Greetings from Minneapolis, Minnesota where we arrived Monday afternoon after a very fruitful week of ministry at the Peoples Church Global Outreach Conference. It was a great joy for Mary Ann and me to make many new friends, see the Hoopers and Seilings (mentioned in our April 28 update) and get reacquainted with Peoples Church. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is said to be the most diverse "gateway" city in the world and Peoples certainly reflects it with 76 "mother tongues" represented in their multi-ethnic congregation. We, along with other missionaries, were received with warm hearts, open arms and served delicious hospitality. Peoples supports ministries, missionaries and projects across the GTA, Canada and the world so they're very generous with their giving but their power comes from their ladies prayer group which meets every Wednesday. When Mary Ann and I attended this meeting it was like we were long-time friends because they asked about many items and people we write about. We were super blessed because the last time I was with Peoples was in 1994 and this was Mary Ann's first time with them. Thanks for praying about this trip, however, I'm writing you today to ask for prayer for a couple very important items.
1. I saw Dr. Quiram, my retina doctor yesterday, and it was determined that the medicine she injected into my left eye April 24 had little or no effect so tomorrow I'll have another out-patient "peeling" surgery to remove scar tissue that has built up over the retina. Thankfully she won't inject gas so I don't need to keep my head down for 24 hours after the procedure so I'm grateful for that. Dr. Quiram said this isn't an emergency but it would need to be done in the next few months so now is the time to do it. Friday I'll have a post-op check-up and if everything is okay we'll go to Spokane, Washington to see Danny and Micah Ann Scott (our daughter) for a week. Pray please this procedure will improve my filmy vision.
2. May 5 Mary Ann's mother, Mary, had unexpected surgery on one of her artificial knees to remove a severe infection and insert a new cartilage and so far her recovery has been very challenging. Before we went to Toronto Mary was brought to urgent care due to back pain and fever but her condition worsened thus her surgery. She was moved into a different facility today where they will keep her on antibiotics and provide physical therapy. Pray for Mary's recovery, her husband Pastor John and the entire Hartzell family because decisions need to be made regarding future needs.
These two items, of course, effect Mary Ann and me so we're prepared to delay our scheduled return to Manila May 21 if needed. Pray for God's wisdom, guidance, the medical people involved, finances needed and healing. The past few days I've been meditating on and praying through Luke 12: 6-7 (NKJV) in which Jesus comforts each of us who know and love Him: "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Friends our heavenly Father knows each of His children intimately, who know Him through faith in His Son Jesus Christ, He cares for us, He is guiding our steps, stops and delays (Psalm 37:23) and provides our daily needs. Therefore let's be comforted in His personal, loving, active care for His children and not fear. Thank-you for reflecting God's love by your loving prayerful concern for us and we love you in the Lord Jesus. We'll update you.
Your hands and feet in Manila,
Jeff
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