God's Love at Work through His People
Nate asked in church, “How have you seen God's love work through Faith Church?”
I wanted to share this during church that morning, but I couldn't get my thoughts together fast enough to make sure I covered everything. This post will have a dual purpose—to answer Nate's question above and express my sincere thanks to everyone involved in my life over the past two months.
I am guardian to my sister, Patty. She is 67 years old with the mind of a five-year-old, and she also has dementia and physical challenges. On April 19th, she was sent by ambulance to the hospital with what was determined to be a twisted colon. She had emergency surgery, and part of her colon was removed. Two days later, she had a second surgery, where the rest of her colon was removed due to complications.
Patty had no idea what had happened to her. Even after I tried to explain it in simple terms, she did not understand. So, I knew it was my responsibility to be with her as much as possible during her hospital stay, which the surgeon estimated to be 3 to 4 days, then when she was moved to a rehab facility for a few weeks, and finally when she returned home. My role was to encourage her to eat and drink, keep her spirits up, and help her with small tasks—even things like changing the TV channel and calling the nurse.
Her hospital stay turned into a full month due to insurance issues and repeated appeals to get her into rehab. My days at the hospital were from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. I did this every day until my shoulder surgery on May 16th. You must be wondering how I handled all that time with her, the frustration over insurance, and then suddenly having to leave her for my surgery.
YOU, Faith Church, (and others) who prayed for Patty and me during this time are what saved us! I felt God’s presence with me every moment when I wanted to let out all my frustrations. HE took them away from me! I am eternally grateful for your prayers. The strength and patience that I received were priceless!
Patty is finally home from rehab. There are new adjustments to caring for her, even for the aides at her foster care home. Please continue your prayers for everyone caring for Patty. I am spending less time with her as I need to heal and begin physical therapy on my shoulder.
I won’t list everyone who helped me, because I don't want to miss anyone. But old and new friends from Faith Church and family provided so much: meals after my surgery, money, gas cards, encouraging calls, rides, and even cleaning my condo! Some joined me at the hospital for dinner, others came to visit Patty, and one couple even took Patty to a church service at the Rehab Center! My son, Dan, took over when he could after work. I’m also thankful for social media that quickly connected us with prayer warriors when a crisis came. Returning to church and being welcomed back by so many of you was a true blessing.
You are the loving, caring family I have needed so much during these difficult months. I appreciate every one of you and have certainly seen God work through each of you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless each of you!
Yes, God does work through Faith Church!!
