Updated News of Tony 11/22/17

  22 November 2017– Updated to 68 listed Prayer Marathon for Tony Callies

          Psalm 50:23 " Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me . . . " 

Tony was able to climb downstairs with 8 steps by himself and also climb upstairs sometimes by himself and sometimes need a person to lean on.  Prayer need is for Tony to be able to exercise his hip to become strong as well as his right arm and shoulder. He shows some improvement. So we thank God for His strengthen and healing power upon Tony and also upon those prayer partners. Thank you for continue to pray. Dorothy

        

1. Mary Tomasian                                                         
2. Celeste Herse and her prayer group                       
3. Sara Smith                                                                 
4. David Corrington                                                     
5. Lucy Schmidt and her prayer group                     

6. Priscilla Mark
7. Christine Loeffler  

8. Dawn Hottinger

9. Connie Martin

10. Dorothy Callies

11. Brenda Harness

12. Diana Kinder

13. Jane Loveland of Utah

14. June Ault

15. Alice Hodgson

16. Janet Nelson

17. Audrey Corrington

18. Mike and Ann Callies, Jr.

19. Cindy Dively and her prayer group

20. Kim Murphy

21. Corina and Aric Schoening

22. Kathryn and Ivan McGillem

23. JoAnne Monahan

24. Ken Monahan

25. Darlene Polson

26. Christine Spink Mitchell, Len and prayer group.

27. Leon Devriendt

28. Melvin and Missy Grey

29. Karen Kidd

30. Paula Hardy

31. David and Joyce Hunter

32. Marilyn Vickers

33. Barb Reu

34. Linda and Michael White 

35. Terry and Suzy Newman

36. Diane Meinders

37. Margie Claussen

38. Lois and Marty Ratterree

39. Brooke Bateman

40. Billy Gipple and National Deaf Culture Fellowship

41. Tammy Newman Pellicer

42. Eugene Robbins

43. Linda Pare & her prayer group

44. Stephanie Wilcox

45. Donna Urban

46. Sandy and Roy Nieukirk

47. Cynthia and Scott McElroy

48. Karen Smith

49. Bridget Timmers

50. Stephen and Jill Valentine

51. Josh Calandrillo

52. Randy and Marti Callies

53. Randall Fennert

54. Roy Cruz

55. Pastor Dale & Wilma Boyd of Canada

56. Becky Reeder

57. Dean and Karen Hardy

58. Dianne Oppriecht

59. Joyce and Roy Bonnett 
60. Joyce Matos  
61. Remy Shaneyfelt

            Anonymous names:

62. Check *

63. Check *

64. Check *

65. Check *

66. Check *

67. Check *

68. Check *

Prayer Need & Testimonies 11/10/16

10 November 2016 - Testimonies and Prayer Requests by Dorothy

Philippians 1:7 “Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart.” [This is Paul’s prayer for Philippians and I like this to be for us as well.]

Remember this? 10/26/16 Jane Loveland of Utah fell and broke bone below her pelvic, went to hospital to get it fix and now in Rehab for recovery.  Please pray for her speedy recovery.  Dorothy PS.  She can’t move her right leg. She is 89 years old. She’s a great prayer warrior. 

Testimony: 11/10/16 Jane Loveland was in wheel chair for a while and she is now home using walker. She is able to walk around slowly.  She fell twice and recently hit her head. Please pray that she becomes stable in walking with her walker.

Remember this? 10/26/16 Dianne Oppreicht of Wisc talked with me on VP that she went to ER again for her shingles and they used corn starch over it and it started to heal.

Testimony: 11/1/16 Dianne Oppreicht on VP said that her shingles are completely healed. She is thankful for your prayers.  Now she needs prayer for pain all over her body. Her doctor cannot give her anymore pain pills because it affects her kidneys. Her only hope is our prayers for her.

Prayer Requests:

11/10/16 Tony Callies on November 11, 2016, on Friday morning, he will have biopsy on his head, tiny spot that won’t heal and to remove the skin cancer and be tested a few times until it is completely cleared.  Please pray for him.  Thanks! Dorothy

10/26/16 Martha Clements: I have a prayer request!

My only granddaughter, Kira, aged 18 years old, is flying to Reno, with a stopover in L.A. To visit her best friend, Manny, her school-mate, and he is a boy, black, and nice boy. I am asking the Lord to protect her during both flights, going to and coming home, and to protect her from Manny. She does NOT drink or smoke but i fear of Manny who is in Reno for college, and you know how college kids become alcoholic while at college.

So I am asking the Lord to protect her with a league of angels to protect her from evil and from Manny. I thank you all for praying for my only grandchild. Yes, she is the only grandchild I have. Thank you! God be with you all as i pray for you all with your requests. God bless you all, Martha Clements.

News from #19 Prayer Requests 11/30/15

Note: Steve passed away on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 5,2015. Pray for family's comfort and prayer support. May the Lord comforts the family.

Note: Betty Jo and Dallas Bennewitz and his son, Brad had arrived to Fort Myers, Florida on Saturday, November 7, 2015 safely into their freshly painted apartment to where they could afford monthly rent. Great rejoicing time for family to see Betty Jo and Dallas once again after 17 years of being away from their homeland. 

#19 Nov 2 Prayer Request and Praise Report

#19 Nov 2, 2015 - Prayer Request and Praise Report by Dorothy Callies

Deuteronomy 33:3, 27 NCV, “The Lord surely loves His people and takes care of all those who belong to Him. They bow down at His feet, and they are taught by Him. The everlasting God is your place of safety, and His arms will hold you up forever. He will force your enemy out ahead of you, saying, “Destroy the enemy!” 

11/1/15 Jeanne Reis of Oregon requests prayer: My husband, Steve decided to take off dialysis since he had been on it for six years. He is dying and soon will be going home to heaven. He will be at Hospice. Please pray for the comforts and peace that Steve needs. Pray for God’s presence to be real to Steve and prepare Him home to heaven. Also I have had finger trigger surgery on my left hand and asked for speedy recovering. The next surgery for my right hand finger trigger and please pray for the guidance of Surgeon. I really appreciate your prayers. Jeanne [Note: Steve passed away on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 5th. Pray for family's comfort and prayer support.]

Praise Report from this date of April 29^th.

April 29, 2015: Dorothy Callies of Illinois: I know you have been praying for me since March 11 when my healthcare Insurance denied the coverage for fistula surgery. There were several phone calls between my doctor and the insurance and me. My appeals went through and a week later until April 24, the Insurance called to say that they accept the coverage and to go ahead with the surgery. So I met the Doctor today and he explained the procedure of “plug” and it should be helpful so I am scheduled for surgery on Tuesday morning on May 12^th. So my prayer is believing for a miracle that everything would be resolved so thank you for praying for me that the health insurance would be approved. 

11/1/15 Praise Report from Dorothy Callies: I just forgot to mention that the surgery done at Surgery Center for fistula was all paid for 100% by Healthcare Insurance. After surgery of May 12^th, it took three months for it to heal itself and finally the bleeding stopped. Then came the Doctor’s personal bill almost $2,000 and I called the Insurance and eventually they covered most of it until the balance of $192.00. I was waiting for that bill so I called. Surprisely, the Insurance said that they haven’t send it. The computer shows that it was still pending and possible that other source of Insurance might pay some of it or whatever. I really called that a miracle. Truly, God was at work although it took some times doing it. I give God the praise for hearing our prayers. I praise Him!

11/2/15 Betty Jo and Dallas Bennewitz of Rockford, Illinois request prayer for their safe trip with moving Truck and a hitched car while Dallas’ son, Brad is driving to Fort Myers, Florida. They will stop by Bloomington, Illinois for the night and I will certainly miss them. The story about Betty Jo and Dallas had left Florida 17 years ago in search of their deep spiritual hunger for God. Eventually, they found us and held on to us for spiritual training, guidance and growth. Now they are returning to be reunited with their families. Their testimony was that they had learned so much during that time. They are ready to share how great God was to them with their friends and families. Seventeen years ago, they left Florida hungry for God and now they are returning to Florida full of God’s lives in them. Amazing grace! How sweet God is toward them!

11/1/15 News: The Deaf Church of B/N just celebrated Ruth Eckstein's birthday who became 80 years old. She moved to Urbana, Illinois to live with her daughter, Kay and her husband, Jack.

Watch and Pray

"Watch and pray always, that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" Luke 21:36.

"And in the day time He was teaching in the temple; and at night He went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. And all the people came early in the morning to Him in the temple, for to hear Him" Luke 21:37-38.

Reference: "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them" John 8:1-2. 

Impressive that all the people came early in the morning to hear Him teach His Word!

Prayer Request for 11/24 & Shelley's prayers

Carol Staples of Maine - Prayer Request:

Please pray for my brother Edison Doughty for Nov. 24 surgery on his right knee.  He had surgery on his left knee last month.  It was hard for me to practice walking daily.  I am 6 years older than him.  He needs lots of prayers please.  Thank you for all your prayers for my dear brother.  He believes in prayers.  God bless you all abundantly.

Shelley Guinn's prayer: Let's pray...

Father, I am praying for Edison to recover well from the knee surgery. I believe You are working in his life now, restoring health in his body. Thank You for revealing the power of Your words that change water to wine, heal the lame to walk, give sight to blind and many, many more miracles. Thank You for Edison believing You and the power of prayers in Your name. Help him to believe more. In Jesus' trusting name that is above every name, amen and amen.

Shelley's Anointing prayers #34

Glory to God!!! Thank You for answering prayers of Nick's excellent health recovery. Thank You for touching Janet's life with a wonderful testimony of Your goodness.

Father, You are ALWAYS good. I know You love Your children deeply. I also know that it is Your will for Your children to be healthy and whole. Let Your peace reign strong in Dorothy and Sandy when they meet their medical practitioners about their health and make wise decisions.

I pray for Your wisdom and answers through the surgeon be clear to Dorothy for the next steps. Guide her to make the right decision for her health. She has confidence in Your Word and Holy Spirit. Thank You that You are with her and leading her in Your Will.

Guide the doctor and team well who are performing eye surgery on Sandy. Let her experience great peace that only comes from You, beyond her understanding. Restore eye sight perfectly in Sandy's right eye. Thank You for watching over her now, throughout the surgery and recovery time. I pray for a successful surgery with excellent results. Thank You for seeing prayers offered on their behalf. In Jesus' name we trust and love, amen and so be it.

#34 Nov 22 Praise Report

#34 November 22, 2014 - Report and Prayer Requests by Dorothy

Psalm 126:3b “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”

Lucy Schmidt came home from Lancaster, California about a week ago since Nick was now at home and he was getting better. Lucy send a text message and said, “From my son Nick’s message.”

Nick: “Good news! I can drive again and my neurosurgeon at UCLA was very happy with my progress with recovery! He was impressed how quick I am recovering!!! Awesome!!!”

Nick asked Lucy: “Will u please info I am much appreciated power in prayer from people’s unity agree believe God heal that I am very inspire from the people unity prayer become power. I am deeply grateful for them. God bless His people who volunteered to pray for me.”

Janet Memenga had another knee surgery completed and now she has lost 30 pounds. She looks wonderful because she had asked the deaf church and also the pastor to come and pray for her before the surgery. She believes that God would answer prayer for her speedy recovering and she is doing well. She wants to thank you for your marvelous prayer answered. She is looking forward to go back to work at State Farm.

Dorothy Callies: I am requesting your prayer since I will be seeing Surgeon this Nov. 26 to check and discuss the case. It is personal so please wait. Also just pray for my glaucoma eyes to get better.

Sandy Nieukirk is requesting your prayer since she will have surgery on her right eye to remove the blood clot on Thursday, Dec. 4^th. She would not be able to work for 7 days. She works part time at Federal Express.

Lucy's son, Nick

My dear prayer warrior,

Lucy's son, Nick is home since two days. Lucy is staying with Nick for
2-3 weeks more to be sure everything would be okay with Nick.

Lucy and Nick battled against the situation at the other hospital when
the doctors wanted to do more surgeries instead of one. Finally, Nick
was send to UCLA hospital with more advanced doctors and tech that
Nick needs. After nine days stay at the UCLA hospital, Nick was able to
go home. He had no cancer, and no tumors left. Dyed into his body was
tested with MRI to make sure all were cleared.

Lucy wants to thank you all for prayers and supports. It is a miracle that
Nick is home now. He looks good.

Dorothy

Hope Series 25 Part 2

Job 38:1 - The Lord answered Job from the whirlwind, "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words."

        Theme: Job's Patience -  Who is This?
Here are the few things I notice of how God deals with the situation with Job. This shows me that God was aware of all kind of conversations between Job and his four friends. It was when Job and his four friends were finally at silence for the lost of words at the end of chapter 37. Then "BOOM" . . .  God entered the scene with a grand opening with His appearance of whirlwind to Job.  Whoa! That must be something! We would love this, won't we? The Lord answered Job from the whirlwind, "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words" (Job 38:1).

Surprisingly, God didn't answer any of Job's questions; Job's questions were not at the heart of issue. Instead, God used Job's ignorance (lack of knowledge, education, or awareness) of the earth's natural order to reveal Job's ignorance of God's moral order. If Job did not understand the workings of God's physical creation, how could he possibly understand God's mind and character?

So God asked him questions. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? (38:4).  Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? (39:1a). Take a look at the mighty hippopotamus. I made it, just like I MADE YOU (39:15). God asked Job several questions about the animal kingdom in order to demonstrate how limited Job's knowledge really was. God was not seeking answers from Job. Instead, He was getting Job to recognize and submit to God's power and sovereignty. Only then could Job hear what God was really saying to him.

Then the Lord said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You (Job) are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" (40:1-2) We could reply with Job to the Lord and say, "I am nothing--how could I ever find the answers? I will put my hand over my mouth in silence. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say." (40:3-5 QVLAB)

Then Job replied to the Lord. "I know that You can do anything, and no one can stop You. You ask, 'Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I. And I was talking about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me. I have heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance" (Job 42:1-3, 5-6 QVLAB).

Job humbled himself to the Lord and because Job kept trusting God, God rewarded Job. Job lived 140 years. After that, Job lived to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. He died an old man who had lived a long good life (Job 42:16-17).

You will be rewarded when you keep your HOPE in God and keep trusting Him! He loves you that much!

Dorothy

Hope Series 24 Part 1

James 5:8 - "You, too, must be patient. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE because the Lord is coming soon."

                    Theme: Job's Patience
In the New Testament, James used Job as an example of encouragement. James 5:11:a "You have heard about Job’s patience, and you know the Lord’s purpose for him in the end. You know the Lord is full of mercy and is kind" (NCV).  James 5:8 " You, too, must be patient. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE because the Lord is coming soon."

When Job was in grief, he wanted to give up, to be freed from his comfort, and to die. Do you ever felt like that? Know something? God did not grant Job's request. Maybe that's why God did not alway grant our wishes. God had a greater plan for Job so God has a greater plan for you as well.  Job trusted God when things were easy and he had everything. But when difficult times came, Job was tested and often beyond his limits.

So I would like to share a few things I noticed of how God dealt the situations with Job. His friends tried to figure out "why Job was suffering." After many days of speeches from his four friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu to Job, they had came to the end when they could not find the "word of wisdoms" to comfort Job's suffering. Job was miserable and despair and he began to lose hope. Sometimes we might felt like Job and questioned, "Does God care when I am suffering?" Surprisingly, the Bible will tell us that. (The next Hope 25, Part 2 will lead to deeper subject).

Suddenly, the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind, "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words" (Job 38:1).  Out of a whirlwind, God spoke! He cares! Oh yes He cares! There's a song called, "Does Jesus Care?"

 Chorus: Does Jesus Care?
O yes, He cares; I know He cares;
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary,
the long night dreary,
I know my Savior cares. . . .
(Lyrics: Frank E. Graeff)

Yes, God is a caring God!  Believe this!

Dorothy

Hope Series 23

1 Peter 1:3-4 KJV
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a LIVELY HOPE by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you."

                Theme: Lively Hope and/or Living Hope
 
Tony and I were reading Billy Graham's book, "Nearing Home," and he wrote about the closing part on "Don't live without hope." A short story about a young man who wrote to Billy that he believed that once you are dead, that's it. Life after death is just a myth.

Billy's reply came from his heart. "Your letter deeply saddened me," he wrote, "because it means you are living without hope--hope for this life, and hope for the life to come. Have you honestly faced how empty and meaningless this will make your life?" Then Billy urged the young man to turn to Jesus Christ and put his life into His hands, for He alone can give us hope for the future. What would our lives be like without any hope of life beyond the grave? (Note from page 167, Nearing Home by Billy Graham).

It is good to repeat the scriptures and read it again, the "living hope" from NCV: 1 Peter 1:3-4 --3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again into a LIVING HOPE, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. 4Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you."

It reminds me of the words in song: "My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand." It is written by Edward Mote from Sing His Praise, "The Solid Rock."

May the Lord bless our  lively hope because Jesus Christ rose from the dead!

Dorothy

Hope Series 22

Colossians 1:27 " . . . Christ in you, the HOPE of glory."
Theme: Hope of Glory and Songs

Christ's living in me is my HOPE and my assurance of future glory and eternal life. It is only through His indwelling (living in my heart) and my continual close communion with Him can remove my doubts about my home in heaven. To have Jesus in my heart is to have life in Him. That is my hope of glory, hope of my heavenly home. I like the songs that gives me "hope of glory, my heavenly home" with Christ.

Song: Heavenly Sunlight
In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises gladly I'm walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.
Chorus:
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine;
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.
(Henry J. Zelley, Sing His Praise)

Song: I Feel Like Traveling On
1. My heavenly home is bright and fair,
I feel like traveling on.
Nor pain, nor death can enter there,
I feel like traveling on.
Chorus:
Yes, I feel like traveling on,
I feel like traveling on;
My heavenly home is bright and fair,
I feel like traveling on.

2. The Lord has been so good to me,
I feel like traveling on.
Until that blessed home I see,
I feel like traveling on.
Chorus:
Yes, I feel like traveling on,
I feel like traveling on;
My heavenly home is bright and fair,
I feel like traveling on.
(Lyrics: William Hunter, Sing His Praise)

I remember Johnny Berry, Rev. Bea Berry's husband who loves to sing that song, "I Feel Like Traveling On" during my time in 1960's in the former Riverside Deaf Church in California (the deaf church moved in different town where Rev. Tom and Joyce Mathers are now the pastors. They build a new deaf church.)

May the Lord bring hope of glory in your heart today!

Dorothy

Hope Series 21

Colossians 1:23b
" . . . be not moved away from the HOPE of the gospel . . . "

Theme: Be Not Moved Away from Hope.

The second topic that impressed me was, "be not moved away from the hope of the gospel." Colossians 1:23 "If ye continued in the faith grounded and settled, and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I, Paul am made a minister."

What would that be which might cause us to "be moved away from the hope of the gospel?" What was Paul, the Epistle writer, talked about? Let's search the scriptures.

There are two words, grounded and settled. Paul used those words that our faith can be grounded and settled with the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that our faith would not be shaken so easily when someone comes to us with the different kind of teachings. It is important to "be grounded and settled" with the "doctrines of Jesus Christ."

"... He (you) that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he (you) have both the Father and the Son" (2 John 1:9).  Where do we find the doctrines or the teachings of Jesus Christ? The four books of the gospel are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. And the book of Acts which was the evidence of the gospel.

For example: Someone comes to you and say, "There is another kind of gospel . . . " which has a different kind of teachings that are not of Christ.

What would you do? I would search the scriptures like Galatians 1:7-12. These verses explained that the Bible clearly affirms that there is only one gospel, "the gospel of Christ".  It has to come through "the revelation of Jesus Christ" and "the inspiration of the Holy Spirit". Also John, the Beloved said, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God" 2John 1:9.

When you know there's only one way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. Then let us not be moved away from our hope of the gospel which is our Savior and our Redeemer!

So let us be true to our Lord Jesus Christ!

Dorothy

Hope Series 20

Colossians 1:23b
" . . . be not moved away from the HOPE of the gospel, which ye have heard . . . "

Do you remember when you first heard the gospel of Jesus  Christ? What did you used to believe before? For me, I used to believe that I, automatically, was a Christian when I went with my family to church while I was growing up. The theme, "the  gospel of Jesus Christ" did not have any impact on me. While growing up, I wore hearing aid, but the words were not always clear to my concept of understanding. I didn't learn sign language then.

I went to California School for Deaf in Riverside and there I learned sign language at the age of 13. I went to Deaf Family Camp at Pinecrest and there was a lady evangelist who preached in sign language, came to me personally, "Have you asked Jesus to come into your heart"? I respond that I go to "church" and that I was a Christian. She asked me again, and again until I realized that I did not ask Jesus to come into my heart. I was really surprised that this was what "the gospel of Jesus Christ" was all about.

So the question is, "Have you truly invite Jesus to come into your heart?" Revelation 3:20 Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock . . ." Where would Jesus do that? At your heart! So when you open your heart to Jesus, you would say, "Come into my heart!" Jesus said, "I will come in . . ." and He will fellowship with you.

This is our hope of the gospel was when we first heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and this is when we invited Him into our life. This is my favorite song, "Come Into My Heart."

Song: Into My Heart
Into my heart, into my heart
Come into my heart Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay.
Come into my heart Lord Jesus.
(Inspiring Choruses)

So let's invite Him today!

Dorothy

PS. If someone say: Well, Jesus already lives in my heart. Yes, that is true! This is a simple reminder of how we have asked Jesus into our hearts. I just love to do this because this inspired me again and again just to feel closer to Him. And just so I don't lose out with Him when we might easily forget. Like Bread + Wine Communion, Jesus said, "Do this often to remember Me."

Hope Series 19

Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose HOPE the Lord is.

What would happen if a person decided not to put his or her hope in God? Sometimes there might be questions: "Is it worth to keep our hope in God? What  if I decided that it would be easier just to give it up?" Surprise that God has something to say to us about that!

"This is what The Lord says: Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, WITH NO HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. They will live in the barren wilderness on the salty flats where no one lives." Jeremiah 17:5-6 NLT.

What would we as a person be like when we keep on trusting the Lord and keep our hope in God?

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They shall be like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT.

This should encourage us that we did the right thing to keep on trusting the Lord and our hope is in God who promised to meet our needs.

So let us keep trusting the Lord!

Dorothy

Song: Keep Me True
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;
There's a race that I must run,
There are victories to be won.
Give me power, every hour, to be true.
(Inspiring Choruses)

Hope Series 18

Ephesians 6:17
"And take the helmet of salvation . . . "

 Theme: Helmet of Hope
Are you struggling with problems within yourself? What are you thinking of? Sometimes our mind are open to any thought that comes our ways unexpectedly.  Even if you may wonder, "Where did those thoughts came from?"

Paul, the epistle writer,  knows this so well which he advised us to take the helmet of salvation. The word salvation means, saving a person from danger or evil or even sins. Saving us from whom? Our fight are against the devil's tricks (Eph. 6:11). How do we do something about it?  If you know the powerful word, TAKE. It means to lay hold of. It is like 'grasp' such as 'take my hand'. Another meaning for TAKE is to capture every thought and put it under the helmet of saving us from downfall with wrong thoughts.

 So Holy Spirit is encouraging us to TAKE "the helmet of salvation”, which is “the hope of salvation” (1 Thess. 5:8). When we struggle with our thoughts, we have the power to speak God's word, "I put on the helmet which is the hope of salvation for me." It feels good to know that God's Word is there for us.

So praise the Lord, we have helmet of hope!

Dorothy

Hope Series 17

Our Guest is Dean Hardy of Canada and his testimony of hope about Jonathan.

God’s Everlasting Faithfulness Gives Us Hope Each Day

Psalm 111:1-4 ncv – 1 Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with His godly people. 2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in Him should ponder them. 3 Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. 4 He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

These past few weeks have been quite a rollercoaster ride for those of us who are family and friends of Jonathan, one of our new leaders in Ottawa Valley Deaf Church.

Several weeks ago—Sunday, September 16—I was out of town at a family wedding with my wife and oldest daughter. While we were waiting for the reception to start,  I received some bad news—Jonathan had collapsed in a store and was without a heartbeat for at least 25 minutes. Someone tried CPR, then paramedics arrived 10 minutes later, but it took another 15 minutes of working on him to get his heart going again. At the hospital they put him into a medically induced coma and kept his body as cool as possible to protect the brain from possible swelling. At that time it was not looking good. We immediately began to pray and asked many others churches to pray. Jon would need a miracle. But the Lord was already at work. Ruth his new wife of less than one year was at work and Jon decided to go to the store to pick up a few things before church. If he had been at home there would have been no one to call 911 and Jon would not be with us.

I was unable to get to the hospital until Monday evening, Sept 17, but a couple of our Deaf church leaders had already been to the hospital to spend time supporting Ruth and the family in prayer and encouragement. Jon became a Christian only a year and a half ago, but has been growing in his faith. Just recently he had taken on leadership responsibilities in our church. He and Ruth were looking forward to celebrating their first anniversary which falls on October 8th.  My son and I married this wonderful couple outdoors on a beautiful fall day on October 8th—God truly has blessed them. Now this!

There were many questions—would Jon ever wake up again—had he suffered brain damage from being out for so long—would he ever be the same—would he be able to go back to work (he’s only 50)???? So all week long we waited and prayed—waited and prayed—waited and prayed some more. People all over were praying. Someone even called the local Christian radio station to ask people to pray. The doctors and nurses were positive and encouraging, but with the brain no one could say anything definite until he woke up. But the Lord encouraged us all week to keep trusting Him to take care of Jon. Dorothy Callies’ devotional series on hope during this time was a very timely encouragement.

As I prayed over Jon on Wednesday evening, Sept. 19th during the first week of our vigil, a peace settled on my heart. On the drive home, about ten minutes in, I decided to turn on my MP3 player on my phone. The first song that came on was Twila Paris’ The Battle is the Lord’s. This was an encouraging reminder of God’s sovereignty. Young David declared this to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:47. Goliath had been mocking David—who was only a young teenager with no battle experience—and his God. He told Goliath that God was in control and would give him the victory in this situation which seemed humanly impossible. Our friend Jonathan’s situation seemed impossible, but again and again God assured us He was in control.

The doctors postponed waking him up several times to make sure the conditions were right. There was concern he would wake up in a panic like many patients do. We prayed for the peace of Jesus to settle on his heart. After another postponement on Friday, Sept. 21st, we all went home thinking it would be another 2-3 days. But Saturday morning—September 22nd—after sleeping for 6 days, Jon woke up quietly, peacefully. After he was able to focus a little he signed “I love you” to his wife, Ruth. What joy we experienced as one by one, we rushed back to the hospital to watch this miracle unfold. Even though he was still very groggy and confused, Jonathan recognized everyone who came into the room and signed ILY to each one. The next day, Sunday, Sept. 23rd, he was still in a very confused state—but all day he did two things repeatedly. He said, “Praise the Lord” and insisted on laying hands on each person who visited to ask God’s blessing on them. Even though some of the details were still mixed up it was amazing how much he remembered—names, places, events. A close cousin who visited commented at how free and uninhibited his praise and worship of God was—it was a joy to watch.

The following Monday, Sept. 24th, he was talking much more, but still somewhat confused—however, each day he was a little better than the day before. On Wednesday, September 26th Jonathan was moved out of the Coronary Care Unit into a regular room. When I visited him on the Thursday, Sept. 27th, of that week he was himself, the Jon we all know and love. He was communicating clearly and seemed back to normal. The doctors still don’t know why he collapsed so suddenly on September the 16th, or how he recovered so well. But we who are the Lord’s people know—it was our God, the Great Physician who protected Jon’s mind and has brought him back to us. Although they are still unsure of what caused the 25 minute heart stoppage the doctors put in an internal defibrillator as a precaution if this happens again. Jonathan finally went home Friday, October 5th just before Canadian Thanksgiving and their 1st anniversary on October 8th—Thanksgiving Monday. We all had much to be thankful for with that extra blessing—thank You Lord.

A verse that came to me on the Sunday morning after he woke up, was 2 Chronicles 16:9a ncv.“The Lord searches all the earth for people who have given themselves completely to Him. He wants to make them strong. . . .” In the NKJV it says He wants “to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” God is looking for opportunities to show the world His power, grace and mercy through those who trust Him. His gracious actions give us hope each day—even those days which seem dark, frightening, when God appears silent. We know we can trust Him no matter what happens—Our God reigns and He is fully in control!  (End)

I hope you read this far. Prayer for Jonathan is needed as he will see his doctor for his first check up this week. We pray, oh Lord for Your continuing mighty miracles on Jonathan's life. We believed and we received. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Dorothy Callies

Hope Series 16

We have a guest, Rhoda Nelson of Minnesota who wrote the song and she said:
"Can't wait! Want to send you one of my favorite songs I wrote. Its how I feel!"

November 2, 2012
Hope Series 16 Song for the Day

Colossians 3:16
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly . . . singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

"Homesick For Heaven"
 1. God made this world its beauty you can see;
He made the stars. He made the honey bee.
He gave His life for every human heart.
That's why I sing My God How Great Thou Art!
Chorus:
Now I'm homesick for heaven.
 I long my dear Saviour to see.
I know He will greet me when the pearly gates open for me.

2. Christ promised me a mansion over there.
He said "be true and trust me everywhere".
And though the path be rugged to that land,
I long to see the nail prints in His hand.
Chorus:
That's why I'm homesick for heaven.
I long my dear Saviour to see.
I know He will greet me when the pearly gates open for me.

3. I kneel in prayer; I look up in His face.
Then I thank the Lord for His redeeming Grace,
But how my heart longs for that blessed day,
When up in Heaven all tears are wiped away.
Chorus:
That's why I'm homesick for heaven.
I long my dear Saviour to see,
I know He will greet me when the pearly gates open for me.

4. Down here below my body's wracked with pain,
My spirit's free for peace within me reigns.
But someday soon upon that golden shore,
There'll be no pain, no suffering evermore.
Chorus:
That's why I'm homesick for heaven.
I long my dear Saviour to see,
I know He will greet me when the pearly gates open for me.
(Song written and Copyright by Rhoda Nelson)

There are other favorite songs of Rhoda:
Chorus medley:
1. My Home is in Heaven
2. I've Got a Mansion
3 It Will Be Worth it All.

Oh may the Lord bless you real good!

Dorothy