Negatives Mixed with Positives
Jul 31
So, this past month Gary got hit with it and nicely passed it along to me – that being COVID! Grr, not pleasant. We have been able to evade this nasty virus ever since it arrived on the scene, but maybe we contracted it this time via our weekly trip to the grocery store and handling the grocery cart. Who knows! Any way, we were able to get Pax Lovid, the medication to combat it and after five days we were somewhat back to normal even with some harsh after affects. We are very grateful for the country we live in to be able to access such help when we need it. Our recommendation is to have an up-to-date COVID Test kit on hand which can be freely obtained from the drug store.
Our friends in Myanmar are continuing to live in fear in their town of Pyin Oo Lwin. Thomas reported recently, “The News that we heard every day were bad, the fighting will be marching to Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay. If the Northeast of Shan State towns and cities were taken over than they will march to Pyin Oo Lwin. Now, only three important towns left.” Last week we were able to send them money to purchase four bags of rice – one bag lasting one week. They are also rejoicing over the safe birth of their baby girl Grace Sung (family). They wanted Gary and me to provide a middle name, so Gary suggested Lois meaning most beautiful which they very much liked resulting in “most beautiful family by the grace of God.” This little girl will be well taken care of by her two older brothers and eight orphan siblings. As you might know the meaning of names is very important in various cultures around the world. Maybe this good news will help eat away at their constant fear.
Our lead pastor, Scott Lockhart and his family return home to Ontario this week after their two-week visit to BC where his parents run a Christian children’s camp on Pinder Island. A lot will be facing them as they get back to work at bringing in enough income from their Healthy Homes Cleaning business they have set up in Milton. Government paperwork is completed for their ongoing fostering of their 12-year-old daughter, Lieza. Scott is now trained to do Walk Through the Bible Old Testament events at churches he can book. Scott connected with some Christian couples who agreed to join us this next Sunday, August 4 at our Hillside church. Please pray that they will remember to attend and be encouraged to keep coming.
Throughout our daily lives we constantly experience negatives mixed with positives, ups combined with downs, taking one step forward but too often two back. I am encouraged by Jesus’ words from John 16:33 which help me cope, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Are you encouraged by these words too?
Wow, another holiday weekend is coming up. This summer is going by too quickly!
Take care,
Wendy