September 2004

Just wanted to bring everybody up to speed…

Health Report: Thank God we have finally turned the corner on this illness. The specialists are trying to get the right balance of medications which is very difficult because: a) I am extremely sensitive and cannot tolerate some medicines and b) the complicated nature of my condition means that if they treat one aspect of the illness, it can exacerbate other factors. I am still pretty weak and it will take a while to regain my stamina and strength, but I am seeing a marked improvement. Please don't let up on your prayers! I head back up to Cleveland Clinic September 29. Pray for the continued wisdom of the doctors and nurses, the right combination of treatments, and increased strength and energy each day. And praise God for His constant care and compassion during a tough summer.

Re-entry is quite a challenge. It’s frustrating to feel lousy, be weak, have no reserves for months on end. I am so vulnerable on every level. But that’s when I know that “the Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable” (Isaiah 40:28). My only hope is to hold tight to the hem of His robe. Scripture does not promise that those who follow Christ will live trouble-free, easy lives. Instead, we are promised many, many opportunities to believe His character no matter what our circumstances tell us. Key words for the summer have been: cling, trust, rest. My theme song continues to be “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way…”

With much prayer and consideration I have begun to add limited events back into the schedule:

The Tuesday Oregonia Bible study starts back up September 28--pot luck dinner at 6:30, Bible study at 7:15. Anyone is welcome to join us! The Wednesday Cincinnati Bible study will remain on hiatus until our kick-off in January. Both of these groups are open to anyone--men and women, from any church, any age, single or married.

This Saturday (September 25) we are gathering for a Day of Refreshing. People have been so patient and flexible as I have changed dates and canceled retreats. I am looking forward to seeing what God has for us this weekend. I NEED some time at the cross, in the woodshed, in His arms, on His lap, face-to-face with His glory, mercy and grace. Do you? We'll have a good day of studying, sharing and fellowship--but most important: time alone with Jesus.

October 8-10 I will be teaching on “Responding to the Holiness of God” for Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. This Women's Retreat will be at Hidden Falls Camp and Conference Center near Bedford, Indiana. What a wonderful group of women who will encourage, challenge and bless. And they have graciously made some spaces available to any women who would like to join us. Ladies, would you like to get away and focus on God in a beautiful setting with some other fabulous women? Meet me in Indiana! Contact Sally Johns at 317-841-8681 for more information.

Then October 14 I head back to the other side of the world. Yes, my Lord and my docs have released me to head back to New Zealand and Australia to do some teaching, speaking, preaching and other ministry. Don’t worry! This trip is a fraction of the ministry marathon mission I tackled last year. I have scaled things down and built in more down time so I can continue to recuperate down under. This trip is a testimony to the faith and faithfulness of some very precious servants, so I am so thankful that I do not have to cancel. I have grown to love these people and their countries and it is such a privilege to be able to lift up the name of Jesus in a dry and thirsty land. It is clearly a God-ordained trip and I look forward to seeing what He will do to me and through me.

Please be praying for the travel, finances, publicity, preparation, and million other logistics of this venture. I need to have a team of faithful prayer warriors supporting me in this! If you want to be on the NZ/Oz Prayer Team, drop me an email and I will inform you so you can pray for the details and disasters, trials and triumphs, follies and fun. Most of you know that when Goodtime Linda hits the road, there are always many adventures.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers! I am so grateful for you.

Blessings,

Linda