OVERWHELMING LOVE
In the fall of 2022, Andrew, Alisa, along with their daughters, Alena & Evie Geers, transitioned back to Orlando after serving as medical missionaries in Honduras. This was not only a transition of place and community; it was a transition from their accustomed roles of caring for others to the roles of being cared for by others.
While in Honduras, the Geers family faced varied challenges. They were charged with caring for people, while also navigating the reality of scarce resources and limited technology. They felt the tension of knowing better quality care was possible, while their resources were incredibly limited and lacking. Despite the struggle, the Geers were grateful to be called to such a worthy mission and did their very best to provide excellent care.
As their season in Honduras came to an end, the Geers felt great loss – the loss of their ministry, community, and certainty in God’s call. Their focus had been centered around caring for others, and that sense of purpose had been unexpectedly removed. They also faced the challenge of a growing family – they left for Honduras as a couple, and returned as a family of four.
As Alisa recalls, “We had a toddler and a new baby with us as we were trying to figure out what life would be like in Orlando and what our needs were. We arrived with basically nothing.”
Thankfully, the Geers were covered by God’s grace and the care of their local community – our Church Family! Alisa said, “I was in Hailey Domeck's Bible study breakout group when she heard our story. She asked what our needs were and gave us several beautiful hand-me-downs from her own girls, shopped for us, and took me out to lunch to hear more of our story.”
For Hailey Domeck, this was a natural connection. “Alisa and I are like-hearted in that we both have experienced living abroad in the Spanish-speaking world, raised our babies in a different culture, and then resettled in Orlando as mothers. Plus, Alisa's gentle spirit is a delight to be around. She's a gem!”
Covenant Partner, Betsy Hirschy, invited the Geers to her home, fed them, prayed over them, gave a listening ear, and even provided baby gear for baby Evie. Director of Mission, Alexa Rossi, and Rev. Tanner Fox met with the Geers, prayed over them, and pointed them toward additional support. SHINE leader, Taylor Boutelle, connected with Alisa over coffee. And the list goes on!
As Alisa reflects, “We have been recipients of several instances of Missional Living from members and staff of First Pres. I could recite name after name of people who were gracious to us. It has been so thoughtful and encouraging to have others show us grace and kindness in the middle of a hectic and crazy season in our lives. There were SO many more people and families that have welcomed us back.”
The First Pres community has offered invaluable rest and recharge for the Geers family. Their story serves as a testament to the goodness of God and the faithfulness of those who love Him.
For now, the Geers are getting used to being cared for, while eager to return to a place where they can once again live out their God-given gifts of caring for others.
This is what Living Missionally is all about. This is the beautiful circle of the community of the local church. And hopefully as that circle expands, as we carry that care to our workplaces, families, and neighborhoods, more and more people will witness that beauty – the overwhelming love of Christ.
As you Live Missionally toward others or experience Jesus’ love through the caring actions of those around you, we want to hear your story! Send us your Missional Living story at SrPastorOffice@fpco.org today!
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35