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| Piano Teacher Joe Eng with our girls Narita and Stuti Sharma after their recent Piano recital |
He has been faithful to God and to what God has put on his heart for children, i.e. teaching music. He is a husband, father to nine kids, grandfather and to top it all, a strong believer in Christ, and a superb piano teacher especially to kids.
He knows how to patiently teach music to kids and connects well with parents. So not only to kids but Tr. Joe is a darling among the parents also. He is such a fun loving person, capturing kids' attention, praying for them and relating in such a sweet way that kids feel at home with him. He prays with kids before and after lessons, encourages them as a father or a grandfather would; social and friendly like Mr. Rogers' in the community.
We came to know him in Fall of 2002. Kids had a good piano teacher back home in Kenya so when we came here we were looking for a good piano teacher who would understand how kids learn. We were new in the country and home schooling, so on top of being a piano teacher, he was like "Mr. Rogers in the neighborhood" informative and helpful in connecting us with many kids' activities in the city. That has been a blessing. He also got to know us as parents and as good friends. And so he has stuck with us thru thick and thin for all these years and we are grateful to God for showing HIS steadfast, amazing and awesome faithfulness to our family thru Tr. Joe, regardless of where we have stayed near or far. He is more than a piano teacher to us, he is a grandpa figure to our kids and we appreciate him much. We continue to introduce him to other parents and kids and they too appreciate him.
We came to know him in Fall of 2002. Kids had a good piano teacher back home in Kenya so when we came here we were looking for a good piano teacher who would understand how kids learn. We were new in the country and home schooling, so on top of being a piano teacher, he was like "Mr. Rogers in the neighborhood" informative and helpful in connecting us with many kids' activities in the city. That has been a blessing. He also got to know us as parents and as good friends. And so he has stuck with us thru thick and thin for all these years and we are grateful to God for showing HIS steadfast, amazing and awesome faithfulness to our family thru Tr. Joe, regardless of where we have stayed near or far. He is more than a piano teacher to us, he is a grandpa figure to our kids and we appreciate him much. We continue to introduce him to other parents and kids and they too appreciate him.
One of my best aha moments is: few years ago, when he used to come home on Saturday mornings, I would be in the kitchen preparing "Indian snacks and brewing fresh Chai latte" that he enjoyed much; before beginning his lessons he would go on our piano and start playing an awesome classic hymn, "Great is thy faithfulness O God my Father!" oh, he would fill the house with this beautiful music and I would be so blessed, that I would have tears in my eyes because I know what that hymn means to so many of us especially during the difficult days. What an encouragement! Bharat and I have had fun times, and praying moments as he would listen, give wise godly counsel and pray with us and for us.
There is hope in the world we live in because there are godly men around like Tr. Joe who continue to share God's love and the grace of our Lord Jesus in practical and tangible ways, selflessly and with what they are able to give, yet giving SO much more and impacting the next generation with God's Grace, Hope and Music which are everlasting even beyond death. We know there is going to be music in heaven so what an eternal legacy God continues to build thru Tr. Joe's life!!!
On this Father's day we honor Tr. Joe on my blog thanking God for him. We would not be able to repay him in tangible ways for his kindness and generosity to us ward but I pray God continue to shower HIS choicest blessings upon this soul, grant him good health all the days of his life on earth, provide for all his needs and carry on encouraging him to see HIS eternal rewards thru the eyes of faith.
Two verses that come to my mind are : 1 Thess 5:12 "Now
we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you,
who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest
regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other."
1 Cor. 15:28 " Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,
stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of
the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain."
(NIVUK)
Have a Happy Fathers' Day every one!
In gratitude to God for godly men like Tr. Joe! THANK YOU,
Tr.. Joe!
Kalpana Christian Sharma (Mrs. )
together with Bharat Sharma
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