Legacy of Love

by

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16–17

It’s Advent, the season that invites us to not only celebrate God’s love but to reflect on it and share it with others. It is the time when we remember how far Jesus came to save us. As these song lyrics put it, “from a throne of endless glory to a cradle in the dirt.”[1]

For 70 years Cadence staff have gone from their homes and loved ones to military communities to share the gospel and their lives. Margaret Patty, one of the founders of OCSC/Cadence International, was one of these. In 1955 she worked her way across the ocean on a Norwegian freighter to marry Dick Patty who was already in the Philippines, along with Jesse and Nettie Miller, ministering to Sailors at Subic Bay. Margaret and Dick’s service took them from fruitful years at Subic to the Headquarters in Denver, then to Germany and the Europe Field, then as Ambassadors in Colorado.

In September, Margaret took her final earthly journey up to heaven as cancer that was undiscovered until August hastened her travel. We and other family members were in the room with her—Margaret was our beloved mom and mother-in-law. We testify to her walk of faith and her love for people to the very end. We invite you to watch her beautiful memorial service at Cadence.org/MargaretPattyMemorial.

This Advent, Cadence staff will continue the legacy of our founders as they open their homes and hearts to military people in the U.S. and overseas—those who’ve answered a different call to serve—a responsibility that often takes them far from their homes and loved ones. Our prayer is that in this season many will experience and accept the love of Jesus. His love never stops going to the greatest lengths to save us.

May you know His love in these days. May the ways you love others in this season be blessed. And may each of us be testaments of this love and grace all the days of our lives.

David and Joyce Schroeder

[1] King of Kings, Brooke Ligertwood