by Nicole Flothe
In addition, Tim and Mary Sue believe that it's critical that people step up and really recognize the cries of the world.
The cover of The Heartbeat Magazine was selected after I received a postcard in the mail from my friends, Tim and Mary Sue Ryan. Their five children and their sweet smiles were on a holiday family card and I couldn't resist asking if they would be interested in letting me use the photo as the cover. I met Tim and Mary Sue from our sons playing basketball together in the Southwest Florida Youth Basketball League. It's been great to watch them learn the sport and to make new friends. Tim lives in North Naples with his family. His wife loves being a stay-at-home mom. In 2007 they became foster parents and had about ten different children stay with them during the first six months. Then, in January 2008, a little Guatemalan girl was brought to them to be cared for. A year later, she was adopted into the family. Tim explains. "She is a part of the family now and I doubt she has any recollection of life before us. We feel lucky to have her and blessed that the Lord placed her in our lives."
They are active in their church and play a key role in the introduction of first time visitors. Although, their church plays an integral part of their lives, Tim and Mary Sue's passion is fostering and sponsoring children in Asia and Africa through World Vision. Tim explains, "The needs are so great. Only about 4% of the world lives in the United States. Everyone born here has basically hit the lottery. We live in a country that assures our children are fed, clothed, and educated. I cannot imagine telling my children I had no way to fill their belly before they went to sleep. However, this is a reality across the world. Jesus said, 'Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.' (Matthew 18:5) The thing that impressed us about World Vision was that it had a high percentage of money actually make it to the child." Tim moved to Naples in 2004 from Philadelphia. He and his wife were simply ready for a new chapter in their lives. "I tell people that I moved down for the weather and they laugh. We hate cold weather. I tell people here it is about 10 degrees warmer in the summer and 40 degrees warmer in the winter. To me, that is a great tradeoff." He came down to Naples to look at investment property in 2003 and bought on his very first trip. "I was absolutely sold on the area. I could not believe how pretty it was and the weather was so warm in the winter months." Resource: www.naplesguru.com
HEARTBEAT CONNECTION MARCH 2013
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