September Update

I haven't posted anything for a couple of weeks now, so I thought it was time to write a few things.  The Lord has provided so wonderfully for us through His people in the church and school community. Visits, phone calls, email, cards, meals, house cleaning, cutting the lawn, doing my physio, staying with me so that Lena could run errands, are examples of the help we have been given. Our children, and even our grandchildren, have been so supportive and helpful as well.

Our ALS journey has been particularly difficult for my elderly parents. My father is 91 years old and my mother is 85. They would love to trade places with me in a heartbeat. It is not easy for them to see me deteriorate.

I cannot go to church anymore, but I am thankful for the church telephone and Sermon Audio. I am still eating and drinking but difficulty breathing is becoming my biggest physical challenge. I have to say that my greatest emotional loss is the lack of ability to communicate with my wife, my family and visitors. I am slowly being imprisoned in my body, and left with my own thoughts and ideas.

The Lord has a lot of work to do in order to make me fit for His kingdom. God is teaching me to be patient as I wait for others to do things for me. I now realize how good I had it when I was healthy. I am slowly being stripped of all my physical abilities, privacy, pride, self - righteousness and left
to depend on God alone.

During one of his pastoral visits, Pastor Pronk encouraged me to follow the Good Shepherd wherever He leads, even through the dark valleys and difficult places, because the end is good. I often think about that statement, and I
am trying to live that out hour by hour, but it is not always easy to do. I take comfort in the words of the apostle Paul: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19)

Jack.