Heartbroken
I was so shocked to hear that Lisa Lengacher passed away on Monday that my blog has been put on hiatus ever since. I wanted to post a tribute to Lisa, but knew that my feeble writing attempt would fall far short of the proper commemoration that her life deserves. And indeed, this post does fall far short of providing a suitable tribute to the life of service led by this dear servant of Christ.
During the summer of 2006, Lisa led a work team from our church to help with the recovery in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina. I was a member of this team along with Lisa’s daughter Chelsea and another NorthWood student, Josh Stouder.
I had seen the devastation left in the wake of Katrina and I sincerely wanted to go to New Orleans to serve people in need. And sure, I got to do a little of that. But do you know what happened on my trip to serve others? I was served.
I was served spiritually by Lisa.
During that week, I saw Lisa pour herself into service. And it wasn’t so much her service to the rest of our team or even to desperate New Orleanais, but her service to her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
I learned from Lisa that week.
I learned what it sounds like when someone prays with their whole being. I learned how it is possible for someone to be so focused on serving Christ that it simply encompasses who they are. I learned more about where I should be headed as a follower of Christ. I learned more about what it means to live a Christ-like life. All of this by her example.
When we left for the trip that week, Lisa provided each member of the team a journal. She had written on the first page of my journal when she gave it to me. I dug that journal out this week. Here is what she wrote:
During the summer of 2006, Lisa led a work team from our church to help with the recovery in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina. I was a member of this team along with Lisa’s daughter Chelsea and another NorthWood student, Josh Stouder.
I had seen the devastation left in the wake of Katrina and I sincerely wanted to go to New Orleans to serve people in need. And sure, I got to do a little of that. But do you know what happened on my trip to serve others? I was served.
I was served spiritually by Lisa.
During that week, I saw Lisa pour herself into service. And it wasn’t so much her service to the rest of our team or even to desperate New Orleanais, but her service to her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
I learned from Lisa that week.
I learned what it sounds like when someone prays with their whole being. I learned how it is possible for someone to be so focused on serving Christ that it simply encompasses who they are. I learned more about where I should be headed as a follower of Christ. I learned more about what it means to live a Christ-like life. All of this by her example.
When we left for the trip that week, Lisa provided each member of the team a journal. She had written on the first page of my journal when she gave it to me. I dug that journal out this week. Here is what she wrote:
July 8, 2006I am heartbroken for Lisa’s family. I am blessed to have known Lisa and am grateful for the example she set.
Steve –
I’m so excited to be going on this trip. I have been praying for you and will continue to be praying for you, and your family, throughout this next week*. It will be a joy and privilege to serve alongside you, a brother in Christ!!
-Lisa Lengacher
*Romans 5:4 – 5 & Romans 5:2
P.S. If you would, could you please journal your thoughts, experiences & what God reveals to you this week - - so you have something to share with church once we’re home and so you can always remember what you did w/ God and what He did w/ you this week
Labels: my walk with god
posted by Steve Gall at
7:49 PM
1 Comments:
Sweetie, I stand along side you with a heavy heart. Thanks for sharing your heart and your tribute to Lisa.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home