Announcement Regarding Tom's Health

I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This is, as Paul Harvey would say, "the rest of the story." This is why our prayerwalking roll-out plans have stalled these last couple years and why I've been so vague when citing "challenges" in recent communiqués.

I am not sounding a retreat. Just the opposite...that's why I'm writing you.

Until last week, only a handful of folks had known about this. Recently, some trusted friends confronted me that it is high time I came clean about where I am health-wise. Their primary argument was that just as a local congregation supports its pastor, our mission's nationwide coalition of prayer warriors wants, needs and deserves to know how to cover and support my family and me.

I understand we're called to "bear one another's burdens," but I can tell you, it's much easier to be the "bearer" than the "burden." Truth is, I've really struggled with making this announcement, probably just out of fear and pride for the most part, but also out of valid concern: I don't want anything to diminish or distract from the crux of our message: Repentance in Unity for One Nation under God.

But in an ironic twist of God's sovereignty (He didn't make me sick, but has allowed it thus far), it seems my sharing this special prayer need with you may be just what the "Doctor" ordered for me to personally grasp the very message He has entrusted to me...not a message of repentance and unity, but repentance in unity...the unabashed and thoroughly CROSS-cultural acknowledgement that we are all in this together...for His glory!

Because, regardless of any walk-across-America sense of invincibility, the pragmatic reality is: I simply can't do this without you. I've been struggling; I must admit I've needed much more help than I've asked for. Who knows, maybe it took having MS to finally get this through my thick head!

I know full well that some of you reading this are dealing with trials much more severe than what I'm sharing today. As Christ's hands and feet, we all minister to those whose turmoil and tragedy greatly exceeds our own. Still, we know God isn't missing a thing. He truly is working "all things" together for our good. Beloved, whatever your burden, don't go through it alone!

If you believe God is calling this generation to repentance-in-unity in a historic and significant way, please contact me, so we can move forward...together. Much more to talk about, but for now:

Pray for healing for both Deanna and me. (Her arthritis is causing chronic pain and swelling.)
Pray for favor with pastors and ministerial leaders.
Pray for the funding of a full-time assistant, which I now need.
Pray about becoming a Prayerwalking Partner with us.

And rest assured, my theology about healing hasn't changed; the Cross is a finished work. This "momentary, light affliction" of MS will never define me, just as your challenges do not define you. So please...let's all roll up our sleeves for the glory of the Risen Christ!

(Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Galatians 6:2, James 1:2-4)

Your servant in His matchless grace,

Tom

tomdemaree@pentecostwalk.org