November 11, 2009

Kathy and Colleen had bonded almost immediately when they first met: the young women are the same age, they both parent a boy and a girl …what had brought them together was Colleen’s battle with pancreatic cancer.

Kathy was her assigned Home Health RN that day. As she came to Colleen’s home again, Kathy prayed about bringing up the topic of the Forest Lake Church’s prayer meeting. Kathy felt really convicted that her new friend would benefit from being prayed over by the people of H.o.P.E!

When she did bring up prayer meeting in their conversation, Colleen’s face lit up and she pulled out a quilt from her closet. Her doctor had given it to her, earlier during her illness. As the women looked on the back of the quilt, they realized that it was from the Forest Lake Church!

Colleen then told Kathy that she’d like to come on Wednesday night and have people pray for her…in person! That same week, she came with her young daughter and mother by her side. When Kathy shared their story, the place erupted in applause because we realized, here it is again…God is at work.

Meanwhile, Pastor Derek’s mind had turned to the words found in Philippians 1:19 -21. They startled him as He felt impressed to share them with Colleen and her family before she was anointed with oil:

“Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain“

Whether in life or death, God has the last word. He will give you and me the courage we need to stand tall and trust Him no matter the outcome of our situation.

Praying for our joy…and hope for the journey.
-Pastor Sabine

Here, Colleen is wrapped with people’s prayers through her quilt as her daughter and mother look on following the anointing service.

During this particular Wednesday which was Veterans Day, we took time to remember the courageous men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way for our nation’s freedom and safety. People like our Men’s Ministry leader, Kevin Shierer who has served honorably in the Marines, and others like Dick Davis, a World War II Veteran came forward for prayer.

A young adult named Jon (not pictured here) felt compelled to come to the meeting that evening. Jon will be sent to Korea in a couple of weeks through the Marines. He sensed his need for prayer and heard that there were people who gathered at a church nearby to pray. So he came. Parents who have their children serving in the US Armed Forces, here and around the world, came forward for special prayer as well.

Pastor Morris prays for Veterans. Also pictured, Kevin Shierer and Dick Davis.

The local Police Officers who came for the first time to H.o.P.E!
We prayed for them and for their families.