The words of Paul to “follow me as I follow Christ” are a true challenge for all of us. Where would the people closest to us say that we are leading them? For many like me, in my twenties, I would have led you to a pursuit of worldly things. True, I was a Christian, but I was a carnal Christian. I praise God that in my late twenties through the love of my godly wife, the preaching of Jack Graham, and the faith and prayer life of Velma Mitchell, my heart was awakened to truly surrender to Jesus. Yes, I still sin but the desire of my heart is to seek Jesus and His will for my life. As I have fallen more in love with Jesus and long to follow His example of loving all people in spite of what the world says of them. This change of direction in my own life has not only altered my priorities and passions, but also looking to me for leadership.
Recently with my battle with cancer I have seen this all around me but especially in my beloved family. My wife, and co-laborer in ministry, has continued faithfully alongside me in this journey as we watch our children follow us in this ministry. All of my children are more connected than ever before to the ministry of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders. Daniel, while at UTSA, goes down to the inner city in San Antonio with my brother, my parents and the college department of his church to mentor young children. Grace continues to show a growing love for the children of Bonton and encourages me by her gentle, servant heart. Michael continues to bless me by his love for God and the least. He recently revised our website and is truly engaged in every element of the ministry. Michael’s love for Clifton and Seandra, a couple from Bonton, is an example to me of the fruit of his life of loving God and others more than himself. Recently, Jonathan, my 15 year old wrote a paper for school that brought me to tears.
Something I Wish to Complete in My Lifetime
by Jonathan Fechner
“One day I hope to be the President of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders not to just follow in my Dad’s footsteps but to serve God and the community of Bonton. I want to do this because the environment is so happy and the people are such a blessing to be around. The people of Bonton want to change but they need the opportunity. It is because of this that I want to serve the community and offer them classes to get through high school, training to get jobs, and a relationship with Christ so that they can support their families and give them a strong spiritual base. I believe I can do this because of my love for my God and the people of Bonton. I have already seen many miracles happen in the community. Two drug dealers become Christian leaders in the community and a homeless drunk stopped drinking, accepted Christ and is trying to find a job. When my Dad gives up the job of being President, someone will need to take his spot, and I feel that person could be me. I love the Bonton area and I look forward to going down there every week and getting to see the kid’s big smiles and providing them spiritual guidance. I wouldn’t change anything with BridgeBuilders. I think it is set up perfectly and has the correct goals. In order to be President of BridgeBuilders you have to have good people and business skills to partner with other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and to run micro-businesses. Business relationships are needed to provide good jobs for people such as a cafe, dental clinic, eye clinic and optical lab and find them jobs at stores such as Walmart. I believe all these are needed to be the President of BridgeBuilders.”
I share this humbled by God’s grace to save me and give me a second chance to be used for His work. I pray that you and I would always remember that people are following us, the question is where are we leading them?
Medically we are 10 days away from the CT scan to determine what effect the Tarceva has had on the tumors. We are believing God will deliver us through your fervent prayers. We love you and thank you for continuing to walk with us as we all follow Jesus.
