This week is part of a long-planned family reunion for us with my parents and brothers. Because such times only come around once every four years or so we cherish the opportunities to get together.
Last week I asked you to pray for Pastor Jim Oesterwind. He has been diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma. His first round of chemotherapy went poorly and the medical staff reduced his doseage. It is apparent that there are still many questions about his prognosis and treatment. Continue to pray for him. Remember he has five small children and was preparing to take the reins as senior pastor of the church at which he has served for many years.
In Mongolia, Ganaa is suffering from severe, debilitating allergies. There are so severe and she has been unable to find relief. She recently went to a shaman (practitioner of animism) seeking relief. By God's grace, she has not found relief from the shaman either. There are several unknowns about this situation. Ganpurev is to talk to her or perhaps already talked to her. Here are the prayer requests that I believe align themselves with God's will.
First, please pray for Ganpurev to have wisdom in approaching this situation. Any involvement by a church member with animism is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. But as with any child, the manner of addressing the issue is very important.
Second, God obviously has a purpose in allowing Ganaa to experience this circumstance. Pray that Ganaa will have the spiritual discernment and wisdom to understand at least some of God's purpose and find encouragement in knowing God's purpose for her life.
Third, we are told that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we can find hope. I believe that one purpose God has is to mature Ganaa spiritually. My desire is for Ganpurev to have the wisdom to see this and the spiritual leadership to lead Ganaa into a better understanding of the hope that she has.
Fourth, we know that God can glorify Himself through healing people. Particularly in an animistic or superstitious society, the power of God to heal can be a potent attraction leading people to the true God. Please join me in praying for direction to know how we should pray. Should we pray for God to heal Ganaa or should we pray for her to persevere and hope in God?
Now to share an answer to our prayers: doctors recently told Tonga, who was battling stomach cancer, that her cancer is in remission. This is an answer to our prayers. Continue to pray for her salvation and that her healing would not lead her farther from her Creator but closer to her Savior.
Knowing that you are joining with me in prayer is a tremendous encouragement to me.
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