Pastoral Prospective on prayersForMelissa.com

21 January 2010

 

News that is pressing… of which we're pressed to hear… and then, News that is reforming, restoring, renewing News for the new year

The First Presbyterian

Pastoral Perspectives

Ears to Hear... Words of Encouragement

"New Year, New Body"

"I AM healing Melissa"

"God is able"

"God is faithful"

"God is on the move"

"Peace, I give to you"

"Do not be afraid"

"I AM with you"

"I AM for you"

Pastoral Prospective on prayersForMelissa.com

As I write this, I am realizing that today is my father's birthday. My Dad would have been 89 years old on this day. A day in which I find myself facing one of, if not the most challenging trials of my life, ever.

Seven weeks ago today, my beloved, sweet Melissa was recovering from acute renal failure and we were being given a preliminary diagnosis of possible ovarian cancer in her abdominal area. Six weeks ago today, her oncologist informed us that this was instead not only stomach cancer, but an unusual, very rare and highly aggressive form already in its late, advanced stage four. As you may imagine, this was devastating news to be delivered, especially for our family with six children, the eldest in college and the youngest age six.

In our prayer life together and individually through the past several weeks, we have been blessed with ears to hear in the spirit some timely words of encouragement listed in the upper left column. You need to know that Melissa and I have gone from praying, asking God to please heal Melissa, to thanking God for the healing we are now already witnessing in Melissa.

At our most recent follow-up visit two weeks ago with her oncologist, we were amazed, realizing how remarkable it is that she is still with us. A week ago, she had energy enough to attend part of our daughter Hannah's swim meet competition, rooting for the Trojan team to "win one for Momma 'E'"!!! :)

No matter what the outcome, our prayers continue to be that God be glorified and faith be increased among us. I remain steadfast in this new season of faith to minister to my wife and family, first and foremost to the glory of God. My family and I thank God for you, each one and all for the love, care, support and compassion we share and experience together as we forge ahead with the challenges of this new year in the Lord Who heals us of all diseases. To God alone be all the glory. In Christ, Pastor Rex

 

2009 Annual Report (excerpt/s) from Clerk of Session

This past year has been full of challenges and accomplishments. You only have to look above the South entrance to our church to see the beautiful new roof that has been erected. The trustees worked so hard on this and they were able to see it through. This is an excellent achievement and we thank them for all of their work. Remember how impossible this seemed last year?

We've held a Presbytery meeting in December and this was a complete success thanks to several hands and hearts. Thank you to [committee and task force chairs, trustees, and our pastoral assistant] to name a few. This too seemed an insurmountable task.

 

The Acts 16:5 class has been very active forging ahead to extend loving hands to serve our community. We thank them and pray that they continue their strong efforts.

 

2010 looks to be a year where God will ask each of us to reach within ourselves and to reach out to others. We need to continue to work together to serve the Lord and one another in the upcoming year. Please look for opportunities to help our church. You will be glad that you stepped forward.

 

God Bless our Church,

 

Elder Jerry Krupp

 

Clerk of Session