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day 16: meet Suzy J

by Karmen |

“red and yellow black and white

they are precious in His sight

Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

We knew the song

Suzy J was the first to live it..

a heart the size of Texas I often wondered how God could squeeze so much love  into one little person..

she and I came to know our Savior together at a revival…I don’t know who made it to the altar first-but that was just the beginning

VERY non-confrontational, merciful, air-headed, impulsive and just plain funny.  Suzy J was to me what Ethel was to Lucy.  We were tight!  We made up two of the three “Big girls” at Tony Creek

Selfless-always thinking more of someone or something else..whether her pet rabbit, baby doll or wayward friends..”How can I help?  what more can I do?”

After graduating from high school she headed west- to the lone star state of Texas to join forces with Teen Mania Ministries.  Participating and traveling with Acquire the Fire Youth events ..Sharing Jesus with the world -inspiring youth to go deeper in their love and passion for Him.  During her year with TMM Suzy J traveled to China, Russia, Nicaragua & Chile..with her heart whispering “Africa”

Upon graduation she came home to Tony Creek for a a brief spell before following her heartbeat to Nairobi, Kenya.  All by herself.  She was all of 19 y’all.

She stayed two months and came home-wrecked.  If her heart was the size of Texas before she went it was the size of Africa by the time she came home.

“They’re living on the streets y’all…kids. BABIES! In garbage..all alone.  We’ve got to help them!!”

It just so happened (yea-right.) one day while waiting tables at the family cafe she was sharing her heart with a local baker friend.  She pleaded, “they’re living in the streets.  With nothing.  Babies! kids. teens. All alone. Sleeping on..eating- garbage.  We have to help them!”

The family baker friend responded, “I’ve got friends and we’ve got money. Are you set up to receive donations -tax exempt.?”

Suzy J said “no but I can be soon”

and by George she was…

immediately following she marched her blonde headed, 19 year old -all grown up -but no, not really self into a local lawyers office and said, “Hey, I have friends who have money and need something ??like a tax exempt thing? so they can donate some money to our efforts in Africa… Can you help?”

and he did.  Shortly following Suzy J had her non-profit (free of charge)  Colors of the Cross established and ready to receive $-tax exempt

and she did.

Like manna from Heaven the money came –

shortly there after the Lord answered her prayers and blessed her efforts as she left for Africa for the second time.  This time for three months..During her time there she and a Kenyan pastor purchased land, built a home, gathered the kids from the streets, gathered and gave soccer uniforms, formed teams-found coaches, meeting physical and spiritual needs daily through devotion and prayer..mentoring, discipling, loving “the street kids”…..  All for Him.

Upon arriving back in the states she met, feel in love and married Jesus.  Seriously.  That’s her hubby’s name.  I can’t tell you how absolutely perfect it is that the Lord would choose a man by the name of Jesus for Suzy J.

Of course she would marry a man named Jesus.  It’s always been Suzy J and Jesus

and it always will be…

She and Jesus (pronounced /HAY-SUS/) just had bambino #5  just over 6 mos ago.  She is a “called mother”..no doubt. And for now her mission field is her home.  Training, praying, equipping her littles for the mission field..for Africa

She’ll go back one day

and when she does

I might just go with her..

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Filed Under: #iheart, blog, Everything Else, Inspire

Comments

  1. Kiley says

    October 21, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    Perfect description of her. I luv my Suzy, she was a true friend. I miss her so much. We call my youngest daughter Curly SUE! She is a firecracker! We named her after my best friend Suzy and her great grandma Susie. She will be 100 next year. I can remember going to visit her in “Texas” what a trip! Miss ya’ll so much ya’ll were like a second family to me, and I cherish those memories! Hope to see the gang soon!

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