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Our Youngest Child,
Catherine
Though Catherine had begun to
have serious problems with epileptic-like seizures by the end of last semester,
we felt her situation had stabilized enough for her to return to Bob Jones
University for second semester after Christmas. However, after a sleep deprived
EEG on the morning of the 28th of January and while she was in an afternoon
class, Catherine had more seizures. Then on February 10th around midnight, in
spite of medication, she began having seizures nonstop. An ambulance was called
and the seizures were subsequently stabilized in the hospital emergency room
before transferring her to the school infirmary. Upon consultation with the
neurologist in Greenville, we made the very difficult decision to bring her
back home to Canada for treatment. The Greenville neurologist faxed a referral
to the Neurological Institute and Hospital of Montreal and within hours, we had
an appointment. By Monday February 22nd, we were in Montreal to meet with
epilepsy specialists there and the next day she was admitted to the
hospital. She has been under EEG video monitoring and has undergone a
battery of other tests such as blood work, MEG, MRIs, a PET scan and
more. The hospital is a research hospital connected with McGill
University which is Canada's top-ranked university among those offering medical
degrees. God has chosen to provide the very best! The research on
Catherine has opened doors for further research on Melanie's condition.
And because of a probable genetic link, and through university research funds,
Valerie will be brought from South Carolina for tests this summer. What a
blessing to know and serve a sovereign God! As you might imagine, this
situation with Catherine and the emotions associated with leaving school, the
ensuing travel, and separation (Melanie spent a total of 5 nights at home in
one month) have put much pressure on our family. To top it all off, this
came at a rather difficult time in the work here and just after having been
away for over two months of furlough/deputation. But when our loving Lord
puts us through the wringer, we can be assured that He always has our best in
mind. We can also be assured that He pays for what He orders! Thus far,
every financial need has been met. The trip that Melanie and Stephanie
took to South Carolina to bring Catherine home was covered through several
individuals and our sending church, Concord Bible Church. Even the
horrendous parking costs associated with the hospital in Montreal have been
covered through the generosity of a sister church there. Dear Christian
friends have provided lodging and a car for Melanie for the duration of
Catherine's hospitalization. Thank you very much for your prayers in this
matter. There is still much to be resolved and for us to understand, but
God knows. Please help us continue to pray for wisdom for the
neurologists involved. The desire of Catherine's heart is to be able to
return next semester to her studies.
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The Mission Field sends a
Missionary
In February, our church had the joy of sending one of
our own, Danielange Charles, a registered nurse, to help with Christian relief
efforts in Haiti. Since she is herself Haitian and speaks both French and
Haitian Creole fluently, the role she played on the medical mission team made
up mostly of Americans was vital. This trip was financed totally by our
church and a sister church here in Québec.
The publishing ministry headed up by our coworkers, John and Judy Garris
supplied Gospel literature. Her
testimony of God's provision and presence during the week were a blessing to
all.
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Challenges in the Work
As the church has begun to grow some, so have the
challenges. The Lord gave a good annual business meeting recently with
good attendance and participation from our members. We are thankful that
some of the financial pressures of the church are gradually being
relieved. We will be receiving several new members over the next month or
so. There is still much to be done in the way of organization and
structure. The situation here in Quebec City is so very different from
that of our previous ministry in Sept-Îles and we are now dealing more and more
with a new generation. Please pray for us for wisdom, patience and
adaptability as we go forward by His grace! We will be having at least
two baptisms on Easter Sunday so public testimonies will be given and unsaved
visitors will be present. Do pray for hearts to be opened!
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Summer Ministries
From May to July we will be hosting a total of three
work teams from supporting churches. We have a major renovation project
planned for the church auditorium that will include redesigning the pulpit
platform and replacing the 35 year old carpet. This will require much
manpower. We praise the Lord for His provision through these teams who
will work alongside our own folks. Please pray for wisdom in planning and
coordination
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