Sunday, April 5, 2009
John Daniel McClung
Congratulations to John and Tara McClung on the birth of their first baby! John Daniel McClung was born on Friday, April 3rd. He was 9 lbs 11 oz, and 21 1/2" long. All of them are happy and doing well!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
prayer request
Please pray for Donnie Norris. Donnie is the dad of a friend of Jed Jessup. He has battled leukemia for number of years but they are afraid it may be progressing to where it is affecting his lymph nodes and liver. They are testing now to come up with a correct diagnosis, he is 60 yrs old and is being treated in Brunswick, GA. Please remember Donnie. Pray for healing, his strength and his family as well.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Fredrick Clayton Mullis
(December 16, 1929 - March 25, 2009)
(December 16, 1929 - March 25, 2009)
Please remember the family of Fred Mullis. Fred passed this past Wednesday. Fred and his sons (Clayton and Mark) have attending regular to Piedmont Church. Mark is faithful to serve with the parking lot crew on Sunday mornings. Please keep them in mind as we offer prayer and comfort.
Arrangements are posted with Crest Lawn Macon.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
new addition
Congratulations to Greg and Amanda Blasche on the birth of their third child! Joel Cash Blasche was born on March 5th. He was 6 lbs 14 oz, and 20" long. Harlee and Memphis are proud big sisters, and everyone is doing well.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Goodness is always there...
I was asked to write an article for the Junior League magazine and thought I would share it with all of you. Below is a just a snippet of Jay's story and how God used what was meant for evil, for His good. You will find that I used Luke 22:31-33 throughout the article. God showed me this verse for encouragement and instruction shortly after Jay's diagnosis. Over five years later, I am amazed to see how the Word of God has been fulfilled in my life.
So, instead of a "coaching tip", I leave with you a story of one brave little boy and a God who is always good and faithful.....
**********************************
“Gaskins family, stay on your toes. Satan will try his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. I have prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and strengthen them” (Luke 22:31-33; The Message).
In the fall of 2003, my family and I were leading a so called “normal” life, riding its ups and downs. My husband and I had two seemingly healthy children and I was pregnant with number three. Life was good and God had truly blessed us. Earlier that year, my husband, Jason and I had discussed what a clumsy little boy our two-year-old son, Jay could be. The ongoing joke at our house was that Jay could trip over a crumb if it got in his way. Being the first boy in our family, we only had our oldest child, Kaitlyn to compare him too. Everyone knows that girls are graceful and boys are not. We even went as far as going to the Pediatrician just to make sure that everything was alright. The doctor did not appear alarmed, and said that Jay was probably just clumsy. I tried my best to blow it off as a boy thing and move on.
“Gaskins family, stay on your toes”…
In September, we enrolled Jay into a 2K program at a local church. One afternoon during pick-up, Jay’s teacher pulled me aside and asked if Jay had balance problems. She seemed very concerned and told me that Jay was having difficulty going from sitting to standing without stumbling. He had also fallen several times while walking across the room. No one, outside of Jason and I, had ever noticed Jay’s balance problems. Fear, like I had never felt before, welled up inside of me. I walked out of the school in a state of panic and cried all the way home. I kept wondering if maybe I was overreacting. Jay had to be fine. But there was that little voice inside of me saying, “It’s not okay. Something is terribly wrong.” I called the Pediatrician as soon as we arrived home and we were sitting in his office a few hours later.
“Stay on your toes”…
After a complete neurological exam and listening to Jason and I ramble about our concerns, our Doctor still didn’t have any answers. He said that it could be a growth spurt or it could just be clumsiness. To appease us, he agreed to order an MRI. The catch was that it could take 3-5 weeks to get an appointment. We returned home not feeling any better about the situation. Over the next few days, Jay took a turn for the worse. He began complaining of headaches, wanting to sleep all the time, not eating and vomiting every time he would wake-up. I knew in my heart that this was getting serious. There was no way we could wait 3-5 weeks for a MRI. I called the on-call nurse and begged for an emergency scan. The next day, we had a MRI scheduled. Finally, we were going to find out what was wrong with our baby.
“Stay on your toes”…
I remember the day of the MRI so vividly, but is also seems like a lifetime ago. I remember the smell of the procedure room. I remember the hospital gown that swallowed up Jay’s little body. I remember having to hold my baby down while they stuck him to start an IV. Even back then, Jay was so tough. He never made a sound; only tears streamed down his cheeks. The tech finally came and led us to the MRI suite. Being eight months pregnant, I was not allowed past the big double doors. An hour into the scan, the doctor walked out. He placed his hand on my shoulder and uttered any parent’s worst nightmare, our worst nightmare. “There is a lemon size tumor at the base of your son’s brain. We have contacted the Pediatric Neurosurgeon. We believe it is cancer.” Jason was able to hold it together and began asking questions. I on the other hand, stood there repeating those words, over and over in my head: A mass; Brain surgeon; CANCER.
In that very moment, our lives changed forever.
“I have prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out.”
For the next two and half years, the cancer world became our new “normal”. Bald heads, surgery scars, central lines, ports, dressing changes, low blood counts, tracheotomies, feeding tubes, MRIs, CT scans, spinal taps, 6 weeks of high-dose radiation and months of intense chemotherapy consumed our world. Yes, cancer robbed our lives of many things, but by the grace of God, it was unable to destroy the spirit of my sweet Jay. Even when times were rough, Jay was able to find joy in making new friends, playing at the Ronald McDonald House, or visiting the Memphis Zoo. He learned words that no child should know, like chemotherapy, radiation and neutropenia. With God’s strength, Jay also learned how to live life to the fullest. During those two and half years, Jay visited Disney World, rode ponies and jet skis, visited Graceland and even went up in a helicopter. It may have become increasingly difficult to remember life before cancer, but as a family, we refused to let it defeat us.
“I have prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out.”
In December of 2005, Jay relapsed for the third time. The cancer had spread and four new tumors were discovered. For the last time, the medical community sent us home with little to no hope for a cure. Being strong in our faith and praying for a miracle, we refused to give up. We continued treatment at home, and Jay courageously fought for three more months. After a 50 day stay in the PICU, our sweet Baby Jay WON his battle with cancer as he skipped through the gates of heaven on March 31, 2006. For almost three years, we prayed for earthly healing, but God chose heavenly healing for our boy.
When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and strengthen them”
It would seem that Jay’s story would end here, but it doesn’t. Colossians 1:16 says, “Absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible…everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.” Jay’s life had a purpose, his battle had a purpose, and his victory in heaven has a purpose. We have found peace in not completely understanding the “big picture”, but we do find comfort in knowing that God has a precious and perfect plan for us. In May of 2006, Jason and I founded the Jay’s HOPE Foundation in memory of our brave little boy. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of children with cancer and their families in Middle Georgia by extending HOPE through social, emotional, spiritual and financial support. In three short years, our volunteer-based ministry has delivered support, encouragement and HOPE, to over 350 families.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
During our battle, I realized very quickly that we were in the minority with the support we received from our family and friends. Many of the pediatric oncology families are single moms or two-income families. Moms and Dads are force to take a leave of absence from their jobs to care for their sick child. Our Jay’s HOPE families can apply for financial assistance with utilities, mortgage or rent payments, and pharmaceutical bills. We also provide gas cards, grocery cards, phone cards and airline tickets for families who have to travel for their child’s treatment.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
We are currently expanding our Jay’s HOPE Resource Center in downtown Macon. The resource center provides a central location for our families to receive the assistance, support and education they need throughout their child’s treatment. The center also houses the only walk-in Bone Marrow Testing Clinic in the state of Georgia. Jay’s HOPE is the largest volunteer/recruitment group for the National Marrow Donor Program and we have registered close to 3,000 new donors to the National Registry.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
Social support is also a very important aspect of our ministry. In the spring, we partner with the Atlanta Braves Foundation and treat our Jay’s HOPE families to a Braves game and picnic at Turner Field. Throughout the year, our friends at Brave Meadow Farms provide horseback riding and pet therapy for our families. Each December, Jay’s HOPE hosts a Christmas of HOPE party for all the local pediatric oncology and hematology families. The evening includes a family style dinner, entertainment, the story of Jesus’ birth, and Santa delivers gifts to the patients and their siblings. Over the past three years, through community sponsors, we have provided Christmas for over 600 children.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
This past September, Jay’s HOPE kicked off our 1st Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Middle Georgia. The campaign included a proclamation give by the Mayor on the steps of City Hall, city wide education through media advertising and a Hats for HOPE day in all of the public and private schools. During September, we strive for our community to recognize the devastating effects of cancer on children, and encourage all efforts to support childhood cancer awareness and education.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
This spring, Jay’s HOPE will celebrate our three year anniversary with our 3rd Annual Celebrate HOPE event at Idle Hour Country Club. Spring will also bring the three year anniversary of Jay’s death. I must admit that there are still times that I wrestle with letting go of wanting life to be ‘fair’, and I grieve for my life before cancer. I sometimes forget that the rewards that come from knowing and trusting His ways don’t always come this side of Heaven. Jay’s HOPE has given my pain a purpose and reminds me that God can use even the toughest times for His glory. Over the past three years, God has taught me that, “He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. (Romans 5:3-5) Therein lies the purpose of our lives - to seek Him with all our hearts and to surrender to His ways, no matter where He may take us. These are hard lessons to learn, but I do know from my life and the lives of many others, that the Goodness is always there.
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)
In HOPE,
Cindy
So, instead of a "coaching tip", I leave with you a story of one brave little boy and a God who is always good and faithful.....
**********************************
“Gaskins family, stay on your toes. Satan will try his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. I have prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and strengthen them” (Luke 22:31-33; The Message).
In the fall of 2003, my family and I were leading a so called “normal” life, riding its ups and downs. My husband and I had two seemingly healthy children and I was pregnant with number three. Life was good and God had truly blessed us. Earlier that year, my husband, Jason and I had discussed what a clumsy little boy our two-year-old son, Jay could be. The ongoing joke at our house was that Jay could trip over a crumb if it got in his way. Being the first boy in our family, we only had our oldest child, Kaitlyn to compare him too. Everyone knows that girls are graceful and boys are not. We even went as far as going to the Pediatrician just to make sure that everything was alright. The doctor did not appear alarmed, and said that Jay was probably just clumsy. I tried my best to blow it off as a boy thing and move on.
“Gaskins family, stay on your toes”…
In September, we enrolled Jay into a 2K program at a local church. One afternoon during pick-up, Jay’s teacher pulled me aside and asked if Jay had balance problems. She seemed very concerned and told me that Jay was having difficulty going from sitting to standing without stumbling. He had also fallen several times while walking across the room. No one, outside of Jason and I, had ever noticed Jay’s balance problems. Fear, like I had never felt before, welled up inside of me. I walked out of the school in a state of panic and cried all the way home. I kept wondering if maybe I was overreacting. Jay had to be fine. But there was that little voice inside of me saying, “It’s not okay. Something is terribly wrong.” I called the Pediatrician as soon as we arrived home and we were sitting in his office a few hours later.
“Stay on your toes”…
After a complete neurological exam and listening to Jason and I ramble about our concerns, our Doctor still didn’t have any answers. He said that it could be a growth spurt or it could just be clumsiness. To appease us, he agreed to order an MRI. The catch was that it could take 3-5 weeks to get an appointment. We returned home not feeling any better about the situation. Over the next few days, Jay took a turn for the worse. He began complaining of headaches, wanting to sleep all the time, not eating and vomiting every time he would wake-up. I knew in my heart that this was getting serious. There was no way we could wait 3-5 weeks for a MRI. I called the on-call nurse and begged for an emergency scan. The next day, we had a MRI scheduled. Finally, we were going to find out what was wrong with our baby.
“Stay on your toes”…
I remember the day of the MRI so vividly, but is also seems like a lifetime ago. I remember the smell of the procedure room. I remember the hospital gown that swallowed up Jay’s little body. I remember having to hold my baby down while they stuck him to start an IV. Even back then, Jay was so tough. He never made a sound; only tears streamed down his cheeks. The tech finally came and led us to the MRI suite. Being eight months pregnant, I was not allowed past the big double doors. An hour into the scan, the doctor walked out. He placed his hand on my shoulder and uttered any parent’s worst nightmare, our worst nightmare. “There is a lemon size tumor at the base of your son’s brain. We have contacted the Pediatric Neurosurgeon. We believe it is cancer.” Jason was able to hold it together and began asking questions. I on the other hand, stood there repeating those words, over and over in my head: A mass; Brain surgeon; CANCER.
In that very moment, our lives changed forever.
“I have prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out.”
For the next two and half years, the cancer world became our new “normal”. Bald heads, surgery scars, central lines, ports, dressing changes, low blood counts, tracheotomies, feeding tubes, MRIs, CT scans, spinal taps, 6 weeks of high-dose radiation and months of intense chemotherapy consumed our world. Yes, cancer robbed our lives of many things, but by the grace of God, it was unable to destroy the spirit of my sweet Jay. Even when times were rough, Jay was able to find joy in making new friends, playing at the Ronald McDonald House, or visiting the Memphis Zoo. He learned words that no child should know, like chemotherapy, radiation and neutropenia. With God’s strength, Jay also learned how to live life to the fullest. During those two and half years, Jay visited Disney World, rode ponies and jet skis, visited Graceland and even went up in a helicopter. It may have become increasingly difficult to remember life before cancer, but as a family, we refused to let it defeat us.
“I have prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out.”
In December of 2005, Jay relapsed for the third time. The cancer had spread and four new tumors were discovered. For the last time, the medical community sent us home with little to no hope for a cure. Being strong in our faith and praying for a miracle, we refused to give up. We continued treatment at home, and Jay courageously fought for three more months. After a 50 day stay in the PICU, our sweet Baby Jay WON his battle with cancer as he skipped through the gates of heaven on March 31, 2006. For almost three years, we prayed for earthly healing, but God chose heavenly healing for our boy.
When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and strengthen them”
It would seem that Jay’s story would end here, but it doesn’t. Colossians 1:16 says, “Absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible…everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.” Jay’s life had a purpose, his battle had a purpose, and his victory in heaven has a purpose. We have found peace in not completely understanding the “big picture”, but we do find comfort in knowing that God has a precious and perfect plan for us. In May of 2006, Jason and I founded the Jay’s HOPE Foundation in memory of our brave little boy. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of children with cancer and their families in Middle Georgia by extending HOPE through social, emotional, spiritual and financial support. In three short years, our volunteer-based ministry has delivered support, encouragement and HOPE, to over 350 families.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
During our battle, I realized very quickly that we were in the minority with the support we received from our family and friends. Many of the pediatric oncology families are single moms or two-income families. Moms and Dads are force to take a leave of absence from their jobs to care for their sick child. Our Jay’s HOPE families can apply for financial assistance with utilities, mortgage or rent payments, and pharmaceutical bills. We also provide gas cards, grocery cards, phone cards and airline tickets for families who have to travel for their child’s treatment.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
We are currently expanding our Jay’s HOPE Resource Center in downtown Macon. The resource center provides a central location for our families to receive the assistance, support and education they need throughout their child’s treatment. The center also houses the only walk-in Bone Marrow Testing Clinic in the state of Georgia. Jay’s HOPE is the largest volunteer/recruitment group for the National Marrow Donor Program and we have registered close to 3,000 new donors to the National Registry.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
Social support is also a very important aspect of our ministry. In the spring, we partner with the Atlanta Braves Foundation and treat our Jay’s HOPE families to a Braves game and picnic at Turner Field. Throughout the year, our friends at Brave Meadow Farms provide horseback riding and pet therapy for our families. Each December, Jay’s HOPE hosts a Christmas of HOPE party for all the local pediatric oncology and hematology families. The evening includes a family style dinner, entertainment, the story of Jesus’ birth, and Santa delivers gifts to the patients and their siblings. Over the past three years, through community sponsors, we have provided Christmas for over 600 children.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
This past September, Jay’s HOPE kicked off our 1st Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Middle Georgia. The campaign included a proclamation give by the Mayor on the steps of City Hall, city wide education through media advertising and a Hats for HOPE day in all of the public and private schools. During September, we strive for our community to recognize the devastating effects of cancer on children, and encourage all efforts to support childhood cancer awareness and education.
“Turn to your companions and strengthen them”
This spring, Jay’s HOPE will celebrate our three year anniversary with our 3rd Annual Celebrate HOPE event at Idle Hour Country Club. Spring will also bring the three year anniversary of Jay’s death. I must admit that there are still times that I wrestle with letting go of wanting life to be ‘fair’, and I grieve for my life before cancer. I sometimes forget that the rewards that come from knowing and trusting His ways don’t always come this side of Heaven. Jay’s HOPE has given my pain a purpose and reminds me that God can use even the toughest times for His glory. Over the past three years, God has taught me that, “He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. (Romans 5:3-5) Therein lies the purpose of our lives - to seek Him with all our hearts and to surrender to His ways, no matter where He may take us. These are hard lessons to learn, but I do know from my life and the lives of many others, that the Goodness is always there.
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)
In HOPE,
Cindy
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Mike Lanford passed away Thursday evening. Please pray for Sandy and his family.
Obituary from the Macon Telegraph
Warren Michael "Lambo" Lanford -MACON, GA - Warren Michael "Lambo" Lanford passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2009. Funeral services will be 3P.M. Monday, March 2, 2009 in the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with interment to immediately follow in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Jerry Dingmore and Reverend Ronnie Griffin will officiate. The family will greet friends at Crest Lawn from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday. -Mr. Lanford was a self-employed residential construction contractor. He was a member of Piedmont Church, was a Mason, and an airplane pilot. Mr. Lanford was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, an outdoorsman and an excellent marksman. -Mr. Lanford is survived by fiance Sandy Hollis; daughter Melinda Lanford; adopted son Joshua (Amber) Owens; sisters, Becky (Ronnie) Griffin and Paula (Garland) Harrell, and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. -In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Heartland Hospice Services, 115 Arkwright Landing, Macon, Georgia 31210 or Piedmont Church, P.O. Box 26223, Macon, Georgia 31221. -Crest Lawn Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Paul said that we should encourage one another with these words: "We do not want to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
In HOPE,
Cindy
Obituary from the Macon Telegraph
Warren Michael "Lambo" Lanford -MACON, GA - Warren Michael "Lambo" Lanford passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2009. Funeral services will be 3P.M. Monday, March 2, 2009 in the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with interment to immediately follow in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Jerry Dingmore and Reverend Ronnie Griffin will officiate. The family will greet friends at Crest Lawn from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday. -Mr. Lanford was a self-employed residential construction contractor. He was a member of Piedmont Church, was a Mason, and an airplane pilot. Mr. Lanford was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, an outdoorsman and an excellent marksman. -Mr. Lanford is survived by fiance Sandy Hollis; daughter Melinda Lanford; adopted son Joshua (Amber) Owens; sisters, Becky (Ronnie) Griffin and Paula (Garland) Harrell, and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. -In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Heartland Hospice Services, 115 Arkwright Landing, Macon, Georgia 31210 or Piedmont Church, P.O. Box 26223, Macon, Georgia 31221. -Crest Lawn Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Paul said that we should encourage one another with these words: "We do not want to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
In HOPE,
Cindy
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Coaching Tip
After reviewing the list of Service Groups, I was intrigued to find that none of us signed up for News Anchors. The description for News Anchor is, “A source of light and Hope to those seeking spiritual counseling. This will include sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting a relationship with Him.” In other words, News Anchors are called to be God’s witnesses.
“Witnessing” is one of those words that make all of us uncomfortable. We immediately begin to have visions of the guys on bicycles going door to door or the folks walking up to people in public places asking, “If you died today, do you know where you will go?” When we look at what the Bible says about witnessing, we will find that various forms of the word “witness” occurs 42 times in the New Testament. But not one of those 42 occurrences is the expression “to witness”. In Acts 1:8, Jesus says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth.” Jesus is not calling us “to witness” but to “be witnesses”. The word “Be” means “to exist in actuality; to remain in a certain state.” God desires for us to be a true representation of Him in our homes, at work and within our community. Representing and witnessing for God involves our whole life, not just a verbal presentation of the Gospel.
Another misconception we have is that only “mature” Christians or the “qualified” can be witnesses. We are fearful of appearing foolish and think that witnessing involves being able to quote scripture or to say an eloquent prayer. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul writes, “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." So, I ask you. Do you have relationship with Jesus? Do you know and believe the story of the Cross? Then you, my friend, are qualified. Just like Paul, God will work through us if we will allow Him. A couple of years ago, I was doing a Bone Marrow Drive at a local church. I had planned to speak for about 5 minutes on the need for Bone Marrow Donors and go over the testing process. Right before I stepped onto the stage, the Pastor leaned over and whispered that he was going to give me 20 minutes of his sermon time to share whatever God placed on my heart. As you can imagine, my heart fell to my knees and I began to panic. Not only was this a large, primarily African American church (white girl can’t preach!), but it was also televised! I was unprepared, unqualified and about to make a complete fool of myself. As I walked up to the podium, I did the only thing I knew to do…I prayed. I told God that that I would do my part and open my mouth, but that He needed to show up and do the talking! I am relieved to tell you that God did show up and demonstrated His power through little-ole’-not-qualified-shaking-in-my-boots-ME!(I even got a few Amens!!) In less than 3 hours, we registered 250 new donors to the National Registry. To date, this has been our largest drive. And all I did was trust and open my mouth. God did all the rest.
After much thought and prayer, my conclusion is that we are all “News Anchors”. The Piedmont Care Network Team is a source of light and Hope to those in need. We are sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through not only our words, but also through our actions. So, next time you are sending a card of encouragement, making a meal for a family, visiting someone in the hospital or even stepping up to a microphone, remember that you have been called and are more than qualified to BE a witness for our Lord and Savior.
In HOPE,
Cindy
Prayer Concern: Please pray for Abby Wilson. Her blood counts are currently low from her last dose of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this makes her feel really bad and places her at a high risk for infection. You can read Abby's story and post words of encouragement at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/abbywilson
“Witnessing” is one of those words that make all of us uncomfortable. We immediately begin to have visions of the guys on bicycles going door to door or the folks walking up to people in public places asking, “If you died today, do you know where you will go?” When we look at what the Bible says about witnessing, we will find that various forms of the word “witness” occurs 42 times in the New Testament. But not one of those 42 occurrences is the expression “to witness”. In Acts 1:8, Jesus says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth.” Jesus is not calling us “to witness” but to “be witnesses”. The word “Be” means “to exist in actuality; to remain in a certain state.” God desires for us to be a true representation of Him in our homes, at work and within our community. Representing and witnessing for God involves our whole life, not just a verbal presentation of the Gospel.
Another misconception we have is that only “mature” Christians or the “qualified” can be witnesses. We are fearful of appearing foolish and think that witnessing involves being able to quote scripture or to say an eloquent prayer. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul writes, “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." So, I ask you. Do you have relationship with Jesus? Do you know and believe the story of the Cross? Then you, my friend, are qualified. Just like Paul, God will work through us if we will allow Him. A couple of years ago, I was doing a Bone Marrow Drive at a local church. I had planned to speak for about 5 minutes on the need for Bone Marrow Donors and go over the testing process. Right before I stepped onto the stage, the Pastor leaned over and whispered that he was going to give me 20 minutes of his sermon time to share whatever God placed on my heart. As you can imagine, my heart fell to my knees and I began to panic. Not only was this a large, primarily African American church (white girl can’t preach!), but it was also televised! I was unprepared, unqualified and about to make a complete fool of myself. As I walked up to the podium, I did the only thing I knew to do…I prayed. I told God that that I would do my part and open my mouth, but that He needed to show up and do the talking! I am relieved to tell you that God did show up and demonstrated His power through little-ole’-not-qualified-shaking-in-my-boots-ME!(I even got a few Amens!!) In less than 3 hours, we registered 250 new donors to the National Registry. To date, this has been our largest drive. And all I did was trust and open my mouth. God did all the rest.
After much thought and prayer, my conclusion is that we are all “News Anchors”. The Piedmont Care Network Team is a source of light and Hope to those in need. We are sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through not only our words, but also through our actions. So, next time you are sending a card of encouragement, making a meal for a family, visiting someone in the hospital or even stepping up to a microphone, remember that you have been called and are more than qualified to BE a witness for our Lord and Savior.
In HOPE,
Cindy
Prayer Concern: Please pray for Abby Wilson. Her blood counts are currently low from her last dose of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this makes her feel really bad and places her at a high risk for infection. You can read Abby's story and post words of encouragement at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/abbywilson
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