Love for the Alaniz Family

Heidi and Jesus Alaniz are two of the best people I know. If you've had the privilege of knowing them personally, you know what I mean. They love their God, they love their kids, they love their extended family, they love their community. They love others intentionally and selflessly. They see needs and they meet them, without batting an eye. They don't seek attention or rewards for serving; they just serve. They are authentic and transparent in their relationships with others. They bring their whole selves to every friendship, every hang-out, every job, every service opportunity.

In no area is this more true than in their parenting. They love their two boys fiercely and sacrificially. Jack and Josiah are their world. If you know this family, you know what I mean.

Earlier this week, Heidi suffered the most traumatic day of her life. She watched helplessly as her precious Jojo endured multiple grand mal seizures, one on top of another. She was in a parking lot. Jack was with them. Jesus was still at work when all this began, but arrived shortly after. The medical nightmare that ensued culminated in the horrifying discovery of a tumor embedded in the right temporal lobe of Josiah's brain. This blow has devastated Heidi and Jesus to their core. They had no preparation for it. They have braved this dark journey one step at a time.

Through each step, however, God has overwhelmed Heidi and Jesus with an outpouring of his perfect love through the prayers, support and encouragement of you all, near and far. Literally thousands of you have lifted this family in prayer. You have poured out your hearts to God, pleading for Josiah's life and health, and for peace for their battered souls. You have encouraged them in word and deed. They have felt every prayer and been uplifted by every kindness. Thank you.

Heidi and Jesus are also self-employed. This means they do not enjoy the privileges of paid sick time, family leave, or employer-sponsored health coverage. This, in turn, means they have an extremely high insurance deductible. It is $10,000. My hope and prayer is that we, as the hands and feet of God, might continue showing our love and care to ease this burden for Heidi and Jesus.

I know it's a big goal, but God is bigger. Will you join us?