April 8

Thank you again for all of your prayers. The second chemo treatment that was scheduled for tomorrow (April 9th) has been delayed one week. Amy’s white blood cell count was too low, so some medication for two days will help raise it to the needed level.

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Easter Promise

Genesis 9:12-17 – When I send the clouds over the earth, and a rainbow appears in the sky, I will remember my promise to you and to all other living creatures. 

Surprise Sign of Promise

On Easter Sunday morning, I received a text message from our son Josh. He was volunteering as a parking attendant at his church and sent me this picture of not just one rainbow but two! The beauty on display in this picture spoke deeply to my heart of God’s promises and care during this journey.

My second chemo treatment is coming up on April 9th. The side effects have been minimal so far; most of them occurred during the first few days. I have an appointment with the oncologist this Friday to get a deeper understanding of the treatment plan ahead. 

I am so grateful for the prayers, love, and encouragement from family and friends, and I truly feel as if I am being carried. As I reflect on the unknown path with my health, I remain in awe of my Amazing God. There is a depth of love and presence that I am experiencing from the Lord that is unique to the path that I am on. Psalm 91:1-2 has always been a beautiful promise for me, but it has taken a whole new meaning in this season as I walk this path holding tightly to my Father’s hand. Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

As I walk through this week, I have found myself making this declaration: 

“God, you are my refuge, my place of safety. You are my God, and I TRUST YOU!

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March 25 – Because He Lives

As we approach Easter Sunday this weekend, the song “Because He Lives” has a special power and message for all of us!

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives…” Bill Gaither

We are grateful for your prayers as Amy begins a five-month chemo treatment journey. The first infusion is tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26th), and then every other week.

We are so grateful for all of your care and prayers!

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From Amy – March 18th

One of my favorite worship songs is Goodness of God. The lyrics to this song have taken a whole new depth of meaning over these last few weeks. As I sing, it has become a prayer and a confident declaration. All my life, I have experienced the faithfulness and goodness of God. As I walk on this unknown path that is before me, the Lord continues to reveal through beautiful and profound ways the depths of His love and shows me that He is near! 

There have been many unknowns that have kept us from knowing how or just what to communicate. As we have shared, in early February, I was diagnosed with Metastatic Ductal Breast Carcinoma involving Lymphoid tissue. I have had two biopsies – one of a lymph node under my left arm and now, more recently, a lymph node in my neck. Both tested positive for Ductal Breast Carcinoma.  What followed was a full body PET scan where no additional areas of cancer were found, which is good news! An appointment with an oncologist last Friday then updated the proposed treatment plan. So, I will not be having a mastectomy surgery right now but will be going in tomorrow morning (March 19th) for a chemo port placement. I will begin treatment, most likely next week. 

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, notes, and love for our family! We are grateful for each of you and hold you in our hearts & prayers.

Because He Lives …

Amy

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3/8 From Don re: Amy’s Scan – “He Reigns”

 God showed up this morning. It was a quiet (somber) hour drive from Murrieta up to the Kaiser Hospital in Riverside for her early morning PET scan.  We waited quietly until she was called in.

After an hour scan, Amy came out with a big smile on her face.   I was confused.   

She said,  “God surely loves me. ” and went on to tell me how she shared her journey and faith in Jesus with the scan technician – who then gave her three warm blankets to make her feel more comfortable during the scan,  put worship music on (first song being, “He Reigns” by the Newsboys with lyrics that begin like this, “It’s the song of the redeemed, rising from the African plain!”),  then the technician asked if he could pray for her. And he did, with care and power!  He was so moved by the presence of Jesus in Amy and responded with holy care and prayer.  

Thank you, God.  

Thank you for your prayers, too! 

“He turned our mourning into dancing again…”(Ps 30:11-12)

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From Amy – March 1st

Don and I are so grateful for you and the gift that you are to us and the ELI ministry family. 

Thank you for the prayers and support you have invested as we serve together to empower lives. Next year, ELI will be 30 years old, and we have a lot to celebrate in terms of changing lives! The ministry journey has been so rewarding and powerful.

I’m sending you a unique update today (March 1st) to ask for your prayers.  On any journey, there are unexpected things that can come along the road, which is the case for me at this time. I recently had a biopsy of a lymph node under my left arm. Scans and tests have revealed, to our surprise, Ductal Breast Carcinoma involving the Lymphoid tissue. Jesus is a good Shepherd, and we have felt and seen His care every day and in many ways. The surgeon, our main point of contact and information, is fantastic—a caring and professional person. We are still processing the information and praying for discernment in the choices ahead. We are also so grateful for our mighty God, who can bring healing whenever and however He desires. So, we are trusting.

Again – Don and I are so thankful for you. We appreciate you and look forward to sharing the miracles God is going to do, both large and small, in the weeks to come. This is a sacred journey with Jesus. In fact, while in the MRI machine recently, I was reflecting on many of the miracles I’ve witnessed this past year and how faithful our Lord is. There are no words to describe the gift of God’s presence WITH us. 

Recently, the Lord spoke to me in the quiet of the morning through this poem by Edith Willis Linn that I want to share – 

“Dear restless heart, be still: don’t fret and worry so;

God has a thousand ways His love and help to show;

Just trust, and trust, and trust, until His will you know.

Dear restless heart, be still, for peace is God’s own smile,

His love can every wrong and sorrow reconcile;

Just love, and love, and love, and calmly wait awhile.

Dear restless heart, be brave; don’t moan and sorrow so,

He hath a meaning kind in chilly winds that blow;

Just hope, and hope, and hope, until you braver grow.

Dear restless heart, repose upon His breast this hour,

His grace is strength and life, His love is bloom and flower,

Just rest, and rest, and rest, within His tender power.

Dear restless heart, be still! Don’t struggle to be free;

God’s life is in your life, from Him you may not flee;

Just pray, and pray, and pray, till you have faith to see.”

We treasure your prayers and share His great love today.

Because He Lives  …Amy 

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Last evening here in Kenya!

Last evening here before returning to the USA tomorrow- so absolutely wanted to spend time with the amazing children in the ELI Home!!!

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Six hour meeting?

Yes!!! And it was fantastic to be with ELI ministry managers and other key leaders/ trainers of ELI, Kenya. Discussing the best ways to empower suffering people and communities. I LOVE days like today to plan, pray, build the dream and fan the flames of a spirit led movement that is empowering lives.

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Give a Child a Chance!!!

When an illegal Brewer reforms, she is changed. But she begins praying for her children and other family members to change as well. Empowering lives comes along side of communities to help children grasp a new vision of what their life can be.Today in Kapkerer village Empowering live staff together with a team from Mercy. Inc held a special outreach for over 200 children!

Tomorrow I will preach here at the Ilula Training center chapel that will include all of the kids from the children’s home. I love these Sundays of worship song and sharing with the children’s home! Monday, I’ll be having a time of training with our Kenyan Ministry area managers.

Hard to believe, but I begin my journey back to the USA on Wednesday.

What amazing people, and what a wonderful journey this has been so far.

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AUDIO NOTE from Don about today in Kenya

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