Community/Fellowship

            No man is an island entire of  itself                John Donne

 These past few weeks we have seen and experienced an abundance of Christian fellowship and community in action.  God has used your prayers, presence, and words to encourage us, give hope and calm spirits, guide the hands and decisions of Larry’s medical team, and begin to bring about healing.  We are grateful that you continue to be part of our journey.

Two weeks ago, we arrived really early on Thursday morning for Larry’s surgery.  Family and friends came to pray and wait with us.  As Larry was being wheeled to surgery, the nurses stopped at the “Mistletoe Zone,” where mistletoe is hanging from the ceiling outside the door that leads to the surgical area, so we could all be together with Larry.  How comforting to share in community at times like these.

Once Larry was moved to his room after surgery, friends and family checked on him.  We received your comments, calls, visits, and were assured of your prayers.  Our sons were with us and made sure Larry was well taken care of and that I had what I needed.  We were so blessed to see the ways that they went out of their way to help each other during these days as well.

And we weren’t the only ones that recognized that fellowship and community were happening in our room.  On Friday, there were visitors when Larry’s nurse came into the room.  After checking on him she asked Larry, “Are you famous?”  Larry assured her that he is not.  She continued, “I am very observant and I see many people coming to your room.  They are concerned and I can tell they care for you.”  Jerome was there and assured her that people did care for him.  Later that afternoon other people were in the room when Larry’s nurse returned.  Her first words were, “See I told you you are famous!”  What a great reminder that we are being watched and observed even when we are not aware of it.

 We enjoyed talking and visiting with the nurses as they came in to care for Larry.  One of the nurses came to say goodbye after her shift was over and Larry was able to pray with her.

We greatly appreciate the love, care, and well wishes that you share with us.  The prayers, cards, food, gift cards, messages, and encouraging words continue to bless us.  Larry is doing what the doctor prescribed by walking, resting, and continuing to build up his strength.  This week, whether we are the giver or recipient, may we all experience the fellowship and blessing of community.

 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.  Psalm  34:8

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.   Acts 2:42

God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.   2 Corinthians 13:14

 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.   1 John 1:3