Prayers for Betty and Gary

5:52 AM 4/30/2009
Yesterday and last night Jamie and I spent several hours with dear friends, Gary and Betty Brock after I returned from Nashville. Betty had breast cancer several years ago and it returned with a vengeance. Hospice has been called in and she is beginning to slip toward eternity. She is a faithful Christian and has been such a great example of faith and confidence in God during this entire struggle. Her attitude and assurance in what she has believed and obeyed give her a beautiful look even as death continues to overtake her. She now is in so much pain that she spends most of her time sleeping with the medicines to control her pain.Her husband, Gary, has been an unlikely friend of mine. He has been a restaurant owner, who has overcome alcohol problems and when we first met was loud and many times colorful with his language and not really very interested in spiritual things. Not exactly who most people would pick as a friend for a preacher but it has become a very close friendship. He and I have had many of hours of Bible study and prayer and been through many difficult problems together. It is very difficult to help him through this situation with Betty but I am really touched by his love for Betty.I'll see them again this morning and would encourage you to pray for these folks as they face a hard time in their lives. Please remember these folks in your prayers through out the coming days.On a great note, little Abby Harris who had so much trouble last week was out over the weekend and apparently the viral infection at the base of her brain is improving and her vision is returning to normal. What a great reminder of God's love and encouragement for us!