30 Comments
User's avatar
Holly Brown's avatar

Only God.

Arthur Going's avatar

Amazing! Justin, I was moved the first time I read this. Then I teared up as I read it aloud to my wife. I thank God for London's perseverance and quiet witness. I thank God for the surprising grace of this opportunity. I thank God for you and JL.

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Surprising grace indeed, Arthur. Thank you for feeling the joy of this with us.

Kristen Hicks's avatar

So beautiful! I cried happy tears reading this!

Tyson Freshour's avatar

This is amazing! And only a God thing. As a man that has had many people in my family lineage serve in the military and almost served myself, this brings tears to my eyes and joy in my heart! May God bless London and the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and may God bring HGS to other branches of the military.

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Amen, Tyson! Thank you, brother.

Joy Simmons's avatar

This is so beautiful! I had tears. And I cannot imagine how wonderful it was for you and Jennifer to get to see London and verify that she is ok!!! So thankful for all that this worked out! God moves in mysterious ways - his wonders to perform! ❤️

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Yes! Thank you, Joy. :)

Brenda Knox's avatar

I am crying in my bed in the dark because I have an idea of what this means to you and to your sweet girl ! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!! Love you all!

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Thank you, Brenda. It means so much to have you rejoicing with us! Praise God, indeed.

Ashley Thomas's avatar

Good morning, Justin. My heart rejoices of how Yahweh opens the doors to places we never knew or conceived possible. Thank you for serving and listening to the calling of Yahweh’s voice. May Yahweh continue to give strength, endurance, and vision to a young woman named London!

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Amen, Ashley! Thank you!

Allison East's avatar

Tearing up reading ♥️

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

So many of the recruits were crying as they experienced that story and the songs we shared. It was so beautiful.

Joy Dillman's avatar

What a God-sent blessing to so many!

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Amen, Joy. We’re so grateful!

John's avatar

Praise God!

Kelly Kitts's avatar

Light in dark places❤️ Praise God for London, for the chaplain who facilitated the HGS experience for the recruits, and for you allowing God to work through you to bless them! May God bless London in every way and give her strength to continue through the remainder of basic training while letting her beautiful light shine. 🙏 Thank you, Justin, for sharing. I am crying now.

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Thank you for this prayer, Kelly. I’m shedding happy tears alongside you.

Connie Monroe's avatar

God bless you for all you do for so many. Can you tell me what it takes to have you present to a church?

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Hi, Connie! Would be happy to give you some information. Can you email me at jtgerhardt@gmail.com? We can start a conversation there. (Just a heads up—I may be slow to respond, as I’m on vacation the next several days.)

Leigh Lawrenson's avatar

WHAT AN AMAZING STORY!!! God be praised!

Bethany Welborn's avatar

THIS IS INCREDIBLE - thanks be to God!!

Josh's avatar

Wow! Love that God used her in this way!

Justin Gerhardt's avatar

Right? Amazing to watch Him work through your child.