What makes tears flow?  A song, a memory, laughter, pain, or a loss? This story was written by Cheryl Jagst after she witnessed an unknown woman in our church worshipping. We all leave an impact.  Many of us will depart, never knowing our legacy. Revelation 12:11
“They triumphed over him
 by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony.” A testimony!

It is high season in Mexico each February. Many folks escape cold weather and land in Ajijic, Jalisco. As regular visitors, these Texas girls attend Abundant Life Church while in town.  One Sunday, in February 2023, the sanctuary was full.

This story was written by Cheryl Jagst in 2023.  “I sometimes like to close my eyes and just listen to the voices of others singing.  I often think about heaven, and that’s what I think
I’ll hear. Voices all singing together. Beyond that, I have no idea what heaven will be like. I know I have many loved ones that I look forward to seeing again. But as I closed my eyes and
listened to the voices, I knew this was where I was meant to be that morning. And then we sang one of my favorite songs by Chris Tomlin. “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone.” I could
hardly wait to get to my favorite part in that song. And then I saw her. Sitting ahead of me, off to the right. I could only see her profile.

She was a little black lady, sitting bent over in her
wheelchair.  She was wearing a brace, but she couldn’t lift her head to read the words on the
screen. As my favorite part of the song began, I did what I always do, I bowed my head in reverence and overwhelming gratitude.  I raised my hand to worship God with every part of
my being because…
“My chains are gone, I’ve been set free, my God, my Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood, His mercy reigns, unending love,
Amazing grace!” But this Sunday,  I raised my head to look at her. Bent and broken, wheelchair bound, with her left hand on her open Bible, she raised her right hand as we sang, “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free, my God, my Savior has ransomed me.” She was free, and I am free. And tears again rolled down my face. Our chains are all different, but we all have them. But with her uplifted hand, shaking purposefully, she expressed her love for her Savior, who had set her free.”

Cheryl did not know the woman’s name. On her 2024 visit we had lunch and got caught up. I shared that I had visited a nursing home, where I found JoJo. Many were impacted by this bold woman of faith who was brought in by wheelchair. She would shout “AMEN” or “Preach it” in the middle of the sermon.  Cheryl was thrilled to discover the name of the very woman who had inspired her journal entry. The GREAT FAITH of  JoJo can now be shared.  Claudia wrote. “I am speechless.” She provides great care for those who thrive in her small assisted living home. Having once owned a restaurant in the USA, JoJo  raves about the high-quality care she receives and the food! JoJo gave her doll to Lupita, an orphan from Treasure House. Beautiful!