A few days ago my husband got a phone call from a man (Bill) who attended the Maryland church David pastored before coming to North Carolina. Bill wanted to know if he could stop for a visit on his way to a conference center in the mountains of NC. David asked if he would like to spend Sunday night in our home. Bill agreed.
Bill and his wife spent over 30 years as missionaries to Egypt. We spent many hours with them in Maryland hearing stories about their time in Egypt. David formed a very close friendship with Bill and thanked the Lord for an older man who was eager to encourage him in the Lord and give counsel when needed.
Recently Bill's wife died after a very long battle with Alzheimers. He loved and cared for her over their 57 year marriage. We saw close-up how he cared so beautifully for her when she was sick and most days didn't remember who he, their five grown children and fifteen grandchildren were. He has been seeking the Lord as to what is next for his life. The Lord is sending him back to the mission field to be a chaplain at a seminary in the Middle East.
Last night after dinner we gathered in our family room for devotions and prayer. David asked Bill to share his plans with us. He poured out his heart to us not only about the next chapter of his life; but also about his dear wife and how he misses her so much in his life. I have been reading the book To Fly Again: Surviving the Tailspins of Life by Gracia Burnham. If you remember, she and her husband were missionaries to the Philippines and were kidnapped by terrorists while on a holiday. They were held captive in the jungle for 377 days and her husband was killed during their rescue. She writes about the sorrow she feels each day as she misses her husband but continues to look to the Lord as her Helper and Comforter. I was able to read a few excerpts from the book that I hoped would encourage him. He was very touched and I thanked the Lord that my friend Laurie had given me the book a few days ago. The Lord knew it would not only encourage my heart; but our special visitor's too.
Ben, Bethany and Samuel, who had earlier inquired how long they would have to sit and be part of the conversation, sat and listened to all that Bill shared and later offered the sweetest prayers on his behalf. This morning they are still talking about our special time of sharing with him.
Older brothers and sisters in the Lord can teach us so much. We are blessed to have many in our lives who have not retired from life but desire to serve the Lord with eager hearts in their golden years.
Psalm 71:17-19 "O God, You have taught me from my youth; And I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God,
do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come. For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?"
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• Apr. 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment
We went to the Rebelution last year when it came to Indy and it was just wonderful. The Harris family continues to challenge and bless us in so many ways.
I am glad to have been able to meet you.
~Robin