This poor mango tree has suffered some very rough treatment, but it stands strong and provides shade from the blazing tropical sun, never mind all the fruit it still provides in spite of the scars it bears. Just recently I have been blessed by seeing friends stand strong in spite of random attacks by the enemy of our peace and well-being. I have seen a young missionary nurse step up and fill in at the hospital and nursing school when every fiber of her being was saying no thank you because of various personal issues happening all at once. I have seen a family deal with death and travel and separation and surgery, coming out of it with thankfulness, having seen the hand of the Lord all along the way. I have seen friends facing a serious heart (physical) issue, dealing with it in a very matter of fact way, trusting the One who created that very heart. I have seen a Fulani woman facing partial amputation of her foot being thankful to God, along with her family, for the mission hospital and personnel who are helping her. All around us machetes are raised, ready to hack at our bark, from various sides, at various angles, and I am so very thankful for the challenges that cause us to cry out to our God, who promises to walk alongside us through the attacks. Oh that we all might stand strong and raise our praises and thanks to the Lord, not in spite of, but because of the trials and wounds that life throws at us. These painful situations don’t need to stop us from remaining firm, growing in love, and bearing plenty of good fruit!
Please pray for Annelise as she grows in her role as missionary nurse. Please pray for Timoté as he heals from shoulder surgery. Please pray for Ann as she has a pacemaker put in in the states. Please pray for B as she gains strength and health sufficient for being able to stand an amputation surgery.
