please know that Marisa reads all your comments and is filled, I mean filled by all the love you are extending. In my work, I believe that I am the hands, feet and voice of Jesus to those that need it. You guys are the e-mails of Jesus.
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Life 
20 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 10, 2007 at 11:38 am
Trinda Rensen
Marisa.
As you find rest this day in the Presence of our Father. Know that it is His loving hand picking you up and placing you into His own heart.
Trinda
January 10, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Heit
Dearest Marisa, Mendelt, Zion. Jacoba and Zekijah. I wish I could hold you and give you all a big hug! Only a few more days and I will return to see you and offer my help. Our relatives are daily remembering you in their prayers and in the conversations. Oude Pake (91) starts a sentence and it usually end with tears in his eyes and “och, och,och wat is dit jammer.” He must be thinking “and here by the grace of God go I.” Keep the faith and take courage. Love you all.
Heit (and Pake).
January 10, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Kristen Groot
I have been sitting in front of the comments box for at least 20 minutes now… wondering what to write.
Back in those BC days, both of you were a lot of fun to have around and I loved getting to know you. Going through highschool was challenging enough, but whenever I saw you two at home, you were always so positive and encouraging… examples to a 15 yr. old that grown ups could still be fun and cool. You were role models to Matt, Lynn, and I. Now as I read your blog I am reminded of what you still are to me today – examples of faithfulness, trust, and courage. As I still wonder if these are the ‘right’ things to say, I remind myself that there are probably no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ words to share… I just want you both to know how sincerely I’m thinking and praying for you and your family and that you will continually feel supported and encouraged by all of those who have rallied around you. God’s love for you is evident. God’s many many blessings for you, Kristen
January 10, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Steve & Kris Koornneef
We prayed alot for you yesterday Marisa, that God would be near you during your first Chemo treatment.
The Love that Mendelt has for you can be seen in the words that he writes in this blog . His love will get you through many difficult days ahead. The Faith you both have will give you both the courage & strength in the days to come. We Pray that you will feel Gods love surrounding you & your Family during your treatment.
WOW!! Prayer is powerful!!
You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
If there is anything you need, don’t hesitate to call, (Babysitting, Cleaning etc….)
Love Steve Kris, Scott Miranda, Craig & Danielle
January 10, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Janine Ferrier
Dearest Marisa,
It is with tears pouring down my face that I write to you and simply say ‘I will pray”. At times these simple words seem just that – simple, but yet to know the power of an awsome healing God and to bow the head and bend the knee in total surrender knowing that the King of the Universe holds you in His hands somehow doesn’t make it that simple anymore.
My thoughts quickly go to the warmth of the Florida sun as we sit and chop up rooster soaking in the rays – who would have thought that life would be as it is today? Laughing, singing, driving through the night to a known destination where vacation awaits – who would have thought that life’s journey would take us here?
Words can’t express — I hardly know you but yet you have touched my life — my heart hurts for you — prayers lifted in your name – for you and your family- that’s all I know to do, that’s all I simply can do.
With heads bowed and knees bent,
Janine & Jonathan Ferrier
Kaleb, Lydia, & Malachi
January 10, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Brian and Ellen Vyn
Please know that you and your family are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. God doesn’t promise us an easy life, but he does promise to be right beside us every step of the way. God will be with you and help you through this time in your life. You are young and you are strong, and have much support from family and friends, and many, many people are praying for you from far and wide!!
January 10, 2007 at 3:46 pm
David Wonder
Marisa,
I check this blog for updates each day and as a result have seen your smiling face many times. I pray not only for healing but also that you might continue to experience joy with each new day.
Mendelt,
I look forward to seeing you soon. It has been too long since your words and presence has put a smile on my face. I pray that Christ’s presence will be very real to you and that he will provide you with the courage, love, and patience you will need to be a husband and friend to Marisa and a father to your beautiful children.
Zion, Jacoba and Zekijah,
As I sit here and think on you my eyes well up with tears. I pray for you and your parents unceassingly. I pray that you will will be a source of joy, and a place of peace for them both. Your Dad often tells me how beautiful you are, and after hearing the stories and looking at the pictures I would have to agree. Know that my Esther, Jacob, Maaike and Leah are praying for you as well.
Until next time, peace.
David
January 10, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Martha Groot
Mendelt and Marisa…….
Today after school the kids and I talked about you a bit and prayed for you. They looked at me and said “whenever Mendelt comes over he always makes up funny songs that make us laugh!!!” So, they would like to TRY and put a smile on your face for a moment………….luv ya……….Martha, Steve and the kids
Jason (10 years old)
“what do history teachers talk about when they get together?”
“Old times!!”
Jeremy (9 years old)
Why did the windsurfer get his gear for such a low price?”
“Because it was on sail of course!!!”
Eric (6 years old)
“Why did the peanut cross the road?”
“Because it wanted to be peanut butter!!”
Claire (4 years old)
“knock, knock”
“who’s there?”
“book!”
“book who??”
“I like kitties!!!”
January 10, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Elma
Mendelt, Marisa & Family
Just reading the blog and the outpouring from this community of ours is quite something in itself. What a wonderful thing to have this tool called the internet to use for His work!
We gladly offer daily prayers for you and your family. It’s something that your fellow believers gladly do for you. May you continue to find strength and support.
Elma (Boekestyn) Regnerus & Family
January 10, 2007 at 5:18 pm
The Pots
Marisa, Mendelt, and family,
May God give you the strength you need for the challenge that is before all of you. Know that prayers are being offered. This blog is a great idea and a testament to the blessings of Christian community.
Know also that prayers will be offered at Beacon Christian Schools for all of you.
Ralph, Sara, Emily, Sophia, and Rachel Pot
January 10, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Nathan Cooper
There are more and more times that I find myself at a loss for words, simply because there doesn’t seem to be anything good to say. It is not that I am not hopeful, just beaten down as daily we are faced with the brokenness of our fallen world.
I can’t help but project your experience on to my own reality as we too have three lovely children and wait expectantly for our fourth.
Life is fragile and precious.
James Ward sings a delightful song “So His Honor” based on the verse: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
May you find comfort and strength in the Scripture, song, and supportive social network.
– Nathan for the Coopers: Carmen, Aidan, Sam, Noah and “wild turkey surprise”
January 11, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Calvin and Aletta
Dear Marisa and Mendelt and family,
Just a little note to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you lean on our wonderful Lord during this difficult time. We will continue to lift you up in our prayers.
Love the Van Muyen’s
January 11, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Andre
Hi Marisa…we are praying for u
January 11, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Mel and Betty Andree
Dear Marisa and Mendelt and family,
That big C-word has crept into your life, merciless to race, gendre, size or age and we are stunned by it. Our hearts cry out, why? But, we know that our God is much bigger than that C-word. May our God of Wonders send healing to you Marisa and give you and your family peace and patience in the process. May you feel His arms gathering you up and carrying you every step of the way.
We do not know what the future holds but we sure know WHO holds the future, and God has promised that He will never leave you or forsake you.
You are in our prayers and we think of you so often.
With much love,
Mel and Betty Andree
January 11, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Mel and Betty Andree
ps. Thank you so much for sharing through this website. What a blessing this means of communication is.
Mel and Betty
January 12, 2007 at 10:07 am
Bev Boden
Marisa, Mendelt and your little ones,
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (the disease), for the LORD your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Marisa I have prayed for you daily, that you will feel God’s arms holding you and carrying you all the way. I pray that you will all remain strong and courageous, that you feel the peace that will allow you to close your eyes at night and get the rest that you all need.
I am encouraged by your faith and strength, what an example you have set for all who read this blog.
May God bless you all as you continue your fight.
-Bev
January 15, 2007 at 11:21 am
Wilf & Jennifer Hogeveen
Mendelt, Marisa & family
We are holding you up in our prayers as you go through this challenging time. We pray for healing and that you will be sustained in your faith and physically. We also pray that you feel the peace and comfort that is yours through God’s love and power.
January 19, 2007 at 10:20 am
Rob Clark
Dear Marisa, Mendelt and your 3 blessings,
From California where Andrea lives to Collingwood where I live our prayers stretch out for thousands of miles to you and your family through this difficult time. I pray your family will stay strong in your faith and God will provide everything you need.
From an old friend at B.C.S,
God Bless,
Rob Clark
January 19, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Bryan and Michelle Zandstra
Dear Marisa, Mendelt and family,
It’s hard to know the “proper” thing to say. Although, we don’t know each other very well….your news has really impacted our lives. Perhaps it’s because of the things we have in common….our ages, having a young family or just being a part of God’s family. We are praying hard for your healing but also for the strength to deal with this awful disease. May God comfort and surround you with His unfailing love.
Bryan, Michelle, Breanna, Zachary and Cassandra Zandstra
January 19, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Lynnette Haining
I say let’s all go purple in support of Marisa! Just a little note to say I’m thinking about you at 10:09 p.m. on Friday night and hope that you are all sleeping and doing ok. I’ve shared your story with my family. My 7 year old daughter prays daily for “the man’s wife that mommy works with – make her feel better soon”. I finally told her your name because it was just getting so confusing. Mendelt – Karlie still thinks your the coolest man at mommy’s work because you took a minute to sing her a song and show her how to play the piano with one finger. I’m sure you are doing a fine job of taking care of your family during this painful time in your lives – just keep plugging away and continue to build on God’s strength. Mendelt – Keep on packing those snacks for Zion and keep on looking for matching socks. Marisa with the purple hair – God loves you! You are a beautiful person! I read somewhere – if you’re having a bad day – wear red lipstick! Purple hair and red lipstick will make quite a statement! Not sure what Mendelt would say? Maybe you better forget the red lipstick!
Lynnette