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Published: April 14th 2010
As far back as the late 1980’s Joy and I have been raising prayers to our heavenly Father that he would prepare mates for our children. Yes, that was before all of our children were even born! But we asked our gracious Creator to not only bless our children, but also to providentially prepare someone for each of our children. Through the years we have striven to raise our children with a passion to please God. We will be the first to admit we are not perfect parents. That fact is the very reason why we feel such a burning need to ask for God’s help.
As our furlough draws nearer, I am thinking increasingly more about the wedding of our eldest child, Julia. We are so proud of the Christian lady she has grown to be. She and Lee have requested that I perform their wedding ceremony. I will be most honored to serve in such a capacity for the joyous event. Admittedly, I have some concerns about the emotional waves which might come over me during the actual event.
As we contemplate the various aspects of American wedding etiquette, I cannot help but contrast that with the customs of Tanzania. While living in Moshi for two years, we had frequent reminders of African wedding ways. The property we rented was adjoined be an elegant hotel. Wedding parties would often end up at this facility in the evenings and blast their wedding music late into the night. The day had been spent by the wedding party driving around town in vehicle procession. One truck was usually filled with a group of brass musicians who trumpeted away their quivering notes as the convoy tooled around the town. When nightfall came and the group converged at the hotel, recorded music was often pumped through the over-modulated public address system. It seems that any tune “American” was considered special and appropriate. We recall hearing such titles as “You picked a fine time to leave me Lucile” and “The Gambler” (You’ve got to know when to hold’em, know when to ...).
It is interesting also how funding of such extravaganzas is accomplished. The family will often call upon friends, relatives, and acquaintances to “participate” in the matter. Recently we received a strongly perfumed document tied with a bright pink ribbon. The header read: “SEND OFF CONTRIBUTION.” Therein the wedding of a beloved daughter was announced. The letter was requesting “contribution and moral support.” Included were clip art pictures of hands holding American dollars, and a cartoon of a man with moneybags.
In closing, as we think about weddings, I am so thankful for my bride. Joy and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary on April 20th. Joy has been, and continues to be, my wonderful and godly helpmeet. Her feminine and spiritual influence have touched many lives over the years. Since the day I said “I do” she has been a keeper at home, chaste, and kind. Our prayer for our daughters is that they follow in that same biblical pattern. God be thanked for his kindness in our lives!
George Jensen 2010
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Levi
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Happy Anniversary
George and Joy, Congratulations on 25 years and such fine children. May you both be blessed in all the years that He grants you on earth. And may He uplift and strengthen you in your efforts for His kingdom! Happy anniversary. Levi