Where is Sheboygan?
Posted by Tommy & Eddie on April 14, 2008
So we were talking one day about an upcoming gig in Madison, WI that we had booked about a year ago. What we noticed about the gig was that we were performing Sunday night and Monday night. Now, here's the deal...we don't really like hanging out and waiting for a gig. So we were both complaining to each other about the situation. You know, stuff like "what are we going to do all day in Madison, Wisconsin? Eat cheese curds?!!" No offense to Madison, we just didn't want to hang around all day with nothing to do.
Anyway, the next day we got an e-mail from a lady named Brenda. She was asking us if we would send an autographed picture to a high school senior named Amy. It seems that Amy was going through chemo treatments for cancer and Brenda thought a picture of two goofy middle aged men would cheer her up. So we contact Brenda and find out that Amy lives in Sheboygan, WI. "Where is Sheboygan?" we asked. Brenda tells us it is about a two hour drive from Madison. So we make plans for a surprise visit to Amy at her high school in Sheboygan.
Fast forward to today. All the students are gathered in the gym for an unscheduled assembly. The principal calls Amy in front of everyone and says, "Amy, some of your friends showed up at school today to come and encourage you. I think they should be coming out right now!" Boom! We walk out and Amy and the other 19 students who knew who we were start clapping and hollering. Amy is totally surprised and I think excited. The students who didn't know us were really cool and gave a nice "courtesy applause". (Except for the one girl who said we looked "stupid" and the other girl who was hoping we were Hawk Nelson - mean girls!) Anyway, we did a short show in honor of Amy and enjoyed getting to know her and her friends a little bit. If you get a chance, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/amazingamy3 and let Amy know you are thinking of her a praying for her. (Then remember to pray for her!)
Besides this being an incredible blessing for us, it was also a wonderful reminder that God is always at work even when we don't have a clue about it. Why did we agree to an event a year ago that included a whole day in Wisconsin with nothing to do? Because God had something for us to do...go encourage Amy. So what are you complaining about right now? What's going on in you life that you keep asking "why" about? We suggest you keep your eyes open for what God's doing around you. Just because you don't have plans, doesn't mean that God doesn't have plans for you. Then, stop asking "why" and start asking "why not"!
Comments
davidbmc April 14, 2008 at 8:20 p.m.
Great story! our bible study yesterday was the book of Esther and we talked about the providence and sovereignty of God.
Esther 4:14...And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
And besides that, I have a soft spot in my heart for Sheboygan. Long story from way back when I had hair.
"Sheboygan, Sheoyvan, let's call the whole thing off!" (Sing it your best show tune voice!)
Helen Oswald April 14, 2008 at 11:45 p.m.
Just a big THANK YOU from Amy's grandparents in northern Wisconsin. It was a wonderful thing you did for Amy. God bless you!
Katie Brueggemann April 15, 2008 at 12:03 a.m.
Hey just another Thank you from Amy's cousin in St. Cloud, MN. I love her and wish I could have been there with her but having people like you and her friends at her school makes it all so much better. Thank you for blessing her day!
George Cook April 15, 2008 at 1:39 a.m.
God bless each of you and keep you in His loving arms. Amy is my wife's cousins daughter and such a lovely girl. We are all praying for her complete recovery and know she will beat this cancer. What a wonderful testament to the power of the Lord and his ever seeing eye. Things in our short life happen for a reason and as described by you, your trip to Wisconsin was for a special reason unknown to you a year ago. You have to agree Amy is AMAZING and the love of God pours thru her for all to see. Thank you for making her day special and sharing the word of our Lord and Saviour with us all.
Herb & Maxine Becker April 15, 2008 at 3:52 a.m.
Thanks for your ministry. It is amazing how the Lord works through people to show His Wonderful Love. We are the other set of grandparents from Monomonee Falls, WI which is a suburb of Milwaukee. We can just imagine Amy beaming with joy and thankfulness in heart. She is special not only to us, but to many people she has met in her 18 years. Thanks for your special trip to Sheboygan, and helping a beautiful young lady have a WOW day. Your ministry is better than eating cheese curds in Madison. Blessing to you
Lori Scheck April 15, 2008 at 2:15 p.m.
I am a friend of Amy's grandparents Herb & Maxine and while I don't know Amy personally, it has always amazed me how we as parents view all of our friends kids as our own. Your comment about how God led you to schedule an entire day in Madison not really knowing why or what you'd do and then placing you in the midst of Amy brought tears to my eyes. (ask anyone in my family and they will tell you I don't cry easily). Just shows how awesome God is and how the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of so many.
God bless you all!
Lori Scheck
Tim Becker April 15, 2008 at 3:50 p.m.
Nobody can thank you enough for what you did. I'm Amy's uncle and I live in Valparaiso IN. God Bless your ministry.
Tim Becker
Marlene Forshee April 16, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.
I am also a friend of Amy's grandparent Herb & Maxine. I also went to Sheboygan Lutheran some time ago. I am always truly amazed at how God works in our lives. Your ministry is a gift to all.
Sarah H. April 16, 2008 at 5:53 p.m.
It just goes to show you what God can show u. It's AWESOME what God can do!! Peace out : )
Wendy B. in Tennessee April 17, 2008 at 2:47 a.m.
Tommy,
I often tell my friends that God puts us where He wants us, when he wants us. . . You guys are living proof of His longer-term plans and how He controls the grand scheme of things. God does so much through you and Eddie and that is AWESOME.
Eddie, I am so thankful that the 2 of you paired up so long ago! I'd be honored to call you cousin too!
Sue A of Edmond, Okla April 20, 2008 at 10:55 p.m.
Tommy and Eddie, Heard yesterday about your gig in Wisconsin and this incredible story of letting God use you. Sounds just like the two of you. We also thought about Amy and her situation. Just to let you and Amy know we will pray for her and her treatments. Also, our SS class of about 20 started praying for her this morning. Will be looking forward to hearing "the rest of the story". You are special.
P.S. the needharmony video is a stitch.
Bailey Dolson, Sheboygan, WI April 26, 2008 at 6:31 p.m.
I'm sorry I thought you guys were Hawk Nelson... You were just as good though :D And I'm sorry if I scared you when I screamed! My friends have it on tape and I can't get over how silly I probably seemed. You guys were great though and I know that Amy appreciated it. I could tell by the look on her face how extremely happy she was! Thanks again and I hope to see you guys again soon. God bless!
Mad Dawg April 28, 2008 at 3:05 a.m.
You guys are great. You made me laugh every time you were on stage at the Planet Wisdom confrence. The one thing about your skits was that they all in some way taught you more about God. So thank you guys so much. You are awesome.
Jeff Holt, Sheboygan June 8, 2008 at 4:17 a.m.
I'm a teacher at LHS and the dad of one of Amy's classmates. The circumstances of your visit was such an incredible reminder of Jer. 29:11. The kids wear bracelets to honor Amy with that verse on them.
In case you haven't heard, her classmates also chose her as Prom Queen.
God's blessings on your ministry.
Danielle July 22, 2008 at 1:18 a.m.
i love you guys!
you are very funny
and god always uses you
he probably thinks u are amazing
i have seen you be4
IYC 08
you really have a good message to give
tht was nice what you did for amy (:
Matthew McNutt April 14, 2008 at 7:49 p.m.
Awesome story! Way to be used!