After the forecasted storm, we did not know what to expect for Danny's burial service today. Your prayers kept the sky clear until 10 minutes after we had left the cemetery. The message at the funeral home was from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who ministers to those in need so that they may minister to others in need. I mentioned the fact that being a Christian does not take away all the pain, but it does give us the strength to bear up under the load of sorrow. The family will still need the support of family and friends in the days ahead, especially those who have passed through similar trials and experienced God's comfort. I shared my family's loss of my two older sisters in 1975. God's great comfort was certainly evident in our lives, preparing us to reach out to others in their grief. One such piece of advice I always share is that the family not be present when the casket is closed. It is such a tramatic moment that is usually best avoided.
At the graveside, I spoke from John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" These powerful words of our Savior provide hope for those who are grieving by assuring us that not even death can separate the believer from his Lord. How reassuring it is to dwell on the fact that Jesus Christ has already passed from death to life.
Norma did exceptionally well given the circumstances. Her faith will see her through. Her husband, Freddy, still needs to trust the Lord as his Savior. Keep praying for him. One of Norma's brothers has declared that he will be in church on Sunday. He and his wife both claim to be saved, but they have not been to church for quite a while. I first met them when he was in the hospital with pneumonia and heart trouble. Since then, I have been able to visit with them about four times. The Word is having an impact on them. Praise the Lord.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Great Grace
God's grace was very apparent tonight at the funeral service of Danny. His mother was able to greet family and friends without breaking down. We had a good service in which the Gospel was the key element. I spoke on some of the sayings of Christ from the Cross and their significance to the sinner. Christ's willingness to forgive all who come in repentance and the assurance that all has been accomplished in order to secure our salvation were the main points. We heard a number of good comments regarding the message and keep praying that some of the unsaved will come to the Lord in these days. The burial will be tomorrow morning at 10:30. Norma will need your prayers.
The storm which was headed for us has become hurricane Omar, but it has been turned aside by God's grace. We will continue praying until it has moved far north of us since these things seem to have a habit of turning around and doing strange things this time of year. Yesterday we did receive some heavy rain, but hardly any rain has fallen today.
Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging notes. By the way, Jon had a great time at school today. He had nearly everyone sign his cast. I think a couple of his classmates were jealous of the attention he got, but we hope they won't break an arm to get it.
The storm which was headed for us has become hurricane Omar, but it has been turned aside by God's grace. We will continue praying until it has moved far north of us since these things seem to have a habit of turning around and doing strange things this time of year. Yesterday we did receive some heavy rain, but hardly any rain has fallen today.
Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging notes. By the way, Jon had a great time at school today. He had nearly everyone sign his cast. I think a couple of his classmates were jealous of the attention he got, but we hope they won't break an arm to get it.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Request Updates
At 6:00 PM today, Daniel Santiago went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Bill was able to be with the family from 4 until 9. Both last night and again tonight we took time to read the Word and to sing a few hymns. Danny's only comment came last night. He was asked if he liked the hymn we had just sang. He said, "Qué lindo" (How beautiful). About noon today his breathing became labored and he stopped interacting with his visitors. When I arrived at 4, it didn't seem he would last long. His passing was peaceful. Throughout this ordeal the Gospel has been given to many people. Pray for the messages which will be given during the next two days. We are praying for Souls to be saved.
Jonathan went to see an orthopedist today. The doctor decided that a cast was in order. He was a bit disappointed not to have a cast last Tuesday. Hopefully he won't get tired of it before it has to come off. Pray with us for quick and sure healing.
Jonathan went to see an orthopedist today. The doctor decided that a cast was in order. He was a bit disappointed not to have a cast last Tuesday. Hopefully he won't get tired of it before it has to come off. Pray with us for quick and sure healing.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Urgent Prayer Requests
Danny Santiago has been declining over the past few months due to cancer. A few weeks ago he lost all strength in his legs and shortly thereafter could not move them. Now he cannot move his arms and has trouble speaking. His liver has ceased functioning, so his skin and eyes are very yellow. Tonight we received a call from Danny's mother saying that the doctors say he is dying, and all they can do is give him pain medicine and send him home. Danny was baptized about three months ago. The next day he was in the hospital. We gave blood to help him out then, but he's been in and out of the hospital ever since. Pray for Danny and his mother who also knows the Lord. She is doing well, but this is very hard on her. Bill has had numerous opportunities to witness to family and neighbors during Danny's sickness, and Danny is resigned to God's will. It's hard to say how long he will last.
Puerto Rico is also under tropical storm warnings. We had torrential rains at the end of September that they called the two-hundred year rain because that tropical wave left more rain in three days than we've received from any hurricane in recent memory. With the ground already saturated, they are calling for 15-30 inches more of rain with high winds. Landslides and flooding are always a danger with rain, but with wind, many trees will succumb to the super-saturated ground. We imagine if the storm comes we'll be without electricity for awhile. We will do fine with the storm as long as we are home. Our street floods when it rains hard, but the drainage system handles it fine as soon as the rains stops. Others from our church are not in secure areas and are making preparations now.
Our Jonathan fell in gym class last Tuesday. They took three x-rays at the hospital, said the technician would look them over good that evening, but they didn't think anything was broken. Jonathan didn't complain as much the next day with his splint on and me doing all his writing in school. But after picking up the results, we found that he does have a fracture. We were told to see our pediatrician. He told us this is not his specialty, so we should take Jon to an ortopedist. People at church said the hospital "dropped the ball" and we should go back to the hospital. The person at the emergency room said they don't deal with pediatric fractures (Jon is nearly 10), but she'd try to consult with a pediatric orthopedist in the hospital. After making a call, she said those doctors were all at a convention. Apparently this is not the week to break a bone. This has been a long holiday weekend because PR celebrates Christopher Columbus Day. So it's been a week since he broke his arm and with the storm, it may be quite a few days more until the situation is satisfactorily resolved. We'll keep his hand in a wrist stabilizer and trust it mends well.
Our Nathan also had x-rays in August because the pediatrician suspected he has scoliosis. The x-rays confirmed that he has a 20 degree misalignment of the spine. We have an appointment with a spinal orthopedic doctor on October 21. We don't know what to expect from this appointment, but we would appreciate your prayers for wisdom for the doctor and us. Nathan is also supposed to take his ACT test on Saturday (October 18). This is a big week.
Puerto Rico is also under tropical storm warnings. We had torrential rains at the end of September that they called the two-hundred year rain because that tropical wave left more rain in three days than we've received from any hurricane in recent memory. With the ground already saturated, they are calling for 15-30 inches more of rain with high winds. Landslides and flooding are always a danger with rain, but with wind, many trees will succumb to the super-saturated ground. We imagine if the storm comes we'll be without electricity for awhile. We will do fine with the storm as long as we are home. Our street floods when it rains hard, but the drainage system handles it fine as soon as the rains stops. Others from our church are not in secure areas and are making preparations now.
Our Jonathan fell in gym class last Tuesday. They took three x-rays at the hospital, said the technician would look them over good that evening, but they didn't think anything was broken. Jonathan didn't complain as much the next day with his splint on and me doing all his writing in school. But after picking up the results, we found that he does have a fracture. We were told to see our pediatrician. He told us this is not his specialty, so we should take Jon to an ortopedist. People at church said the hospital "dropped the ball" and we should go back to the hospital. The person at the emergency room said they don't deal with pediatric fractures (Jon is nearly 10), but she'd try to consult with a pediatric orthopedist in the hospital. After making a call, she said those doctors were all at a convention. Apparently this is not the week to break a bone. This has been a long holiday weekend because PR celebrates Christopher Columbus Day. So it's been a week since he broke his arm and with the storm, it may be quite a few days more until the situation is satisfactorily resolved. We'll keep his hand in a wrist stabilizer and trust it mends well.
Our Nathan also had x-rays in August because the pediatrician suspected he has scoliosis. The x-rays confirmed that he has a 20 degree misalignment of the spine. We have an appointment with a spinal orthopedic doctor on October 21. We don't know what to expect from this appointment, but we would appreciate your prayers for wisdom for the doctor and us. Nathan is also supposed to take his ACT test on Saturday (October 18). This is a big week.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Medical Updates
Julia is doing well. Her doctor prepared the family for the worst when he discovered that her left foot no longer had any significant circulation. She entered the hospital, and then a week of delays ensued. Finally, the doctor decided on a plastic vein replacement. She now has a very long scar, but she still has her foot! Praise the Lord for your prayers and His wisdom given to the doctor. Her foot is doing very well.
Add Miguel to your prayer list . . . twice. The first Miguel is a believer who had strayed from the Lord. He is recovering from pneumonia and claims to have turned back to the Lord. He has a smoking habit which has plagued him for years and been a source of estrangement from fellowship with God’s people. We have encouraged him to return in spite of this issue since we are confident that the Lord will take this from him if he is willing to follow Christ. I don’t think anyone has actually reproached him over his smoking, but his conscience will not let the issue go. His wife is a dear believer who has been faithful for quite a number of years.
Miguel number 2 is an unsaved man who Bill met at the hospital. He is a neighbor of one of our church members who had foot surgery, apparently related to diabetes. Incidentally, this hospital has an entire floor dedicated to diabetic patient care. He and his wife heard the Gospel gladly, though they made no decision in this first encounter. They are very open to follow-up visits and promised to visit the church once he has recovered. That promise was not even solicited but the result of good neighbors showing an interest and sending their pastor to visit a neighbor in need.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
When You Pass Through the Waters . . .
You may have heard of the storms which have been drenching Puerto Rico for the past week. Ponce’s usual annual rainfall of 20 inches has been passed in just four days and more rain is in the forecast. Sunday night the rain began, and it didn’t let up all night or most of the day on Monday. Widespread flooding has left many communities inaccessible. Houses, roads, and lives have been lost throughout the island.
The Lord has protected us, though our road was turned into a river. We joked about a small craft advisory being issued for our street. The only effect we have noticed so far is a small leak in our roof. Since our roof is sealed with urethane, this is a matter of concern. We are told that when urethane starts to fail, it basically turns into a sponge. That is not a comforting thought since our roof is flat and several extensive areas appear to be damaged. Until the rain stops and the roof thoroughly dries, there is nothing we can do but pray. Even when dry weather comes, we are not sure how we will address this problem. Worst case scenario is several thousand dollars of repairs. We will pray for a more economical solution and will appreciate your prayers to that end.
The church did well through the storms. Very little damage occurred outside of the church’s mission apartment. The metal roof leaked rather badly, damaging if not ruining the queen-size bed. We cleaned the room today and more rain arrived this evening. We eventually hope to put a cement roof in this area, but temporary repairs must be undertaken immediately. We are very grateful for the roof over the cafeteria. It kept out almost all of the water. What did get in was cleaned up with a mop in a minute or two. Considering all the damage throughout the island, we are extremely thankful for the protecting hand of God upon us.
The rain has delayed Julia’s treatment (see previous blog entry). The doctor now plans to place artificial veins in her left leg to resolve the circulation problems on Thursday (tomorrow). This is a far better prognosis than the amputation which was planned. I hope to have good news tomorrow, but keep praying for her.
The Lord has protected us, though our road was turned into a river. We joked about a small craft advisory being issued for our street. The only effect we have noticed so far is a small leak in our roof. Since our roof is sealed with urethane, this is a matter of concern. We are told that when urethane starts to fail, it basically turns into a sponge. That is not a comforting thought since our roof is flat and several extensive areas appear to be damaged. Until the rain stops and the roof thoroughly dries, there is nothing we can do but pray. Even when dry weather comes, we are not sure how we will address this problem. Worst case scenario is several thousand dollars of repairs. We will pray for a more economical solution and will appreciate your prayers to that end.
The church did well through the storms. Very little damage occurred outside of the church’s mission apartment. The metal roof leaked rather badly, damaging if not ruining the queen-size bed. We cleaned the room today and more rain arrived this evening. We eventually hope to put a cement roof in this area, but temporary repairs must be undertaken immediately. We are very grateful for the roof over the cafeteria. It kept out almost all of the water. What did get in was cleaned up with a mop in a minute or two. Considering all the damage throughout the island, we are extremely thankful for the protecting hand of God upon us.
The rain has delayed Julia’s treatment (see previous blog entry). The doctor now plans to place artificial veins in her left leg to resolve the circulation problems on Thursday (tomorrow). This is a far better prognosis than the amputation which was planned. I hope to have good news tomorrow, but keep praying for her.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Pressing Health Needs
One of our church members is facing an urgent need. Julia has known the Lord for about 20 years. Until recently, she has been extremely faithful in her attendance. For the past three months she has had a foot ailment. It seems that the circulation in her left foot has been seriously impaired. Today she was admitted to a local hospital where doctors plan is to amputate her foot on Thursday unless something extraordinary occurs. She is in good spirits, but this will certainly be a difficult time for her.
Another recent addition to our church is Danny. He has been battling cancer for the past 6 years. His appetite is almost gone and his hemoglobin keeps dropping. He has received transfusions several times in the last few months. He was admitted to the hospital once again today. Blood is in short supply and most of us have already donated blood recently. Pray that the Lord will encourage Danny and use his situation to reach several family members and friends who are still unsaved.
Earlier this month, one of our teachers left the island to help meet the needs of her mother in Florida. She expected to be gone for about one month. It now appears that her stay will be at least double that time. Bill has been filling in for her since no one else was really prepared to step into the classroom. It has been a challenge to fit this unexpected work load into an already full schedule. Pray for wisdom to order each day so that the important things will be done and that the ministry here will not be hindered by either sickness or exhaustion.
We are confident that the Lord has a specific answer to each of these requests. Our wisdom points out seemingly obvious solutions, but His way is often different and always wise. Our first desire is that lives would be transformed by the Gospel. Our counsel for each person in need is to trust the Lord for His gracious provision, so that is what we are doing as well. Thank you for your prayers.
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