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Friday, November 23, 2007

Linda

Psalm 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


Today was a crazy day! I had to get in the mall scene for work and it was a mad house! I always make it a point to frequent places in the name of building relationships with people in my community. There are some real opportunities for ministry all around. Anyway, I am also a bit of a creature of habit and I like to go to the same places. I met a lady named Linda over a year ago and the Shell gas station that I go to. She seemed so worn out by life when I met her. I couldn't get her to talk much (which if you know me...I am pretty easy to talk to). So the Lord really started laying her on my heart and I made it a point to go see her when she was working. I found out a lot about her in the course of this year and I found myself praying for her all of the time. She is single and has a grown son with two grandkids and a daughter in law. Her daughter in law has a rare disease and has had a tumor on her brain. She has had eleven brain surgeries and has been in ICU for the last six months. One more thing I found out is that none of them have known the Lord. I began to pray for an opportune time to share with her. I truly believe that we should build relationships with people and share the gospel. Most people aren't as receptive if they don't know that you care about them. Well anyway, I have been stopping bye to find out about her daughter in law, Crystal. She recently had surgery and things were really looking up. When I went in the gas station today I asked Linda how Crystal was doing and she started crying her eyes out. The doctor had just called and she got the news that the tumor was back and that there was nothing they could do at this point. They were going to send her home to die. I can not even imagine what they are going through. I can't imagine the fear that her two young kids and her husband have right now. She cried and said that she didn't know how they would bury her. I stood there...so helpless...and told her I was so sorry for them and that I would be praying. I can not imagine going through something like this and not knowing the Lord and walking with Him through this dark night. Another thing...her daughter in law is my age...it is very sobering. I can't imagine leaving my little Morgan at this point in time. Please pray for Linda and her family...and pray that salvation will come to them all. Now that I have taken the time to know her...it really hurts me for her as well. I can't get them out of my mind. I see each face of the family and I pray that they will come to know the same hope that I have.

9 comments:

Fran said...

Oh Jenny. I will pray for all the "Lindas" that we come across. But, I will also pray for specifically for your friend and this tragic situation. May they come to know the presence and peace that can come with knowing Jesus.

I'm proud of you. You've encouraged me today.
Blessings~
Fran

Charity said...

That is SO horrible!!! There are several churches in our area that have outreach programs that help people with expenses of all kinds, even their utility bills. Does your church or other churches in your area help with such things? Maybe that is a way to help show her Christ's love by checking around and giving her some information on who could help her. I am sure even just a little money from such programs would help her.

I will be praying!!

Faith said...

I'm so glad God has put you in their lives. Praying for them.

Susan said...

I am so thankful that God has put them in your path and on your heart, Jenny.
Susan

Little Steps Of Faith said...

Aww...I will definitely been praying.

I will be writing something close to this that happened this morning:)

Great minds think alike:)

Talk to you soon:)

Angie

ocean mommy said...

Jenny,

I'm praying that God will throw open the door for you to minister to this family in ways that you can't begin to imagine. God is using you in Linda's life!

Anticipating HIM,
steph.

twinkle said...

Yes, I pray they will come to know Jesus, too. Bless you for caring.

He Knows My Name said...

hey jenny. long time no talk. things are so different in my world right now. thank you for your sweet prayers for me and my family. we had dad for 88 years i know he is with Jesus.

about linda and crystal. i'm not telling you what to do but my thoughts went to - ask someone, a pastor, youth pastor, someone you trust if they would make a visit to see them, then ask linda if that would be ok with her. she will say yes. maybe even go with them yourself. i will be praying for her and crystal and family.

jenny you are such a precious gem. the Lord has blessed you with a brightness, full of color, an authentic gem created by Him has.

much love. ~janel

Lori said...

Jenny,
How old are the children? I lost the email you sent out about helping with them at Christmas. My 10th grade girls Sunday School are getting together on Saturday. We decided instead of playing dirty Santa we would all bring $10 and go buy stuff for a needy family. Do you have a list? Email me at lorimckenzie@yahoo.com so we can figure it out!

Thanks,
Lori