Early last week, I received a call from my wife’s nephew Charlie LeBlanc.

He and his wife Jill, who we hadn’t seen in five years, would be passing through this area on their way to Arkansas and wanted to know if we had any plans for Friday.

Excited to hear from him and anxious to see them, we arranged to get together for lunch. My wife and I, together with Charlie, Jill and my daughter Ronny went to Middendorf’s in Manchac.

Charlie and Jill have a Christian music ministry. They had the privilege and honor to travel the world with the Joyce Meyer Ministry as worship leaders.

After seven exciting years, they decided, with Joyce Meyer’s blessing, to start their own ministry, sharing in churches throughout the country. Because of their loyal service, when they left the Joyce Meyer Ministry, she continued their salary for one year. (Only in God’s Kingdom is that done and understood.)

They then teamed up with an old friend, Andrew Womack in his ministry, assisting him with multiple music seminars.

Charlie and Jill have had, and still enjoy, an exciting life sharing their gift of music and the love of Jesus.

Being blessed with three children, two girls Cammie and Cherrie, and Beau, their only son, everything was going well.

Eight years ago, Beau was diagnosed with cancer and endured several months of treatment before he passed away at age 23.

I’m sure their faith was tested during months of intense grieving. I’m reminded that faith isn’t faith until it’s tested.

With the grace of God and the support of family and friends, including Joyce Meyer and Andrew Womack, they accepted Beau’s death, realizing that children are on loan from God and belong to Him.

Today, Charlie and Jill’s ministry has expanded to include grief counseling. They share their strengths and hopes with others who have lost loved ones.

As we reminisced over lunch for two hours, I challenged them to write a book. I believe it’s important for people to know that, as Christians, being human it’s OK to question God, have a grieving period and then complete the purpose God has for their lives.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.