"We're Just Friends" or otherwise titled Happy Birthday, Demps

“But, Mom, we’re just friends.”

This is a quote I heard from my daughter, Kristy, for months and months about 17 years ago. And, it was true. Kristy and Demps had been friends, in the same youth group at church, went to high school together and went to youth camps together. They had, in fact, been friends and our families had been friends, since Kristy and Demps were about 10 or 11 years old. Never thinking they would even date, they were content just to “be friends.”

Then, as they saw each other more and more and they saw in each other, a heart for missions, Demps and Kristy gradually became more than friends. We (Don & Mary; Tim and I) couldn’t have been happier. We had loved Demps for a long time and then to have him as a part of our family was absolutely wonderful.

Demps (along with our other son-in-law) have become “other sons” to us. We are so proud of the ministry Demps has had such a huge part in developing in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. What a joy it is to see him interact with his staff, with his students and with members of their church plant. God is truly blessing Demps and his ministry there.

As if that weren’t enough, Demps (and Kris) have blessed us with three of our five grandchildren. Of course, we don’t get to see them as often as we would like because he has them living in Brazil with him.

Demps, we are proud of you and love having you as a son-in-law. We pray that God would bless you particularly today. Happy 40th birthday!