Women Connect: Sisterly Love — Sharon Ries & Shirley Craver

a breath of fresh air mid-week

hope of spring

ponder

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. >Isaiah 55:8-9 (English Standard Version)

In the previous 'women connect' issue, Hagar reminded us that we are seen by our loving Father. Today the above Scripture assures us that HE THINKS about us and that His thoughts are higher (and obviously better) than our best-laid plans.

Do you sometimes look back on the plans and dreams you had as a young girl? Whether it was your hope for your career path, your knight in shining armor, your own family, travel destinations, the talents you wanted to pursue…the list goes on.

For some, your life is in the process of playing out like the dream. For most, there are many "no way did that dream come true" footnotes.

But, what if?…we could know that all along, our loving Father knew the choices and chances we would take in life. Some with His blessing and leading. Other decisions perhaps came with a touch of arrogance, "No worries, I've got this God!" But did we?

Through it all - He has not forsaken us. He still loves us and sees us. He thinks about us. And still has plans for us. No matter our age, past choices, broken dreams, or fears. His ways and thoughts for US are so much bigger than ours.

For example…picture two young sisters romping through lush fields in South America. Dreaming big dreams…

meet

Shirley and her slightly younger sister, Sharon, were daughters of missionaries, Edmund and Naomi Farrel, and grew up in Colombia for most of their childhood. Their family transferred to Chile for their adolescent and early teenage years.

The Farrel family eventually moved back to the States. But a deep love for missions, especially South America, was embedded in each family member - forever.

I met Shirley at our home church, Covina Assembly, in Southern California when we were teenagers (a few years ago 🙂). We became closer friends when we both attended Bethany Bible College, nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

During our college years, a tall, dark-haired, handsome single man joined the music faculty at Bethany. Many of my female classmates swooned over Norman Craver. But Shirley captured his heart.

Meanwhile her sister, Sharon, fell for high school sweetheart: the rowdy, spirited Raul Ries. And he…for her.

After a somewhat tumultuous courtship and first few years of marriage, Raul and Sharon's union seemed doomed. One Sunday evening while Sharon was at church with their family, Raul was contemplating murder/suicide when his family returned home. He flipped through TV channels and "happened upon" Pastor Chuck Smith. Chuck's message gripped his heart. He fell to his knees and cried out to our loving Savior.

Raul knew he needed help. He immediately went to Covina Assembly where his family was. When the minister invited people to come forward for prayer at the close of the service, Raul made a beeline to the altar. My dad (Don Popineau) had the joy of being one of the men who prayed over Raul that glorious night. (They developed a sweet friendship that lasted through the rest of my Dad's life.)

Sharon and Shirley NEVER gave up on praying for their husband/brother-in-law. Through the mentorship of Pastor Chuck + Kay Smith and other strong believers, God eventually opened the door for Raul to plant a Calvary Chapel. Today Calvary Chapel Golden Springs in Diamond Bar, California, is a beacon of hope to thousands.

Shirley and Sharon, along with other family members and people from their church, have traveled many times back to South America. Numerous churches, ministries and individuals have been blessed. And discipled in their journey.

In a way that appears seamless to outsiders, the Farrel sisters have interwoven ministry and family responsibilities. Shirley says helping with each other's families has become easier as the grands grow older. 🙂

In recent years Sharon has been battling cancer. Her faith remains strong, knowing that on this side of Heaven…or actually there…she WILL be healed.

As Shirley navigates these turbulent waters with her dearly loved sister - she is so grateful for their sister-bond, built on deep love and devotion.

And while the sisters are not romping in the South American terrain these days…now amid doctor appointments, tubes, drainage and pain…they still are dreaming dreams together. And even from Sharon's bedside, Shirley told me lots of ministry is taking place.

We love you, Shirley and Sharon. You both model servant hearts and lives so beautifully lived. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You sisters are so inspiring!

thankful

heart

If you haven't yet accepted Jesus into your heart - or you want someone to pray with you - or you need a Bible, please go to this link.

judy popineau wick