Symptoms

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;”

Proverbs 3:5

*There were headaches. Migraines. Three in a row.

My migraine meds, priced as if made of pure gold, are in fact worth every penny but precious in their scarcity (I cannot buy the meds in Uganda.) I stopped with the migraine treatment after the third headache and worked with just Advil to stave off the worst of the pain.

The headaches dulled a bit but held. For several weeks.

*We were watching a movie with the kiddos and I could hardly stand to look at the TV. The light from the screen was piercing my eyes and made me feel disoriented.

I made a mental note of this and began to also measure how difficult it was to look at my phone. I dimmed the light on every screen I used, but realized I was avoiding screen time because of physical pain.

I prayed for the headaches to ease.

*The rash started nearly 6 weeks ago. On my right abdomen. It was small but itchy.

Over the weeks the rash spread slowly and became a constant irritation.

I treated it with hydrocortisone and tried to figure out what was causing my allergic reaction.

*Many times over the last weeks, I reached a point of the day and realized I couldn’t hold my head up. I was exhausted and couldn’t point to any difficult work that would leave me so worn. 

*Meanwhile, three of us cycled stomach illness. Jeff, Kinley and I have treated stomach ailments twice in the last two months, but despite the treatment, continue in the up and down cycle of illness and relief.

Symptoms.

I could not piece them all together and solve the puzzle.

I simply dealt with the loudest one of the moment and carried on.

But I was getting worse.

And feeling deeply discouraged at my discomfort.

Sometimes, symptoms thunder in such a stampede that we can’t make good sense of them without help.

“…in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:6

A dearest friend and an objective, well-trained doctor diagnosed my sickness in the swift course of a few text messages two days ago.

Shingles.

Jeff had suggested that as an option several weeks ago, but we had dismissed it because I did not feel the extreme nerve pain in the area of the rash.

I did not associate the constant headache to the rash. But it was connected.

Once a doctor had seen the rash and diagnosed shingles we were immediately connecting every dot.

Of course.

I now have an effective course of treatment.

But.

My meds are wearing me out further, making me feel dizzy. I sit and rest and wonder how long my family can manage this catch-as-catch-can existence.  I long to be back at full strength.

I’m learning.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7

Sometimes we have every piece to the puzzle but for the life of us we cannot find the solution on our own.

It is okay to ask for help.

The care of others and a treatment plan renew hope and sustain.

It is okay to ask for help.

Sometimes, in our struggles and weakness, things get worse before they get better.

(Sometimes things just get worse.)

It is okay to ask for help.

The right medicines are not always readily accessible.

It is okay to ask for help.

The search for the correct medicine can weary further.

It is okay to ask for help.

Dosage and duration of treatment is very important and without proper information can be easily misdirected.

It is okay to ask for help.

Committing to treatment can be even more exhausting than the sickness itself.

It is okay to ask for help.

Healing takes investment and the hard disciplined work of sitting still and waiting.

It is okay to ask for help.

I do not automatically do what is best and wisest. I constantly have to choose how to direct my energy and where to fix my eyes.

It is okay to ask for help.

Treating the sickness feels hopeful, but when the healing effects are not quickly realized, discouragement can pour in louder than before.

It is okay to ask for help.

God is offering mercy into the scenario even we do not understand it yet ourselves.

It is okay to ask for help.

Sending a picture of a rash via text message feels…weird and vulnerable.

It is okay to ask for help.

Vulnerability is required for healing. (Dang. It.)

It is okay to ask for help.

I may not just be talking about Shingles.

It is okay to ask for help.

Healing IS Redemption IS God.

It is one of His Names.

A part of His Identity.

Yahweh Rophe.

“The LORD who heals.”

“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings and you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”

Malachi 4:2

With Him, in Him, we are always getting better. Being made new. Being set free.

Pain. Discomfort. Exhaustion.

These are indicators.

These are signs.

They are pointing us to a thing that needs to be tended. Or treated. To a thing that may need to go.

Symptoms are, with increasing intensity, asking for our full attention.

So that we can be made well.

We need the symptoms.

We need the help.

He stands ready.

To do for us according to his Great Name.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

 Psalm 103:1-5

Witnesses

We keep a list of names.

People and families with pressing needs.

We think of them all through the day and speak their names in our family prayers at night.

We honor this process so much.

Every name on our list is a testimony.

Every story a witness.

*Papa  He really didn’t want the surgery. He chose to simply handle the back pain and the other issues that accompanied. But ultimately, the effects and pain intensified motivating steps toward a more definitive solution. Surgery was scheduled.

Papa chose later over sooner in all of this, but Sooner would have it’s day.

*The surgery finished Sooner than expected.

*My parents went home from the hospital Sooner than was projected.

*Papa’s healing progressed Sooner than we dared hope.

*Papa was released Sooner from the doctors care because of advanced healing.

He is now back brace free, and walking with a smile.

Our hearts SOAR with joy over the provision we see in the healing of my Daddy.

*Three dear families from our Stateside homes mark the respective anniversaries of devastating loss. Sons and a daughter are with Jesus, and the practicalities of grief make daily footfalls heavy.

They all walk with such dignity, authenticity and hope.

And yet.

The difficulty of Goodbye pervades and persists.

*Travis Travis is a family practice doctor who serves with his family and team in a town several hours west of us in Uganda. They were on a short home leave, when medical tests revealed cancer. A young man (37 yrs) with no family history of cancer, the news was completely unexpected. Their family faced an abrupt change of plans and immediately settled into surgery and treatment schedules.

Twelve arduous chemo treatments later we prayed much concerning the CT scan that would determine the next steps.

With overwhelming joy we received news that the scan was clear!

Cancer Free.

*Our brother, our dear friend, was taken into emergency surgery several years ago. He has struggled with the same illness every day since. We have prayed. Asked.

We have beseeched.

He and his family have endured arduous treatments and much struggle.

They serve in their calling, in the midst of it. Faithful. Hurting. Diligent.

We all wait together still, longing for healing and relief.

*Lauren, Kimberly, Kasidy, Joanna, Jamie  Expectant mothers welcoming babies all within several weeks of each other.

Eli, Carson, Jesiah, Kamryn,Brumley and Harper Tiny little arrivals proclaiming big the mercy and wonder of New Life.

We have delighted over pictures and long to hold these adorable bundles of blessing. We are grateful for the health of each child and the safety of their Moms.

We celebrate confident in God’s plan and purpose for each of their lives.

*Three dearly esteemed sisters battling cancer, betrayal and heartbreak respectively. Each carrying burden from this broken world while loving their children and seeking their Lord.

God loves us and shows His power in wellness.

God loves us and chooses to be with us, in the need, a little while longer.

God loves us.

And this Love is Loud.

We gather the visible answers and we embrace the ongoing struggles and we fix our eyes.

Surrounded by such a cloud of Noisy Witness, we meet around a Thanksgiving Table, grateful in all these circumstances.

Marking answers in Thanksgiving while fully engaged in the God With Us miracle.

In the hope.

In the struggle.

There He Is.

We see Him.

And we are filled.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us…”

“…Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…”

“…consider Him…so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12: 1-3 (HCSB)

Praying with Kenya

The Cash family feels deeply tied to the beautiful country of Kenya. We reside in Uganda (to the West of Kenya) but so much of our training, our renewing, and our strengthening traces East. Our family history is anchored in that land where we became missionaries and became parents.

We, like so many others in our East African community, have experienced the Westgate Mall attack with profound emotion. Our prayers are with all of Kenya and especially the Nairobi communities as they grieve, process and heal.

Our hearts have broken repeatedly as we have absorbed the news from Nairobi, Kenya.

The televised reports recycled clips and information over and over, and we struggled to pull our eyes away.

We have shed tears. Prayed so much. Listened as our children processed this.  Leaned hard on the Psalms.

We have scoured internet reports and facebook pages.

We have waited with a large, deeply pained, global community for it to be Over.

Our sleep has been robbed. We have scary dreams.

And we weren’t even there.

(But we have been there.)

Stores and scenarios that we are familiar with and relate to.

A very strong awareness that danger is no respecter of persons. Or days. Or locations.

Very bad things happen.

Tragedy reaches and takes.

We feel this from a distance. Realizing we grieve with those who are feeling this very, very Up Close.

We are inspired by each heroic story we encounter. We are thankful for courage that beautifully stands together thwarting the intention of completely shattering apart. 

We remember love. We cry out for mercy.

We pray for peace.

A distinct calm emerges from the quieting cessation of siege, but peace is not fully born from a simple lying down of guns.

Peace burgeons even more through a resolving. From the process of remembering and retelling. From, beyond our understanding, a renewed hope.

We ask for all of those things for the victims of Westgate’s siege.

Knowing full well, that Time is an imperative strand to the weaving of this resolution.

During these three set-apart days of mourning, we pray for God-encounters to emerge strong.

We ask for help and comfort.

We ask for a pervasive awareness of His attention and His love.

 “For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” Psalm 22:24 NIV

“When Jesus saw Mary’s profound grief and the moaning and weeping of her companions, He was deeply moved by their pain in His spirit and was intensely troubled.

Jesus: “Where have you laid his body?”

Jews: "Come and see, Lord."

As they walked, Jesus wept; and everyone noticed how much Jesus must have loved…”

John 11:33-36 The Voice

Praying for all those thrust into wrestling lament by this crisis.

Believing full that He mourns with us too.

Surgery, Sufficiency & A Prayer for My Family

I am a classic firstborn.

Overachiever.

Hyper-responsible.

Bossy.

Sigh

I’m feeling the pull today.

My Dad is having surgery in Lubbock TX.

He has suffered with arthritic back pain for many years and we are all SO thankful that there is a surgery that can relieve his pain.

We have every confidence and hope that this procedure will bless him and alleviate the chronic distress that he has endured well.

So it is a GOOD thing.

Here’s the deal.

There is paperwork. And insurance. And pre-op. And post-op.

There is the moment when you can kiss him before he is wheeled into surgery.

There are the hours he is under anesthesia.

And the moments waiting for him to wake up.

The tricky business of pain meds.

There is sitting in a waiting room, WAITING.

There are Diet Cokes to buy. And there is coffee to be poured.

There are hours with my Mom and my Sister.

There are hilarious (seriously: My Dad. On drugs?!?!) stories to witness.

There is relief to share. Relief that feels so good in the wake of concern.

There is travel home.

And (HAVE MERCY!!!) there are weeks to keep my Daddy sitting still and at rest.

Family stuff.

My Family stuff.

This is just the Surgery List.

We carry the Other Lists too. 

Birthdays, holidays, graduations, job losses, difficult diagnosis, everyday pains and victories.

In all of those scenarios, I am still the firstborn.

But I live very far away.

This wrenching never goes away. The desire to be completely present in two separate places.

And while we all understand this. We accept it and cope.

Even thrive.

I am learning that saying it, means something.

Feeling it all the way to expression carries vulnerability and honesty.

Carries love.

I Wish. I Was. There.

My amazing family is SO capable.

They are so well-supported.

So loved.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

We, the Moneys and the Cashes, have found.

In separation. And missing out.

In goodbyes. And sacrifice that hurts.

In days and in weeks.

In regular. And in extreme.

His Grace.

Is sufficient.

Counting on that today. Leaning on His Power. Perfect. In all our weakness.

Psalm 16--A Prayer for My Family

“Keep Dad safe, my God,

for in you we take refuge.

We say to the LORD, “YOU are our LORD;

Apart from you we have NO GOOD THING.

I say of the holy people--my Dad, my Mom, my Sister and all her Procter family, every friend and family member who is praying, hugging and providing good things for my dear ones—I say of these holy people:

“They are the NOBLE ONES in whom is all my delight!”

When I run after other gods (worry, anxiety, self-reliance) I will suffer more and more.

I will NOT offer the lifeblood of my time and thought and focus to such gods or even take up their names on my lips.

LORD you alone are our portion and our cup;

You make our lot SECURE.

Our boundary lines (in Texas and Oregon and Uganda) have fallen in pleasant places;

Surely we have a DELIGHTFUL inheritance.

I will praise the LORD who counsels all of us;

Even in the night, in hospital beds and guestrooms and waiting rooms, instruct our hearts.

Lock our eyes on YOU LORD. Always.

With you holding our hand, we will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

Let Dad’s recovering body rest (and heal) completely secure!

Because you will never abandon us! You stand guard, blocking decay in your faithful ones.

Continue to reveal to all of us the life-giving way;

Fill my Dad, my Mom, my Sister, our family, and our attending friends with JOY in your very obvious PRESENCE,

Overwhelming them today, not just with strength to cope, but with PLEASURES offered from your generous and loving right hand.”

Because of Jesus and in His Name—

Let it be so.

Veranda Prayers

The transience is pressing in today. We walk alongside others in this international existence knowing change is just around the next corner. But despite the coming and the going a community is formed, through shared experience and treasured moments. A community that does hold. My thoughts this morning are with friends who are hurting many miles from where I sit.  My heart turns to these and other memories as we feel and love and experience, from a distance. 

Our conversation started over lunch. Our annual ladies retreat chattering, ministering around us. There were pictures. Funny stories of the grandkids. I was hearing of their reunion, all together in Kenya. And we were celebrating the miracle of that.

Then the tears.

There had been a loss. And a barrenness. And my heart broke too.

We made our way to a veranda, and tucked ourselves away. To pray.

To battle.

I treasure this. Anointing tears.

As we sat together, we were strengthened from the past experience.

Her first born and I consecrated the lawn of this retreat center one year long past. Annointed with our tears. And our frustrations. And our fears. Two very inward souls, trusting from some of our deepest places on that day. A rarity. And a treasure.

Her second born and I shared some tears too. From laughter. Soul renewing hilarity over mountain climbs and British soldiers and exhilarating exhaustion.

We had all shared a meal, some time later, and sat together in their living room in Nairobi. Broken shards of loss all in the middle of us. Sacred space. Painful space.

We didn’t know the outcome that evening as we sat with the fractured realities. Only faith. And hope. And surrender.

It hurt.

From those memories and many others, birthed communion. And trust. The familiarity of joining our hands and hearts in prayer.

On the retreat veranda, those years later, we could see the expanse of gorgeous rain forest just in front of us. Full of life. Full of renewal. Full of funny monkeys.

We believed and prayed. We asked God for New Life. We asked for Favor and for Grace. On that veranda, through some tears.

Right on the edge of all the glorious beauty.

This morning, some years later still, I sit on a veranda again.  Reading black and white words.

‘Inoperable tumor.’ ‘Aggressive cancer.’

And I am remembering. I am communing.

Many of my memories with these friends were moments when we spoke to each other, “You are not alone.”

Today, I pray That.

This scattered community that we are.  Defying the physical separation of miles and life circumstance and oceans. Reconvening around one Throne.

To be heard.

Tears. And Hope. Feeling all on the edge of the glorious beauty ahead.

Surrender.

It still hurts.

Here on this veranda, I join with the community of other believers in the beseeching and yielding of prayer.

And we are not alone.

(Updates and prayer news for the Reppart Family can be found here.)

Believing from the Hard Places

Maci. Ryan. Bentley. Diane.

One fell from a third story balcony.

One has a (dang-blasted) tumor around his spinal cord.

Two are undergoing chemo to fight Non-hodgkins Lymphoma.

They are wearing braces. Using wheelchairs. Limping and in pain.

They are working hard and monitoring everything.

They are losing their hair. Throwing up. Running fevers and very, very tired.

Their people are worn out too.

Nathan. Aleasha. Madi. Jessica. Jones. India. RayeAnne. Larry. 

(Together with amazing grandparents, superior aunts and uncles, incredible children and grandchildren.)

They are dispensing meds and driving to the doctor. They are holding hands and crying tears.

They are missing sleep and missing home. They are cheering on and hoping.

They are discussing death and realizing the imminence. 

They are comforting.

And they are all testifying.

Through blogs and emails and Facebook updates. Through hugs and prayers and blessed face-to-face contact. Through perseverance and authenticity.

Through their love for each other.

They are proclaiming Hope.

Truth.

God.

We can hear such messages in our faith communities each and every week. We can read them in Scripture. We can memorize, study and even believe.

But this testimony shouts loud and convicts deep. It’s VISIBLE.

From defeat. And struggle. And burden. And drought.

From loss.

Our family speaks these precious names each and every night. In prayer. With deep love and esteem.

With renewed faith.

Because we are Seeing Him.

In their words.  In their courage. In their weakened state.

Such vivid contrast that brings clearer focus. Our brokenness. His strength.

We see Him. Standing right there among these. Hurting as they hurt. Engaging them in the midst of frustrations. Handling the pleading prayers. Enabling. Sustaining. 

He is there.

Just like He promised He would be.

We see this. We show it to our children. We proclaim their testimony further.

We believe.

With them.

From the hard places.

.

Shall We Pray?

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1. Thank you Jesus for the land, lake and gorgeous view of the mountains at Camp Saka.
2. Thank you for the safety and protection you have provided through these years.
3. Thank you for safety on the roads.
4. Thank you for food to eat.
5. Thank you for voices to sing and pray with.
6. Thank you for the youth who travel to meet with You, with us.
7. Thank you for each American brother and sister who travel far to encourage youth during this week!
8. Thank you for Hannah, Sarah, Jessica, Shannon, Dusty and Cecily.
9. Thank you for Kinley, Alex, Isaac and Silas and their joy during camp.
10. Thank you for Jeff’s work and perseverance.
11. Thank you for Derricks tireless efforts and boundless energy.
12. Thank you for our Calvary Chapel brothers willingness to work, serve and teach.
13. Thank you for a message to proclaim!
14. Thank you for food to eat and water to drink!
15. Thank you for sunshine!
16. Thank you for rain.
17. Thank you for hearing our prayers!
18. Thank you for forgiveness and grace.
19. Thank you for another day of living!
20. Thank you for the hope of heaven.

“ Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord, may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” I Thessalonians 3:1-3

Faith Quest Prayers:

1. Spiritual:
A. Truth—Satan speaks lies and deception. Please pray for each leader, teacher, guard, cook, grounds keeper and participant to be freed from the bondage of deception. John 8:43-44
B. Confession—This is inextricably linked to Truth. We must speak the truth to each other and we must speak the truth about ourselves. Confession is paramount in this. Please pray for courage, honesty and strength for leaders, teachers, guards, cooks, grounds keepers and participants to CONFESS their sins and be forgiven. James 5:16
C. Protection—we tread on satan’s (temporary) territories. From the land we physically walk and sleep on to the hearts we seek to minister too. The Saka land was used for many years and generation to honor/respect/serve demonic forces. We have, in Jesus Name and power, reclaimed the land and seek to reclaim the hearts. Please pray with us in this struggle, thanking our God for His continual victories and for hearing our prayers.
D. Boundaries—we ask God to draw protective boundaries around the camp—protection from witch doctors, difficult neighbors, and any evil that would be conjured or sent out against this effort.
E. Courage—“the cowardly” are listed among those who will be outside of God’s eternal kingdom. Pray for the heart of God’s warriors to exist in all of us as we teach, serve and learn. Rev 21:8

2. Physical:
A. Jeff’s back—last week Jeff’s back was hurt as he cleared a road on the way to camp. He is in constant physical pain. Please pray for healing and endurance as he continues to work and serve.
B. Health of the Cashlings—these next few weeks are full and busy for Jeff and Cheryl. Our kids are also passionate about Faith Quest and serve alongside us. Part of their service is “sharing’ Mom and Dad’s time and energies. Please pray for our kids to be well physically. Alex is having allergy issues and Kinley’s stomach is not well. Pray for healing and endurance.
C. Cheryl’s headaches—tiredness and overwork increase the occurrence of migraines. Please pray that Cheryl will be migraine free during this season.
D. Hannah, Sarah, Jessica, Shannon, Dusty and Cecily: These are our American support staff during camp this year. Please pray for their endurance, health, and protection.
E. Snakes—please pray for physical protection for everyone involved with Faith Quest. Snakes exist in the bush and we pray they will stay away completely during this time.
F. Distracting critters—ants, bees, wasps, fuzzy caterpillars, etc- pray for this to be a time of physical peace as well as spiritual peace.
G. Water—pray for the water pump system to work and for healthy water to be available for each participant
H. Transport—there is a lot of driving involved in Faith Quest. Pray for the roads, for the cars, and the drivers. Safety! Efficiency! Working mechanical parts!
I. Food—food prices have skyrocketed in Ft Portal and we need to buy a lot of food. Please pray for grace and favor as we bargain and purchase. Pray for the cooks to be a blessing and to be blessed.
J. Youth—pray for each participant to arrive safely and meet with the Lord during these days.
K. Protection—pray against thieves and anyone who would even attempt physical harm of any kind to any participant or leader (or property) at Faith Quest.
L. SUNSHINE!!—rain hurts us, especially as we set up and travel to camp. Please pray for sunshine for the next two weeks!

3. Emotional
A. Encouragement—Please pray for emotional encouragement to abound among the leadership this year. Pray that we can thank often, forgive quickly and communicate well. Especially, pray for emotional encouragement for Jeff and Derrick as they direct and make MANY decisions.
B. Protection—it is easy to “feel” discouraged and depleted. Please pray for our emotional well being to be strong in the Lord!
C. Distractions—please pray against any emotional distractions our enemy would toss our way. Also pray against his conniving usage of basically good things, to distract or pull our minds and hearts away from where our true focus should be.
D. Joy—pray for our hearts to have joy in serving!

“Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and half years. Again he prayed and the heavens gave rain and the earth produced its crops.” James 5: 17-18

Holy Father, Almighty God-
Thank you for using us. Thank you for the incredible Grace of entrusting your GLORIOUS message to broken jars of clay.
Will you rain down on us—Your Spirit. Your Might. Your Glory.
We want these youth and each leader to meet you and know you better.
While we ask that you hold back the water rain—will you pour down the Spirit’s fire and make our hearts ready to receive all you have for us?
We thank you now for all you are doing today in our hearts and lives. We praise You for your plan and purpose for this week of Faith Quest.
Thank you, Faithful Father, for each brother and sister who is petitioning, interceding and standing with us in this endeavor.
We stand firm because you said to.
We stand firm because of You.
Faithful. True.
We run into your name, your strong tower. And we are safe.
Be glorified, Abba. Be glorified.
In Jesus Blessed, Powerful Name,
Amen.

Praying...

Our Lord has graciously bound our hearts to others on this journey. He has promised to never leave or forsake us and many times He keeps His promise through the hearts of dear friends and sweet fellowship.

Today, I am praying for two families on different sides of the world. Please pray for them too.

**One family came into our lives many years ago. They were ending an amazing adventure of Africa travel and they stayed in our home for nearly 6 weeks. We were forging a life and ministry in a difficult place and they came along side and helped in every possible way. They served, traveled, cooked, peeled beans, played cards, laughed, cried and prayed with us.

Chad and Jennifer Huddleston.

God called them to Japan and multiplied their family and His Kingdom in that place.

Today, they walk along-side a people they love so very much, through pain, suffering and unimaginable loss.

Please pray for them today. And the team of Christians who are serving and giving in the wake of disaster. Their website has current updates and information for donations.

**Another family has been so tightly woven into the fabric of our lives, we feel like we are blood kin.

Ben and Trisha Wall.

When we were teenagers, Trisha was a hero for me. I grew up around her and her family. I knew her mostly from summer camp. She loved God. And she inspired others to love God.
I lost track of her for some years, until she and Ben took a job in East Texas. They served at a congregation with my uncle and aunt. My uncle often asked if I had spent much time with Trisha. He said he had a feeling we would be fast friends.
God took us to that congregation in 2002 and not only did Trisha and I quickly bond, but our husbands did too. Both West Coast boys. Both passionate God-followers.
Over the years, God, by His Spirit has anchored us to each other in indescribable ways. Many miles separate us, but His Spirit will not let us part. I am so thankful for this.

Over the last months, Ben and Trisha have labored under the weight of physical illness. Ben's body has suffered and both their spirits, though enduring, are weary.

Ben has surgery today. Pray that beyond the hands of the surgeons, God's healing miracles will defeat this physical malady. Pray for Ben and Trisha's hearts to be stronger, more tuned to God's voice than ever before.

Nine children are represented by these two couples. As Mom and Dad labor for Christ, please pray for Anika, Josiah, Caleb, Katia, Gideon, Alex, Katy, Elijah and Olivia. May their stories explode with relationship with Christ and may their hearts grow fearless in the Love of their Creator.

So today. Two families. Two different worlds.

One Lord. One prayer.

Be glorified, Abba Father. Be glorified!

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UpdateKevin regained conciousness Friday evening and is sustaining breathing on his own. Praise the Lord! Please continue to pray for his complete healing.

Will you pray for our friends today?

Kevin and JD are friends who served as missionaries in Bundibugyo for over a decade. They founded a secondary school. Their four children are the ages of ours.

They relocated to the US last year and recently announced Kevin's new teaching job at a wonderful school in the Northeast.

Yesterday, Kevin collapsed while on a jog with their oldest son. JD found him with no pulse or breathing.

He was revived and is currently in very critical condition.

Please pray for Kevin, JD, Joe, Louisa, Savannah and Nate.

Father, please hold these, Your dear ones, tight. Please heal Kevin, for Your Glory. Thank you for the medical care that was near him and for restarting his heart. Please comfort Joe and JD through the trauma they have faced. Hold them all through the trauma they continue to walk through. Please pull your Body, your Church around them to help them function and thrive through these days. Thank you for hearing us. In Jesus, Amen

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Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1: 12

To choose to serve is not the easy route. There are no promises of ease. Or even visible results. In times of testing the promise of our unseen eternity can become our anchor.

Over the mountains from us is a district called Bundibugyo. Some fellow sojourners on this soil are the World Harvest Mission Team. They have served in Western Uganda since the 80’s. They began in Ft Portal and then migrated west, to Bundibugyo.

We have known and respected the team members for all our years in Uganda.

Through the rebel crisis of 1998-2000 we leaned on each other. We prayed for each other. And we commiserated and learned from each other during that very strenuous time.

Several days ago, we received difficult news from over the mountains. A mysterious sickness originating in a village outside of Bundibugyo town, was confirmed to be Ebola.

The World Harvest Team was faced with many difficult decisions. The Team Leader and his wife are physicians. They have many years of experience in Bundibugyo and with tropical medicine and illnesses. They had been helping with the mysterious disease and now find they have been in contact with Ebola.

In a painful few days, it was decided to evacuate their team from the area, including their children.

As of yesterday, all the team is out of Bundi except for the Scott and Jennifer Myhre and a visiting doctor, Scott Will.

Tonight, we received more difficult news. Dr. Jonah, the Myhre’s coworker and very close friend, has died from the Ebola virus. He had fallen ill in Kampala, (he was in Kampala on personal business) put himself into the isolation unit of Mulago hospital and we all began to pray for his healing. The reports were encouraging…he was still eating and drinking. But it was confirmed tonight that he has passed away.

I am asking you to pray for Scott Will, the Myhres and their children. Scott and the Myhres have taken precautions, wearing protective gear as they have treated this sickness, but they are at risk. The death of Dr Jonah, no doubt, increases the fear for them and their children. They have been drained already from a very trying and exhausting situation. The grief will add a crushing weight to their shoulders.

Also, please pray for the entire World Harvest Team as they are facing an indefinite evacuation from their homes during the Christmas season. Now also coupled with the news of the loss of a dear friend. Include in your prayers our friends, the Chedesters, who serve with the World Harvest Team from Ft Portal.

Finally, please pray for healing and containment of this very serious illness.

Your prayer support for our family overwhelms us. Thank you for spreading that prayer cover over our friends who we deeply respect and are honored to serve with here.

For daily updates please visit the Myhre's blog at www.paradoxuganda.blogspot.com.

Thank you for praying.

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18