Dear Prayer Warriors, Sorry I have not been in communication with you, but Eleanor has been seriously ill. She is now recovering and, by God’s grace, the next round of blood tests will show her completely healed. Eleanor contracted a bacteria-resistant “super bug,” which attacked her in several ways-- each masking the other problem. It was when they found an antibiotic which was effective that they were able to begin peeling back the layers of her symptoms – all compounded by what our doctor called “a really nasty bug.” Besides an infected gall bladder, her liver was also stressed. When the surgeon reviewed her second round of blood work, he scheduled her for immediate surgery. The recovery has been slow and she has been regaining both her strength and her color. At the height of the illness she was severely jaundiced and her body looked like it had been attacked by hundreds of chiggers, with enzyme and bilirubin levels very high. She has been going in for weekly blood tests post-surgery, with mixed results, but the doctor is confident that this next week’s round of tests will show that she is well on the way to recovery. The doctor, however, has not cleared her for travel this spring--so we will be delaying our mission trip to Russia until she is completely recovered and has her strength back. The Russia tickets are purchased so it is just a matter of rescheduling them. All monies donated to Russia will go to that ministry—so, for now, it is just a matter of timing and patience. We are confident that God is in control and that His plan is perfect. The summer Africa ministry trips are still “on” and I will continue to minister here in the US while Eleanor recovers. I know there are many missionaries, who, for whatever the reason, travel and minister--leaving their wife behind--but I am not that man and that is not our ministry. We are a team and are confident that God will soon have us ministering together. On another note, our daughter Megan’s wedding is July 28th and she has been very excited to have her mom here this winter and spring. They have been having great mother/daughter times. 2 Corinthians 1:11 “you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.” A. Ask God for Eleanor’s speedy and complete recovery. B. Pray for wisdom on the part of the doctors. C. Please intercede on behalf of those ministries in Russia and Africa that are waiting for our arrival – that God would preserve these opportunities and keep these ministries safe from harm. D. Please claim these promises: Jeremiah 29:11-12 11'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. E. Ask that God would bless the ministry materially, that we might, in turn, bless those to whom we minister. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
By His mercy, II Corinthians 4:1 Rev. John S. Mahon Grace Community Int. -