by Karyn Grenz
We reflect God’s love, promote unity, and support one another in faith when we show kindness within the church community. Demonstrating kindness in our interactions not only follows biblical teachings but also contributes to a vibrant and caring community where each member feels valued and supported.
As many of you know, our family was privileged to host Philipa and Daniel from Papua New Guinea in April/May of this year. During their stay some real needs arose, and I am so thrilled and proud to say that so many of you answered the calls for assistance. Here are just a few examples:
Upon their arrival, these equatorial natives were absolutely freezing! The lowest temperatures they had ever experienced was 75 degrees fahrenheit and that day it was 20! The clothes and sandals they brought were definitely not going to be enough. I had donated to “Lower Room 2” (a local sharing closet for children’s clothing) in the past, and I quickly sent a message. The very next day, the owner set out 3 bags of clothes for Daniel, including a winter jacket and insulated pants. For Philipa, a small group member brought over warm pajamas and sweaters. What a life saver!
Philipa filled out many forms for Daniel’s appointments and surgery, and I quickly recognized her struggle both to read smaller print and to focus on objects in the distance (think Mayo Clinic lobbies). When I inquired about glasses, Philipa explained that the only dental or vision care available to them comes from missionary boats that circle the island periodically. She said they are allowed to sign up for appointments, but it may take up to two years to be seen. Enter Carla & Larry Addison, owners of Total Vision Eyecare. I called Carla to ask if Larry would just confirm that Philipa needed reading glasses, thinking that I could at least get her some dollar store readers to help. Larry agreed to see her in the office, complete a full exam and even provided her with a pair of new eye glasses (bifocals!). What a tremendous gift and how grateful Philipa was!
Daniel asked early on about a haircut. He wanted to have a “real haircut” and look like a famous soccer player. Deon Flatt, a small group member and barber, had him in his chair that same week!
There was only one tense moment during their stay. It happened the night of Daniel’s surgery. After seeing him all settled in his room after an eight hour surgery, we said good night and decided to get some sleep. On the way home from the hospital the surgeon called to inform us that there was a leak in one of the vessel connections, and he needed permission to go back into the operating room. Attempting to avoid panic, we quickly came home, gathered some clothes and had a bite to eat before rushing back to the hospital. However, we were dog sitting for Spring Break, and my own daughter needed dinner. Enter our small group members. After one phone call, we had two people at our doorstep within minutes and we were safely back to the hospital. Phew!
During that hospital week, Philipa stayed at least 22 of 24 hours per day. As my husband was traveling that week and she wanted someone to be with Daniel at all times, who would do the transporting for Philipa so she could freshen up? Diane Orth made one phone call to a church member, and we had a driver who patiently waited. Many of you brought such delicious family meals that were immensely helpful, especially that hospital week! We were foretold of the “famous Nancy Monson meal” and it surely did not disappoint. In fact, because of the rice, it was one of Daniel’s favorites. He even got to experience a “coyboy meal” of pulled pork and an Iowan tradition of chili and cinnamon rolls. Calvary truly has some amazing cooks!
While he was recuperating, Daniel kept asking, “Where is your sea?” He was clearly missing home and the Solomon Sea they often visited and fished in. We thought in Minnesota the closest “sea” we could come up with was Lake Superior! With one phone call to my parents, who live in Two Harbors Minnesota, we were in the car the following weekend. We stopped on a lovely spring day at Park Point Park and although it was only 60 degrees we took off our shoes and stuck our toes in the sand! Daniel had the biggest smile on his face we had ever seen. He turned to us and said “it feels like home!” Sweet relief!
When the time came to say goodbye, our friends and small group graciously came and celebrated with us. This gave Philipa a chance to show her gratitude and Daniel a chance to “be a boy” amongst the other kids. What joy there was in knowing people from a new country and giving praises to God for a successful surgery and overall experience. Our sweet neighbors even bought Daniel a collapsible fishing rod that he could take home to replace his wooden stick pole. Such a kind and thoughtful gesture!
In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” This verse highlights the role of kindness in building up and supporting fellow believers. So many of your acts of kindness through encouragement, affirmation, and practical assistance strengthened relationships and promoted a positive, nurturing environment for this family. Thank you from the bottom our our hearts!
Karyn Grenz is co-editor of The Stir, wife to Chris and mother to Josef (17) and Alexa (13). She is a former family nurse practitioner, now homeschool mum. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying a good English period drama with a cup of tea, gardening or being an amateur birder in her back yard.
1 thought on “Fruit of the spirit: kindness”
Thanks for all these highlights, Karyn! You Grenz’ were great hosts! Thank you to the church Body for all their help and service to our CHP hosts!