Dear sisters,
Are ya’ll out there? I keep wondering if anyone but Nicole is reading this!
Anyway, the last time I wrote I was sitting in the moonlight with Elizabeth Rooney, adoring Jesus as if nothing else mattered. And, know what? Nothing else does!
I just read a wonderful State Journal article about Cindy Herbst – brave, visionary, sister from the branch of our family at High Point Church AND listener to God’s voice.
Haven’t you ever been driving along, errand-list in hand and heard that still, small voice speak to you? Have you ever driven down the beltline and seen something that triggered a thought that wouldn’t go away? (and I don’t mean when you see a Hummer and can’t stop wondering what those people were thinking when they bought a car that looks like a tank and probably sucks $3 per gallon gas out of the pump from 50 yards away)
How often are you car-pooling along and a person, situation, or need fills your heart and mind.
God is speaking. He gets us wherever He can. I often am woken in the middle of the night. I’m often caught in the shower with a need to pray. Driving is another one of those times when we’re on "automatic" (don’t ask me how I get from my house to the church building sometimes…You know what I mean). And, Holy spirit can grab our minds and speak because we’re not otherwise occupied. We’re in a position to listen.
Cindy Herbst put herself in a position to listen. She was ready to Listen and Ready to Risk.
Evidently, she wasn’t expecting to pass the beautiful Queen Anne Victorian known historically as the Pierstorff House, after its late 19th century builders and owners.
I wonder if she was just headed home or running errands or?
But, she was listening. Her heart was ready to hear God say new, creative, even scary and challenging words.
And, she and her husband, Brian, were Ready to Risk.
Cindy and her Brian purchased this three storey Victorian. It’s had "past lives" as a home for elderly people with dementia, a rental apartment, and a single-family residence. Now, Cindy and Brian are transforming it into God’s house for new life.
The house will be a home-like, safe, low-cost, supportive residence for families of people (and, sometimes the people themselves) receiving organ transplants at the University of Wisconsin hospital in Madison. Imagine having a family member in the hospital for tests, surgery, recovery, or follow-up visits not just once or twice, but for days and weeks. Imagine trying to find a place to stay if you live hours away. Imagine the financial and emotional stress.
Cindy and Brian are reaching with Jesus’ hands to people in that situation. They are providing a home away from home for families experiencing the most difficult and terrifying time of their lives.
Folks from High Point church are helping. Businesses could help by donating materials and support. Small groups or House groups from your church could donate a Saturday of work. Perhaps your family would be willing to paint or volunteer to keep the lawn mowed or do some small task. The Herbsts have a dream that the Body of Christ in Madison will help pay off the mortgage so families in need can stay at little cost.
What a sweet vision! I’m thrilled by Cindy and Brian’s willingness to Listen and Hear the voice of Holy Spirit – and then, to take a Huge risk for the Kingdom of God.
Lord, as their inheritance, give them the Lost! Let them see lives and families brought to Jesus because of this house and the love and intercession that surround it.
Wanna help? give the Herbsts a call at 836 4560.
And, the next time you’re driving along, thinking you’re there to run an errand – think again. We’re "there" – wherever "there" is – to Listen and be Ready to Risk.
Listening Myself,
Julia