I have been a little slow in getting this blog out. This is not an easy one to pen. In the last three days, our church family has suffered greatly. Bonnie Visty, mother to Tammy Hurt, Julie Fleetwood and Sherri Anderson, died in a tragic house fire. You can imagine the emotional turmoil for the family as they bury their mom and sift through the rubble. Just finding all her insurance information is a challenge. Tomorrow, we hold a memorial service for her at Johnson’s in Vallonia. Remember the family.
Bill Londot, who many of you may know, died the same day. He had a host of health issues but his battle finally ended. A memorial service will be held at the church in April.
Chris Voss, son-in-law to Joan Bode, had most of his hand severed by a press at work the following day. Doug spent some long hours in Indy with Jennifer, his wife. They have stabilized him and closed up the wounds but he faces many surgeries to see if he can use the hand at all. Barely 30 years of age, he faces a challenging future.
Another church family is enduring the arrest of their adult child while another was diagnosed with cancer as she takes care of her ailing husband.
As I have said before, I cannot do this job one week at a time. Sometimes the weeks are too difficult. You have to see things the way God does. He spans all time. He sees the good before and the good that is possible after but it is a view that must not be limited to a few days or hours. Then all you see is the pain.
I will revisit this blog someday and will see what God has done with all these families and how he has made all things work to His good because they loved and are called to His purpose.
I talked to Teresa and the mission team is having a wonderful time and making new friends. I am so glad but am ready for them to be home. Just for your information, I have updated our church web site. It is still in construction but usable. So take a moment and click www.brownstownchristian.org and surf a little.
Remember all these families. I know they think of you.
Michael