We have received thousands of letters from people who have been touched by our
ministry. We wanted to share some of these with you, so that you can see what
God has been doing through our ministry.
I just saw your concert at St. James Lutheran in Verona. I am almost 16 years
old and really into music. The show that I saw can only be explained in one
word, "Amazing". I have to say that during the concert was the first time I
really felt close to God. I can't stop telling my friends about your amazing
story. I also tell that that I think Heather has one of the most beautiful
voices that I have ever heard. Most of the people my age don't think this hard
about a church service, but I can't seem to get it out of my head. I was very
inspired by your strength and your music. Like I said before, music is almost my
entire life, and to see people like you use music in such a faithful way was
awesome. Thank you very much for coming to my church.
I
just wanted to thank you for your willingness to be used by God. I have been
greatly encouraged, and am very glad God allowed our paths to cross.
Just want to personally thank you all for your Ministry today at
Bethesda Baptist Church. I can't
begin to tell you how refreshing your
words and Music are, and how much I personally needed what you gave
today. God definitely spoke to me through your family.
And Bill... thanks for taking time to speak with me after the Sunday
morning service. I saw on your website that you studied with a student
of Jascha Heifetz. I really think you are part of that line of talent,
and that you've elevated it into something new and refreshing. I also
think that "All Is Well" is one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever
heard. Your family's Music is so transparent and real.
Thank you for your testimony. You recently visited the Evangelical Free
Church in Clinton, Iowa. When I heard your
testimony it really got me thinking. I am around the same age as the daughter
in the car . It was really great to hear all of the miracles that happened and
to hear her beautiful voice. All of you have a real talent in the things you do
and I just wanted to tell you how grateful I was for you to come to Clinton.
Thank you so much. I really look at things differently now. The same thing
could happen to me and my dad. I just thought about that and asked myself, " Is
god happy with the way I am living my life? " Because I could die and maybe not
be ready for that. But now I know that I am, and I am going to live each day
like I should. I am very grateful for christians like you that are so willing
to serve god. I wish I could have some opportunities like that. I will be
praying for your family and I hope god blesses you in everything you do.
There are no words to adequately describe how I feel about the Murks' ministry.
I can say, incredible, fantastic, spirit-filled, and somehow NONE of those words
adequately or even comes close to how their ministry moved me. They moved me
beyond words. Jeanine's speaking got to me....and the tears just came rolling
down, and I just let 'em go. Those people are the most incredibly talented,
blessed, spirit-filled, spirit-led, awesome, superific performers/ministers I've
ever had the pleasure of seeing, of witnessing, of performing, of just plain
ministering. And let me tell you, I've been to ALL kinds of concerts due to
Ron's work at the radio station and because of Rockford's First Evangelical Free
church's outdoor summer concerts. There is only one performer left that I have
not seen and that is Twyla Paris. Everybody else, I've pretty much seen all the
greats....Ray Boltz, Petra, 4-Him, Steve Green, Bill Gaither and his vocal
band....just to name a few of the premiere Christian groups/singers etc. The
Murks are by far the most powerful and moving ministry that I've seen bar
none. I told Jeanine how much their Christmas CD has blessed me and how it has
also blessed a friend of mine who plays it over and over and over. Neither my
friend or I will put it away. It's beyond Christmas songs....there is too much
beauty and exquisite music in that CD to only play it during the Christmas
season. That CD ministers to me like none other....it's in the same category as
Twyla Paris' worship ministry and then some! What a blessing and privilege it is
to see these incredible and beautiful sisters and brother in Christ do 'their
thing'. Just simply beyond words.
I
didn't get a chance to tell you and Bill how much your ministry means to us. The
concert was such a blessing and the music is so beautiful. Your girls are so
precious and dear and blessed, not to mention very TALENTED! We are so excited
to count you and your lovely family amongst our new friends. WOW! I marvel at
the miracles in your lives and also in our lives. Anyway, you, Jeanine, 'got to
me' and I sat there in my pew next to my family with the tears rolling down.You
know, I find myself wanting to become a Murk family groupie, hee hee. Well,
please know that my husband and I are praying for you and your family and the
ministry the Lord has given you all. Our God is truly an Awesome God. We sure
had a great time fellowshipping with you all at the potluck. Your girls are so
precious....I just love them to little pieces. Heather.....what a darling she is
and Brienne just cracks me up. What a lovely lovely family you have. Oh yes,
that violinist guy you're married to....he's not too bad either! Actually, when
my son asked me later what I thought about you Murks.....I paused and told him
that there are no words to describe how I feel about your ministry...about
Bill's incredible talent, the way he uses that instrument to bless people, to
minister to people, to glorify our God. The same with you and your girls, the
singing, the sharing, the testimonials....everything is just marvelous. God is
doing a great work in your lives and the light is shining brightly in each one
of you. Thank you so much for what you are doing......count us as your newest
and amongst your biggest fans too!
I
had the distinct pleasure of hearing your testimonies, in word and song, this
morning I can't begin to tell you how utterly moved I was (and still am).
When I approached you this morning I had so many things to say, but when I
extended my hand and opened my mouth....those words didn't come out. Instead I
said something like "I would say God bless you, but he already has" I pray that
wasn't taken wrongly because you are indeed blessed by our creator. And through
you, your testimonies of truly powerful miracles, your very presence among us,
God blesses us.
Secretly, I too struggle with my emotions over sudden losses of family members:
In the span of the first five months of 1981 (yes twenty years ago), I lost a
first cousin and her boyfriend when a log truck "lost its load" in a curve
crushing their car and killing them instantly; a month later, I lost my aunt to
heart failure after a long bout with alcoholism; less than month later, my
grandmother succumbed to a yet untold ailment; scarcely a month later, my
mother's oldest brother died of a massive heart attack; and on mother's day my
mother died (I should add: her passing was sudden to me, but the result of a
long decline following the loss of her left lung due to cancer. She and the rest
of my family had withheld her declining health from me because I "was so far
away (In Guam), and there was nothing I could do anyway").
Looking back, I was suffering attacks similar to those of Job. And similarly, I
suffered (wallowed) in my own self-pity. But, truly, "God doesn't waste pain".
And I can see His guiding hand on my life through all of this.
Now finally, I am able to reach out to others experiencing loss. I can only do
that knowing that I serve a loving God who is willing, and more than able to
meet us at our point of need. Your collective testimonies of the awesome power
of prayer moved, strengthened, and blessed everyone who heard them; and I was
fortunate to be one of them. I pray that: 1. God will continue to bless you in
ways we cannot imagine 2. Any and ALL pain would be removed, or met with "grace
sufficient for the need" 3. Your ministry to be fruitful and abound in many
souls saved for the kingdom, and 4. We could beet again someday, and rejoice
together, in knowing the Creator.
You're dear, I was really inspired today, with Bill's violin artistry. And to
his girl's with an angel voice, was beautiful to hear and see. For Jeanine with
a heart of gold, the Lord has blessed her so. All the suffering she's been
through, Her faith and love still show. It touched my heart for her mom and dad,
for mine also have passed on. All the pain they endured, has come to an end at
last. The strangest thing came over me, and my heart felt such a life. As I
listened to them sing with God's beautiful gift. As you carry the love of God,
with you I know he's near. Thank you for sharing your gift with us, God bless
you, Murk family, you're dear.
You all seem like family to me. I have seen you "live four times now, three
times before the accident and most recently last Sunday at the Nazarene church
in Sterling. The first time I saw you all was several years ago, and I was
especially moved by your testimony, Jeanine. Following that, I had heard some of
Bill's selections on Moody radio station, I have been blessed by them on several
occasions.
My husband and I were horrified to hear of the accident when it happened last
year. When we heard you were going to be in our area last Sunday, we knew we ad
to attend and hear your testimony again. We were once again moved by your
testimony... God truly is sovergn. I can really trust Him, and He really does
love me. We were moved to hear Bill play the violin, in a way that only he
can... To hear Heather's voice sing, and to see that sweet beautiful smile...
and to hear Brienne tell of those angels in Heather's room (there is no doubt in
my mind that she saw them).
We came away knowing that we want and need a deeper touch from God in our
lives. We felt His presence so strongly in that service, and know we need more.
You have touched our lives time and time again. We will continue to keep you in
our prayers.
"You will not have to fight this battle.... Stand firm and see the deliverance
of the Lord"
My family and I were so very blessed to have been at church yesterday morning
when your wonderful family did the morning service. Truly, words cannot even
begin to explain how great of an impact you and your testimonies have made on
myself, my husband and our 11yr old daughter!! I desperately wanted to share
that with you. As an RN, cancer and chemotherapy survivor (in other words... no
stranger to being a patient myself!), mother, wife, etc. etc. your "story" has
impacted me from so many different "angles" and in so many different ways.
Without a doubt, mind and my family's walk with Christ has been deepened and
strengthened by your willingness to share yourselves with us at West Hill
Baptist yesterday. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all so very very
much! We will be praying for you and your needs watching your website for
further updates as time goes on.
I
had the awesome opportunity to receive a blessing from you today at Lighthouse
Church in Fon du Lac, WI. I just wanted to say thank you. The Lord has given
you a wonderful gift. I was just awe-struck after the service today. Heather,
you sound like an angel, so strong and beautiful. Bill well.... I'm sure you've
heard it a million times before, but I will say it again, I've never seen violin
played like that before! And Jeanine, your words...touched my heart so deeply,
along with your lovely singing. Please, al of you, keep pushing on!!!! He has
your family under His wings of protection and love.
I
just wanted to again say thank you so much for sharing your music and faith this
morning at Messiah Lutheran church. I can't tell you how glad I was to see you
all. It has been quite a long time between visits and I missed having you here
very much. I know that you have all been through a terrible ordeal. It is quite
apparent to me though, that God has worked many miracles in your lives as a
result of the accident you suffered. The fact that Bill and Heather even
survived would appear to be a miracle in itself, and to see you all singing
together once again, and sounding better than ever, just amazes me and makes me
very happy. Heather, as I told you after the service, you are more beautiful
than ever and your singing is just phenomenal. God has given you such wonderful
talent. I don't know if you realize how much your faith, perseverance and loving
hearts mean to all who are privileged enough to know you. You are such wonderful
ambassadors for the Christian faith and are doing many fantastic works in the
name of Christ.
May the Lord continue to surprise you with his goodness and restore you all to
ever improving health. I eagerly await the time when I will get to see you
again. Pleas know that many continue to pray for your needs, and trust the Lord
to continue to provide for them. You are all truly wonderful people and it is
Messiah Lutheran's privilege to know you. Please plan to come and see us again
in the near future. You are always welcome here!
I
just wanted to thank you so much for your ministry and testimony! Our God is an
awesome God! We so enjoyed you last evening at our church! (in Allegan, MI) We will continue to
uplift your family in our prayers! Thank you for blessing each of us in a very
special way!
Just wanted to say what a beautiful concert you put on at Regner
Park in West Bend. What a
testimony you have to share with the world! God truly does have His hand on your
family. Your singing was EXCELLENT!
I
can't even imagine what you endured a year and a half ago. It's more than the
human mind can imagine, much less go through. Our God is such an awesome God.
May God bless your family with your witnessing and singing around this country.
May He keep you in His most perfect care.
I was at your concert at First Baptist of Allegan. I really enjoyed it. To
tell you the truth I wasn't going to go because I thought it would be an old
person concert 'cuz of the violin, but I'm truly glad I came. You proved me
wrong. I was into it by the first song. I was so encouraged when I heard your
story, Heather. You're a living miracle, that's awesome! What a testimony! God
is an awesome God. It's so cool to see young people on fire for God, it really
encourages me. I think it's great that you girls are going to have a teen
ministry. That's what helped me at the concert, it's easier to relate when
teenagers are singing. Well, I just wanted to let you know I had a great time
worshiping God. Thank you!
As I think today about the ways that God brings people into our lives and weaves
them into our hearts, I'm thinking about how He's done that with your and your
family in our lives. How little we understand of his master plan as He
introduces new threads and colors into the tapestry of our lives. How easy it is
to lose sight of the fact that my portion of the pictures is but a small part of
a great whole. How amazed I am by the threads He weaves in. So great is His love
and plan. When He brought the four strand braid of your family into my life back
in June of 1995 I knew it was a gift and blessing by the way He did it. He
started somewhere deep in my heart. He knew just how to secure it, when to eave
it up, or tuck it down. And He continues to do so.
So many times and days He brings you to the forefront of my thoughts and on into
my prayers. I can feel the tug of the thread all the way to where it's fastened.
With thanksgiving, my prayers go up for you, at times mingled and washed with
tears. Those I believe are the times when the intensity of the color may be
revealed as the strongest.
I
just wanted to let you know God is still weaving and working on his mysterious
and wonderful ways, as sure as ever. I know that you know, but it always feels
good to hear it, to have glimpses of a pattern so grand beyond what we could
dare dream, or imagine.
To think He loves us so. That's part of why I had to write you today. So you
could have a glimpse of what you you mean to us. So you could feel the warmth of
His embrace in a special way. So I could come along side of you, in a small way,
perhaps to encourage you and give you a lift. God bless!
