Greetings in Christ,
Every year holds the unexpected and unpredictable! This year has been no exception. As you
probably know we began the year, January 1st, 2021, with Elaine in the hospital witha severe
stroke. Her condition medically was "porfound". And that is profoundly bad. She couldn't hardly
function due to the confusion and inability to communicate.
BUT! And I love the "BUTS" of God. All through the scripture there are "BUT......." Where God
shows up either in the situations of the nation of Israel or in individual lives! And in this case, as you
and I began to pray God stepped in and He intervened in Elaine's life once more and she has made
unexpected recovery from where she was on January 1st.
Just before she was discharged from rehab the nurses said that none of them had seen someone as
proroundly bad as Elaine gain as much as she did in the short time she did it.
So, where are we now? Elaine was discharged on January 30th, 2021, and continued home therapy with
speech, physical and occupational. She completed occupational therapy on March 4th, and physical
therapy on March 9th. She will complete speech therapy next Monday, May 3rd. She does still struggle
with words at times, but overall is doing well.
I have continued doing the Haven of Hope ministry through the course of this. I had to make some
adjustments initially, but things are pretty well back in full swing now that Elaine is safe during
the day. Here is a typical week for me:
1) I have an ongoing ministry to 3 gentlemen each Wednesday morning at 6 a.m. via Zoom and individually
in person on occasion. Two of which are in ministry.
2) I meet with a group of young adults in the mentoring capacity each Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m.
3) Every other Friday I meet with Keefe, a young man in global missions that I mentor.
4) I also have 4 young men I meet with throughout the month, with the possibility of 2 more.
5) I continue to do my handyman business in taking care of a number of customers which helps pay the
bills.
6) I am still able at this point to go to Burlington to preach once a month as my daughter-in-law,
Janet, is willing to come spend Saturday night with Elaine while I am gone.
So, in January it looked like I would be a full time caregiver and might have to give up what I have
been doing. "BUT" God showed up. And at this point He has made it possible for me to continue what He
has called me to. And being a good husband to Elaine is a big part of that.
Thank you for being a part of this journey and miracle as you prayed and do pray for us.
Your financial support to keep this ministry going is welcomed and appreciated as well.
In Christ Love, Pastor Rick Messer, Pastor of a church without walls
