Fanning the Flame – Blog

On July 27, 2007, our oldest daughter, Rachel, married a godly young man, Joseph. They met through the ministry of their local church when they were both graduate students. They began teaching junior church together, and their interest in one another was sparked! One evening after my husband, Chuck, had a serious conversation with Joseph, he told me that he had just spoken with the godliest twenty-two-year-old man he had ever met. “When Joseph enters the room, the spiritual temperature of the room goes up.”

The Lord has given Joseph a keen mind for science and a job that strives to meet the ongoing health needs of people. Joseph is a scientist at a state university. That sounds impressive, doesn’t it? It is! But that is not the most notable thing about Joseph.

Though Joseph seems to really like his work, he and Rachel have chosen to place the greater emphasis on things that are of even greater priority in their home. The first of these priorities is their four sweet children. It has been our delight to watch them bring up our grandchildren in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” They serve as a family in the international ministry of their church, and every Friday evening they host a group of international graduate and post-graduate students in their home for a Bible study. On Sundays, Joseph teaches an international class at their church. It is a great joy to see some of these students get saved and/or discipled and return to their native country with a burden for souls.

Even with just these few facts, it’s clear to see why their marriage brought such joy to our family. However, the importance of July 27 to our family doesn’t end with the fact that we celebrate Rachel and Joseph’s wedding anniversary on this day each year. On July 27, 2013, there seemed to be a shadow that was cast over this date. It was on that afternoon that Rachel’s younger brother (our son Chad), his wife (Courtney), and their unborn baby girl were ushered into eternity. Yes, we have sorrowed, and we will continue to sorrow, but we sorrow with great hope. We believe that God doesn’t want us to live under a shadow of sadness and despair. Of course we miss our loved ones, but today we will hold close our memories and cherish each earthly moment with our family.

In light of eternity, July 27, 2013, is a day of rejoicing. This is the day when our children entered heaven’s gate and began living forever in the presence of their Savior. July 27, 2007, is also a joyful day, because our daughter and son-in-law became one flesh and have the privilege of showing to the world a picture of Christ and His love for the church.

​Happy tenth anniversary, Joseph & Rachel! This is indeed a day of rejoicing! “Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 

–Written by Sharon Phelps, Chad’s sister