More than I Deserve
- a ministry update from Mo Leverett, May 8, 2008 -
I am a blessed man. Besides having my many sins cast from the east to the west, besides the certainty of sustaining love, besides the gift of hope and grace - He also entrusted to me a highly capable Mother as my beautiful wife. And she has given to me an amazing family, and together we share in a commitment to God’s advance in mercy! I hope you will endure my bragging about them a bit…they are much more than I deserve.
Yesterday I had the privilege of spending the afternoon watching each one of those children practice. I was hitting fly balls to Manning, who made more than one stretched out “Andruw Jones like” diving catches! He would dive with tenacity into the grass and lift his glove to show evidence of his hustle. Despite his budding athleticism, his little league coach drafted him because, in his words, “Manning, is such tremendous boy.” And he really is.
I’m coaching Lacey’s cabbage ball (a distinctively New Orleans tradition) team, and she hit and fielded the ball like a pro too! More importantly, she was all smiles. And it is always a brighter world with Lacey’s smiles.
Lindsay’s playing fast pitch softball and hit one over the fence yesterday, but just a hair foul! Her coach turned back to her slowly, after watching the ball sail over the fence, and said, “Straighten it out!” We’ve just returned from a college tour around Louisiana where she’s hoping to continue getting to play.
Maggie’s practice was the latest. She has turned into quite the little (I say little - she’s the tallest girl out there) athlete. There were great hits into the outfield, gloving the ball aggressively and throwing with accuracy and authority. She also blessed me last night by handing me a book of poetry she’s been secretly developing!
All I can say, which goes without saying, is that this Dad couldn’t be prouder! My kids’ grades are more than acceptable. They never, ever embarrass or dishonor their Father and Mother, (at least not in public). They all possess a unique and endearing spirit about them. They are all talented and artistic. They all, to a person, love Jesus! They are compassionate, intelligent and beautiful, except for Manning that is, who despite carrying some of his Dad’s regrettable traits, is nevertheless a dashing young man - and turns 10 tomorrow! Double digits!
And so, while I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve my Savior, it is always bittersweet to leave the proverbial nest. This next week, I’ll be in Corpus Christi for four days and in East St. Louis for three. I’ll be speaking, teaching and concerting in Corpus Christi and in East St. Louis, just continuing to explore the eventuality of the Fast family launching a work in that needy community.
We’ve been continuing Bible Studies at Clark High School, and while I’ve handed off the Special Teams coordination to the capable hands of Sam Rauschenberg, I still periodically show up at their practices and lend my humble services to the team’s Offensive Coordinator, Richard Johnson. By the way, Richard, who is an un-paid staffer and board member with Rebirth, coached his boys track team to the State Finals last week. One of the boys won 1st Place in the 200. I’m telling ya, that Richard Johnson is one helluva coach - excuse my loose use of the English language - but it’s true!
Our Bible Studies start right after track, baseball and spring-football practice. We have pizza or sandwiches and such, we play a game and then open the Word. And then Richard, Sam or I feed these guys spiritual bread. Richard has taught the last two weeks on struggling with sin out of Romans 7 - a reality we can all identify with. His passion for Christ and for the young men and women in that room overflows and fills the place. And while sometimes his scholastic fervor is a bit “over my head”, I gain a great deal from his teaching too! Periodically he peers in my direction, solicits my input, just to make me feel important. And I appreciate that.
My assistant Christian Angeletti, who I prefer to call Vice President of all things administrative, is doing an exceptional job for me! Besides being good company, laughing at my jokes and such, she is steadily, pro-actively and conscientiously productive on behalf of our cause. I’m so lucky to have her. And she deserves a raise!
I have an important month upcoming. Please pray for us - for Christ-likeness - for faithfulness and humility - for radical trust and peace that passes understanding.
Ellen, I and the kids appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know! Your support of me, your prayers on my behalf, your precious words of encouragement are also…more than I deserve!
