In light of our current circumstances with Benjamin's tumor, I thought it would be appropriate to look back at a story of God's healing. With the outcome unknown, and at times feeling quite a bit of anxiety and uncertainty, it has been good for me to look in our Memorial Box and remind myself of the many, many times that God has been faithful to us. He has carried us through, and I'm certain He will again.
So, on with a story that I posted about a couple of years ago. In June of 2009 our family had the opportunity to take a vacation to Ohio and on up through Canada then back home. Our main reason for the trip was to participate in the Philip Hayden Foundation reunion that Salem Church of God was hosting. This amazing church more than covered the cost of Elijah’s heart surgery that took place in China shortly after he arrived at PHF. Here is what we shared with the congregation:
It is a blessing and an honor for our family to be here today. It was just over two years ago that as a family we chose to sponsor a special young boy, half a world away, that was in need of much healing. At that time we were unaware of you and you were unaware of us. But through His guiding hand and the obedience of each of us to His calling, we are now all together in one place.
On June 20, 2007 Elijah underwent major yet very successful heart surgery. Just two months after that God began to work on our hearts and plant in us the desire to be more than a sponsorship family for Elijah, but to be his permanent family. I began to scour the Internet trying to make connections with anyone and everyone connected to the Philip Hayden Foundation. I received an email from a lady who’s congregation had raised funds for Elijah’s heart surgery and who said that they continually prayed for Elijah and a family for him. That lady was Heather Bench. I distinctly remember feeling an instantaneous and overwhelming debt of gratitude towards this congregation. You had taken care of our son in a time of his great need, when we were unable to do so. I wondered how we would ever be able to thank you, and imagined that one day we would to travel to Ohio to thank you in person.
Now fast forward to this last January when our family traveled to a very special place in Tianjin, Shepherd’s Field, to meet our son. In our one and half years of pursuing Elijah we saw God move many mountains to make this adoption possible. We were continually amazed at His faithfulness in working to give Elijah a family. Without a doubt it was part in thanks to the prayers of faithful ones like you who shared in God’s calling to care for orphans and the least of these. On January 8 of this year our desire to have Elijah as a part of our family became a reality. Our hearts were very full. We continue to be blessed as we witness great transformation taking place in Elijah’s life.
It is with humble and grateful hearts that we are here to express our thanks to this congregation, to the children of VBS 2007, and to the leadership of the orphan outreach ministry team. Your love, prayers, and practical outreach to cover the cost of Elijah’s heart surgery have transformed his life both physically and spiritually. May you be blessed and encouraged by seeing the fruit of your efforts here today. May you continue to do His work faithfully and earnestly to make a real difference in the lives of children in need.
Elijah stood with Chris and I as we shared with the congregation. After Chris was done speaking, Elijah said, “Thank you for helping my heart.” I don’t think there was a dry eye in the audience! We now have a Salem card in our Memorial Box as a standing stone to remind us of God's care through Salem. A heart healed, in more ways than one.
So, as we anticipate Benjamin's surgery on Thursday to remove the tumor, it is good to be reminded of God's care over our health concerns. He healed one son and now we are begging him to heal the other. These boys, both life loving and full of energy, bring much joy to us. We know God has a great plan for each of their lives. We are trusting in Him, for we know no other way.
The boys in 2009:
The boys in 2011:
3 comments:
We well remember sitting in that church back in 2009 and hearing your testimony and Elijah's words. Our eyes were certainly filled to overflowing with tears. In fact, that was such an emotional time all around. Meeting Tim and Pam for the first time (for they were not at SF when we received our Philip in June 2008)was certainly emotional for us.
We cried when we first met them, trying to thank them through our tears for taking such good care of our little son. How do you thank someone for saving your child? The words you all spoke on the following day in front of the congregation beautifully said it all.
Meeting your family and hearing you all speak was such an amazing thing for us. We will never forget it! And we will never forget your family. God is good, and He will take care of your precious son. We will be lifting you all in prayer and holding you close to our hearts.
Much love to you all,
the bourkes
"for we know no other way"..... well said!! I've often wondered how people without faith get through the difficult times in life and I feel SO blessed that I "know no other way."
We treasure the standing stones in our family - His perfection...building a generation of faithful ones.
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