CONGREGATION CELEBRATES GIFT
In our last email (April 29) we reported that the majority of members of Grace Lao Mennonite Church in Kitchener, Ontario have experienced layoffs and decreased hours of work during the current recession. This was leading to a financial crisis for the congregation. We celebrate with the congregation the recent gift of $9,200 from the estate of the late Selina Horst, who passed away in March, 2008. Selina, always an avid worker on behalf of immigrants and refugees, dedicated herself devotedly to their needs. It seemed fitting therefore, that when St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, which helped birth the Grace Lao congregation and continues a dedicated relationship, received funds from Selina's estate, that the funds go to assist Grace Lao during these challenging times. We give thanks for Selina's generous spirit both in life and death and the compassionate spirit of the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church leadership in using funds from her legacy to continue assisting and bringing wholeness to newer Canadians. The last word goes to Grace Lao pastor Yoel Trakoon Masyawong, "It is good to share how great God is...".
FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY
On April 25th Peter and Alvira Fehr from Grunthal, Manitoba experienced a devastating fire in their home due to a chimney default. The fire and resulting water damage gutted a good part of the house and destroyed or damaged most of their contents. Peter & Alvira have three adult children. On the day of the fire the one daughter and grandson were visiting. The Fehrs will be out of their home for a number of months and are currently seeking longer term rental accommodation in their community. Peter and Alvira write, "We can see how God is walking with us through this ordeal. From the start, His protecting hand has been upon us. We believe it is the prayers and support of compassionate people that move God to carry us, as God also moves people's hearts (to respond) through such tragedies. We want to focus on what God wants for us through this experience."
- As always with serious fires, we give thanks that there was no human injury of loss of life.
- Pray that the Fehr family will soon locate a rental property for the longer term while their damaged home is rebuilt.
- Pray for strength and patience for Peter and Alvira as they go through the lengthy and exhaustive process of restoring their home and replacing most of their goods.
- Give thanks for the spiritual and emotional support provided by local broker Wayne and Deb Esau, their faith community, the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, and pastor Dave Dickey.
- Give thanks for the thousands of MAX members whose premiums are assisting in restoring wholeness to this family.
LEUKEMIA'S IMPACT
MAX member Lourie Wright requests prayer for her 58 year old mother, Linda Grimes, who is terminally ill with Leukemia. Diagnosed in August 2008, Linda lives in Big Brownfield Pennsylvania with husband Bill. She has three married daughters and six grandchildren ranging in age from 8-19. A great deal to live for Lourie writes, "She just refuses to give up. She says she isn't ready to go yet. I thank God for everyday I have with her. She is ready for Hospice but not ready to accept it. There is nothing else the Doctors can do for her." Pray for wholeness of spirit for Lourie, her sisters and Linda and Bill Grimes as they move through this difficult time.
LUNG CANCER FOLLOWS COLON CANCER
Pray for MAX members Eunice and Quinton Lehman, a farming couple from Versailles, Missouri. Eunice had surgery for a mass on her brain in February and has been diagnosed with lung cancer. She is undergoing weekly chemotherapy for her condition. Eunice is a survivor of colon cancer in 2004. Eunice and Quinton are members of Bethel Mennonite Church in Fortuna, MO. Thank you to Jim Miller from Loss Control Services for putting us in touch with the Lehmans. We ask our readers to remember the Lehman family and their faith community as they struggle with Eunice's health challenges.
COURAGE AMIDST DIMINISHING HEALTH AND JOB LOSS
Pam Miller, MAX Customer Service Representative from Kidron, Ohio requests prayer for her brother Larry Bachman from Forrest, Illinois. Larry has been in a wheel chair for 15 years due to paralysis from a cyst in his spinal column. He has struggled with various additional health issues over the past years and currently suffers from a severe bed sore that will not heal. Transferring him to and from his wheelchair aggravates the situation resulting in prescribed bed rest 24/7. As a result of this confinement, Larry's computer programming job has been recently terminated. Thankfully, his long term disability has been approved, as well as the continuation of his health insurance. "This is such a blessing," writes Pam, "Larry has a tremendous faith in God and has maintained a positive attitude through this all." Larry's son Nathan and his family, wife Shawna and their 3 children have moved home from Nashville, TN to help in his care. Son Eric is also at home.
- Give thanks for the support, love and care of family.
- Give thanks for Larry's courage and positive attitude. In his words, "I just have one request....we want God's will...no matter what it is".
- Pray for wholeness for Larry and his wife Donna as they face these health care challenges.
BARNRAISING IS BACK
Frequently people struggle to understand MAX. Is it insurance or mutual aid? How do these fit together? What is the "MAX difference"? We are delighted to introduce a short six minute video, "Barnraising is Back", that will help you to understand MAX and better assist you in sharing the MAX story with family and fellow members of your faith community. Click on the following link to view "Barnraising is Back" http://www.maxwholeness.com/barnraising/. You can also access and share this information by visiting our website www.maxwholeness.com or www.maxcanada.org. We welcome your feedback. |
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How can you assist the MAX Support Network Ministries?
- Insuring with MAX. Remember, Mutual Aid Ministries is supported by an annual tithe from the insurance operations.
- Encourage others of like mind to place their insurance (home, farm, church and business) with MAX. Remember, the more successful MAX insurance operations become, the more effective Mutual Aid Ministries can be.
- Share a story or prayer request with the MAX Support Network Ministries for consideration in an upcoming email. Remember, we must have people's permission to use their stories. Send stories or prayer requests to supportnetwork@maxwholeness.com.
- Make a contribution to the MAX Canada Share Fund, Inc. or the MAX Share Fund, Inc. Call 877-770-7729, ext. 202 (Canada) or 877-971-6300 (U.S.) for more details.
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We thank you for your support and commitment to the MAX Support Network Ministry and the other Mutual Aid Ministries programs. Please let us know of others who would like to join the Support Network Ministry email distribution list by sending their email address, with their permission of course, to supportnetwork@maxwholeness.com.
Sincerely, |
The MAX Mutual Aid Ministries Team
Carl Litwiller, Nelson Scheifele, Lloyd Miller |
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Creating and Sustaining