Eight years ago yesterday, I was returning from Nepal after following Elisha Reimer to Mt. Everest Base Camp and back. He had just become one of two people with Down Syndrome who had ever made the trek, and the first teen to do so. He loves Jesus and and there is no one I would rather hear pray. Eli is amazing, and you can watch some of his story here.

Today’s guest post is from Eli’s little sister, Noelle Reimer Koski.

Eli, here are just a few of the people you’ve changed by your life’s example— your brother and sisters.

Eli, you’ve taught us the sweetness found in patience. Bearing with one another’s burdens that we might understand in a profound way what it means to fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

Eli, you’ve taught us the incredible treasure of an empathetic heart. A heart willing to sit in suffering with one another and love steadfastly.

Eli, you’ve debunked the utilitarian lies that so easily corrupt our confidence— the lies that tell us it’s only about what we do that makes us worthy.

Eli, because of you we have seen the glorious sufficiency of Christ and the irresistible Savior we have in Him.

That He works patiently with us in our weakness and brokenness (Romans 9:22-23).

That He binds us up in our sorrow, sin, and shame and deals with us out of the purest empathy and affection ( Psalm 147:3, Isaiah 53:4-5, Hebrews 4:14-16).

That He has chosen us, rescued us, and loves us, not because of the good things we have done, but because of His mercy (Titus 3:4-8, Colossians 3:13-14, Ephesians 1:3-10).

Eli, the Lord is so gracious to allow us to be changed in such a beautiful way by being your siblings. We love you more than a whole series of writings could really express, and we rejoice with you on World Down Syndrome Day. Through you, the Lord has done much.

All our love,

Your Sibs

Find out more about The Guidelight, an organization dedicated to pursuing Christ-centered transformation in the lives of people impacted by disability.