And to my wife, Hope, whose invisible contribution to the completion of this project is written large in a life of unassuming sacrifice of personal comfort and convenience for the greater good of Christ’s Kingdom among the peoples of Latin America. Her realistic counsel kept the ship on course, and her practical encouragement in taking on more than her share of the load brought it home to port.I honor you for giving up so much to see this happen.
THESIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This weekend, when most mothers are being smothered with attention, your mother, as has been her style, has taken second place, again, this time to my graduation. I wanted you to know that without her commitment to this goal it would not have happened. On this Mother’s Day weekend I want to take time to honor your Mother in a special way for who she is and what she does.
The following poem by Joel and Christa’s pastor was chosen by me to be included in their wedding ceremony, long before he was their pastor. It has since found its way into each of your wedding ceremonies, and it will find its way into Paul’s in some way I’m sure. What I was trying to say to each of you is that the role of a strong woman in a marriage is a tremendous gift.
As you read the poem again this Mother’s Day, note the two phrases that I feel particularly characterize your Mother: her fierce fidelity and the velvet steel of her character and approach to life.
