We started out the night hearing from Dr. Steve McKinion. He shared great insights into suffering, and how to suffer well. He walked us through their suffering with their youngest son's battle with leukemia, and different ways that their eyes have been opened to this new world. To hear more about Dr. McKinion and his family check out his blog.
Mrs. Ginger McKinion then shared some personal stories of how they have been ministered to during the past year and a half. We are so thankful for their families transparency through everything that they have faced. Ginger's honesty and realness was so engaging, and attendees were able to get an inside look at what it looks like day to day dealing with the in's and out's of having a child with cancer. She also shared some very practical tips on what to say (or not say) to families when dealing with suffering, and tangible things you can do for people to show you care. A great idea that she shared was to give gas cards and gift cards . This was relevant for their family because they are on the road back and forth from the cancer center so much. Both Steve and Ginger stressed how prayer really does mean so much to families when they are going through hard times.
Hearing from the McKinion's was the highlight of the night! If only we would have had a few more hours to hear from them and ask questions! :)
After listening to the McKinion's the attendees had a chance to write encouraging cards to different families who are in the midst of suffering. Three families were actually friends of the McKinion's that they have been able to meet and form frienships through Harrison at the children's cancer center. Other families included some of our own SEBTS faculty, the Merkle's and the Black's. Ladies also had an opportunity to write notes to nurses that work in the cancer center where Harrison gets his treatment. Our goal is writing the letters was to do something tangible to show compassion for those hurting around us right then. Writing a note is so simple, and takes such little time, but can make such an impact.
We ended the night with sweet worship led by Josh and Pam. There is just something about singing all together praises to God that really brings your heart to a place of pure worship.
We pray that attendees were able to walk away with their eyes opened to how to show compassion to those that are hurting. It was a great night!
Mark your calendars for Monday, May 6th for our final Connecting Point event of the year. Project:Commission will be a special time of prayer and encouragement for the female students and wives that are leaving for overseas missions this year. You do not want to miss this event!
Mark your calendars for Monday, May 6th for our final Connecting Point event of the year. Project:Commission will be a special time of prayer and encouragement for the female students and wives that are leaving for overseas missions this year. You do not want to miss this event!
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