Sometimes I forget that our fight is not against flesh and blood. Sometimes all I can think about is the life that is right in front of me. But lately, the Lord has been reminding me that that is not where my hope lies. My hope lies in Jesus Christ, and the life that I will have for eternity with him. I need to keep looking to that to give me strength and to encourage others with.
There is always something going on here at NTBI that is difficult for some staff. There are multiple people here that struggle with ongoing health issues (Jason included). There are also ones who have difficulties with unsaved family members, kids who are straying, etc. But this week has seemed to be more difficult than most. Our good friend, Mike Winters, who works as the head of our dining hall/kitchen, had surgery to remove some remnants of kidney cancer. He now has an infection due to the surgery, and they are going to have to do another surgery to repair some damage done. Another co-worker, the most spirited and bubbly woman in the world, Jonell Barth, had surgery a couple of weeks ago and now has to have another surgery to repair damage that was done on her first round. We also have a co-worker, Linda Grant, who can’t even get out of her chair these days due to her hips needing to be replaced. Another needs ankle surgery and can’t get a good answer from her doctors as to how to go about it.
There are other things going on in the lives of all the staff here, but it seems that physical issues have been rampant these days. I know that the Lord is good, and He is our strength and our fortress. So I am praying that He will be that and more for those of my good friends who are hurting right now. And that He would be glorified through this. Every one of these people has given their lives for the sake of the gospel. And it will go forth! Even if it means that we have to endure in this life things that we would not choose or understand. But the Lord is faithful and will continue to be the strength that they need during this time.
Praise Him!