The long story.

31st Dec. 2001

Hi everyone

We just wanted to say thank you for your prayers and to wish you a very Blessed New Year. I am sorry to have been laid aside these days. I miss you all very much. The Doctor insists I rest until I see him again on 17th. Pray that I might get a speedy appointment at the cardiac clinic. I am feeling better than I have felt for some time but still very easily tired. I have to learn to be patient! Pray for Joanna as so much falls on her now. We are looking forward to a New Year in our church, for we believe God has great things ahead for us all. God has been very gracious in 2001; souls have been saved and many blessed. It has been a privilege to minister to you all - to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice and to know that our God reigns. You are all very precious to Joanna and me.

Thank you for all your love and support in the past. We know we can count on you as we face the future.

Psalm 18

I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Saviour! He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name. He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.

God bless you each one.

with much love

David and Joanna

 

PS. Feel free to keep in touch by email. I try to escape to the computer for a while each day! Note that moirabaptist.org is approaching 10,000 hits. Who will be number 10,000? If you hit the mark let me know. A Curly Wurly is waiting for the winner!!

18th January 2002

I have sneaked off again to the computer. Well I have to do something!! I just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers over the past three weeks almost. God has given all the grace we have needed to face the challenges before us, in answer to your prayers. I have now got an appointment with the Cardiac consultant for this Monday afternoon. I know that the problem is a left ventricular failure - whatever that means! Pray that the consultant will know the guiding hand of God in making diagnosis and deciding on the best treatment. I do not know how much longer I will be off work but I hope soon to have a clearer idea. I so much miss being involved in church life and particularly with those of you who are facing your own challenges. We pray for you all. We are so grateful to all who are helping in ministry there weeks and particularly those in the church who have to carry the extra burdens of leadership while I am away. Thank you for all the emails, cards and messages of encouragement. It is wonderful to have such a loving caring fellowship around us. Pray for Joanna. I know you have been but the focus is largely on me and she needs a lot of strength. So much more rests on her shoulders and she is very tired at times. Pray for her health to be strong enough to cope.

God bless you all,

David

Ps 9:9-10 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. NIV

29th January

It is exactly one month today since the Doctor said I must rest. You can imagine how I have found that difficult. Now he says I must stay off work for another 4 weeks and refuses to be drawn on how long it will take. Nothing can be decided until after I get the heart scan and see the consultant again. So please pray that these appointments may soon be made. I am feeling quite a lot better and the doctor allows me a little exercise but strictly limited. The medication I am on has to be assessed through blood tests in 3 weeks and adjusted if necessary. Please continue to pray for us that the day will come soon when I will be able to return to the people and work I love. Your prayers, messages, emails and cards are all deeply appreciated. And please continue to pray for all your friends and mine in the church who are in need. I can't be alongside them just now but when I can't sleep at night I pray for them. I know you pray too and we look forward to all He is going to do. God is gracious.

Love in Jesus

David

 

9th February

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all your prayers. I am sorry I have not been updating you recently. I am feeling much, much better these days. Each day I attempt a little more - so far without any major problems other than tiredness. I drove over to Adam and Debbie's house today on my own - the first driving for weeks on end. I am sleeping better at nights and generally feeling stronger but my body reminds me from time to time if I do too much. I hope soon to be able to be out more. I have still not received that appointment from the hospital and ask you to pray that it comes soon. My GP will not allow me to do much until that scan shows what is wrong. I keep my mind occupied with reading, sorting and cataloguing etc in the study, a little computer work and some painting. (first attempt is attached - no! I do not do portraits. I wish to avoid losing good friends!!) No woodturning yet!! I try to keep up to date with church needs and pray for you all. I miss being there and hope soon I can join you. I praise God for my fellow elders and our deacons who have done so much to ensure that I can rest without worrying about church things. I am very grateful to those on the Missions council who have to carry a heavy load in preparation for the Missionary Conference in March. I am very grateful to the men who have stepped in at short notice to preach on Sundays and Wednesdays. Please continue to pray that God will pour out His blessing upon us all. Joanna and I are very grateful for all your love and support; practical as well as prayerful. Your cards and letters, phone calls, emails and visits are really appreciated. Thank you for all the nice things you have brought to eat - tonight we enjoyed a delicious tea cooked for us. God bless you all for your love. Continue to remember Joanna that she may know strength and health. Please pray for my friend Sam in India. I talked to him on the phone today and discovered that he too has had a recurrence of his heart problems. He was in hospital last week - in intensive care for a time - and had similar symptoms to my own. It was very special to be able to encourage each other in the Lord. He and Victoria really need our prayers each day. I will leave you with the wonderful verses the Lord gave me two nights ago.

Psalm 18

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.

11th Feb.

I could not resist sharing this charming card with you. It comes from one of my little friends in church - Elise Archer. Note the sun is still shining, there is a rainbow behind the dark clouds, I am still smiling and my hair is still growing down the side but not over the top! Thanks for your prayers. Yesterday and last night I was not so good as recently. Still no appointment. Your prayers are really appreciated.

David and Joanna

21st Feb.

Hi everyone,

Thanks again for all your love to us. We are very conscious of your prayer support. God is pouring in His grace every day. Up until last weekend I was feeling really well and planning to be at church on Sunday. But Saturday night was the beginning of another setback; since then I have regularly been very short of breath and last night was rather difficult - I was still awake at 6.15 am! I saw the doctor this morning and he has increased some of my medication and told me I will be off work for some time yet. I still have no scan appointment, though I may know something more today or tomorrow. Other openings are being explored, through the kindness of some friends, so I hope soon to know more about what is going on inside this old body!! I am very grateful for all God's mercies to us. I'm still not tearing out what little hair I have left but sometimes it can be very frustrating to be so curtailed. ( I should not have said that!! It is quite funny! The wind has just caused a blip in the power supply and the computer shut down so I lost the end of this message and have had to re-type it!!) Please pray for Joanna for I think she is looking very tired and I just fear what impact all this could have or her future health.

I am so sorry to be away from the services and church life and visitation. So many of you are in great need of support and I long to be there with you through these days. By God's grace soon I will be, but the Lord is with You and never leaves you. We are all constantly in His hand.

How grateful we all are for the leadership we have in church. I feel so bad about the burden placed on Adrian and Maynard, both of whom have their own health problems and pressures. It is great to know the church is in good hands and they, with the deacons, are doing a great work and need your prayers and support.

Once again thank you for all the generous tokens of your love to us. We are surrounded by cards; scores of e-mails have arrived and many have phoned or called. It is lovely to be a part of a great church family. We have been shown so much kindness. The Lord will bless you. I am sure you remember that there are others in the church going through even more difficult days. Don't forget them.

With much love in the Lord Jesus,

David

Psalm 21:7

For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.

8th March

I want to thank you for your prayer support over the past weeks. These last couple of days I have been feeling a quite well. On Wednesday a friend took me for an outing to B&Q and Oxford Island for an hour or so. Then that evening I was able to attend the Dollingstown Home Bible study and really enjoyed it. However the fluid continues to be a problem in my lungs and in the last 24 hours on my ankles. Sometimes I feel like I am on a roller coaster - (not that I have ever been on one!!)- sometimes up and sometimes down. I thank God that however down I have felt physically, He has kept me up emotionally and spiritually. I wish I could soon be physically strong again and able to do all the things I want to do for the Lord. I have to learn that this is not wasted time. The Lord is teaching me so much as I read His Word - particularly from the Psalms. Last night He gave me words from Psalm 31.

For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me.

For You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit;

You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. I trust in You, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in Your hand.

Thanks once again for all your love and support.

David and Joanna

10th March

I know it is just a few days since I updated you but so many have been in touch. The latest news is that I have had a very good weekend. The Doctor has doubled some of my medication and that seems to have helped already. On Saturday Joanna and I and the grandchildren went out for a quick trip to the shops and then went up to Joanna's parents in Dungannon for an hour or two. It was my first big trip for ten weeks and apart from a build up of fluid on my legs, I am fine. Then this morning I was able to go to church. It is Missionary Sunday with the Morrows from Peru. I really enjoyed it but was so sad not to be involved. I love Missionary services. Tonight we have an international supper after the service but I am too tired to go-- (even after a couple of hours sleep this afternoon). Joanna and Adam have gone and I am babysitting Debbie. She is asleep so I have an opportunity to catch up on a bit of correspondence. Thank you again for all your love and prayers.

I have just counted and you are one of over 80 people around the world who get this. Is it any wonder I feel the power of prayer.

Thank you

David and Joanna

25th March

Thank you for your prayers this week. On Wednesday morning I have my long awaited cardiac scan. Pray for a clear diagnosis and a speedy medical response to whatever is identified. Pray too for Joanna. She has a Doctor's appointment tomorrow. The past three months have placed enormous demands or her health.

Loud whispers

The past 3 months have been full of noise and upheaval:

The howling winds of weakness

Why can I not keep going like I have always done? Through nearly 34 years of Christian ministry I have never had more enthusiasm or expectancy, yet for the first time a major health issue has intervened. Even sitting in a church service becomes exhausting - changed days! How I wish I could do all the things I want to do!

The earthquake of guilt

There is so much to be done that the load is left on the shoulders of men with busy lives and their own health problems. Should I be doing more? Did I bring this illness about because I unwisely pushed myself? My health problems have placed strains on Joanna's health. You know how I love the grand children and I cannot do the things we once did together. They try to understand but it is not easy for them.

The fire of frustration

Why does this happen when we have such exciting things planned? When is it going to be resolved? Why should I have to wait so long for medical attention? There is such need in the church and I can't be involved? We have a busy year ahead in church life and I have to sit at home! I begin to feel well and so little sets me back. I want to be there for those who hurt and I can only be at the end of a phone. Like Elijah, I have been bombarded by such noise and upheaval - but there has been a whisper that has been louder than them all.

The still small voice of His peace.

He cares about me. He has a plan for my life. He has more for me to do for Him. He promises grace sufficient for every day. The frustrations and the guilt and the weaknesses and the fears and the uncertainties fade away when He tell me He loves me and shows me His plan is perfect.

Thank you Lord for your Loud Whispers.

 

David

2nd April

Thanks for all your prayers. I trust you all had a blessed Easter. It was really special to attend our Good Friday Service in Moira Baptist and to see the place full. We really were moved as we worshipped and broke bread together. A big "thank you" to everyone involved. I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to you all over supper - I was just about the last one out of the hall (as usual!!) But I am afraid I am still weaker than I thought and for the next couple of days I was feeling the effects of it all. Please continue to pray for strength and patience and for God's touch. I am waiting as patiently as I can for the Medical profession to do what they have to do but I know that the great Healer is not short of resources or overworked; in His time, He will perfect that which concern me.

Joanna sends her love and thanks.

Love in Jesus

David

12 th April

Dear friends

Forgive me for not writing recently. These past two weeks have been encouraging as I have felt a real measure of improvement and been able to do some things I have not done for weeks - such as driving alone to Lurgan and Moira!! We were able to spend two nights in Enniskillen last weekend. First time away from home for over 3 months! I am still waiting for the appointments at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

I received the official results of my scan today. The consultant says it shows the "pumping fraction of the heart is significantly impaired" and he has arranged a number of further investigations. Of course the bottom line is "you will be receiving appointments in due course". God has wonderfully answered prayer so far and I ask you to pray on that these appointments will be granted soon (and close together) so that there is no delay in identifying the cause and the consequent treatment. Today my GP has doubled another of my medication and will monitor its effects closely. He hopes it will continue to deal with my symptoms. So far my medication has not produced significant side effects, so I am praying for that also to continue.

I continue to have a remarkable sense of peace and a patience I did not know was possible on earth. Of course at times I feel frustration and even the fear of the unknown but your prayers have borne me up day after day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for praying for Joanna. She developed something like a bad cold last weekend (I think it was more than a cold) and has struggled all week to keep it to herself. I am thankful that I was feeling so well and could do so much when she was feeling so poorly.

We love you all and miss you dearly. Pray that soon the Lord may open the door to me to return to the people He has given me and the ministry I love so much.

I would like to share some thoughts from a verse the Lord gave me recently for someone .

Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. NIV

Here is instruction on how to live in the present, in preparation for living in His presence.

Live on God's path - "the path of life" - it is always best. There is no path in life to compare with the Path of life. Aren't you glad you are on it? Remember how He turned you from your own way?

Live in God's presence - there true happiness is found. Only when we are on the path of life can we experience His presence. Do you know the "heart burn" of walking with Jesus every day?

Live for God's pleasures - they are the only pleasures that last forever. We easily get dazzled by the "rhinestones" of this world's trinkets; He wants us to delight in the "diamonds" of grace that will never loose their lustre. Have you turned your eyes upon Jesus today? "The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

With much love in Jesus

David and Joanna.

29th April

Thank you for praying for Joanna and me over these months. Generally I am keeping quite well with some "off" days but still easily tired. Yesterday was the 7th anniversary of my coming to Moira as Pastor. It was a great experience to feel well enough to introduce the service and take the opportunity to thank all my friends in Moira Baptist for their support and prayers. But at the same time it was a little sad to realise that the little part I had in the service was as much as I could do. I look forward to the day when I can once more stand in my pulpit and preach - I ask you to pray for that day to come soon.

I am still patiently waiting for hospital appointments and praying for a speedy resolution of my health problems. It is difficult to be patient - I am finding God's grace sufficient though I confess to occasional times of frustration and discouragement. God still has much to teach me.

Can I ask you to join us in prayer for one of our Church Elders - Adrian Patterson. Adrian was in England last weekend on business. On his way to church on Sunday morning he took ill and was rushed to hospital. He has had a heart attack. He is now in hospital in Newcastle in the North of England and his wife Pat has flown over to be at his side. He is comfortable at present and is been closely monitored and assessed. Please pray earnestly with us for Adrian's complete recovery. He is a very dear man and highly respected in the church and everywhere. Please pray for our church.

This is another bombshell to the fellowship. Adrian had shouldered so much more responsibility during my illness - particularly in the area of visitation, despite the fact that he has not been feeling so well recently. Maynard and Peter, our other elders, will be very grateful if you would also pray for them and the extra load they now have to carry.

God has been at work in wonderful ways in recent days. Just last week a young woman was converted. The church is growing, new members are being added,attendance on Sunday mornings is rising, there is much to encourage but many, many great needs. Remember Jim Pinder who is facing immanent kidney dialysis. We all would be very grateful if you would pray for us. We thank you in Jesus Name.

Ps 44:1-5 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us the deeds You did in their days; in days of old: ..... For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favoured them. You are my King, O God;

2nd May

Philemon 22

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. NIV.

Dear friends

Your prayers are deeply appreciated. Yesterday I learned from my GP something of the extent of my heart failure and it is worse than I thought - only 15% pumping fraction with further complications. I have now to wait to see what the cardiopulmonary test and the "dye test" show.

Isn't it good to know that the Lord is in control of everything - even my long awaited hospital appointments. Pray that I will always have His peace and His patience.

David

16th May

Hi everyone I am back online.

Computer withdrawal symptoms have almost gone! I have waded through a multitude of emails waiting for me since Saturday. Thank you to you all for your prayers. I was rushed into hospital on Saturday evening and was there until late afternoon on Tuesday. It was a surprise to take unwell so suddenly, particularly as I had been feeling so good for several days. I do not know what really happened - some kind of "episode". I had shortness of breath, blood pressure all over the place, very rapid pulse rate and a build up of fluid. Apart from that I was OK!

A few days of hospital care has left me weak but quickly returning to "normal". Apparently no damage was done which is encouraging, considering my heart condition is already not good. I am praying that something good may come from this episode - that my long awaited tests will now be brought forward, though I have been given no assurances. My consultant is on leave so I did not see him. Please pray that when he returns I may be given a speedy appointment. I have been told the other test has a long waiting list, but please pray that it too may be available soon so that some answers can be found.

I continue to know God's peace and sufficient grace for each day. Some of the medical profession seem surprised at the life I am able to live, so I know God's hand is upon me and He is answering your prayers. We are learning to leave each day in the hands of the One who holds the future. I want to thank all of you who supported Joanna over the last few days. We are deeply grateful to God for all of you.

The following verses have been so helpful today.

Ps 34:15-19 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

. With much love and sincere thanks for fellowship.

David and Joanna

22nd May

I have been told this afternoon that an appointment has been made for a "dye test" for me next Tuesday in the Royal Victoria Hospital. This is a wonderful answer to prayer. I am trusting that the cardiopulmonary exercise test will also be done soon. Please pray about that.

Pray for a safe test without complications; pray for wisdom for the doctor as he makes a diagnosis; pray for us to continue to know God's peace.

Thanks for all your support and love.

David and Joanna

Monday 27th May

Hi friends

Thank you for all your prayers. Tomorrow I have one of the tests for which I have waited so long. I have now been off work for 150 days and I pray that I can soon be able to return. So much will depend on what this test (and another one) shows. Thanks for all your love and support. Some of you have been very generous with meals and gifts of food. Thank you.

In all your prayers for me, please don't forget to pray for us all as a family and particularly Joanna. Also please pray for Adam(8) and Debbie (6), our grandchildren.

Here is a lovely prayer Adam wrote out for me when I was last in hospital. "Dear God, I hope this prayer works and if it does, please get Grandad better."

Love in Jesus

Phil 4:12-14 I have learned (I trust) the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. NIV

Wednesday 29th May

A brief message to say thanks for all your prayers. I had my cardiac catheterisation yesterday. I was not taken until 2.30 pm and was not back on the ward until 4.30pm. After fasting from the night before I was hungry and was given 2 meals!! I was allowed home at 9.20 pm last night.

Today I feel fine but tired. The test went well and showed that my coronary arteries are normal but confirmed the echo scan findings about the poor condition of my heart. The cardiopulmonary exercise test will be next week (probably Wednesday) and its findings will be very important in determining what lies ahead.

Thanks again for all your prayers. I was very conscious of prayer support all the way through.

love in Jesus

David and Joanna

Psalm 36:7-9

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. NKJV

Wednesday 5th June

In an amazing way I was conscious of people praying this morning as I had my Cardiopulmonary Exercise test. The test went well and I was able to do far beyond what I expected to achieve in terms of time and speed. It is the most vigorous exercise I have been capable of since December (and maybe longer).

As I walked faster and faster, I was thinking, "People must be praying right now". Thank you. The information obtained will now be analysed in the "Royal" and forwarded to my Consultant in Craigavon. Only then will the future become more clear.

I suppose the next prayer request is that I will get an appointment with my consultant in the near future.

Last night the Lord gave me these words from Psalm 20.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright. 9 Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.

Wednesday 19th June

Thanks for your prayers today. We needed them. Joanna had an appointment at the hospital today, so I went with her intending to visit my brother Brian. He was a patient again for angina investigations. Visiting hours meant I had to wait a while and as I waited I began to feel weak and shaky. When Joanna returned we thought it best to go to A&E.

I was examined and given oxygen. I soon recovered but they took ECG, X-ray and blood test. Nothing alarming was found and I was allowed home but told to take things very easy. Doctors could not tell me what happened, except that such things are common with my condition. I feel ok again, a little tired but am grateful to have been dealt with so promptly. (A&E was terribly busy)

But here the story gets stranger than fiction. At almost the same time as I was admitted to A&E, my Mother was also admitted. Unknown to us, she was in the room next door. Her home help found her unwell this morning appearing to have taken one of her "turns" as she calls them. But the hospital have said she has had a slight stroke and has developed pneumonia. I saw her before I was discharged as they were preparing to get her to a ward. Brian was discharged this evening and is awaiting an angiogram. Four McFarlands were patients in the same hospital this afternoon (and tonight I have learned that my cousin's wife - also a McFarland - is a patient there too!!!)

What to pray for?

For David's mother's health. We are not yet sure how seriously she is affected.

For David's sister Ruth who has been such a help to Mum and Brian in their illnesses. (All of them live in Richhill) She is so busy with work and her own family, yet always drops everything when anyone is ill.

For Brian - that his changed medication will be effective and that tests will be done soon to determine his needs.

For David - that he will regain some strength and that the results of the cardiopulmonary test will soon be available. Pray that my Consultant will have wisdom and skill to know and do what is best for me.

Last but not least, for Joanna - that she may continue to have the strength she needs for all the challenges of McFarland life!!!

God bless you for all your love and support

David and Joanna

Ps 71:6-9 By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb. My praise shall be continually of You. I have become as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. NKJV

Saturday 22nd June

Thanks for keeping us upheld before the throne. This has been a testing week. I had to get the Doctor again yesterday because of sheer weakness. He could not give me further medication and warned I must rest a lot. I spent most of the last few days in bed and tire very easily. I really have to do less.

Things are becoming clear. The Doctor who visited had read my notes and told me what my own GP had obviously known but not said. The test I had was to see if I was a suitable candidate for heart transplant. That was also suggested by the Doctor in the A&E on Wednesday, so now we are beginning to see the size of the "mountain".

I was sent a lovely card this week by a colleague with a timely reminder for us that God is a mountain mover!!

We need you to pray that I will keep my eyes off the mountain and on Him who moves them.

Thank you for praying for my family. Mum is home to stay with my sister over the weekend. She seems to have recovered without lasting damage from the slight stroke; pray for her pneumonia to respond to the antibiotics. Brian is home too and keeping OK. Joanna as ever is always there; pray she will continue to have strength. So much depends on her.

Every day we bless God for you all

David and Joanna

Monday 24th June ( first message )

Please forgive another update so soon but things are moving quickly. My consultant wants to see me this afternoon. He has booked another echo scan for 3.20 p.m. today and then I will meet him. I have no idea what to expect but I know I am in the Hands of the Almighty. Pray that I will always have His peace.

David

 

Monday 24nd June (second message )

Thanks for your prayers this afternoon. I approached the interview with, I confess, some considerable apprehension but in a remarkable way felt the power of your prayers. I believe I experienced something of God's "peace which passes understanding" as I heard what the consultant had to say.

Today's scan showed no marked deterioration from the one taken 3 months ago. Mr McEneaney was pleased to see how well I had done on the cardiopulmonary test. But he informed us that, without a transplant, my quality of life could deteriorate quickly. There is no other real option. He believed that my age, my general health and healthy lifestyle, and particularly my "positive attitude" all indicated that a heart transplant could enable me to get back fully into the ministry.

If God is going to lead me on this path, humanly speaking there is much that needs to be done before then. I have to go into hospital for a few days soon (maybe this week) for a range of tests. I have to be assessed by the transplant team in Papworth Hospital, near Cambridge and could face medical procedures there. There is no guarantee that at the end of all these tests, I will be a suitable candidate and accepted but we know that if this is the Lord's will for me, He will open the doors. Timescale is difficult to determine but I was told anywhere between 6 months and 2 years and, of course, everything depends on a suitable donor being available at the right time.

Please join us in praying for that donor whom we will never know. We want to pray that whoever may give me a heart will be a believer. I want to meet them in heaven and tell them how God still used their heart for His glory after they needed it no longer.

Meanwhile the consultant encourages me to lead as normal a lifestyle as I can.

Thank you for your prayers for both of us.

love in Jesus

David

Psalm 61 has been remarkably encouraging these days. I share some thoughts with you for your encouragement.

1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah

5 For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 6 Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations. 7 May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. 8 Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfil my vows day after day. NIV

 

" I call as my heart grows faint". How wonderful prayer is!

• It transports us from the dry deserts and cold wastes and deserted islands of life. "from the ends of the earth I call to you".
• Prayer lifts us from the raging torrents, deep valleys and sinking sands of life. "lead me to the rock that is higher than I".
• Prayer carries us from the exposed battlefield and enemy territory of life. "For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe."
• Prayer bears us from the wanderings and homelessness of life. " I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings."
• It moves us from leaning on the poverty of materialism and earthly ambition. "you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name."
• Prayer delivers us from all that is merely natural and ordinary and quantified in terms of earthly life. "Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations. "
• It uplifts us from all the shallowness, unhappiness and and disappointments of life. "Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfil my vows day after day."

Wednesday 26th June

My consultant has just informed me that he has been in touch with Papworth Hospital and they have agreed to explore the issue of transplantation, probably not in the immediate future but medium term.

He would like to bring me in for a few days for some further tests - tomorrow morning if there is a bed available. I know you will be praying. Pray that nothing will be found that would make a transplant impossible.

love in Jesus

David and Joanna

Saturday 29th June

Hello to all my friends

Thanks for your prayers. God is answering, in some amazingly personal ways.

I hesitate to write once more this week but I know many of you share these requests in your churches on Sunday. Please thank all those in your church today who have taken us upon their hearts.

There is a second reason for writing today. It is exactly 6 months since I went to the Doctor with what I thought was a minor ailment and was told I had heart failure. What a learning experience the past months have been and particularly the past week!

But also what gracious lessons the Lord has taught us and still is. Every day is a wonderful new gift to be used for Him. How dearly I wish I could be back in Moira Baptist serving the Lord and His people but His plan for me just now is a little different.

I was in hospital on Thursday and Friday for tests as preparation for a fuller assessment at Papworth Hospital in England. (If you have got a strong heart and really, really want to learn more about transplants go to http://www.papworth-hospital.org.uk Thank God for such places and such gifted people). My Consultant expects me to be taken to Papworth sometime over the next 2 months for assessment. Only then will I know if I am to be placed on the waiting list.

Please pray for my ongoing health. At the moment I am reasonably well most days but can expect to have poor days. Obviously deterioration is to be expected but the doctors cannot tell me whether that might be slow or fast. That is why it is important to make preparations as soon as possible. Pray for all the Consultants who will have a part to play - that God will clearly guide them and use them.

And pray that my faith will not falter. I am no superman. And pray for Joanna - and Jonathan and our whole family. Only by God's grace can we go on.

We were wonderfully encouraged this week to discover that friends for whom we have prayed over the last couple of years, now live within 45 mins of Papworth and have offered their support and will help with accommodation if necessary. Isn't God good? In this big world He has His people everywhere. This email travels as far as Australia, Canada, USA, Romania, and India. And I know some of you mail it on to others.

Thank you for all the ways you let us know you are standing with us. Friends sent me a lovely handmade card today, with a promise on the cover from Jeremiah 29:11... "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." In the early days of my illness, before I knew how big the mountain would grow, the Lord gave me this promise. It is wonderful to be reminded that the promise still stands taller than the mountain.

God bless you all today and always.

David and Joanna

Thursday 4 th July

Hi friends.

Here I am again. I wish to encourage you, for I have been encouraged in a number of ways.

1. I was reading Psalm 68 last night again and sat down with David in the desert of Judah. David gave me some lovely truths to encourage me. I will share them with you soon because I want to give you another verse.

2. Twice this week I have been given the same promise - one came from India and the other came from one of my dear friends in Moira, even as I was typing this. Jer 30:17 " I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD." There have been so many others you have sent me. Thank you so much.

3. We have had many offers of practical help, so many kind gifts. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

4. Pastor Judd came to visit us today and brought before us again the very precious promise of Hebrews 13:5-6. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." He reminded us that the the original says "I will never never leave you; no, I will never, never forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Wonderful promises from the Lord.

5. This evening I received a phone call from a retired Presbyterian minister and lecturer who had a heart transplant in Papworth over eight years ago and was back to work in a few months. Though he is now retired, he leads a very busy life - still ministering. He and his wife plan to come to see us next week to tell of their experiences and answer any questions we may have. Isn't God good, encouraging us and particularly this day when I have had very little physical strength?

6. Last Sunday evening I had a phone call from a man from Tobermore Baptist Church who is also waiting for assessment for a transplant - he needs a heart and lungs! It was great to talk to him and to be able to encourage one another. Please pray for him - his name is Adrian.

7. Also this week I have been in touch with the wife of a man who had a transplant 6 years ago last Wednesday. He was back in Newcastle for a check-up and I hope to talk to him in the near future.

God is so good, bringing around us another group of friends to support and encourage. The gentleman who phoned tonight said the most important thing was to get people to pray and I was able to tell him how I had the most wonderful group of praying friends in my church and around the world.

God bless you each and every one. You are true encouragers.

love

David and Joanna

 

Wed 17th July

Thank you for your prayers for us. There have been no major developments to report recently. The tests I had 2 weeks ago have prepared the way for a heart transplant assessment at Papworth Hospital. I now have to wait for them to call me, hopefully sometime over the summer.

I have been keeping quite well most days. Of course that means doing very little and never going very far. I try to remain as active as possible around the house; I read and meditate, I keep in touch with church life as much as possible by phone and email etc. I write a little, paint a little, think a lot and rest a lot. I love to have the grandchildren around when I am able. I try to have some semblance of a normal life. There are many things I miss - too many to mention - but God has filled the hours and days with His presence and His peace.

We appreciate the support we receive from everyone of you. The Lord bless you for your faithfulness.

Last night I was reading of Joseph. For 25 years of his life, God was silent. Things had been going so well for him; he saw himself having a tremendous future. But for years that dream disappeared in the baffling circumstances he faced. Despite the lack of answers he received, and the silence he endured, he knew God was working out a greater plan.

Gen 45:5 God sent me ahead of you.

Gen 45:7 But God sent me ahead of you

Gen 50:20 God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.

Whatever might baffle us, God is still at work in us and for us and through us, that He might be glorified. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

God bless you all.

love David and Joanna

Tue 30th July

Today is our 31st wedding anniversary - no candles and romantic dinners!! I am so grateful to God for all these years and for the gift of a wonderful wife. Joanna has been my best friend and my greatest support. Particularly these past 7 months, she has been so strong for me under enormous pressures. Despite having her own health concerns, she has shouldered the tremendously heavy physical and emotional load and also has been a tower of strength spiritually. Please pray for her health to remain good and for the needed strength for every day. Pray for wisdom for us as we seek to know and walk only in God's paths.

The Papworth team is soon to make an initial telephone assessment in preparation for a 3 day assessment over there. They hope to bring me to Papworth by the end of August or early September. Meanwhile I have had quite a few very good days and am learning how to handle the poor days better. Your prayers mean so much to us as we learn to live for God in all the difficult paths He has asked us to walk. Pray that we may have the grace required to own Paul's words.

Acts 20:22-24 "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I count my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Only a life that counts for Jesus is worth living.

love again in Jesus

 

David

Thursday 1st Aug.

Papworth visit planned for 19 - 21 August. To be confirmed on Monday. Thanks for praying. More details later.

 

Tuesday 6th Aug.

Why do I ever feel discouraged and fearful? Yesterday (Monday) for a little while I was struggling.

The Health Board had been in touch confirming travel arrangements on Monday 19th to Stanstead and Papworth. We will be flying that morning, arriving at Papworth at 11.00 am and commencing two full days of tests and assessments. The prospect is daunting physically and emotionally. At the end we will be told one of three things: I am too ill for a transplant, or I am too well for a transplant at present or that I am being offered a place on the waiting list for a transplant. If I am offered a place we will be sent home and given some time to decide what we want to do. Days of major decision are approaching. Possibly that was part of the reason for my struggles.

Then I went online and received this message: (to avoid embarrassment for the child concerned, I have removed all names but the children concerned are young)

Dear David & Joanna

When we have our Grandchildren staying overnight we encourage them to say sorry to God for something wrong they may have done and to thank God for something with regard to the day, and to pray for others. It was suggested that they pray for you (their Pastor) and we told them to pray for a new heart. Our granddaughter piped up. "I would give him my heart!" Her brother responded. "Don't be silly, if you gave him your heart then you'll be dead." She, after much thought, said, "I would still give him my heart!"

We want to encourage you in the Lord and we are sure that many people around the world are praying for you both.

"Our times are in God's hands"

With much love

anon & anon

Are you misty-eyed? You can guess how I felt! This was a most wonderful tonic and a mild rebuke. I thank God for all the love we receive from you all. Please pray for strength for the coming days, for a faith that grows stronger and deeper and, very practically, for my travels. Travel sickness is an enormous problem to me when I am in good health. I need the Lord to keep me from being sick on the way to Papworth.

Finally a verse: Ps 86:11-13 Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart (or give me an undivided heart ) to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

I am learning that the need for an "undivided heart" is vastly more important than a heart transplant. I am learning never again to say or sing thoughtlessly -"I will praise You ... with all my heart". So great is His mercy towards me that He must have my all. God bless you.

love in Jesus

David and Joanna

Monday 12th August

Hello to you all,

Thanks for your prayers. The past week I have not been so well; very tired, little appetite, low energy, not sleeping well. I get days like that but not usually so many in succession. It may partly be a result of dental work last Tuesday in preparation for Papworth. Thankfully I am feeling a bit better today. I have been advised to rest as much as possible to prepare for next week.

One week from now Joanna and I will be in Papworth (DV). Please pray very much for us over the next two weeks. decisions made by the medical profession and by ourselves will be of enormous significance. Pray for us to know the mind of God at every step and for God to guide the experts in all the decisions they make. We have been very conscious all through this process that our God is in control and "His way is perfect", even though at times we feel the weakness of our faith. I hope to contact you again before we go on Monday.

We will try to keep you informed while we are there, though I have no laptop computer and even if I had, it might be difficult to get online in the hospital. Joanna will phone a few people and hopefully the message will be shared around. (If I am to be given a transplant and away from home for up to 2 months, I would like to be able to use email and web site facilities. I am going to enquire about that when I am over there next week. I don't suppose anyone knows of a basic laptop lying around not being used that I could borrow? )

Your love and prayers are like a rock for us. Thank you for always being there at the Throne on our behalf.

love

David and Joanna

Psalm 90:17 ... let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,

Sunday 18th August

In a few hours we will rise to face Papworth and decision week. I know you go with us in your prayers. God has given me a host of promises from you. Here is just one.

Isaiah 41:9-10 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' NKJV

Who can calm fears like He can? God bless you all this week. We will be in touch soon (DV)

David

Wed 21st Aug. 8.00 pm.

Just a brief note to say we are home safely from Papworth Hospital in England. Thanks for your prayers and all your email messages. I am feeling well but tired.

Papworth confirms that my heart's condition is very poor and I will need a transplant. Tests show that I am a suitable candidate for transplant but not just yet. It is hoped my heart will last a bit longer before the risk and consequences of transplant are faced. When my health deteriorates, I can expect to be placed on the list. I will give a more detailed update later.

Thanks for your prayers. God has been so good.

David and Joanna

 

Sat 24th Aug.

I promised to give you a more detailed update on the Papworth visit. Joanna and I were really upheld by your prayers.

The journey over was really traumatic. I was sick on arrival at Aldergrove and felt very weak before boarding. The flight went fine except for a 15 min delay. A wheelchair had been booked to take me through the Stanstead terminal but, despite repeated requests by airline staff, it did not arrive for 15 - 20 minutes; we waited on board while the plane was being prepared to fly to Ibiza. It took an hour from arrival for us to be brought to the information point. There we were abandoned, despite repeated requests for the ambulance car to be informed that we had arrived. Meanwhile the ambulance driver was on the way back to Papworth. Some frantic phone calls were made and he was asked to return to pick us up.

We arrived hungry, exhausted and late but somehow the staff rescheduled our appointments and tests to make the assessment possible. Some worked late to help us out. Had we arrived much later, the assessment programme would not have been possible and we would have been sent home. Thank you for praying. Joanna was a tremendous support on the journey and in the hospital. She had so much responsibility to carry. She lodged in a little home on the outskirts of the village for two nights.

The assessments done on Monday afternoon were the most physically demanding of the three days, so it was with much apprehension that I began them. Again I was aware of your prayers, for in a remarkable way, I far exceeded what I thought I would be able to do and what the the staff thought I would be capable of. They were impressed, I think, by my determination.

Tuesday was a day full of tests, samples, interviews and assessments. We learned many things about transplant procedures and consequences. In the nicest possible way we were made aware of the high risks involved, the commitments we would be expected to give such as very frequent trips for checkups, the side effects (some most unpleasant) of the medication that I would have to take for life, the life expectancy after transplant and so on. It was made very clear all the way through, that a transplant would only be offered if I was a suitable recipient. So many things could rule me out. It was also clear to us that we were being being assessed to see how we could handle the trauma of transplant. We were asked about support and we were able to tell of the tremendous support we receive from our family, our church and a host of friends at home and abroad. Again I believe they were impressed.

Then the time came late on Tuesday to meet the consultant again to be told the result of the assessment. He is the most gracious and caring man but we went to meet him, wondering what he would say. Was there anything in my blood tests that would come against me? What about those right heart pressures? Would the radioactive scan or the x-rays show up something wrong? What about my lung capacity? Did they think we could cope with all the pressure? Any failure could rule out a transplant. After some questions about my general health, Dr Parameshwar said my heart's condition was very bad and would need a transplant. However he could confirm that I was a very suitable candidate. Though all test results were not back, he had seen enough to be sure that I would make a good recipient. However he went on to explain that transplant surgery has major risks. Some do not survive surgery and 15% do not survive the first very difficult year. A new heart does not last forever and a recipient does well to reach 10 years. In the light of the quality of life I enjoy at present, he was reluctant to take the risk of surgery until it became clear that the balance had shifted. He was not turning me down for transplant - just giving me the opportunity to potentially live longer (and to serve the Lord longer on earth!) I am very grateful for Dr Parameshwar's skills, wisdom and support. Any changes in my health will be carefully monitored and re-evaluation made. I am now in the system.

Meanwhile investigations will continue into my medication and I will be entering hospital sometime soon to test another drug. It is hoped that my health may even show some degree of improvement for a time. Also while I wait, continual research is being done into transplant surgery and rejection drugs; the medical profession is learning all the time. That is bound to benefit me. It is clear that though I am not on the transplant list, any significant deterioration in health will lead to re-assessment. The consultant even indicated that once on the list, he would expect me to get a transplant more quickly than normal.

I found it difficult to sleep on my final night on the ward. Many thoughts ran through my mind but the Lord's peace was something almost tangible. I was even able to observe the transplant preparation procedure in operation as a young man was rushed in to receive a lung transplant. In the end he was sent home again because the donor lung was was not healthy enough.

We came home on Wednesday on an uneventful journey. (The trauma of the outward journey seemed so small when we heard that Joanna's aged uncle had to evacuate down a chute in an emergency landing at Prestwick on Tuesday) We were emotionally and physically exhausted but very thankful to God for all His mercies to us. I was not sick travelling (only on arrival at the airport on Monday morning and I am not sure that travelling was the cause). Joanna was given strength for all the carrying, pushing, walking backwards and forwards to her digs and she never got lost!! (except in the hospital corridors!)

Now we face the future, with confidence in the medical profession, but more importantly, with confidence in our great God. Once again He has proved Himself faithful. He has given us marvellous answers to prayer and has always been there when we called. His grace has never once failed to be sufficient.

Thank you again for all your support. You are very precious to us. May the Lord reward you for all your love and support.

love in Jesus

David and Joanna

9th September

Hi folks

Thanks for praying over the past two weeks. We have appreciated your faithful support. Some days in the past couple of weeks have been hard, physically and emotionally. My health has been not too bad except for those really weak times that keep recurring with little warning. For one reason or another we have been shut in a lot. We had a house full of family here for over a week (and in our small house that means people sleeping on floors or seats!) There were not many quiet corners. I like having them around for it makes life more normal, even if it is tiring for both of us.

Then last week Joanna had to go into hospital for Day surgery under anaesthetic. Kind friends supplied delicious meals for a couple of days and I was able to do everything else. She is still struggling to shake off the effects of anaesthetic. Thankfully all appears to be well with her. Continue to pray that Joanna's health will not suffer because of all the demands my illness places on her.

On Wednesday I will be going into hospital in Craigavon to have changes made to my medication under medical supervision. One new medication in particular is not normally considered for people with my heart condition, but in some cases it has proved to be beneficial. I would love to see some improvement in health but I am also anxious that the balance I have had for the last 4 months will not be upset. Please pray about this.

Wednesday is my birthday - yes 11th September! I thank God for giving me another year. A great many people got up last year on Sept 11th not realising they would never see lunchtime. Since taking ill, very day is precious now to me; one more day to serve the Lord on earth.

Many months ago I had an idea to give every home in Moira a copy of John Blanchard's booklet, "Where was God on Sept 11th?" I had even hoped to be well enough to be directly involved. I have been greatly encouraged that all the churches in Moira have come together for this project and we plan to distribute 2000 copies to the whole village before Wednesday. I was able to have a role in bringing this project together but am delighted that others have done the "spade work".

I must close now but I ask you to pray that we will have grace to keep looking to the Lord. There are many uncertainties and disappointments and if we depend on ourselves we will sink. We must keep looking to Him who loves us eternally and is working all things for good. During these days I have enjoyed Ray Boltz and his music. One of his pieces expresses what we have found true.

"The Anchor holds though the ship is battered,
The Anchor holds though the sails are torn,
I fall down on my knees, as I face the raging seas.
The Anchor holds in spite of the storm."

We bless the Lord for our Saviour, an Anchor who never fails.

love

David and Joanna

16th September

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your prayers over the past days. I was discharged from hospital last night. I am still on a very low dose of a Beta Blocker but appear to be able to tolerate it at the moment. My heart rate fluctuates quite a bit. I am not sure yet what the next step will be because the Consultant has been away. I am feeling rather tired today but glad to be home, not least for Joanna's sake. She is recovering from the surgery and all was successful and clear. But she is very tired and has had a very exhausting weekend. Much of this was my fault because some weeks ago I had made appointments for MOT tests for 2 cars on Saturday. We are deeply grateful for two men in the church who helped so much and were so generous. Please pray for Joanna because she never gets a break from pressure and is looking very tired. I fear what might happen if she took ill. Pray for us to continue to know peace in our hearts. I feel distressed that I cannot be involved directly with people who are in great need. Our dear friend Margaret, a church member, is gravely ill in hospital and I dearly wished I could have gone to visit her but I was told to avoid stress. Perhaps one day soon I will be able to see her but please join us in prayer for her and her husband, who also has very poor health. It is wonderfully reassuring to know that underneath us are the everlasting arms of our God.

Thank you for taking us upon your hearts. God will bless you.

Love in Jesus

David.

PS Another little meditation the Lord has given me for you.

Clay speaks

It is very quiet in the pottery. Sometimes I hear clearly the voice of the Potter but at times like this there are long silences. Nobody is here but the Potter and me.

• I am a handful of clay. Just a handful of sticky clay but I am in the Potter’s hand. With great mercy and love He has lifted me from a mass of sinful humanity. I am chosen by the Potter, not because there is any good in me, but because He is making me a vessel for His glory.
• I am spinning around on the Potter’s wheel. At first it is a slow spin. I am aware of the changes He is making in me. I am being turned from a shapeless lump into something perfectly formed. If He does not keep me in the centre of His will, I might fly off at a tangent and make a mess of everything. But I feel His powerful hand changing me. Life is wonderful.
• I am now spinning faster than before. It seems impossible that I can survive this but He tells me I am safe forever and I feel the assurance of His hands around me. I am learning to trust.
• Now I am being squeezed. I am being forced into a shape I did not expect. Sometimes the pressure is gentle and sometimes it is really firm. I fear this is too much but the Potter tells me He knows how much I can take. He knows what He is making of me. The more I am stretched apart, the more I can be filled to carry blessing to others.
• At some points the spinning stops and the pressure eases. It is now that I feel the pain as he picks out the imperfections that have contaminated me. He cause me to cry in repentance. He deals with the grit of my lack of faith; He removes the little pebbles of pride.
• I am spinning once more and my shape begins to change again. As I grow, I begin to narrow. I have looked around at other pots in the pottery and have envied being like them. I find this all too difficult to understand. Why can’t I be elegant? Why can’t I be given less to carry? It seems I hear Him speak. “All of these you see are fashioned by Me. I have a purpose for each one. But I have stretched you and shaped you like this so that you can carry much and can pour out to others. Others will depend on you to give them what I am sending and together you will all glorify Me. But I am not finished with you yet.”
• John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…
• Isaiah 45:9. “Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' NIV
• Isaiah 64:8. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. NIV

3rd October

Were you praying for me today? I am sure you were, for again I experienced God's help. In the last update I asked you to pray for Margaret, a dear friend and one of our church members, who was ill. Margaret was taken home to heaven on Tuesday morning. I had the privilege of conducting the service in the home this afternoon - my first whole service since Christmas day! ( I had my consultant's permission and his instruction to be brief!) I am grateful to God for the strength He gave. Thank you for your prayers.

Recently I have been feeling a little stronger. I still have some difficult days (and parts of days) but am generally feeling a bit better. It may be that the additional medication and the reduced fluid tablets are beginning to show some improvement, though Dr Parameshwar from Papworth, who phoned me last Friday, thought I would not necessarily see any improvement in the short term.

This week I have had a DEXA scan to investigate bone density. There cannot be many more parts of me left to take pictures of!

Joanna was very poorly for some days with a terrible cold or "flu" but is recovered from that and is getting back some strength after her anaesthetic. God was good in keeping me from catching what she had.

Other than that, there is not much more to report. We are continuing to pray for God to go before us and show us the path He has planned for us. Your prayers mean more than words can express; your emails, messages, cards and letters are a great encouragement; your practical support is very much appreciated. The Lord bless you.

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Heb 6:10

love

David and Joanna

4th November

Hello friends,

Now that things have settled down a bit, I will take time to email you all. First let us say a very, very sincere "thank-you" for praying. God has heard your prayers and been gracious.

During October I have continued to progress steadily and indeed was feeling better than I have felt for a long time. I had much more breath and could walk further without discomfort. I had a setback a week ago but the Lord has given grace and over these days I am beginning to feel more like before. It appears that the additional medication is helping better than the Papworth consultant expected. I pray that this continues.

One month ago I told you I had to have a DEXA scan. That has shown up some osteoporosis in my spine and the beginnings of it in my hips. I am now on medication for that also. It is important to improve the bone structure as much as possible before I receive the anti-rejection medication after transplant. Some of my medication has to be carefully timed before and after eating, but I never miss my meals!! Joanna thanks you for the lovely meals and gifts of food we have received. You are very kind. Continue to pray that Joanna will keep healthy. The whole family need her strength.

We continue to ask for prayer that we might have peace, patience, wisdom and willingness to follow where He leads. God has been ministering to our hearts in so many ways; we know He is in control. Thank you for all your messages, calls, cards and every evidence that you care. I am astounded at the number of people and churches who let me know that they are praying.

God bless you all.

with much love,

David and Joanna.

"I cry to you, O Lord; You are my refuge.... It is You who knows my way."

see the meditation on this verse from Psalm 142 - Tunnel vision

23rd November

Hello everyone

Thank you for all your prayers. It is so encouraging to know you remember us. Sometimes I feel bad about continually bringing our need before you when there are so many others who need our prayers. Yet when I do not write for a while I get emails asking how we are. The Lord bless you for all your love.

Please continue to remember us this week. Things have been rather tough recently. The past two weeks have brought much more "down" than "up" days. Joanna has taken a bad cold and I have felt so weak for the past few days. I am a little stronger today thankfully. Pray that Joanna's cold will clear up without causing her problems and pray that I will avoid getting it.

Today we were twice given real encouragement . First an email arrived from friends with the very helpful verses I have added to the meditations. (see The Will of God.) One of the Bible verses quoted on the email was the very one the Lord gave me last night.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. (NIV)

Even the living sacrifice of a weak body or a sick body or a frail body or an old body is pleasing to Him who made us for His glory. In view of His great mercy to me, He deserves nothing less than all of me. God does not accept worship that is abstract or mystical; acceptable worship requires us giving Him all we are and have, however weak or strong we are.

The second encouragement came when an "angel" arrived at the door with a big bowl of soup. (He was just one of a few angels who arrive regularly bearing "gifts") He asked if we needed anything from the shop. He was supposed to bring just a loaf but arrived back with bags full of food. He was not to know how empty our fridge was but God knows all and sends His "angels". Thank you, angels.

It is Saturday night here as I write. Wherever you worship the Lord this Sunday around the world, we pray you will experience His blessing. It is so difficult to be kept from meeting with the Lord's people in Moira, so your fellowship in this way means a great deal.

Please pray for our church in Moira. We give thank to God for all His goodness in 2002. New people have come into membership and more are applying; attendances have been good; new ventures have begun; more of us than ever before have got involved in outreach and best of all, God has been pleased to work in salvation