For John - Happy Birthday

Look at this man. Dilligent, persevering, hard-working - and yet he still finds time to play video games with his kids. A worthy sacrifice. I still can not believe that of all the people in the world, I am the one he chose for his wife. It boggles my mind. And it floors me with gratitude to God. Because even in our struggles, I see a man who wants to seek Christ more, who is growing more and more fearless of his own sin because He is sure of his great Savior. I see a man who pours out into others, but doesn't sacrifce his family to do so - we are also his ministry and we do not get his leftovers - we too are recipients of his heart. I see a man of great wisdom who is a sure guide for my feeble path - he is clear-headed when I am murky and he leads me gently. I love him dearly and I call it a special privilege to be his wife because who am I to deserve such a man as this. I love sharing life with him. And selfishly, he makes me look good. Being John Ferguson's wife buys me lots of brownie points - brownie points that then become mine to lose, but I get them pretty easily because of who he is.
So I asked some dear ones to send a birthday message of thoughts, memories, appreciations or whatever for John. I thought I would post them here, but there is 7 pages worth and some are very specifically personal for the writer. So I am going to post a sampling. But do not fear, John will recieve the complete messages. I' m just enjoying the liberty of bragging on him and letting others do the same. So here we go, just a few words of endearment from some who love John dearly:

Happy B-Day! Thank you for your steadfastness in following God's word and living out a life that is an example we all can learn from. We will always remember the outstanding interim job you did between pastors at WPC and how you held the church together, prepared us for a new man and made the transition smooth for Wade. The students that have gone through RUF under your care have been sharpened in God's word as "iron sharpens iron" and are well prepared for the challenges and ministries God has planned for them.

I love John for his faithful leadership of his family, his open heart for each his children, his love and appreciation of Heather, his standing upright so that his children will be encouraged by the example he sets every day and will be able to grow in the knowledge that their father will always be there for them no matter what;

1 Timothy 4:11-16
Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

He's meant so much to everyone over the years, especially me. It was such a blessing to be in RUF and to get to know your whole family. God has used you guys in so many wonderful ways, and I hope things are going well down there!

I learned so much from you then, and during my three years with RUF, due to your incredible grasp of Scripture and ability to apply the Christian's faith to the things that matter to college students -- culture, academics, dating, and the like. What a joy and honor it was to have you marry me to my beautiful bride a few years down the road.

My favorite college lessons at RUF were of the talks on Marriage. Those were very practical and I think on them even now and try to apply them to our life.

Your humility and faithfulness in ministry despite inconveniences and setbacks is beyond encouraging. From watching you and your family go through the adoption process to seeing you pick up and move to Trujillo, Peru, I cannot tell you how much I learned from just being around you and Heather. Your lives have shown me glimpses of what it means to lay down your life for the sake of your brothers. While many can proclaim Christ with their lips, it is a blessing to see Christ proclaimed so boldly through everyday life. Thank you for challenging, comforting, encouraging, and inspiring me. Know that I am thinking of and praying for you and your family as you continue to live out the gospel for those in Trujillo to see.

John, I continue to be thankful for your ministry at TAMU, at Westminster-Bryan and in the presbytery and I know that the Lord continues to bring about fruit from that ministry. I appreciate and respect very much your's and Heather's willingness to sacrifice for your family and adding to your family. Is an example to many. While I know that y'all have had many trials and challenges in making it to Peru and in your time there, I also appreciate greatly your desire to see the Kingdom extended there. I know that you have a burden for those people and I pray that the Lord will use you greatly there.

When I think of your friendship, and what it means to me, I will always think of how you really expanded my idea of a "friend" -- and how you always so effortlessly and generously loved me and challenged me at the same time.

There are only a few people outside of family that I feel in my heart truly care about my wellbeing. Whether near or far away, I value your friendship more than words can describe.

I hope you are having a wonderful birthday and I would like to say how grateful I am that God placed you in my life at a time when I needed some help... Thank you for taking the time to counsel me and encourage me. I am also thankful for the friendship that grew through this. You both mean a lot to me. God bless you and your family!

John was a constant source of encouragement and wisdom to me ...

You have truly been a blessing. May God bless you and your family greatly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN! WE LOVE YOU!!!!