It has only been a week…but the world has changed by leaps. Sometimes I wonder if we will ever go back to pre-Corona. Predictions range from dire to decent to delightful. Like most of us, I do not know what the future holds for America or the rest of the world. My hope is in the Only One who does know – because He holds the future in His hands. And I trust Him.

Today I want to share a special love story. This past week – as I have the first week of every month for thirteen years – I composed a newsletter for Vision India, the ministry my husband directs. The April edition of Catch the Vision included a tribute to his Aunt Mary and Uncle Bozie. I have always admired their love story, because it illustrates so well the marriage vows of loving and caring for each other “in sickness and in health.” 

When Randy first felt led to begin this ministry that would support native missionaries in India, Aunt Mary not only encouraged him to follow God’s leading but also pledged monthly support for two missionaries. Randy took the step, and Aunt Mary and her husband Jim (aka Uncle Bozie) have been faithful supporters since the first month and have generously given to special projects through the years. Vision India now supports almost 400 native missionaries in five Indian states and provides a loving Christian home for 250 orphans at House of Hope in Kalinga, a village in the Indian state of Odisha.

Each time Randy recalls the role Mary played in establishing Vision India, his voice cracks a little and tears come to his eyes. 

Randy’s mom was the oldest of five children born to George and Juanita Cheap. She had two brothers – Wilbur and Joe – and two sisters – Macky and Mary. His aunts adored Randy (he was the oldest grandchild). When we were married and traveled to Oklahoma on our honeymoon, I met these two sweet ladies who welcomed me with open arms – as did my dear mother-in-law Bernita (who passed away in 2012).

When Mary was just a young girl of nine, she was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and missed a year of school. The rest of her life she would be physically frail due to rheumatoid arthritis. She and Jim met when his family moved to Buffalo, Oklahoma in 1950. They became high school sweet-hearts. In fact, Jim went home from school one day and told his mom, “I’m going to marry that little Cheap girl!”

They were married on June 19, 1955. They were both 18 years old. Missing that year of school meant Jim had graduated one year before Mary. He had enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego. Mary graduated, got married and moved to California in a few weeks time. She loved being with Jim, but sorely missed Randy (age 5) and his little brother Ricky. 

After his service to our country, Jim became a U.S. Marshal which meant a lot of time away from home. Their son Mark was born in 1960 and God blessed them with daughter Jamie in 1968. Jamie comments, “She is a little lady but a giant of a person. She always kept everything under control.”

In 1999, the effects of arthritis caused calcification around her trachea, cutting off her air supply. She had to have a tracheostomy.

It was in 2003 that Mary made her pledge to support native Indian missionaries. 

After a knee replacement in 2009, she could no longer walk. More care was required and lovingly given by her family in her home. In 2015 she lost her ability to speak. In 2016 she endured bouts of aspiration pneumonia which greatly weakened her lungs.

From Jamie: “Mom’s mind is still sharp and you can see recognition in her eyes. When Randy calls and I put him on speakerphone, her eyes dart to the phone and tears flow. She is now on a home ventilator and having the trach already in place was a blessing.

My dad lives out his wedding vows everyday. I know no marriage is perfect, but theirs comes very close. I overhear Dad throughout the day, talking to Mom, reminding her of memories and just telling her how much he loves her. They will celebrate their 65th anniversary this June. I am so incredibly blessed to have them as my family.” 

We agree! Thank you Aunt Mary and Uncle Bozie for all you have done! Only eternity will reveal what your initial encouragement, prayers and faithful support have accomplished for the Kingdom of God in India. 

P.S. This coming Easter Sunday will be very different from ones we have celebrated in the past. When we were growing up, my sisters and I always received a new set of clothes (including underwear) and usually an Easter hat, patent leather shoes and pocketbook. We always went to church and shared a delicious family dinner afterwards. Since Randy and I have been married, I can not remember an Easter that did not include church and a family dinner. Since we number thirty-five (counting kids, spouses and grandchildren), this year we will have to be more creative in the way we gather and break bread. 

But one thing has not and will not change – He is alive! Blessings to you and your loved ones this Resurrection Sunday.