A NOTE OF THANKS FROM A GRATEFUL MOTHER

Last April (2010)  we shared a prayer request for two teenage brothers from Michigan, Jeremiah and Timothy Schlagal, who were involved in a 4-wheeler/dirt bike accident that, "could have been a lot worse."  In early April, mother Lesa Schlagel shared a one year reflection of thanksgiving with MAX Mutual Aid Ministries.  We are pleased to share her reflections in part:

"It was one year ago, April 2, 2010, that we got the call that our sons had been in a 4-wheeler/dirt bike accident. In looking back at that time a year ago, I was once again reminded of God's provision and His orchestration of events of that weekend. It was clear that He alone placed into precise order just what we needed for the care of our son Jeremiah. And so it is with thankfulness that I send .... a thank you to MAX for putting our little family's situation out there for others to pray, the greater body of Christ.  We are thankful to have both boys with us and are humbled by the fact that we so often take life for granted and that can all change in a moment.  I have appreciated getting the MAX newsletters and being able take some moments to pray for others connected to our insurance company - how very different is that?   And so, sometime if you're wondering if this segment of your business is productive, know from one family that it was very much appreciated to know that others we may never know were praying above and in addition to our own awesome local church family. Blessings to you as you serve HIM right where you are at." -Lesa Schlagel for the Schlagels (James, Lesa, Elesha, Elizabeth, Jeremiah and Timothy)

THANK YOU FOR FEEDBACK

It is always rewarding and reassuring to know that our readers pay attention to the prayer requests that we share monthly.  Many take their task very seriously as highlighted by the following recent email from an Ottawa, Ontario reader, inquiring about the story we shared last month when seven children died in a tragic house fire in Pennsylvania :

"How are the Clouse parents and remaining child and other family members doing?  I pray for them daily. Their grief must be so profound and deep. May God have mercy on and for them and may they have lots of support and may God who is with those who mourn give them comfort."

(Editor's note)  MAX Mutual Aid Ministries has had no direct contact with the Clouse family since shortly after the fire.  The community appears to be surrounding them with care and a new home is being built for them. Additional information can be obtained if you Google "Clouse family" or "Clouse family fire."

CELEBRATING A CENTENNIAL OF URBAN MINISTRY

We give thanks with the congregation at Danforth Mennonite Church, an urban congregation located in Toronto, Ontario, which celebrated its 100^th anniversary on the weekend of April 15-17.  Over the space of three days, the celebrations included an open house, hymn sing, a special worship service and of course, a potluck.  Begun as a pioneer urban mission outreach by the primarily rural Ontario Mennonite Conference in the early 1900s to a very needy area of the city of Toronto, the congregation has a rich history of involvement in many programs and institutions.  Today it is part of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, a regional church of Mennonite Church Canada.  MAX Canada provided the insured member congregation with a congratulatory wall plaque, honoring its centenary of faithful Christian ministry and an accompanying letter wishing them God's wisdom and perseverance for a continued faithful ministry into the future.  A brief history of the congregation is available on its website www.danforthmennonitechurch.ca.

MDS RESPONDS TO FALL 2010 DISASTERS ON BOTH COASTS OF CANADA

Pray for Mennonite Disaster Service leadership in Canada as it responds to two disasters from fall, 2010.  MDS literally serves from sea to sea:

• Hurricane Igor, the most destructive hurricane to strike the Canadian island of Newfoundland on record,devastated the east coast of Newfoundland & Labrador in mid-September, leaving a trail of devastation in a number of rural areas of the island.  MDS has initiated a project to build three new homes destroyed by Igor in the small community of Catalina.  A small but skilled crew finished pouring all 3 foundations as of April 16 which allows for framing to begin with short term volunteer groups starting May 1. 
• Severe flooding of the Kingcome River, a remote area about 290 Kilometers northwest of Vancouver, British Columbia, in late September caused twelve feet of water to rush through the community, leaving most homes uninhabitable. A first team of five MDS skilled tradesmen began the restoration process on two of eight homes in mid-March.  Additional crews and summer youth crews are anticipated over the coming months to assist with cleanup and site restoration.  Getting volunteers and supplies to the community is challenging since people and supplies must be brought in to the remote area by boat. 

Further information on these projects is available at www.mds.mennonite.net/regions-units/region-v/

FORMER MPAA BOARD MEMBER HOSPITALIZED

Earl Troyer, a former board member for Mennonite Property Aid Plan is currently in hospital and requests our prayers.  Not feeling well for the past year, Earl was experiencing fluid buildup in his body but unsure what was causing the problem.  Doctors have now diagnosed a defective heart valve.  To date they have not yet determined how best to repair the defect.  When asked how people should pray for him, Earl responded that he feels confident God has more work for him to do before taking him home.  He asks for prayer that God will direct doctors to discern the best method of treatment.  Earl says, "I feel very comfortable in the Lord's hands.  God will work things out."  Earl lives in Pryor, Oklahoma and is part of the Zion Mennonite Church in Pryor.

CONDOLENCES

Our prayers of support go out to Bran and Debbie Lightheart of Baden, Ontario on the death Bryan's father, 81 year old Jack Lightheart.  Jack passed away suddenly on April 1 at his home in Burgessville, Ontario.  Debbie is an underwriter at MAX Canada. 

WISHING OUR READERS A BLESSED EASTER

We live and die; Christ died and lived!  ~John Stott

Celestial spirit that doth roll the heart's sepulchral stone away,
Be this our resurrection day, the singing Easter of the soul -
O gentle Master of the Wise, Teach us to say: "I will arise."  ~Richard Le Gallienne