May 29, 2013

Jack's Birthday Surprise

Yesterday was Jack's 59th Birthday. Often when people reach that age they will wake up in the morning and find 59 pink flamingos on their front lawn; but today we experienced something far better than flamingos!

We were inside having coffee with some family members but meanwhile, outside, this was happening.........




We heard quite a commotion out front and put Jack in his wheelchair and opened the door.....


 and this is what we saw!





All of the student body of Rehoboth Christian School was standing on our lawn, our driveway and the sidewalks. Then they started singing Happy Birthday while standing in the rain! About 350 happy, singing faces looking up at Jack as he sat beaming with joy. Marcel Verhey, president of the student council, presented Jack with a huge birthday card, signed by every student in the school.



I spoke a few words and then Ray Roth, the new principal, said a few kind words and read from 2 Corinthians 4:16 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day."


A reporter and camera man from CHCH Channel 11 were also there to get a story for the nightly news. They interviewed myself and Ray Roth, the new principal, and two students.


As expected, the news report had cut out all reference to God in the feature. This was disappointing for us as we really wanted God to receive the glory, but we know that God is still on the throne and He will receive all glory.

As you can see by the following picture, Jack was very touched by it all and I'm sure he would say that it was the best birthday gift he's ever received; it certainly was the biggest one!


We ended by singing Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Thank you Mr.denBoer, Mr.Roth and all the students of RCS for making this such a special day.

God is good.

If you would like to watch a video of the event, here is the link. Enjoy! (we sure did).  Click HERE FOR LINK.


9 comments:

  1. What a blessing to experience such love from within your RCS community. Truly, Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

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  2. This is absolutely beautiful. The love of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and the sweet sound of children singing...wonderful gifts from God! Happy Birthday from the Schenks! Praying for you all!

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  3. Amen! God is SO good and His love and peace are shining on the faces of you and your whole family Jack! What a gift:)
    Love Ink

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  4. This is beautiful - the last picture makes me cry! Happy birthday Jack!
    Lisa VS

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  5. What a beautiful moment. My kids were so excited to be part of it. You are never far from our hearts and always in our prayers. Love, Ericka

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  6. Dear Jack and Lena
    What a blessing to be able to share in these moments.
    Congratulations on your birthday Jack!!
    Christo & Margherita

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  7. What a precious experience for you all. May God bless it to the dear children and to your whole family.

    What a blessing it is to be part of the family of God, and to see evidences of our Father's love being displayed though our loved ones.

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  8. Dear Jack and Lena,
    Very Moving! What a testimony to the world of the love of God! Congratulations and may God richly bless you.
    Henk and Gerda Bergsma

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  9. Wow. This is beautiful! What a wonderful gift. Congratulations on your birthday. May God continue to uphold you each and every moment of each and every day as you live for HIS glory.

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