Count it! One more for Jesus. The cleaning lady accepted the Lord a few weeks ago. She overheard a story my mom telling to Bruce about the latest gospel share by dad to the palliative nurse. She said to my mom from across the room, "Great story!" Mom said to her, "Have you been listening?" She replied through misty eyes, "I've been listening since the first day I came."
God's faithfulness never ceases to amaze me. My dad can no longer speak but not even being mute can stop him from sharing the faith that has made such a profound difference in his life.
This last Sunday, Pastor Cesar was sharing about Action 52. It's a movement to encourage Christians to share the gospel once a week for a year (at least!). He mentioned that he had been training the staff at Outreach Canada recently, the chaplaincy company my dad used to work for. They asked, "Is Jesse participating in this? " Cesar replied, no. There was a split second of confusion in my brain until he continued.... "Jesse has his own plan. It's called Action 365!" Amen! Who says you need audible words to speak the truth?
There have been lots of physical changes. He has been experiencing a lot more fatigue and having increased difficulty eating and swallowing. His instability has also increased when walking with assistance. He tires very easily but every once in a while you can still catch the twinkle in his eye and that mischevious smile!
My heart is sad because we can no longer have the same conversations we used to. But, if there is one conversation he will refuse to give up, I am glad it's the one about the most important message ever.
Keep praying that God would give him strength, patience and hope as the disease continues to take over his body!
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6 comments:
We love you and your family so much steph, and are praying daily for you guys!!! Stay strong and courageous....we pray that "Pappa stay Strong." xoxo
Love Cody, Kimberly & Emma
Tat is awesome about the cleaning lady! Crazy how God works in His own way.
I wish I knew your dad, he seems like an amazing man of God. I will keep him in my prayers... I check for updates all the time.
I am continuisly sharing with many people about a man who is finishing well. As his race may be coming to an end soon, he is choosing to finish it strongly. The way Paul did. Your dad has amazing things awaiting him in heaven. I have never known anyone like him, and i am so blessed to have him be part of my life for 20 years. He is an encouragement to so many, and will leave a legacy behind that will stay in peoples minds forever, of a man who fought to the very end, he never gave up, and despite his circumstances continued to take part in the great commission. Your dad is one of the greatest people i have ever known, and i can already see him and Paul sitting together in the kingdom talking about all the things that they saw happen on this earth and about God's goodness and love!
I love you girl, and i am so excited to be home and spend time praying and crying out to the Lord together!
"Preach the Gospel always . . . use words if necessary." - St. Francis of Assisi
Steph this is one of my favorite quotes and it embodies your Dad perfectly! I just wanted to share it :) love you guys lots! xo Nat
Wade and I continue to pray for your family. I woke this morning with a memory of Jesse's laughter. He laughed easily and often, and with joy. I and I know that joy is there -- it was obvious when we visited -- and that it will continue.
What a blessing your family has been to us.
We are far away in distance, but not far at all in our thoughts and prayers. And, of course, there is no distance at all with the Spirit of God.
Bless you, all. Thank you for your courage and for the inspiration you are to so many.
Jo-Anne & Wade
Whitehorse, Yukon
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