measuring impact

3 weeks until we board a jet plane. So many mixed emotions. I've been really focused on getting time in with people that have been important to us in the past few years and want to continue being in touch.

One of the persons we do not want to lose touch with is Donna.

I met with Donna today for lunch. For Donna, her identity is clearly tied to her gender. She became a transsexual a few years ago. She came to Eikon over a year ago, and though she no longer goes, we continue to see her often.

One of the ways we measure impact and change is through stories, and her story is one we'll hold close to our hearts. She is a follower of Christ, but has some serious obstacles she's trying to hurdle over in life. She has always felt judged at Church when all she's been thirsting for was love and acceptance for who she was. It's been a slow process, but we spoke today about how much visible change I've seen in her life, from her attitude, to her understanding of scripture, to how she sees herself in view of the redeemed self through Christ. I've never been more challenged by her in our bible studies, particularly working through the implications for issues such as homosexuality.

All I can say is, she's made a tremendous impact on our lives. We love Donna and are believing God will continue to renew and challenge her to serve through the love of Christ.