I am preparing for a teaching session this week for a Mennonite Youth Camp we are speaking at December 26 to 29. My sharing is focused on the Anabaptist history, and in wanting to relate personal stories of Mennonites across the world, I've been reflecting more on my Opa's story. My Opa, now 97, is a courageous man of peace, who, following his experience as a German Army Captain during WWII, chose to seek forgiveness at the cross and spread and live Jesus' message of peace during his life.
I asked a friend from church to send a version of Opa's story found in the children's book "Plant a Seed of Peace" by Rebecca Seiling (story in photos below). As I read the story of the Christmas he spent on the Russion front when he heard Christmas carols being sung across the enemy lines, it brought tears to my eyes. I thanked God, once again, for the deep impact he has made in my life.
The last line of this story says, "He never would have guessed, on that winter night during the war, that during his life he would plant seeds of peace in many others." Opa, you have planted this seed of peace in mine and Darnell's lives and we know that if it weren't for the way you have followed Jesus in your life's journey, we would not be here in the Philippines today, planting more seeds of peace. We love you and we miss you this Christmas. Thank you for choosing to live a life committed to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
After reading his story on "Living with Conviction," Siegfried Bartel has also planted in me a seed of peace. I hope that this too would grow and bear many fruits that would replenish wherever I set foot, the same way you are doing now, D and C. I love you! Merry Christmas!
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