Never did we imagine April was going to hit so hard, but God had other plans in mind. If it wasn't enough to be in two emergency rooms for Amy's horrid pain in the early part of the month, I also received earth-shattering news about a previous student's sister's death at the age of 27 years old.
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Amy, Parker and I at the park together enjoying the
warm sun.
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In months prior, Amy had been battling with a continued periodic pain in her body in which was somewhat treatable at home but still was highly uncomfortable, until it hit again in early-April. It was early in the morning that we had to head to the emergency room of our local hospital to get treatment, which was subpar at best. We were literally told 'thanks for coming in' by the overseeing doctor in that ER and no pain medications even knowing that my wife was in major pain in her body. We were blessed to have her sister help us once we arrived home to rest up from being in the ER all hours of the night, again not knowing that we would need that help hours later. Amy's pain came back with a vengeance and we had to head to our second ER in the same day, but this time in Kansas City being our first visit had not taken care of her need. It didn't take too long to have the staff's insight on what was really wrong - Amy's gallbladder needed to be removed. We were soon to be admitted to the hospital to get surgery the next day and have her feeling better eventually.
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| The guys together at the retreat. |
What had hit me (Phil) the most was the thought - will I have to prepare to be a single dad in the middle of all of this?! I wasn't sure exactly what the problem was with Amy and being that she couldn't get help in the first visit at the ER, my mind started to race over and over about this possibly happening. This gripped me emotionally to view Amy's illness and the possibility of her not making it through all of this. It really changed how I saw my wife and not taking anything for granted when we need to get things done even though modern medicine is quite decent today. Nothing is guaranteed. Ever.
Although I was coming to grips with the idea of maybe losing my wife, the doctors of our second hospital visit took great care of Amy and the gallbladder removal was a success. It really did change our view on everything. We had great friends and family step into helping us with Parker and his needs since we were in the hospital and couldn't tend to him while we were getting Amy squared away. God showed up in so many ways by providing the people to take care of our family, doctors to help Amy in her surgery and recovery and so many more praying over us in everything.
Then....the text came after her surgery about this student's sudden death. It broke me. I've always been close to the girl's brother and it hit me in so many ways. These were some of the first students God allowed me to connect to when I was working alongside the on-post military youth ministry nearly back in 2008 or so. My wife and I had just met with this young lady and her husband, discussing medical-sharing as it was an option to help Christ-followers in their options of medical coverages. It just seemed so surreal to receive this information.
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| The guys after a table competition together. |
While attending a weekend retreat with a few of our guys and the Salvation Army, I peeled away to attend the funeral of this young lady. Boy, God again was working in the midst. So many students from the past in which I worked with years ago were able to come and show their respects and love for the family and many others impacted in the wake of this young lady's passing. Sitting in the jam-packed standing-room-only church listening to people share stories about this young lady's impact on everyone she met. Over and over again, it was said that all it took was a brief moment for her to leave an impact upon them. It was all about her love for others and to shine Christ to them in one way or another.
That being said, the funeral had brought me to think about a lot lately...what really matters to you most when the day comes and your funeral happens? What do you hope folks will say about you? Is it about the followers you had on Snap, Instagram, Twitter? Or is it about the green you earned and stuff you accumulated in the life you lived? Would you be 'okay' with people saying you were a good person, or would you rather hear people say you were humble, gracious, merciful, loving and always serving others like Christ? Our lives are really to point others to Jesus. Period. Love Christ and His people. Boom.
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The gang in front of their cabin at
the retreat.
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Therefore, it isn't about all the 'fun and games' but to point our teens toward Jesus. Sure, it's nice to enjoy time together, but the big part is that we are to share His love and His truth with our teens. No day is ever guaranteed and we never know when our final day is on earth. So, that's why we do what we do for our teens in Leavenworth County, covering 6 school districts and nearly 19,000 teens in this area. They all deserve to know about Jesus and His love for them and why He came for each of them, regardless of where they have been, what they've done and what they believe currently.
So we thank each of you - those who pray, partner and believe why God has called us to this area to do what we are doing right now. Please continue to pray, as things continue to be challenging, but an incredible blessing when we get to know each of our teens who show up and the stories they choose to share with our leadership team. If any of you know anyone who wishes to join our team in whatever capacity they feel they'd like to - share our information with them and we'll be in contact for sure!
Humbled by His grace, mercy and providence for us this past month!
~Phil, Amy and Parker
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| The Lansing Taco John's. |
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| The promotion set up at the register for our partnership. |
Celebrate with us:
1. We had 4 boys from our basketball ministry join the Salvation Army retreat and go experience something together as a group hearing God's Truth being 'chosen.' 2. We have had our first-ever corporate sponsorship with Taco John's in Lansing, Kansas!
3. Relationships with students are getting deeper and more real outside of just hanging out together.
Pray with us:
1. Summer camp is right around the corner, which will be located only 40 miles northeast of Leavenworth County and we are praying for the right students to attend. 2. Pray for more corporate partners to come alongside the mission of Youth For Christ.
3. Pray for more leaders to come together this summer which we can develop, train and equip to connect with more teens.
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| The group of students with Regina (far right) who helped set up our corporate partnership with Taco John's. |
If you would like to make a tax-deductible gift contribution toward the mission, you can do it directly on this link here: https://yfc.givingfuel.com/30631
