| Author | Message | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 161 Registered: 12-2004 |
A couple of months ago several of you posted how proud you were of your fathers. I too would like to pay a tribute to my father, Willy Gerber. My dad at age 69 just finished the Boston Marathon in 4:22. My father has overcome many obstacles in his life, from refugee camps in Europe during WW2(born in Romania) to growing up in a new country(Canada) without a father. Through his trials he has gained an admirable appreciation and acceptance of God's Grace. While he lives his Christianity as an Adventist, he has accepted my journey of faith to be a genuine search for God. He has, and continues to be supportive and loving. As I hear about the 10,000 stair workouts, the weekend 20 milers, and the multiple ascents up the "Grouse Grind", I sit back and smile that this is my Dad. Although our understandings of theology continue to evolve. We both have come to recognize that our relationship with Jesus, and the acceptance of God's Grace is our only assurance this side of heaven. Today Dad, hats off to you. I am proud of you and your continual striving for physical and spiritual health. With love and admiration, Randy | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 1014 Registered: 7-2004 |
Randy, I applaud both you and your father. Him, for his obstacles that he obviously has, and continues to overcome, and you for learning by his example. These are the types of fathers that allow the metaphore in "Our Father in Heaven" to be effective. May God continue to bless you both. Belva | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1546 Registered: 3-2005 |
Randy, Congratulations to your dad for finishing the Boston marathon. More importantly, he knows the Lord Jesus Christ. When you grow up in the background like he did, grace becomes even more meaningful. Your father is young enough, and healthy enough to have a great spiritual journey ahead. And I have this feeling, you will have even greater stories to report on his spiritual growth. Congratulation Mr. Gerber! Stan | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3770 Registered: 12-2003  |
Randy, thanks for bragging on your dad to us! I'm sure one his life's joys is realizing he raised a son who is a man of integrity. God bless you both as you continue to cheer each other on as He grows you both in Him. Congratulations, Mr. Gerber! Colleen | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 666 Registered: 7-2004 |
Randy, In my study of Genesis this year, I am so amazed at the importance of what is passed from generation to generation. Of course, this is not always good. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all passed down both good and bad qualities. What amazes me most is the redeeming grace of God in those relationships of old. Your dad has passed on to you a tremendous love for your Savior. Though you may not agree on all points of theology, I firmly believe God will redeem this "seperation" in your relationship. I can't help but be impressed with what you are passing to the next generation. God has used your father to instill and enable you to knock, seek and find...what a thrill it must be for your father to see your love for Jesus and for that love to also be passed down through you. Congratulations to both you Gerber fathers! Denise | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2456 Registered: 3-2004  |
Randy, I can see the pride you have in your Father in your writing about him. I am so glad for you that he does not fight your growth in God, but accepts you. That is so good. Tell you Father, Will Gerber, congratulations for finishing the Boston Marathon. God is working on him and one day he will wake up and see that all he needs is Jesus. We do have an AWESOME God. Diana | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 193 Registered: 3-2005 |
Randy, For years I have been amazed at the connection between movement and my spirit. Most of my amazing experiences with the Lord have been on a long and difficult run, on a rigorous bike ride, on a tiring swim, on a climb up a mountain. I love the text that talks about the God ìÖ in whom we live and move and have our beingî. I believe that movement can be what I call an act of worship. I would love to study more about the connection between the two. Somehow the mind over body discipline required to run as your father is also required as in stillness we seek the presence of the Lord. God has taught me many lessons on a run. One I remember so clearly. I was running through the corn fields out toward Whitman Mission on the back side of Walla Walla College one day and the sun was behind me. All I could see was a giant shadow of me running down the road. When I got to my destination and turned around, the sun was in my face and all I could see was the sun. I literally could see hardly anything but the brightness of the sun in my face. It was then that God taught me that's how He want's me to live, facing Him and seeing him as all encompassing, not behind me with me as the big giant object of focus. I have not enjoyed an entry so much on FAF as your entry about your dad. I loved hearing about his story, thinking of the strength of character God has developed in his life because of the pain during WWII. Thank You. Lisa | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 475 Registered: 8-2004  |
Thanks for letting us share your joy, and the joy of your dad in finishing that marathon! Congradulations! What an awesome experience Lisa, thank you for sharing it! God does seem to pop up with things for us to learn when our bodies are working hard. Blessings, Mary |
