Papa

For all of you precious friends who are praying for me and my family, here is an update on my grandfather. He will be moving home to Bridgeport tomorrow where hospice has set up in their house. This should make it where my grandmother isn't doing anything too difficult for her but they can be in the comfort of their own space. They have absolutely no idea on the timing of the situation. His physical condition is very bad and has been for years. There is lung, prostate, and now brain cancer. They gave him a year to live five years ago. It has been sheer prayer and the will of God that he has been with us this long and now we want him to be as free of pain as possible. Everything has been said, much love has been expressed, and thank God there are no unresolved issues to stand in the way of our prayers for his ultimate freedom.

For those of you who don't know, my grandfather only came to the Lord a few years ago. I spent my childhood praying constantly for both of my grandfathers whom I have now seen confess Jesus in front of their families. For each of them it took different people and situations to cause them to make that decision. The night that my dad and his two brothers baptized their dad was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever witnessed. I watched my grandmother's tears after her years of fervent prayer for her husband and her faithfulness to her Lord to quietly live for Christ each day until she finally saw the answer to her prayers. She is a living example of I Peter 3:1, "Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives." Those are the times that make you long for Heaven and yet understand why our patient Father keeps waiting for each little lamb.

Thank you for your prayers. I was reminded through this difficult weekend of what the church is truly meant to be. My brief text message went out to my three prayer warriors on Saturday, "Headed to the hospital to say possible goodbyes to my grandfather. I'm a basket case. Please pray." Within a very short time came the first four word response that I knew was coming and meant so much. "I'm praying. Love you." This was quickly followed with the other two checking on me and assuring me of their prayers and love. I am convinced that this is what the world is out there looking for. We can talk about and work on our methods and systems, but if we can hold that kind of love out to them then maybe they will grab on and then see the amazing, unsurpassed love of our Father.