Mitchell Swaback Foundation > Message Board
| Subject: | From: | Date Posted: |
|---|---|---|
| Cubs Game | Jaimee Draper | 09/29/2008 9:33:06 AM |
| Jason and I went to the Cubs game last night. We sat in the lower level box seats. I watched the bleachers across the field and couldn't help but to think of Mitch. The guys behind us kept starting chants "Let's go Cubbies" I told Jason it sounds like Mitch. We just sat and listened with a smile as I thought he's probably starting the chants in Heaven, "Let's go Jesus!" | ||
| Mother Lula Walker of Tabitha House | Josephine Jackson Of Tabitha House | 09/07/2008 6:24:52 AM |
| Thank you for making Mother's Dream come true. She wanted a new kitchen and she got a chance to see it before she died. Thank Mitchell Swaback Foundation for caring and sharing love for us. Mother really appreciated Mitchell for thinking about Tabitha. She loved her kitchen so much that she stayed there all night one time. Thank you all again for your love and concern for Tabitha House. God Bless You!!! | ||
| scholarships for kids | cousin....Jeri-Lou Zike | 09/01/2008 8:50:59 AM |
| I am at the very end of training for the Chicago half marathon 2008 as the race is in two weeks. I think of the money that we raised last year for the bleachers for the gym and the generousity that exploded from friends and coworkers for that cause. One year later, I come in from my long run and I read the testimonies and thankfulness of the students who received the scholarship from the MSF. What joy! I loved their stories...wisdom way beyond their years. IT is all worth it and I love being a part of this great cause. BECAUSE OF CHRIST....we can. | ||
| Remembering Mitch Today | Alanna Harbeck | 08/14/2008 6:30:26 AM |
| Because mountain climbing has become one of my husband's passions, this quote recently caught my eye. "We see and experience the glory of God on the mountaintops, but we live it out in the valleys." Thank you to Mitch's best friend, sister and brother-in-law, and parents for truly living out examples of God's glory as they continue to journey through this valley. | ||
| Memories of the past | Judy Ritchie Feryance | 08/08/2008 9:59:56 AM |
| I'm not sure how I came upon this site (God knows). Many years ago I took paino lessons from Mitchell's great aunt June Harrisson in Chicago and knew his great grandparents the Wolfgrams they use to drive me home from church in the evening great people! How inspiring Mitchell's life has been to my soul there is no doubt that he is wearing a crown with many jewels. God bless his family and continue to uplift them especially during the coming month of August. | ||
| "Restore My Soul" | Matt & Jo | 07/01/2008 2:35:58 PM |
| Last week we canoed through Quetico Park, Canada. We were out of touch with society for the week, sometimes feeling very alone. Although our packs could hold very little we did manage to fit the book Matt's mom brought back from the golf outing, "Restore My Soul." As the sun faded each evening we would lay in our tent with a headlamp fixed to the book reading to each other outloud. What a blessing! Sometimes it brought tears, but mostly strength. Whether in the midst of an angry moose mother, whitecaps tossing our canoe, or an impossible portage, Psalm 23 was right there on our lips. Very cool to read your testimony throughout the book as well! Our cups are definitely in overflow! Thank you! | ||
| Another successful MSF Outing! | Paul and Nicolee Thompson | 06/18/2008 4:31:26 PM |
| Thanks to you who came out this year to support our 4th Annual Golf Outing! What a perfect day for golf we had and awesome support during out live and silent auctions! A special thank you to you all who volunteered, we couldn't do it without you! See you next year! | ||
| Thank you! | Joanna White | 04/02/2008 11:50:50 AM |
| I really enjoy reading this newsletter monthly and am very happy to see all the lives MSF has touched. Looking forward to the golf outing and selling a lot of raffle tickets! | ||
| Remembering Mitch's mom | Al & Carole Meehan | 04/01/2008 5:21:16 PM |
| We may have met Mitch when he was a very young boy but we only saw him only briefly. We do remember his mom, who no doubt was part of his inspiration to serve the Lord. She came to Colombia as a short term missionary where we were involved in Bible translation with indigenous peoples. Gaye was single at the time and the trip nearly cost her life as she contracted a very serious case of food poisoning in a nearby town. But, she was a trooper and God spared her for among many things to have Mitchell resulting in outreach and touching many more lives for Christ. | ||
| Peru 2008 | Anonymous | 02/26/2008 7:55:01 PM |
| I (we) have been blessed to be a part of the Foundation. I see daily here in the states people moving so fast that the true meaning of life is going by the wayside. We are so caught up in the trivial things that we forget to thank the Lord for what we have. So I would like to take the stage to thank you Lord for giving me the talent to give something to the children in Peru and go back another year to see the work that the Foundation has done to improve the lives of so many children. Being involved with the Peru DayCare has given me the chance to appreciate my life more than before. With being a carpenter here in the states it is a job.By going to Peru with Bob and the rest of the crew I had a chance to see the gift I truly have. I was given the true meaning of life. I was able to see the difference three years can make to so many children. When the Foundation started to build, there were no children on the site. A vision was placed before us. In only three years that vision transformed into reality. This year the children were everywhere,laughing,learning,loving.Each child given the food they need the love they need and being taught about The Lord. That is the true meaning of life. Every one needs to slow down take a breath and caress the world we have been given. Share your love, your life , your knowlege. Be nice to each other, give to those who do not have. I challenge all who read this to go out and find the ones who need these things and share, share all the gifts the Lord has given you. You do not have to go to Peru to do this. Look in your own backyard. The elderly, the wayward, the sick help bring them back. I thank Bob and Gaye for letting me celebrate Mitches life with them. I thank them for letting me realize I am not just a carpenter, but a builder of hopes and dreams. I say this for all of us that went on these missions and not just myself. Therefore I am signing this anonymous. | ||
| Tabitha House | Chuck | 01/26/2008 8:53:34 PM |
| I recently watched a DVD on Tabitha House Phase 3 Extreme Makeover. I was so pleased to see how you put together such a vision of hope and showing the changes so well through your videos. Well my inner manly man failed me again as tears flowed from my eyes watching the joy in those beautiful faces and of them showing their appreciation and excitement for what you have all done in helping to change their lives. You have given hope and a fresh start. Changing lives for Christ is what we are here for. Way to Go!!! Thank you for being an inspiration. | ||
| Jantina Russell | 01/09/2008 6:49:46 AM | |
| I cannot express my joy and sorrow of discovering this foundation. My husband, Ian, is an artist in Prescott Arizona. Bob and Gaye recently visited our gallery and purchased pieces. I was clearing out some old e-mail when I noticed a link to a website on the bottom on an e-mail Bob had sent us. I clicked on it and was instantly moved to explore the whole site. Several things caught my attention but mainly the Tabitha House project. Please except this modest donation for the great work you are doing to help those who are most in need. I feel blessed to have been led to this organization and to have a deeper understanding of Bob and Gaye and their lives. I admit that it has been hard to find the spirit of this holiday season as it's easy to get caught up in the materialistic and commercial aspect of this time of the year. As our family faces a tough financial year it is easy to focus on what we don't have. However, I now can put that all behind me as I realize that we are lucky to have love, family, and laughter. What we are lacking in financial wealth we more than make up for in affection and warmth of heart and spirit. Fellowship, happiness, and love are our blessings and those you cannot put a price tag on! I will continue to watch the great work done by your organization and will spread the word. Please know that Mitchell has helped to bring my focus back to what really matters and that the love we have for our family at home and our kindred around the world is a the greatest treasure. | ||
| Met someone that went to Peru with MSF | Matt and Jo Rieger | 12/13/2007 8:33:34 PM |
| I had to share this with you. Today I was working out at Courts Plus in Elmhurst. Out of the corner of my eye I saw this guy with a Mitchell Swaback Foundation shirt. On the front of the shirt was Lima, Peru 2006. I introduced myself to him. I am terrible with names but I'm pretty sure it was Chris. He planning on going back this year. The Foundation is EVERYWHERE! This is the first time I have run into someone else supporting the foundation just out and about. God is good and He continues to further His kingdom through MSF. Jo and I are proud to be part of it and hope to do even more in the future. | ||
| Wow! Now that's a gym!!!! | Bob Cramer | 11/16/2007 5:22:41 PM |
| I went into the gym on Sunday because the smell of varnish and paint was very strong. They had roped it off but Joe Jr. said that I had to see it so over the rope I went to the balconey. Perry Wilcox and I boh went in and looked down at the floor. The look of amazement and excitement was on both of our faces. Being fathers who enjoy sports and both with kids who will be taking advantage of "The Mitch" (a nickname I think works) we were completely overwhelmed and unsure of how to completely express ourselves. The Harvest Lion is better then we could have imagined and the size and scope is something to truly be proud of. My daughter Kali saw the volleyball lines in the floor and realized that this was her gym. She was completely giddy with joy. | ||
| MSF | Anonymous | 11/01/2007 12:35:00 PM |
| Please accept my sincere appreciation for what you and so many others have done with the foundation established in Mitch's name. It's impossible not to be moved by reading your updates, the journal entries by all the marathon runners, the journal entries made by Mitch before his passing, and the words of inspiration from Dr. MacDonald. I was so moved this morning and couldn't resist submitting an "Anonymous" message to the MessageBoard. | ||
| Changed Lives! | Dr. Stephen Ely | 11/01/2007 8:53:31 AM |
| Just a brief note to thank all the supporters and leaders of the MSF for their vision and work that is being done. The picture gallery of the Chicago Marathon says more than the pictures reveal. It reminds me of the Awesome Hand of God in our lives and what He is able to do with willing people. As Mitch wrote in his journal, it is about life surrendered that gets to be life changed. I encourage you who read this to find your place with the will of God and do what He asks of you. Truly, "for Your name's sake You lead me and guide me." | ||
| All Marathon Runners / Supporters | Anonymous | 11/01/2007 7:29:23 AM |
| Congratulations on achieving your goals! First for crossing the finish line (for those who were fortunate in avoiding injury), second for those who couldn't run (because of injury or other reasons) but still supported your fellow team members, and also for raising nearly $100,000 for the Mitchell Swaback Athletic Center. You have all been a wonderful inspiration to me. Reading about your progress and sharing your thoughts are great reminders of our humanity, brother- and sisterhood, and our greater call to be followers of Christ and servants to each other. I personally never knew Mitch ... but because of those who did, his spirit continues to reach out to others through this wonderful ministry. Thank you, all of you. | ||
| Thank you | Carmen Tebbe | 11/01/2007 7:13:38 AM |
| I really look forward to the newsletter arriving in my email box. It always provides me with a little spiritual pick-up! You are doing a great job with all of the projects that the MSF is sponsoring. I think Mitch would be proud!! | ||
| Newsletter | Jo Rieger | 10/03/2007 6:27:07 PM |
| Amazing newsletter! What an encouragement in the middle of the day. | ||
| Mitchell Swaback Athletic Center | Joy Stowell | 10/03/2007 8:38:39 AM |
| I just wanted to let you know that last week I went through the Mitch Swaback athletic complex at HCA for the first time. It isn't done, (as you of course know) but...Wow!!! I was so impressed!!! Joe has been sharing the details of the project with me as it has progressed, but I just wasn't prepared to see such a hugh, beautiful, well designed facility. As you know, we have 4 kids and to think of them getting to work out and compete in such a great gym was so touching to me. And of course, this building will be used by the Lord in the lives of many students and adults. I just wanted to express my thanks to the Mitchell Swaback Foundation. | ||
| Foundation | Rita Thomas | 10/03/2007 8:35:17 AM |
| I just received your package and watched your two enclosed DVD's. What wonderful work you are doing. Mitchell was obviously a very special young man. Thank you for all you are doing! | ||
| Half Marathon | Mary Oliver | 10/03/2007 8:29:09 AM |
| Hey Half Marathon Team...jst wanted to check in and say God is awesome and we are celebrating His strenght to bring us through the finish today. We've got our ice packs pulled out but overall we are rejoicing in what God can do and feel great! Several times I thought about "running for Mitch" and it got me through some rough spots. God showed Himself to us in real ways today. I also could not help but think about our Marathoners coming up soon...praying for God's glory to shine through each one of our full marathon team! We know that God can do far more than we can ask or think, so we are anticipating great things long after the finish line. | ||
| Half Marathon | Jeannine Biermann | 10/03/2007 8:25:34 AM |
| Yesterday I had the opportunity to be a spectator at an amazing event. After months of training team MSF took their places amoung the 12,500 participants in this 1/2 marathon (that's 13.1 miles for us lay people). It was inspiring to see their strenght, power and determination. I applaud them all for not only showing up - but finishing and with such great times!! So a standing ovation to you: | ||
| Exponential Transformation | Dr. Stephen Ely | 05/15/2007 11:08:03 AM |
| I recently went to Tabitha House to GIVE to the cause of transforming a worn building into a home. The new rooms at Tabitha mean that Grace appears in a big way for the residents. Through new beds, clean quarters, available food, love and support. It came by changing copper, wood, concrete, drywall, paint . . . The building was changed beautifully, but the largest transformation occurred in me. I RECEIVED far more than I gave. God is like that - able to use your little thing to turn into a Miracle for all. Give generously and live abundantly! | ||
| Thanks be to God for Mitchell | Grandma Jo Swaback | 04/26/2007 2:48:10 PM |
| My Grandson Mitch learned early in his life that there is only one way to live, and that was through a relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. I give special thanks to God that so far all of the grandchildren we Have that they have done this. With two Great Grandchildren, six months and a 5 day old this nany will want to add them to her list. | ||
| Gerard "Gino" Guarino | 04/02/2007 1:00:52 AM | |
| I never met mitch. Until being led by Christ to Harvest North Phoenix as my Home, is when I met Mr. and Mrs. Swaback and learned about this awsome man of God. Reading and listening to his parents about Mitch's life, increases my faith in my young christian life of 25 years to . I would like to thank the family for the spiritual inspiration that is presented through this Godly foundation. Thank You for sharing Mitch's life. With Brotherly Love, Gino | ||
| Birthday Blessings | Pat Wharton | 03/26/2007 11:47:29 AM |
| You are in my thoughts and prayers on this special day. Thanks be to God for the birth of Mitch-he was a special young man whose legacy continues to touch lives, even lives he never met. Thank you for sharing his inspirational journal entries. May God continue to bless the MSF and its works. | ||
| Happy Birthday Mitch! | Rick and Sue Krauser | 03/26/2007 8:05:14 AM |
| It doesn't seem possible that this is Mitch's 3rd birthday in Heaven! Although we miss him every day we know that because of his life many lives have been and will be changed through the Mitchell Swaback Foundation! May God continue to bless the ministry! | ||
| Staci Hoover | 03/08/2007 6:13:49 PM | |
| Thanks for putting some of Mitch's journal entries on the web site. I've really enjoyed reading them and am inspired to lead a more intentional life. | ||
| Be encouraged! | Nicolee Thompson | 02/15/2007 11:00:38 AM |
| Hello! I just wantd to share that I am so thankful for all who have been involved with MSF. It's a daily struggle still between the tears I shed for Mitch and the blessings that MSF provides for other individuals. Please know that all you do is making a huge impact on others, and not only myself and my family but Mitch is thankful. Remember, we all can do so much more, I've learned this lesson since Mitch went home to be with the Lord. My household has been blessed because we are helping those who need it the most! | ||
| Help | Miguel A Sanchez | 12/20/2006 6:57:56 PM |
| Hi Bob and Gaye, and the whole team in Lima. My sister Ana Maria lives in Lima and has four boys that is raising on her own since her husband left her years ago. I just wonder if you need any kind of help that my nephews can do while you are there working in the Lima orphanage. If so, let me know and I will give you her phone number and address. God Bless you all. Miguel | ||
| Thank You! | Brad Swaback - Director / MSF | 12/05/2006 1:56:13 PM |
| Thank you to everyone who gave to the foundation this year. Whether it was of your resources or your time we needed everyone of you. There is so much need in our world and I am grateful to have been part of the MSF projects in 2006! To witness what happens when people come together to serve others is so cool! May God bless all of you and may He continue to bless the ministry of this foundation. | ||
| Keep On | Bob and Charmaine Arosen | 12/02/2006 1:23:43 PM |
| It is a constant encouragement to us to see your tireless effort to promote changed lives through the Foundation. Rather than a memory, Mitch's life still bears fruit… it is an endurance race set before you that we are happy to support in any way we can. Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith… | ||
| Thanks a Million! | Scott Forbes, Kids Alive Canada | 12/01/2006 6:45:49 PM |
| In line with James McDonald's exhortation in this months devotional, I want to say "Thanks a Million" for turning a personally tragic event - the loss to us of Mitch - into an out pouring of grace in the lives of those who participate and benefit from the projects of MSF. May 2007 see an outpouring of generosity and creativity for Kingdom of God through the Foundation. | ||
| Welcome to our new comment page | Bob Swaback | 11/30/2006 4:37:28 PM |
| Welcome! We have heard so many encouraging stories about what the foundation is doing that we decided to create this new comment page. Please share your thoughts or stories about The Mitchell Swaback Foundation. On behalf of all of us at MSF we wish you a Merry Christmas. Bob Swaback MSF Director | ||
| Testimonial | Scott Forbes | 10/02/2006 12:05:00 AM |
| Wow- great progress at Manchay. I have just sent photos to a bunch of folks who have been there and know what is going on. It will be a blessing to many. Thanks for persevering! | ||
| Testimonial | Dawn H. Duty | 10/02/2006 12:00:00 AM |
| Just wanted to say it was a great newsletter, thank you for all you do for our children in Peru! Dawn H. Duty Vice President, Ministry Advancement Kids Alive International | ||
| Testimonial | Dave Rhodes | 09/29/2006 12:00:00 AM |
| I have found the MSF financially generous beyond words, both to us and the other organizations they support. But, I believe what sets the Foundation apart is the fact that they also labor for and alongside those they support. Being on a foreign mission field in Lima, Peru does not make it easy to work alongside us. Bob has successfully coordinated his second team trip here to Peru. After their first trip last year and all they accomplished, I looked forward to their return trip, and was not disappointed. On Thursday of their work week, one of the guys on the team asked me if I thought they would get so much work done so quickly. I thought a moment and replied, "Well yeah, I know how you work!" The team of 11 skilled tradesmen completed 3 weeks of work in 1 week! I'm honored to call MSF and the team member's friends, and look forward to laboring with them in the future for the children here in Peru. Dave Rhodes Maintenance and Construction Coordinator Lima Children's Home and Manchay Care Center Lima, Peru | ||
| Testimonial | Miguel and Mercy | 07/05/2006 12:00:00 AM |
| Thank you for directing me to Mitchell's website. It has been such a blessing to me. We are so grateful for your love being poured into our lives and the lives of many others. You know that I am especially touched because I'm from Peru and now I know what Mitch started in a country where I grew up. I was moved by the pictures of the projects in Lima and other cities. God is doing amazing things, isn't he? Praise the Lord. | ||
| Testimonial | Alinda | 03/01/2006 12:00:00 AM |
| Dear Mr. & Mrs. Swaback A happy New Year to you! I hope this letter finds you both healthy. I would love to help out in any way that I can for the golf outing, and I know the others would love to as well. I have another Mitch story to share with you... after I graduated college I was substitute teaching and well... did not save what I earned. Mitch kept telling me to set up a budget, and I finally listened. He told me to put 70% of what I earned away into savings... and so I did. He told me to use the other 30% to pay off my student loans... and so I did. Before Mitch went home to be with the Lord he was helping me pick out a new car (he researched... I said yes or no). Well he never did see it, but I followed his advice and bought a 2005 Nissan Altima. (With the chrome dubs, as Mitch would call them, of course)... and paid it off. Now for the 70%... Well thanks to Mitch come February 3rd I will be a home owner! I know you guys know this, but I was so blessed to have Mitch as a close friend and miss him so much. Take care and as always, I'm thinking and praying for your family. Love, Alinda | ||
| Testimonial | Bob Cramer | 01/01/2006 12:15:00 AM |
| What the foundation is doing in Mitch's name is not just wonderful but incredibly generous and very much appreciated. My three children, Kali 11, Brett 8 and Daniel 6 all attend Harvest Christian Academy Elgin now and that gym is sorely needed. I know how much Mitch loved B-ball. His passion is mine! I have started an intramural B-ball program this year at school that has 108 kids in 3 leagues. We have 1st and 2nd grade along with 3rd-5th graders playing together. The current facilities are woefully wanting but we are making do. I've got 12 fathers so far helping to coach and pore into these young athletes. That gym that you are building will be a blessing for so many years to come. My son Brett who is in 2nd grade is already showing the love of the game and, humbly I submit, some promise. I'm telling you all of this to try, in a small way, to bless you for the work you are doing. Mitch's foundation is blessing my children for a lifetime with that gym and for that I am extremely grateful. With great affection, Bob Cramer | ||
| Testimonial | Karen Resutek | 01/01/2006 12:10:00 AM |
| Despite this web page being up for awhile, despite numerous reminders from you to "just check it out" I admit, couldn't do it. I guess because it really meant that your brother was with God, and that scares me when I think about it and think about my own family. Today I did it, and I marvel at the beauty of the concept of the foundation. I want to help. I don't know how, but I have a feeling that God will hint at a way if I am patient and listening. | ||
| Testimonial | Seth Kleeberger | 01/01/2006 12:05:00 AM |
| Reading through the testimonies and the story of Mitch, he would have been a great brother to get to know. I always loved that little verse in Gen. 5:24 Enoch's walk with God. To me, he's one of the most striking personalities of the Old Testament because of what was said about him, "he walked with God". What a legacy! When his children and grandchildren thought of him they remembered him as someone who walked with God! That's the feeling I got when I read the testimonies and story of Mitch on your website. One who's journey with Christ was one of dedication, courage and persistence. One self-surrender, a fully yielded life, and an intense desire to please God. Thanks for putting Mitch's testimony out there for others to be encouraged and challenged by. | ||
| Testimonial | Joe Sundeen | 12/01/2005 12:15:00 AM |
| Thanks for the update. I could just envision all that occurred and the smiling appreciative faces that you met in Manchay. Praise God for the team's efforts and for this ministry. I have a very difficult time keeping my eyes dry as I read what you guys are doing and your calling the team "Mitch's Team." My wife and I are praying about when we'll return for a visit. My wife Kendra and I often tear up when thinking about the kids in the home-we miss it. Who knows, maybe we'll cross paths at some point. God Bless. | ||
| Testimonial | June Harrison | 12/01/2005 12:10:00 AM |
| I have just spent over an hour looking at the foundation website, all the testimonials, and the new pictures from Peru. What a thrill! It's unbelievable what the Lord is doing through Mitch's foundation. I can only say that I pray that there will be yet bigger and better accomplishments. | ||
| Testimonial | Debbie Hogan | 12/01/2005 12:05:00 AM |
| The website is awesome. I think I've read everything here. I never knew Mitch personally, but sure do remember him from around school. That smile was unforgettable. I look forward to keeping informed about the projects. | ||
| Testimonial | Robert Cramer | 09/15/2005 12:05:00 AM |
| I have to tell you that your last foundation letter was an incredible blessing. Thank you so much for sharing such a personal look into the day Mitch passed. I was so moved that I had to share your newsletter with the rest of my company. 2 our of 30 people have not made a profession of faith, but reading your testimony followed by James message, they could not avoid the truth. Without Christ Impossible! | ||
| Testimonial | Carlye Begnaud | 07/20/2005 12:05:00 AM |
| I read the story about Tabitha House (and saw the pictures) a few weeks ago. All I could think when I was looking at the pictures was that it was so... Mitch! It was beautiful! He would have been right there working next to the others and putting in all of his energy to do the best he could do and make his work stand out. He loved to make people happy. I continue to pray for the ministry. I think it's amazing to see how the Lord is being glorified and people's lives are being touched and changed. | ||
| Testimonial | Valerie Williams | 07/01/2005 1:00:00 AM |
| Thanks for sharing your web site with me. While I did not know your nephew after reading the testimonies and the information about your foundation I was truly moved. I truly enjoy the fact that as a foundation you are not afraid to inform people about your commitment and love for God; which as a result, I know that your foundation is a blessing and will continue to blossom and be a blessing for others. As a working board member of Tabitha and also an individual that believe in helping others I want to personally thank you for your commitment to Tabitha House. When I start out seeking the support of the World Vision/Storehouse I never thought that God would allow the support system to grow as it did; however, I do believe that this is the season for Tabitha House. Sometimes it takes one person to plant a seed and watch as God allows the seed to grow. I count it a blessing to add you and your organization to my list of hero's and doers of the word. Keep up the good work and I look forward to working with you and your team as we prepare for the next 7 phases. Your Sister in Christ, Valerie Williams | ||
| Testimonial | Terry Davis | 07/01/2005 12:55:00 AM |
| Wow! I just went through the entire website and am totally moved by all that is going on for the Lord in Mitch's legacy of character, compassion, excellence and energy. The Tabitha House is incredible and I am sure brought so much blessing to the founders and current residents. I am chomping at the bit here to be involved with your organization! How the Lord has turned ashes into beauty and how Mitch's legacy goes on because his parents and relatives have chosen to believe God in the midst of devastation. Thank you for your work, but also for your testimony of fervently pressing on to know and love the Lord in the fellowship of his suffering. | ||
| Testimonial | June Harrison | 07/01/2005 12:50:00 AM |
| Kudos, Kudos, Kudos... to all the volunteers who worked on the Tabitha House. I just got through looking at every last picture of your work in progress. I have to admit I shed a tear when the owner/workers took their first look at the extreme makeover. It was a thrill for me at home; I can only imagine what it was for those who used and worked at the facility. A miracle and God is to be praised for it all... What a bathroom and kitchen! What an adorable playroom! Just mind-boggling what a difference three days made. Thanks to every last worker, and thanks to those who run Tabitha that the name of the Lord can be lifted up and the burdens of those who come there can be lightened. | ||
| Testimonial | Joe Sundeen, Minneapolis (Former Kids Alive Missionary with my wife Kendra) | 07/01/2005 12:45:00 AM |
| I came across the article regarding Mitch in the Kids Alive Reporter. My deepest condolences to you and your family. My wife and I lived in Peru for a few years and served in the orphanage where Mitch and team also served. I want you to know the uplifting and encouragement impact he had on one boy in particular, Diego (I'm sure Mitch mentioned him often when talking about Peru). Mitch was a magnet for Diego. Whether it was his enthusiasm, athleticism (Diego is quite the athlete himself), or just excitement for missions, Diego really took to Mitch in particular. I want you to know he genuinely made an impact not only on this young man, but several others while during that trip. You have every reason to be very proud of your son, and what he did. May God bless all of you and what you are doing through this organization! | ||
| Testimonial | Jeri-Lou Zike | 07/01/2005 12:40:00 AM |
| Whoever took the time to put the photo gallery together did an amazing job. What a privilege to see the handiwork from start to finish. The before and after shots are amazing. Few things in life give me goose bumps anymore... this did. I'm so pleased to be a tiny itty bitty part of this foundation. There will be more to come. Your commitment, delivery, discipline and loyalty have blown me away. | ||
| Testimonial | Monique Swaback | 07/01/2005 12:35:00 AM |
| I have a couple of awesome stories about Mitch's website. A bunch of my friends have heard about the site by now and they all have been visiting it and reading the updates and tributes. It is truly amazing how Mitch's life is still touching others. I had two people in particular that pulled me aside and said that they spent nearly two hours on his website reading all the tributes and his life story. They were able to tell just how awesome of a man Mitch was and how dedicated he was to God. I have been blown away by the amount of feedback that I have been receiving. I also want you to know how much Mitch's life has challenged me to live a more Christ like life. Throughout these past months I have really felt God tugging on my heart, more so than I have ever felt before. It is an awesome feeling to have that connection with God. I have become more open and willing to share my faith with others, and I honestly feel that it was Mitch who inspired it all. The foundation is doing some incredible things and I am so excited to see what the future holds. | ||
| Testimonial | Connie Rhodes from the Peru Team | 07/01/2005 12:30:00 AM |
| Dear Bob It both excites me that I see you are coming, but the tears are starting to come as well when I saw your name. When you com, I want to share with you in person what an impact Mitch had on me when he was a part of the team and while he stayed at my house. He coined the phrase that still sticks "Mama Connie" as well as is the only person to buy me a gift (a vase) for staying with me. I look forward to meeting you and hosting your group. | ||
| Testimonial | Alinda Hamm | 07/01/2005 12:25:00 AM |
| Mitch really changed my life, and made my faith so much stronger... he taught me so much, and I am so grateful to have had him in my life. I think that this foundation will be a great way for all of us to keep his spirit alive, and our memories strong. I know I have been much more bold with my faith now, than I ever have been before. | ||
| Testimonial | Scott Forbes, Kids Alive Canada | 07/01/2005 12:20:00 AM |
| Wow, thanks for sending me the link to the new site. I just read about every word on it. The tributes from Mitch's friends go deep- your son left a big hole in the hearts of those he touched. But it also sounds like he filled the holes with Jesus Christ. John Piper in his book "Don't Waste Your Life" says "Oh, that young and old would turn off the television, take a long walk, and dream about feats of courage for a cause ten thousand times more important than American Democracy." It sounds like Mitch was such a person. | ||
| Testimonial | Kristi Stone | 07/01/2005 12:15:00 AM |
| Hey Everybody! It's been a really long time since I have talked to some of you. So for those of you that never heard the news, on August 14th my 23 year old cousin Mitch Swaback died while on a rafting trip. I've never gone through anything as hard as this. It's been devastating. Even so, we all have so much joy in knowing that he is with our Lord right now! He had such a strong faith in Jesus Christ to save him and was so bold about his relationship with the Lord. I have grown in my relationship with the Lord because of this tragedy and I hope to be as bold about telling others about the good news of Jesus as Mitchell was. It has never been so real to me as it is now that we aren't going to be on this earth forever. Compared to eternity, our lives here are truly just a blink of an eye. I just pray that if any of you have never accepted the forgiveness for your sins that Jesus has to offer that you would do so. He is the only way to an eternity in Heaven with God! Please don't blow this off and take the chance of spending eternity apart from God! For those that do know the Lord I pray that you would be bold in sharing your faith with others. How short time is! Don't wait for the opportunities to come along to share Jesus-make the opportunities! |
