who have impacted me and are part of my heritage.

  • My Aunt Lillian who joined my mother in praying for me every day of my growing up years—praying that I would love Jesus and serve Him.
  • Pastor Sam O’Toole. He was my pastor in my early teen years. He believed in me, in my call to missions. He helped me find out about YWAM and encouraged me to step out and go on outreaches. He “pushed me out the door” so to speak.
  • Several lovely elderly ladies in my home church. Sister Miller (we called everyone brother and sister in our church), Sister Burget, and others whose names I can’t remember. They formed a prayer group to pray first for me when I went on YWAM outreaches, and then for Floyd and me when we married…praying for us for many years until they passed away. Some of them sent us $5 and $10 a month to help support us.
  • My sister, Edell Gloor. She’s 15 years older than me. In many ways she was a second mom to me when I was growing up. She has loved me and cared for me all her life. Floyd and I were with her just a few months before he became ill. I treasure those memories. Although she’s faced some health challenges, she is still alive and loving Jesus.
  • Muriel Fritz took me under her wing in Afghanistan when I was expecting our first baby. I was far from my mom and Floyd’s mom. Muriel stepped in to help me through that tender season. She and her husband, Dale, later worked with us in Holland. She and I stayed in touch until she went to be with Jesus 3 years ago.

There are many, many others who are part of my heritage. I mention these few because they are just “normal” people…but they had huge impacts in my life. None of them were famous, well-known people. But I’m sure they are known in heaven because of their love for the Lord and their care for me, Floyd, and others. There’s a verse that talks about those who stay behind with the baggage will receive the same reward as those who go to battle. I so believe that! We’re on the same team—Team Jesus.

Each one of us has the opportunity to be part of the heritage of those around us. We’ll someday leave all the “stuff” behind us—but the input we’ve had into people’s lives we’ll take with us to heaven. Someone mentioned to me recently the “family lineage” we are leaving behind. I got so excited thinking about that! May God help me leave a rich heritage for those around me.

Lord, we’re grateful for each one You’ve put in our path who are a part of our heritage. Help us to be a part of the heritage of others. Amen.