The fellowship we have among people is enriching, challenging, and something that continues to grow each day. I learned over the summer how magnificent our creator created us a relational beings that a portion of us is in relationship with our Creator that can only be filled by Him. But, there is another portion that is to be in fellowship with people that can only be filled in community with others. It saddens me how the enemy robs us of this and how our sinful nature causes so much pain that most tend to avoid the precious gift we have. One of the greatest gifts in life and love the most are relationships that I have of every color, age, and demographic!
In August during my arrival back at Cincinnati Christian University my path crossed with an incredible couple. Milo and I stood off to the side one evening as the school held the "lighting of the hill" service to kick off the start of another year. Milo with his meet everyone attitude quickly became friends with the couple standing not far from us. Jason and Kristen Campbell I learned after introductions and we began getting to know one another. It wasn't long into the conversation that Kristen shared that she was on maternity leave. She attended chapel that morning and heard the missions moment that I gave within the service. I soon discovered that this leave is a journey of grief newly trod. About two weeks earlier Jason and Kristen welcomed their first born baby girl who was still born. Kristen became a fast friend and I asked her if she would like to come over for tea/coffee. The following week we sat on the front porch over looking the school with our warm mugs and poured our hearts out to one another. We share some common interests as teachers and daughters of the King. The conversation was one I will always treasure as a precious gift. She shared her heartache about how one morning can change your life forever. A small pinch at the umbilical cord ended her baby's small little heart beat and the movement she once felt. Many will say before her life even began but we know in Jeremiah 29:11 whose plan that our hearts belong. Gabriella Lynn Campbell was born pure at heart who now only knows perfection with her Creator. I ache for the empty arms of Jason and Kristen but I marvel at their strength. Kristen has an amazing story to tell of the gift of a picture that was given to her of Jesus and Gabriella during her labor/delivery that I know she treasures in her heart. Their family has been on a grief journey but they desire to share their story. Kristen with her talents in the arts has started her own business Marked with Love in honor of Gabriella. Today on Gabriella Lynn Campbell's original due date (November 12th) at 4:04pm which is the time she was born (on August 9th) Jason and Kristen Campbell are kicking off a website for Marked with Love. This website will be made available to purchase hand made gifts and works of art. One of the items featured are hand made artistic bookmarks that have a calligraphy message of your choice (name, verse, etc.) Kristen generously in honor of Gabriella will be donating 10% of her sales to the ministry of my return to the children of Tanzania to teach them about Jesus.
It is a great honor to have the Campbell family as friends. I know many lives will be touched by their journey. Children of Tanzania will one day meet Gabriella in heaven because of the partnership that is found in the beauty of relationship and the faithfulness to follow Jesus no matter what comes our way!
If you would like to check out the website for Marked with Love you can at www.markedwithlove.com. These are beautiful works of art filled with meaning and love that would make great stocking stuffers for loved ones this Christmas.
Prayer Points~
- for the healing and grief journey that the Campbell family are on each day and may their story be one of great impact for the Kingdom.
- May the life of Gabriella Lynn Campbell encourage us for the life of eternity that we will one day experience.
- For the kids who live in Tanzania that they may one day worship with Gabriella in heaven!
- Cherish, hold, and instruct the children you love today in this moment that they may know the King!
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