You may not recognize Doris Linch right off the bat, because she is one of those precious souls who loves to serve quietly, in the background. But, we are here to put a beautiful face with the name!!
Doris has been married to Pete (Elder at Beltway) for 49 years. They have 2 children, Lanette Ferrell, and Bryan Linch. And, they have 4 grandchildren: Rader (21), Juddson ("Juddy") (18), Emily (12), and Ethan (9).
Have you ever wondered how our Worship Center at Beltway ends up so pristine from week to week? Well, I'm here to tell you, it ain't because we are all amazing at picking up after ourselves. Nope. It's because of amazing people like Doris Linch, who volunteer their time on Monday morning for the "clean-up crew." That's right. This is the place Doris serves at Beltway, and working behind-the-scenes is very important to her. She counts it a blessing to be able to serve in this way, and she is thankful that the women on the team have become very close as friends.
Before moving to Abilene, Doris and Pete lived in Chicago. Life in Chicago is, as you can imagine, a little different from quaint Abilene, Texas. She shared a hilarious moment from her time in Chicago. One day, she was riding in a cab on her way home, when the cab driver stopped in front of one of the nice hotels, where they were handing out box lunches. Someone handed Doris a box lunch through the window, and she thought, "Wow, how nice of the hotel, and I haven't had lunch yet!" Shen she got home, she opened the box, and there was a note that said, "Cab Driver Appreciation Day." driver, but she hadn't realized she was supposed to hand it to the driver. She quickly discarded the box in a trash can, too embarrassed to eat it. Doris mused that she is "pretty sure that driver is still talking about the crazy lady that kept his lunch." Oh, my! What a hoot! Don't worry! As you well know, Doris, we've all had our moments!! Thanks for sharing the good laugh.
So, at this point, you may be wondering, "Chicago to Abilene? But, why?" God's plan. That's why. When Pete retired, the Linch's were facing the decision of where to settle down. They had a strong desire to move back near to family. At that time, their daughter, Lanette, was a member of Beltway Park, and she had everyone she knew praying that her parents would move to Abilene. The prayers were answered, and they moved from Chicago to Abilene in 1994.
As is typical, they did not recognize the full purpose in the Lord's design to move them to Abilene, but they soon discovered that He had positioned them exactly where He needed them to walk through one of the biggest trials of their lives, and to assist their daughter through the biggest trial of her life. When Lanette's youngest son, Juddy, was 2-1/2 years old, he began to have some troublesome symptoms that led them to Cook Children's Hospital, and a great deal of diagnostic tests. After eliminating many possibilities, their diagnosis for Juddy was post-infectious encephalitis. As a result, he lost his ability to speak and walk, and has multiple other disabilities. While it proved to be a truly heart-breaking time, Doris and Pete recognized that the Lord had answered Lanette's (and others') prayers to bring them to Abilene, in order that they may be near to their precious grandson and family during the trying time. They were able to bring comfort and help through Juddy's many surgeries and trials. There were several occasions in which doctors stated that their grandson would not live, but today he is 18-years-old, and in spite of his disabilities, he is a happy young man who carries joy, with the ability to happily splash it on others, wherever he goes.
Doris has learned so much through the trials she has faced. The most important lesson she has learned, and wants to share with others, is that "in spite of trials that come - and they will come - you must stay close to the Lord, love Him, and serve Him in the way you are led. Pray for your families and friends, always remembering the hope that is in you through the Lord Jesus Christ!"
Wow! What an incredible woman of God!! What character and resilience! Thank you, Doris, for enlightening us to the lessons God has brought you through, that we may pick up on some of wisdom He has imparted to you! We appreciate you so much!
If you see Doris around Beltway, be sure to give her a big thank you! And, if you think about it...to honor her, go ahead and check around your seats this Sunday after church, to see if you can lighten her load a bit.
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