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         Bob & Charlyne Steinkamp Founders
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Rejoice Ministries, Inc.
| Page 1 | Page 2 |"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3"During a fast, as I was seeking the Lord for a refreshing in my stand for my marriage, I received a heartwarming Mother's Day card from my spouse. Also my spouse has invited me to drop by his house for tea, on the day that our son will be arriving at his dad's house for a few days' visit. The Lord has been so faithful when I have felt like nothing is happening. Glory to His name." (Canada) "I know the Holy Spirit is telling my prodigal that his actions are sin. I received a humorous Mother's Day card in the mail from my husband. Humor was and remains a part of our marriage. I totally believe my husband knew I would get it." (Wisconsin) "I was not going to celebrate Mother's Day. We were late leaving for school and met the UPS man. He had a box with roses, a balloon, chocolates and a Mother's Day card. I cried because my husband thought of me. If we had been on time, the box would have sat in the hot sun all day. Praise God for His perfect timing." (California) "My wife came to visit Mother's Day weekend. We had a fun time together. There was no anger, and I was able to give her a Mother's Day card that expressed my love for her. It felt like old times. Thank You Lord." (Arizona) "As I stood on the steps of my church on Mother's Day, a gentleman from the church approached me and asked if my family were elsewhere. I replied that they were. He asked 'What are you standing here for?' I replied, 'I am standing for my husband and my marriage.' The man nodded in understanding. The Holy Spirit gives us the words we need, praise our Lord God." (Brazil) "Mother's day, my son handed me a dozen red roses and a beautiful Christian card my husband and son had chosen. The flowers were wrapped in a yellow scarf similar to the one I have tied to my door knob, awaiting my spouse's return. My prayer that morning was for the Lord to reveal if my spouse's heart is softening. Praise You Jesus." (Illinois) "Leading up to Mother's Day I was praying that my husband would acknowledge me in some way since I am raising our kids. I heard nothing. While feeling sorry for myself in my room alone, I noticed my husband’s old notebooks by his side of our bed. I opened one and there were notes he had written about being filled with the Holy Spirit and wanting to be a better husband and father. It was more encouraging than anything he could have said to me! Those things are in him somewhere and I will keep praying for God to bring them back to his heart and mind. Praise God for His faithfulness." (Michigan) "On Mother's Day our church is having parent dedication. I will be dedicating myself to raise our young son in God’s ways. My husband stated he would like to participate in the event. I know what he will hear and experience in that brief time will soften his heart and water the seed of obedience in his spirit." (Texas) "Before my husband left, he removed all the stucco from the front of our home to put new material on it. I have been looking at my home in disrepair for the years he has been gone. God knows how many times I have cried over this. Around my birthday, my husband came by to pick up our son and go order the supplies he needed to repair our home. In April, around our anniversary, he called to tell us he picked them up. On Mother's day, I stood looking at the front of my home, restored to it's original condition. God is so faithful. I got the perfect birthday, anniversary, and Mother's Day gifts this year." (Florida)
"In the beginning of my stand, I didn't believe that the restoration that Bob and Charlyne and others reported would ever happen for me. The only reason I continued my stand was for fear of being disobedient to the Lord. My Lord made it clear hundreds of times through His Word that my marriage would be restored. My spouse would repent and that He would never break His covenant with me. I was to wait in silence, trust God, be patient, and not fear the circumstances. There is still work to be done, but after my husband saying he was never coming back, he has been back home for over eight months. He was still broken though and it has taken this long for the Lord to heal. On Mother's Day, the Lord gave me the most beautiful gift. My husband took our family back to our church for the first time in two years. Please don't give up. Wait on the Lord. He will not break His covenant." (Texas) "On Mother's Day, my husband cleaned our home, took care of our daughter, and took me out to dinner. He told me numerous times that he loved me and that I was beautiful. It felt like old times again. God is so good. We still have a long road to go down for restoration of our marriage, but God showed me that day that all things are possible in Him." (Missouri) "My prodigal husband accepted my invitation to go to church with me and our children on Mother’s Day. Rather than having a Mother's Day message, the pastor spoke about making yourself well, making the choice, and then taking up your mat and walking. Then after church my husband took us to lunch. He told me that he and the other woman had broken up because he went to church with me. Praise the Lord. It was the best Mother's Day gift." (Oklahoma) "My birthday was a few days before Mother's Day and my husband took my daughters out birthday shopping. On my birthday I came home from work and found that he had unexpectedly stopped by and delivered flowers, cake and presents for me. On Mother's Day I received an email and a phone call from my husband. God is working on his heart and will bring him home in God's time. I am encouraged by all of these signs." (Maryland) "Early on Mother's Day morning I received a call from my husband, telling me he loved me and wishing me a happy Mother's day. This was better than a dozen roses. I give thanks to God and I will continue to pray for my husband." (Pennsylvania) "I prayed and asked God for my husband to remember and call me on Mother's Day and for him to give me a gift or at least a card. Praise God. I got a call and a card. Thank You Lord for hearing and answering my prayers." (Michigan) "My close friend encouraged me to ask my husband out on a date. I told her that I had done that previously and had gotten rejected. She encouraged me to do it again and so I did. My husband and I went out this past Saturday night for the first time since he left home months ago. Praise the Lord. As we were waiting to go into the restaurant, I was able to put my hands on him. Little did he know, I was praying over him. I thank the Lord for allowing me to do that. The next day was Mother's Day and my husband said that our young son would like to take me out to breakfast. When we got to the restaurant, we saw two mutual friends. My husband encouraged them to join us. The five of us had a great breakfast, just like the old days. My husband opened up and chatted with us all. We had a wonderful time. I just want to give God the honor, glory and praise." (Virginia) "For Mother's Day, my prodigal came to town to see our baby. He took us to eat lunch and we spent the afternoon at the park and had a wonderful time." (Texas) "My husband surprised me by coming home for Mother's Day. He even suggested we go to church together. We had a very nice dinner with our kids. He wants to fix up the house. I asked God for help with the maintenance and repairs the day before. God is good." (Florida) "On Mother's Day, I asked God to let me know He is working in my husband. My husband said Happy Mother’s Day several times and thanked me for taking good care of our children. God is doing great things with both me and my husband." (Texas) "Mother's Day began with breakfast in bed prepared by my daughter. I prayed to God that I would like to have my husband go to Mass with me. Twenty minutes later, the phone rang and my husband asked to go to Mass with me. He also took us to lunch. God does listen and answers prayer." (California) "I asked God for a real sign of my husband's love. On Mother's Day, my spouse called to wish me happy Mother's Day. He also gave the kids money to buy gifts for me. I was so happy and puzzled, but I know it was a direct answer to my prayer to Jesus. Our spouses are not too far off for God to reclaim them thru His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ." (Maryland) "Praise the Lord, I received flowers and a cake from my husband on Mother's Day. It was totally unexpected. I'm sure God is in control." (Peru) "I did not expect to hear from my prodigal at all on Mother's Day. Praise God, I got an email from him telling me what a great Mom he thinks I am for his kids. God is amazing and full of surprises." (Florida) "My husband moved across the country. I have virtually no contact with him. But, I have continued to fast, pray and stay close to God. Last Monday my husband called me out of the blue, asking about me, the kids, our church and others. He will be coming back to our area next month. He also called his Mother on Mother's Day, as he had not spoken to her since he left either. I know God is working." (Indiana) "God is working in my husband. He knows my Mom likes flowers and he has taken a lot of pictures of flowers and sends them to our daughter. He has been asking our daughter to do a scrapbook for her Grandmother for Mother's Day. She is in the process of doing it. I suggested she make it from her father as well as her, since he took the pictures and it was his idea. She asked him and he agreed. Praise the Lord, my husband still remembers my mother liking flowers so much." (Canada)
"On Mother's Day my prodigal husband came home and stayed three days. It is the Lord's battle and victory." (Florida) "My husband wanted a divorce so I moved out. I started standing and praying. Nothing was happening and my husband was still convinced that he wanted a divorce, but I continued to believe God for the restoration of our marriage. On Mother's Day my husband took me on a date and the Monday after Mother's Day he asked me and my son to move back in so we can be a family again. Praise God." (Florida) "In addition to the promise of restoration, God has promised a daughter to us. God told me months ago that my mother would play a role in our reconciliation. Hallelujah, my husband sent a Mother's Day card to my mother." (Texas) "I was dreading my birthday and Mother's Day, just days apart and I was anticipating rejection from my husband because he is very clear that he is moving forward with a divorce. He did not reciprocate for Valentine's Day. I was very blessed and surprised to find that he did buy me thoughtful gifts for both those occasions. I am still praying for a miracle. I choose to say that Jesus is Lord, in the good times and the bad. Praise His name." (Virginia) "I give our Lord the praise and glory that I was able to spend time with my wife yesterday. Like every weekend, I had the kids and we had made plans to meet for the exchange. I was able to see her to give her some flowers and a small gift from me. I praise God for orchestrating the events that allowed that to take place. My wife mentioned that she could not afford to eat out. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me that I should treat them to a meal. Before I left, I gave her some money and told her that it was Mother's Day and she should not have to cook. She gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. It was the first time in months that my wife has hugged me or given me a kiss. I had been praying for a physical demonstration from my wife that her heart is softening and God heard my prayer." (New Jersey) "I had dreaded Mother's Day, but it turned out wonderful. God was watching over me at every turn. My husband took the kids and I to lunch, then came over to the house and worked side by side with our oldest son doing some things that needed to be done. You never know when or how God will answer those prayers. Nothing is impossible with God." (Missouri) "Mother's Day is usually a difficult time for me since I never had children, although I wanted to so much. While I was doing my daily Bible study, Ezekiel 36:8-11 really seemed to stand out. I was hoping that I was hearing God, but I wanted to be sure so I asked Him to confirm it to me if He was speaking to me. Just a little while ago, I opened my email to find a Mother's Day greeting from my prodigal. He said that he remembered how difficult this day is for me. He asked if I was okay and how things are going. This is the first time my prodigal has ever acknowledged this day, so I think I received my confirmation. I'm praising God in the midst of my tears." (Virginia) "I just received a beautiful bouquet of roses and other flowers at work for Mother's Day. Of course it is from my son, but my husband's writing is on the card and he called shortly after to find out how I liked them. He is moving us towards restoration. This is already the best Mother's Day I have ever had." (Minnesota) “I have had no contact with my in-laws since my husband left. On Mother's Day I was led to send my mother-in-law pictures of our girls. I received a post card from her thanking me and telling me she wished she had more contact with me and the girls. I am excited about all that is happening.” (California) “God allowed my husband to call me on Mother’s Day and he came over to see the children on Tuesday. Our little girl gave him a piece of paper and told him to write something to me. He wrote 'Happy Mother's Day' and drew happy faces on it. That made my day.” (Alabama) “I experienced a lot of sadness on Mother's Day, but the sadness was somewhat tempered by the knowledge that I had sent my wife a generous check, above the child support that I've been blessed to be able to double) to help her and the kids, since I know she doesn't have much after leaving me. I am a civilian contractor in Kuwait and I eagerly look every day for some email or message from “home,” but often find only my daily Charlyne Cares. I thank God for those. Often they are the only real encouragement that I receive. Last week I received a thank you from my wife. It was short and simple, but it was something in a desert of a lot of nothing. I was sad because my birthday passed. I had prayed for some acknowledgment from my wife. I did not hear from her until May 10th. I got so excited that I called her and we talked for a half hour about kids and other things, all very casual with no ugliness. This meant a lot to me and I am very thankful to God for what He is doing in the unseen to restore our marriage. Praise be to our God.” (Kuwait) "My husband and I have been separated for months and he has spent every holiday with the other woman. Saturday night he sent me a card via email, thanking me for beautiful children and wishing me a happy Mother's Day. Then he chose to spend four hours with us on Mother's Day. He took us out to lunch and gassed up my car for me. He was just let go of his job, yet still blessed me with cash. He is going to attend his second counseling appointment tomorrow. God is at work. I pray that my heart does not get ahead of God's timing. My Miracle is coming." (Washington) "I work in a nursing facility and had to work on Mother's Day. On the way home from work I say a Covenant Transport truck. I just started smiling and praising God for showing me this sign." (Missouri) "My spouse has been gone for some time, and contact between us has not been what I have been praying for. Yesterday I was feeling somewhat depressed because I had not heard anything from him. Last night when he called to talk to our three daughters he also asked to talk to me. He wished me a Happy Mother's Day, and said I was doing a great job raising our girls, and he knew it has to be hard. I just praise God that he opened that door. I thank God that He is slowly changing me to be the woman I need to be whenever He chooses to bring my husband home." (Arizona) "I asked the Lord what is His will for my marriage. I ask Him to give me a sign by having my spouse call me on Mother's Day. Praise God, that was the first call that I received Sunday morning. My husband also surprised me the next day and wished me a Happy Birthday. God is good." (Alabama) "While I was waiting for my computer to load, I began to pray, "God, just as You like to hear that I love you, I also like to hear that my husband loves me. Please let me get a Mother's Day email from my husband and that will be his way of saying he loves me." Well, as soon as I opened my email box, there it was, my Mother's Day email from my husband. It was just a letter from him telling me Happy Mother's Day and that I was a good mother to our children We are divorced and he is in Iraq. God is dealing with my husband and changing me so that I will be the wife the Lord wants me to be when he comes home. God is so good." (Texas) "God gave me the best Mother's Day present. My college son sent me a letter, thanking me for always being there and helping him through college. He was thankful that I followed God and encouraged him to follow God's ways." That's what it's all about. Raising children without our husband home is tough. Yet this is proof that if we trust God, He will bring out children through it and they can grow up strong in the Lord." (Indiana) "I praise the Lord Jesus my Savior. My prodigal called me for Mother's Day. I ignore what is on the other side of the mountain. God is in control. My husband asked about my health. I praise the Lord. God is good." (Mexico) "My spouse emailed me on Mother's Day with a message of how I am a wonderful mother to our children. This is the hand of the Lord, because he rarely contacts me. Praise our wonderful Lord. He is faithful and His Word never fails." (Texas) "My anniversary was last month and not a word was said by my husband. Christmas and New Years was basically the same way, so when I woke up yesterday morning, I thought to myself, "Lord please don't let this be the same. At least let him say 'Happy Mother's Day.' (Husband) got out of bed and dressed before I did. He jumped in his truck without saying where he was going and came home about an hour later with perfume, body powder and a card. Thank You Jesus. The Lord has been working on my husband. I can see him trying to fight the feeling from the Holy Spirit. I give all the glory to God for even the little things, but Lord how much it means to me now." (Indiana) "My husband now lives out of state, married to another woman. This morning I asked God to let my husband call today to wish me Happy Mother's Day. It was almost time for bed when the phone rang. My husband talked to the kids and then asked to speak to me. The first thing he said was 'Happy Mother's Day.' It was an awesome 20 minute conversation. I was overwhelmed at what my Lord did for me today. Praise His Holy name." (Tennessee) "My prodigal husband suggested that we go out to eat for Mother's Day. He knows it is a difficult day for me as we have been trying for children for many years. I was shocked at his thoughtfulness. While we were walking, he put his arms around me. This simple gesture was the first outwardly positive move that he has made toward me in months. Praise the Lord. Thank you Bob and Charlyne for encouraging us and focusing us back to re-cultivating a steadfast relationship with God and on studying and praying His Word every day." (California) “It is Mother's Day in Australia on Sunday. One son has already phoned and asked what I wanted Mother's day and I replied just family to come here for lunch. He said, 'We'll come and we'll bring food, it’s Mother’s Day.” That made my day.” (Australia) “Even after my husband divorced me, I continued to send a Christmas card to his parents every year, along with Mother's Day and Father's Day cards. This year, for the first time since the divorce, I received a card from his mother, with a note. May God be praised.” (New York) | Page 1 | Page 2 | |
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