There are many aspects of Christmas that never change and for that I am thankful. Jesus is always the Prince of Peace, Immanuel the true “reason for the season”. But how we observe the holiday seems to change each year depending on circumstances, finances, relationships, etc. I have found that the “circumstances” surrounding our Christmas have caused this to be a “Contemplative Christmas” for the Noel’s. Frankly, we are thoroughly enjoying it! Since the entire holiday season fell on the heels of our trip to Italy we intentionally chose to scale back on Christmas this year…very few presents and even a limited number of decorations. As a result, we feel much less stress and are enjoying the time together and the absence of pressure to shop as in the years past!
The term “contemplative” simply deals with contemplating or thinking about something with increased measure. It is the type of thinking that Mary did when she watched the wise men visit her son and watched him grow into a young man. She watched all these things and “pondered” them in her heart. Henry Blackaby refers to this as “processing”. It is the practice of considering, thinking, pondering, digesting ideas or events so that they influence you or become part of you. I have to say, I have “contemplated” the essence of Christmas more this year than I have in recent memory. I can’t recall being blessed more deeply by the truth and the reality of Jesus as Immanuel. As for me and my house…we are planning on more “contemplative Christmas’s” in the future!
So, again, let me wish you and yours a very contemplative Christmas! I encourage you to ponder, think about, process and digest the truth; that Jesus himself set aside the glory of heaven and took on the very nature of a human and became a baby! He did it for two very simple reasons…His love for the Father and His love for us. That is the essence of Christmas and there is nothing that you can receive that is more blessed than that!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
Pics
Jeff posing with his name carved at Colleseum
Marie and Linda in Colleseum
Leadership Group from Francavilla Church of Christ
Marie and Linda in Colleseum
Leadership Group from Francavilla Church of Christ
Home, Sweet Home
We arrived home last night around 10 p.m.! Boy, oh boy, was it ever good to sleep in our own beds! Eric (the young man who stayed at our house while we were gone) had left the lights on for us. It was so nice to come home to a lit and warm home. Thank you Eric.
My brother-in-law, David picked us up at the airport. He had Lucy with him. We were so excited to see her and I think she was glad to see us too. We really missed her - it was like leaving a family member to leave her at home. When we got home and finally got to bed, she jumped in and out of the bed about 5 times before settleing down. And everytime Jeff sits down she's in his lap. Even when he sat down to just put his shoes on!
I know you'll find this hard to believe, but Marie didn't even make it to the house before going to the horse pasture. She asked to be let out of the car at the gate. Of course, it was too dark to see anything but she went out and hugged the horses, first thing.
We have hundreds of pictures to share with anyone who wants to see them!
We'll continue to use this blogspot to post entries about what's going on in our lives and with the ministry. As Jeff travels and teaches, we'll keep it up to date with the exciting news about what God is doing across the nation (and world!) from our perspective.
Lastly, I want to say the most sincere thank you to all of you who were praying for us and our family. Many of you were praying for my parents while we were gone and it was so amazing to see how God answered those prayers. When we left the country in October, we had just found out about a medical and heart condition that was troubling my Dad. Early in our trip we received word from a couple of different people that he was doing very well. This continued to be the case the whole time we were gone. In addition, my mother had just started taking insulin for diabetes four times a day and was still dealing with wildly fluctuating blood sugar levels. I don't think they were aware of how many people across this nation were praying for them during this time. I'm not even sure that we know the extent of that prayer circle because I know that many of you passed the word to other prayer groups. I have the feeling that God was bombarded with these requests! And He was faithful. My Dad continues to do pretty well - today he told me that some days he feels great and some days he feels terrible so we still ask for your prayers. But, feeling great some days is better than feeling terrible everyday. He didn't seem to get out of breath as badly today as he walked to the car from the restaurant. So that's good news! Also, my Mom's doctor has changed her insulin and that has seemed to help. Today she told me her blood sugar levels are more under control. I know this must help to make her feel better too. Your prayers for my parents, while we were in Italy were such a comfort to us and we are appreciative to levels you cannot begin to know. Thank you, Mike, for visiting my parents while we were gone. That means so much to us!
That's all for now - we love you all. We'll be posting more pictures from our trip soon!
(post by Linda)
My brother-in-law, David picked us up at the airport. He had Lucy with him. We were so excited to see her and I think she was glad to see us too. We really missed her - it was like leaving a family member to leave her at home. When we got home and finally got to bed, she jumped in and out of the bed about 5 times before settleing down. And everytime Jeff sits down she's in his lap. Even when he sat down to just put his shoes on!
I know you'll find this hard to believe, but Marie didn't even make it to the house before going to the horse pasture. She asked to be let out of the car at the gate. Of course, it was too dark to see anything but she went out and hugged the horses, first thing.
We have hundreds of pictures to share with anyone who wants to see them!
We'll continue to use this blogspot to post entries about what's going on in our lives and with the ministry. As Jeff travels and teaches, we'll keep it up to date with the exciting news about what God is doing across the nation (and world!) from our perspective.
Lastly, I want to say the most sincere thank you to all of you who were praying for us and our family. Many of you were praying for my parents while we were gone and it was so amazing to see how God answered those prayers. When we left the country in October, we had just found out about a medical and heart condition that was troubling my Dad. Early in our trip we received word from a couple of different people that he was doing very well. This continued to be the case the whole time we were gone. In addition, my mother had just started taking insulin for diabetes four times a day and was still dealing with wildly fluctuating blood sugar levels. I don't think they were aware of how many people across this nation were praying for them during this time. I'm not even sure that we know the extent of that prayer circle because I know that many of you passed the word to other prayer groups. I have the feeling that God was bombarded with these requests! And He was faithful. My Dad continues to do pretty well - today he told me that some days he feels great and some days he feels terrible so we still ask for your prayers. But, feeling great some days is better than feeling terrible everyday. He didn't seem to get out of breath as badly today as he walked to the car from the restaurant. So that's good news! Also, my Mom's doctor has changed her insulin and that has seemed to help. Today she told me her blood sugar levels are more under control. I know this must help to make her feel better too. Your prayers for my parents, while we were in Italy were such a comfort to us and we are appreciative to levels you cannot begin to know. Thank you, Mike, for visiting my parents while we were gone. That means so much to us!
That's all for now - we love you all. We'll be posting more pictures from our trip soon!
(post by Linda)
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Last day in Oria
"Pronto."
"Pronto."
This is the way to answer the telephone in Italy. When you answer, instead of saying, "Hello?", you say, "Pronto". Then the person on the other end that called you says, "Pronto" and starts talking. It's kind of like you answering and saying saying, "Ready," and the caller replys, "Ready".
Today was our last day in Oria. After being here two weeks we almost feel like it's home. Jim, Carinita, Gianni, Stephany, Anyssa and Raphale have come to feel like family. Well, I guess they are part of our Christian family! So, now I can say I have relatives in Italy. And not just these six but many others that we've met and gotten to know over the last two weeks.
There is no doubt, as we finished up the leadership couples training today that God is moving among this group. We pray that He brings revival to the church at Francavilla and that He does it through His Spirit that is stirring in this group of exceptional people.
We've received an invitation to return here to Italy to continue the next step of training for the leadership. They are thirsty and passionate for more of Spirito Santo (Holy Spirit). Will you keep this in your prayers for us as we seek what God would have us do.
One thing that is desperately needed here are resource materials translated in Italian. There is almost nothing available. We've made an initial contact with someone who is able to do this. The next step will involve funding the work - paying the translator and publishing. Please keep this in your prayers for the church here in Italy. This type of resource will be utilized voraciously by the Christians here in Italy.
This may be our last post until we return home to the States. I'm not sure what our internet access possibilites will be when we leave here. If the opportunity arises we may be able to post once more. We are off in the morning at 6 a.m. to Sorrento. Then on Tuesday we return to Roma. By Thursday evening we'll be home.
Ciao, ciao!
"Pronto."
This is the way to answer the telephone in Italy. When you answer, instead of saying, "Hello?", you say, "Pronto". Then the person on the other end that called you says, "Pronto" and starts talking. It's kind of like you answering and saying saying, "Ready," and the caller replys, "Ready".
Today was our last day in Oria. After being here two weeks we almost feel like it's home. Jim, Carinita, Gianni, Stephany, Anyssa and Raphale have come to feel like family. Well, I guess they are part of our Christian family! So, now I can say I have relatives in Italy. And not just these six but many others that we've met and gotten to know over the last two weeks.
There is no doubt, as we finished up the leadership couples training today that God is moving among this group. We pray that He brings revival to the church at Francavilla and that He does it through His Spirit that is stirring in this group of exceptional people.
We've received an invitation to return here to Italy to continue the next step of training for the leadership. They are thirsty and passionate for more of Spirito Santo (Holy Spirit). Will you keep this in your prayers for us as we seek what God would have us do.
One thing that is desperately needed here are resource materials translated in Italian. There is almost nothing available. We've made an initial contact with someone who is able to do this. The next step will involve funding the work - paying the translator and publishing. Please keep this in your prayers for the church here in Italy. This type of resource will be utilized voraciously by the Christians here in Italy.
This may be our last post until we return home to the States. I'm not sure what our internet access possibilites will be when we leave here. If the opportunity arises we may be able to post once more. We are off in the morning at 6 a.m. to Sorrento. Then on Tuesday we return to Roma. By Thursday evening we'll be home.
Ciao, ciao!
Friday, November 2, 2007
New Foundations in an Ancient Land
The title was the motto for raising funds for this trip. As we are in the home stretch of our time here it is obvious that this was God's plan for our work here. The team of young leaders and the mission team that we have been working with have all sensed that this is what God has done these last few weeks.
As a result of our work here, two churches have been given a new understanding prayer and the role it should play in the lives of themselves as individuals, in the lives of their families and in the life of the Church.
Three couples from the Church at Francavilla have been taught about spiritual leadership. They've been provided with tools to lead their church to becoming a praying church. They are anxious to put into practice, the things they have learned.
The statement, "Laying new foundations" is so true because there really is no current foundation for spiritual growth. There is a lot of religion but little personal application. We are amazed that so many in America do not understand what a vast mission field Italy is.
The mission team of "Italy for Christ" now has a very clear mission statement. Jeff spent several days working with them to help them focus their energy into creating a very defined statement. They understand that their role here now is to raise up Italian spiritual leaders. They have also defined their major areas of emphasis for the next year and set clear goals and objectives. We are so excited about this because with this clear purpose in mind they can lay a foundation that will result in the development of many strong churches, lead by spiritual leaders who are native Italian and understand the culture intimately.
In addition to all of this work, we have come to love the people here and have developed friendships with several of the people in these churches. We are praying that the Lord opens the door for us to return in a couple of years and to build on the foundations we have helped start.
Ciao for now!
As a result of our work here, two churches have been given a new understanding prayer and the role it should play in the lives of themselves as individuals, in the lives of their families and in the life of the Church.
Three couples from the Church at Francavilla have been taught about spiritual leadership. They've been provided with tools to lead their church to becoming a praying church. They are anxious to put into practice, the things they have learned.
The statement, "Laying new foundations" is so true because there really is no current foundation for spiritual growth. There is a lot of religion but little personal application. We are amazed that so many in America do not understand what a vast mission field Italy is.
The mission team of "Italy for Christ" now has a very clear mission statement. Jeff spent several days working with them to help them focus their energy into creating a very defined statement. They understand that their role here now is to raise up Italian spiritual leaders. They have also defined their major areas of emphasis for the next year and set clear goals and objectives. We are so excited about this because with this clear purpose in mind they can lay a foundation that will result in the development of many strong churches, lead by spiritual leaders who are native Italian and understand the culture intimately.
In addition to all of this work, we have come to love the people here and have developed friendships with several of the people in these churches. We are praying that the Lord opens the door for us to return in a couple of years and to build on the foundations we have helped start.
Ciao for now!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Eight Days till' Home
Eight more days! We love it here in Italy, but we also miss home immensely. We have gotten reports that our animals are doing well as is our whole house. Today Dad finished up his leadership training with the people here at the mission. It started last week. These last three days he helped lead them through a process of redefining their mission statement and goals. It went very well. They have been doing that in the mornings and then we have done various things for lunch. Tomorrow Mom and Dad start a three day leadership retreat with the some of the couples from the church at Froncavilla (Chieso de Cristo).
Today we went to a "Bella" (beautiful) restaurant called "Villa Reale". It was out in the country and was privately owned by a family. It was "Bellisimo" (Delicious)! We really enjoyed that. After lunch we came back to the center and met Bennedetto, the owner of the land that the center is on. He was a truly "bene" (good) man.
We also wanted to say how much we appreciate the comments on the blog. It is nice to here from people even though we can't respond personallly. Thank you for your prayers!
Posted by Marie
Today we went to a "Bella" (beautiful) restaurant called "Villa Reale". It was out in the country and was privately owned by a family. It was "Bellisimo" (Delicious)! We really enjoyed that. After lunch we came back to the center and met Bennedetto, the owner of the land that the center is on. He was a truly "bene" (good) man.
We also wanted to say how much we appreciate the comments on the blog. It is nice to here from people even though we can't respond personallly. Thank you for your prayers!
Posted by Marie
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Italy Pictures
I'm not sure how many we'll get loaded due to the speed of the dial-up internet service but we wanted to share a few pictures...
JEFF AND MARIE IN FRONT OF THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS IN VENICE (Sorry about this being sideways - I'll fix it next time!)
JEFF TEACHING AT FRANCAVILLA CHURCH OF CHRIST
MARIE HOLDING UP THE TOWER OF PISA!
JEFF AND MARIE IN FRONT OF THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS IN VENICE (Sorry about this being sideways - I'll fix it next time!)
JEFF TEACHING AT FRANCAVILLA CHURCH OF CHRIST
MARIE HOLDING UP THE TOWER OF PISA!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Hey, Wanna have a three course potluck?
Yep, you heard me right. A three course potluck. Here in Italy, that isn't even out of the ordinary. That is just how it is and, do I like it. Our three course potluck was yesterday afternoon after church. The first course was not one, but three pasta dishes: bolognese, creamy fish sauce, and artichokes with yellow peppers. The second course had six different choices. They were, Eggplant parmesean, sausage, ricotta cheese loaf with procuitto, meat loaf, rice balls with cheese, and turkey with potatoes. You didn't have to get all of them, just which ones you thought looked good. I personally got 4 of them. And the last course was beatiful miny pastries of all kinds, and of course, Italian coffee, or as it is called here, caffè. It was delicious. Well it is time to go have our three course lunch this afternoon, so I have to sign off. I always have a passion for food! As you can probably guess by reading this, it was written by Marie. Love You all!!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Two weeks down, two weeks to go!
Caio to everyone!
This evening (Saturday) we will complete the three night "Learning to Love to Pray" seminar at the Francavilla Church of Christ (Cheisa de Cristo). There have been people from this church and the Latiano Church of Christ as well as others that the mission team is working with to lead to Christ. We can't thank you enough for your prayers. God is present and working. The people are hearing, accepting and responding to the teaching. Please pray that the Lord can overcome some of the cultural things that will stand in the way of people applying this teaching to their lives.
We've been having meals in some of the homes of the members. We've really enjoyed learning about the food and culture of this area. The food is unlike anything we've ever experienced before and is delicious! Not only in the preparation but there are foods here that we do not have in the states - especially fruits and vegetables. Oh, they eat horse here too - bleh! There are butchers that sell only equino carne (horse meat). I don't think Marie would be able to choke it down if she knew. The missionaries here tell us it is a sweeter tasting meat. I think we could possibily had some meat balls that were equine in Murano because I couldn't recognize the taste. It wasn't until after we had eaten that it dawned on me what it could have possibly been but I didn't ask because I didn't really want to know. Other than that possible instance I think we've managed to avoid it. There is a fruit here called "cockrel" that looks like a tomato but is soft and sweet. They eat it with a spoon directly from the skin of the fruit. The meals we've had have been three and four course meals. The first course is usually a pasta of some type - lasagna or something else. Then, the second course is a meat and vegetable - fried chicken and eggplant or veal scallopini and peas. The third course is usually salad - the only dressing available is olive oil and vinegar and it is delicious. Always on the table are fresh veges like cucumbers, celery, fennel, etc. The fourth course is always fresh fruit. Then sometimes there is a fifth course that is a sweet - ice cream or cake of some type. The last course is served with coffee - not coffee "Americano" but Italian coffee, which is expresso.
Well, we are off to the Italian market today. It is like a flea market but offers everything from food to clothes to household items. And you have to bargain with them on the prices! Jeff says this is right up my alley - it's in my blood (from my father!).
Please pray for Marie who is very homesick for her animals - everyday she talks about how much she misses them. Yesterday (Friday) she was very down. We're at the halfway point of our trip and looking forward to being home.
Love to you all!
This evening (Saturday) we will complete the three night "Learning to Love to Pray" seminar at the Francavilla Church of Christ (Cheisa de Cristo). There have been people from this church and the Latiano Church of Christ as well as others that the mission team is working with to lead to Christ. We can't thank you enough for your prayers. God is present and working. The people are hearing, accepting and responding to the teaching. Please pray that the Lord can overcome some of the cultural things that will stand in the way of people applying this teaching to their lives.
We've been having meals in some of the homes of the members. We've really enjoyed learning about the food and culture of this area. The food is unlike anything we've ever experienced before and is delicious! Not only in the preparation but there are foods here that we do not have in the states - especially fruits and vegetables. Oh, they eat horse here too - bleh! There are butchers that sell only equino carne (horse meat). I don't think Marie would be able to choke it down if she knew. The missionaries here tell us it is a sweeter tasting meat. I think we could possibily had some meat balls that were equine in Murano because I couldn't recognize the taste. It wasn't until after we had eaten that it dawned on me what it could have possibly been but I didn't ask because I didn't really want to know. Other than that possible instance I think we've managed to avoid it. There is a fruit here called "cockrel" that looks like a tomato but is soft and sweet. They eat it with a spoon directly from the skin of the fruit. The meals we've had have been three and four course meals. The first course is usually a pasta of some type - lasagna or something else. Then, the second course is a meat and vegetable - fried chicken and eggplant or veal scallopini and peas. The third course is usually salad - the only dressing available is olive oil and vinegar and it is delicious. Always on the table are fresh veges like cucumbers, celery, fennel, etc. The fourth course is always fresh fruit. Then sometimes there is a fifth course that is a sweet - ice cream or cake of some type. The last course is served with coffee - not coffee "Americano" but Italian coffee, which is expresso.
Well, we are off to the Italian market today. It is like a flea market but offers everything from food to clothes to household items. And you have to bargain with them on the prices! Jeff says this is right up my alley - it's in my blood (from my father!).
Please pray for Marie who is very homesick for her animals - everyday she talks about how much she misses them. Yesterday (Friday) she was very down. We're at the halfway point of our trip and looking forward to being home.
Love to you all!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Arriving in Oria
After a 10 hour train ride we were thrilled to see Gianni Bruno waiting on the platform for us! He took us to the center and we had dinner with he and his wife Stephany and her parents Jim and Carinita Wolsiffer (the founders of the mission. They welcomed us and showed us our beautiful lodging for the next two weeks. We start first thing in the morning with a Leadership and Planning Retreat so we are off to bed. But we just wanted to let everyone know that we are safe and sound in Oria, Italy and looking forward to a busy schedule of ministry and encouragement.
Our love and blessings to all,
Jeff, Linda and Marie
Our love and blessings to all,
Jeff, Linda and Marie
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Leaving Venice
We are on the eve of leaving Venice and wish our visit could have been longer. This is by far, our favorite place yet on our travels. Tiny streets, no cars (or scooters -ask us about this when we get home!). It is absolutely the most unique place we've ever been in our lives.
We will post pictures later when we have more convenient access to the internet.
Beginning Monday, Jeff will be leading a three day retreat with the mission leadership team entitled "Spirit Empowered Ministry". Please pray for God's Word and message to translate into the message He has for them to hear.
We have a full day of train travel tomorrow (Sunday). Please pray for our safety and connections!
We will post pictures later when we have more convenient access to the internet.
Beginning Monday, Jeff will be leading a three day retreat with the mission leadership team entitled "Spirit Empowered Ministry". Please pray for God's Word and message to translate into the message He has for them to hear.
We have a full day of train travel tomorrow (Sunday). Please pray for our safety and connections!
Buon Giorno
We are in Italy making our way through tiny streets and beautiful ancient cathedrals and piazzas. It is truly a remarkable experience! We have been to Rome, Pisa and Florence. Today we are making our way to Venice.
We appreciate the driving in the US now! If you think Americans are aggressive drivers, you havent seen anything until you visit Rome! The road signs and lights are just for decoration according to the guide we had in Rome. And wow, how interesting it is to navigate the train system|
What an amazing experiences to walk some of the same roads that Paul walked. It was from here (Rome) that Christianity spread around the world. We recently read about how so many of the cathedrals are built on top of pagen temples. It is said that the Italians are somewhat the same, religious on top and pagen underneath. Its clear to see why Paul wanted to come here first.
Thank you for your prayers and gifts as we continue our journey.
Our next message will come when we have access to the internet again. (Todays entry is from an internet cafe in Figlini Valderno, Tuscany). We miss everyone! Ciao!
We appreciate the driving in the US now! If you think Americans are aggressive drivers, you havent seen anything until you visit Rome! The road signs and lights are just for decoration according to the guide we had in Rome. And wow, how interesting it is to navigate the train system|
What an amazing experiences to walk some of the same roads that Paul walked. It was from here (Rome) that Christianity spread around the world. We recently read about how so many of the cathedrals are built on top of pagen temples. It is said that the Italians are somewhat the same, religious on top and pagen underneath. Its clear to see why Paul wanted to come here first.
Thank you for your prayers and gifts as we continue our journey.
Our next message will come when we have access to the internet again. (Todays entry is from an internet cafe in Figlini Valderno, Tuscany). We miss everyone! Ciao!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Italy bound!
We're down to the last 24 hours before departure to Italy! The flurry of last minute preparations has us all in a tizzy. I'm racking my brain to remember what I've forgotten to do or get for the trip.
Last evening as I was out "talking" to the horses, I noticed a huge swollen place on the belly of Marie's pony, Scotty. So, I go back in the house to try and get the vet on the phone to see if he can come and look at it today. Doesn't that just figure? As I'm walking through the den I notice the dust bunnies in the corner and think to myself that we've got to get the floors cleaned before we leave or the person who is staying at our house will think us such slobs - now when is that going to happen? I'm on Marie to get her homeschooling done for the week so she won't be behind when we get home. That creates its own tension. Plus we have to get our ministry newsletter out before we leave so all of our supporters will know what's going on and can keep our prayer cover strong - so we're licking and sticking and stuffing about 200 envelopes. And there is so much more!
However - we're trying to keep our eyes on the goal and not let all of these distractions keep us from the real purpose of this trip. Stay tuned and try to keep up with us as we jet half way around the world to labor for God! We welcome your participation in any way.
Last evening as I was out "talking" to the horses, I noticed a huge swollen place on the belly of Marie's pony, Scotty. So, I go back in the house to try and get the vet on the phone to see if he can come and look at it today. Doesn't that just figure? As I'm walking through the den I notice the dust bunnies in the corner and think to myself that we've got to get the floors cleaned before we leave or the person who is staying at our house will think us such slobs - now when is that going to happen? I'm on Marie to get her homeschooling done for the week so she won't be behind when we get home. That creates its own tension. Plus we have to get our ministry newsletter out before we leave so all of our supporters will know what's going on and can keep our prayer cover strong - so we're licking and sticking and stuffing about 200 envelopes. And there is so much more!
However - we're trying to keep our eyes on the goal and not let all of these distractions keep us from the real purpose of this trip. Stay tuned and try to keep up with us as we jet half way around the world to labor for God! We welcome your participation in any way.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The latest on Dad
First let me say thank you to all of you who have been praying for us. There is nothing we desire more from you than that!
We have been informed by the doctors that the only medical option for my dad's condition at this time is surgery. He has chosen not to go that route and we completely agree with this decision.
At this time, our goal is to make sure he is comfortable, doesn't overexert himself, and manage the fluid retention problems caused by congestive heart failure. We are going to look into getting him a scooter so he doesn't have to walk too much and yet can still get out and about as much as he wants. The fluid retention we are addressing through prescription direutics and occasional trips to the ER (or possibly a visiting nurse) to help with fluid elimination.
Please keep praying for us all!
We have been informed by the doctors that the only medical option for my dad's condition at this time is surgery. He has chosen not to go that route and we completely agree with this decision.
At this time, our goal is to make sure he is comfortable, doesn't overexert himself, and manage the fluid retention problems caused by congestive heart failure. We are going to look into getting him a scooter so he doesn't have to walk too much and yet can still get out and about as much as he wants. The fluid retention we are addressing through prescription direutics and occasional trips to the ER (or possibly a visiting nurse) to help with fluid elimination.
Please keep praying for us all!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Update on Dad
My(Linda)88 year-old father is dealing with congestive heart failure. He has at least three blocked arteries and his cardiologist tells us that the protective lining around the heart, the pericardium, is covered in scar tissue from his triple bypass in 1991. Basically, his heart is enclosed in an iron cage - preventing it from expanding as it beats. This makes any type of activity extremely stressful and he has difficulty breathing. Walking 5-10 feet is enough to cause him to have to stop to catch his breath.
We ask for your prayers as we (Linda, Renae, David and Zee) consult with doctors to determine the best course of action for his care. Please pray that we will have wisdom, compassion and understanding of God's will for my father.
We ask for your prayers as we (Linda, Renae, David and Zee) consult with doctors to determine the best course of action for his care. Please pray that we will have wisdom, compassion and understanding of God's will for my father.
Welcome to our blogspot!
We know that communication is so important and we wish we had the ability to personally speak to all of our ministry partners on a regular basis. Unfortunately that is impossible. But with the internet we are so glad that we can periodically send you messages to keep you up to date with what God is doing in and though our ministry with Harvest Prayer Ministries.
As most of you are aware, the three of us will be heading to Italy this fall for a mission/ministy trip to work with "Italy for Christ Mission" (www.missionsalive.org/ifc) in Oria, Italy. It is located in southern Italy in the "mid-heel of the boot." The nearest large city is Brandisi. We will be conducting a leadership and planning seminar with the leaders of the Mission, Jim and Caranita Wolsiffer and Gianni and Stephany Bruno. We will also lead a "Love to Pray" Seminar for the church of Francavilla and conduct a Leadership Retreat for the Spiritual Leadership of the church. We hope to have many other opportunities for ministry and sharing while we are there. We have been raising the funding for this trip for almost two years and are within $1000 of our goal! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and thank you so much for the many individuals, camps, retreats and churches who gave to provide this opportunity!
We will continue to post reports on this blogspot about Italy and all of our upcoming ministry trips. We will do our best to communicate what we are hoping to accomplish through our efforts and share the results as they happen!
We will also post specific Prayer Requests concerning our ministry and family. We cannot express how much this means to us. Your intercession on our behalf before the Father has sustained us iver ther years...thank you and God Bless you all!
As most of you are aware, the three of us will be heading to Italy this fall for a mission/ministy trip to work with "Italy for Christ Mission" (www.missionsalive.org/ifc) in Oria, Italy. It is located in southern Italy in the "mid-heel of the boot." The nearest large city is Brandisi. We will be conducting a leadership and planning seminar with the leaders of the Mission, Jim and Caranita Wolsiffer and Gianni and Stephany Bruno. We will also lead a "Love to Pray" Seminar for the church of Francavilla and conduct a Leadership Retreat for the Spiritual Leadership of the church. We hope to have many other opportunities for ministry and sharing while we are there. We have been raising the funding for this trip for almost two years and are within $1000 of our goal! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and thank you so much for the many individuals, camps, retreats and churches who gave to provide this opportunity!
We will continue to post reports on this blogspot about Italy and all of our upcoming ministry trips. We will do our best to communicate what we are hoping to accomplish through our efforts and share the results as they happen!
We will also post specific Prayer Requests concerning our ministry and family. We cannot express how much this means to us. Your intercession on our behalf before the Father has sustained us iver ther years...thank you and God Bless you all!
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