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I write to you from Southern California on a sunny & warm blue sky day where the birds are singing outside my window. Sounds peaceful right? Well…context is everything.
 
I have been providing end-of-life care for my younger brother Ted for 2 weeks now. At the age of 52, this Godly & loving man has only days to live. Many of you know that Ted was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer just 2+ months ago. As I process the overwhelming reality of these circumstances, I want to share 3 thoughts with you:
 
1st: Trusting God to take care of our loved ones.  Psalms 121 reminds us, “The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life”. As I prayed this verse over Ted, my heart for him was that he would be able to fully trust God to protect & provide for his wife Ann, and his daughters Sarah (20) & Hannah (18). Terminal illness is a very painful, yet very real reminder that we can only do so much for our loved ones, and with that, it is imperative that we learn to submit to our Father in Heaven for the rest.  “...The one who watches over you will not slumber.” (vs 3). So, I ask you today, is there anyone in your life that you need to relinquish to the ever-vigilant watch of a loving God? If so, say their name and pray for God’s peace over your heart, regardless of the circumstances in this person’s life.


Ted is on Left and Dan is on right, 30 years ago! 

2nd : Living our lives as worthy of the calling of God (Eph 4:1). As we prepare to honor the life Ted lived, I find myself thankful for the way he has chosen to follow Jesus. In Mark 12:30, we are told we must “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” We are further instructed to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” And so I ask you simply, what have YOU done in your life to show your love for Christ and His children? Are there any changes you need to make right now today to be the person God is calling you to be while creating a lasting Kingdom impact?
 
3rd: Would you please pray for Stride Ministry during my extended absence? Next weekend we have our 3 day winter retreat, which I will likely not attend. While this is disappointing to me, I know that I am uniquely equipped to usher my baby brother into the arms of Jesus, and there is nowhere else I would rather be. Please pray for the volunteers who are stepping up to teach & run the ministry in my absence. Please also pray for meaningful fellowship and a strengthened community. Pray that new Airmen and not-yet believers would consider entering into a relationship with Jesus, which, as you know, is the most impactful decision they could ever make in their lives. Finally, please pray for Erin, as she takes care of our home in my absence and continues to provide meals for the ministry all while working longer ‘pandemic’ hours at the hospital. And for Audrey, as she finishes her last semester of High School and makes decisions about her future and her educational plans. 


 Ted and his wife Ann... and pray for daughters Sarah and Hannah too! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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