My husband had been inquiring about churches and we finally found an English speaking church...an hour from our home. We had visited a few Swiss churches, but found it quite difficult to understand even though we were slowly learning French. We met a few families that did speak English and enjoyed their fellowship from time to time.
How happy we were to finaly find some Christian fellowship. The church we decided to attend wasn't a huge church...people from many countries. Switzerland with it's central European location brought in a lot of foreign workers and diplomats. An older British couple befriended us...dear Jack and Anne-Marie. They invited us to dinner often knowing how long our drive was and they loved our children.
As we got to know them...they got to know us...and our present situation in life. A very caring couple. Sometimes when my husband was called into work on Sunday, Jack would drive the distance to pick up the children and I and then drive us all the way back if my husband did not get off work in time to pick us up at their house. Such kindness touched me deeply.
It seemed as though the LORD had placed this loving couple in our midst to fill that void of our family that we missed so much. Anne-Marie always had special treats for the children and each time we left, they walked us to the car and then stood in the drive waving good-bye.
Philippians chpt. 2 verses 1-2
If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
...CLOSER TO HOME...part 2
Since the nurses were not expecting Stephen to live long.Each visit I made was monitored by a nurses presence. I thought this was hospital procedure since he was in a children's unit.
I found it very difficult to be the nurturing mother I wanted to be... It's not easy to be yourself with a microscope over you. I let the nurses guide me on each visit. He was fed with a tube from his nose to his stomach and occasionally the nurse helped me feed him by putting milk into a large shot-syringe that fit the tubing. I was very careful to do it slowly so that he would not vomit the milk back up. Which did happen a few times...gripping my heart. It was necessary to do this feeding very patiently.
I tried my best to convey with the language barrier once again...my faith in the LORD and my desire to trust in him for each day of this journey. I could see the compassion in the eyes of the nurses and evident was the attachment they had for my son as well.
One nurse that came on duty was an English speaking, Canadian! I was so happy to be able to witness to her a little and let her convey to the other nurses my appreciation for their care. These few moments of speaking about the LORD, brought me much needed comfort. I was continually encouraged with these opportunities... and once again reminded of his purpose...to do a good work in us and through us.
My husband stopped by the hospital on his way home from work as often as possible, for a short visit. He was able to spend time alone with Stephen and softly stroke his forehead. He also, called upon the LORD during these visits...asking for needed strength...wisdom of words...and resting upon the promises found in God's Word.
Art work by:
my son..
calligraphy by Hope.
I found it very difficult to be the nurturing mother I wanted to be... It's not easy to be yourself with a microscope over you. I let the nurses guide me on each visit. He was fed with a tube from his nose to his stomach and occasionally the nurse helped me feed him by putting milk into a large shot-syringe that fit the tubing. I was very careful to do it slowly so that he would not vomit the milk back up. Which did happen a few times...gripping my heart. It was necessary to do this feeding very patiently.
I tried my best to convey with the language barrier once again...my faith in the LORD and my desire to trust in him for each day of this journey. I could see the compassion in the eyes of the nurses and evident was the attachment they had for my son as well.
One nurse that came on duty was an English speaking, Canadian! I was so happy to be able to witness to her a little and let her convey to the other nurses my appreciation for their care. These few moments of speaking about the LORD, brought me much needed comfort. I was continually encouraged with these opportunities... and once again reminded of his purpose...to do a good work in us and through us.
My husband stopped by the hospital on his way home from work as often as possible, for a short visit. He was able to spend time alone with Stephen and softly stroke his forehead. He also, called upon the LORD during these visits...asking for needed strength...wisdom of words...and resting upon the promises found in God's Word.
Art work by:
my son..
calligraphy by Hope.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A Special Child
...this is a portion of a sweet poem my sister sent me during this time...
He may not run or laugh or play.
His thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways he won't adapt.
And he'll be known as handicapped.
Please Lord, find the parents who will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.
He may not run or laugh or play.
His thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways he won't adapt.
And he'll be known as handicapped.
Please Lord, find the parents who will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.
Monday, January 28, 2008
...CLOSER TO HOME....
Because Stephen was doing well with minimal oxygen he was moved back to the hospital where he was born...closer to home.
Kathyrn was at this hospital also and she assured me that she would visit him as often as she was able. It was still difficult for me to make frequent visits since we owned only one vehicle and the other children needed care. What a comfort her presence there meant to me...God brought this young woman also into MY life.
Over the next few months Kathyrn grew to truly love my son as she visited and held him in her own arms. A special bond was forming in not only our friendship but in the witness of the LORD all around her. She watched us with the other children surrounding his crib and enjoying our time as a Christian family.
Now two months old, I did not know that the doctors had sent him back to this hospital expecting him to die at any time.
A Social Worker had been assigned to us and when I met her...a pleasant American woman; I wondered what dealings we would have with her? She and I went to the cafeteria to chat over coffee. Small talk at first.Do I like the hospital and the care Stephen is receiving? Is there anything I need help in understanding? ...then came the words that she sincerely wanted to use to console me...
"You know, Stephen is a very special child"
(speaking in reference to his Down's Syndrome)
"Oh yes, he is very special...because he has never known sin."
"It is so wonderful to know the innocence of a child."
and once again...I was able to share MY TESTIMONY! What joy filled my heart. This moment I knew was of God. He had put this woman in my presence so that I might once again have this blessed opportunity...to share the Gospel...exactly why my husband and I came to Switzerland!
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
In the midst of this trial...blessings flooded my heart. Assurance that GOD was using us, using this time in our life for His Glory. To manifest who He is! The God of true salvation.
Kathyrn was at this hospital also and she assured me that she would visit him as often as she was able. It was still difficult for me to make frequent visits since we owned only one vehicle and the other children needed care. What a comfort her presence there meant to me...God brought this young woman also into MY life.
Over the next few months Kathyrn grew to truly love my son as she visited and held him in her own arms. A special bond was forming in not only our friendship but in the witness of the LORD all around her. She watched us with the other children surrounding his crib and enjoying our time as a Christian family.
Now two months old, I did not know that the doctors had sent him back to this hospital expecting him to die at any time.
A Social Worker had been assigned to us and when I met her...a pleasant American woman; I wondered what dealings we would have with her? She and I went to the cafeteria to chat over coffee. Small talk at first.Do I like the hospital and the care Stephen is receiving? Is there anything I need help in understanding? ...then came the words that she sincerely wanted to use to console me...
"You know, Stephen is a very special child"
(speaking in reference to his Down's Syndrome)
"Oh yes, he is very special...because he has never known sin."
"It is so wonderful to know the innocence of a child."
and once again...I was able to share MY TESTIMONY! What joy filled my heart. This moment I knew was of God. He had put this woman in my presence so that I might once again have this blessed opportunity...to share the Gospel...exactly why my husband and I came to Switzerland!
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
In the midst of this trial...blessings flooded my heart. Assurance that GOD was using us, using this time in our life for His Glory. To manifest who He is! The God of true salvation.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A "Hummel" in overalls...
cApril 28th
Today, we spoke with a Cardiologist concerning Stephen's heart condition. He said, that once surgery is performed it would require additional surgeries. He would like to try and slowly wean Stephen off the oxygen he is receiving and see if he can thrive on his own....with a heavy heart these words swirled around in my head...
Surgeries?...weaned off oxygen?...how will he do?"
My heart ached as I thought upon his course of life.
"Will he have quality playtime with his brothers and sisters?"
Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Weeks passed and Stephen seemed to do well with the minimal help of oxygen. He was holding his own!
On a visit a few weeks later, my husband and I were shocked at the sight of our son. He had changed dramatically; the lack of oxygen he still suffered was causing fluid retention. Yet he looked so precious to us...now a pudgy little boy. As I gazed upon his precious face, I envisioned a little "Hummel" figurine before my eyes. My grandmother had a collection of these German made figurines and I always admired them. Their round faces with rosy cheeks and sweet smiles. Here was one, in person.
The hospital provided clothing for Stephen. I don't know why, perhaps for sanitary reasons. I appreciated so much the "normal" clothing provided instead of a generic hospital gown. This day, Stephen was dressed in cute overalls.
Each visit my heart was warmed with his precious life. I spoke with the LORD in the quiet moments of my visits alone with Stephen and pondered my Bible readings.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. St. John chpt. 14:26-27
Today, we spoke with a Cardiologist concerning Stephen's heart condition. He said, that once surgery is performed it would require additional surgeries. He would like to try and slowly wean Stephen off the oxygen he is receiving and see if he can thrive on his own....with a heavy heart these words swirled around in my head...
Surgeries?...weaned off oxygen?...how will he do?"
My heart ached as I thought upon his course of life.
"Will he have quality playtime with his brothers and sisters?"
Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Weeks passed and Stephen seemed to do well with the minimal help of oxygen. He was holding his own!
On a visit a few weeks later, my husband and I were shocked at the sight of our son. He had changed dramatically; the lack of oxygen he still suffered was causing fluid retention. Yet he looked so precious to us...now a pudgy little boy. As I gazed upon his precious face, I envisioned a little "Hummel" figurine before my eyes. My grandmother had a collection of these German made figurines and I always admired them. Their round faces with rosy cheeks and sweet smiles. Here was one, in person.
The hospital provided clothing for Stephen. I don't know why, perhaps for sanitary reasons. I appreciated so much the "normal" clothing provided instead of a generic hospital gown. This day, Stephen was dressed in cute overalls.
Each visit my heart was warmed with his precious life. I spoke with the LORD in the quiet moments of my visits alone with Stephen and pondered my Bible readings.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. St. John chpt. 14:26-27
Thursday, January 17, 2008
...REALITY... part 2
Kathryn came often up to the village to check on me and offered to take me to visit Stephen. During the drive both there and back we discussed why I was living in Switzerland. I told her that we yielded our lives to God's service and that a door had opened with this job opportunity and it was our desire to share our faith in the LORD and the truth found in the scriptures concerning him. I believed that she was one of these whom God had chosen for us to meet. She was surprised that God would do this...send people like us, just for her? She was very receptive and began to understand as she thought upon my hospital stay and our talks while I was admitted under her care.
Each time she came to visit, the LORD manifested his love to her and ours as well. We became good friends. She told me some time later...that she only intended to visit me a few times because she felt sorry for me living in a foreign country with the language barrier and no family present, but that God had been working in her heart and she knew our sincerity towards her was real.
We began to do a study together in the book of Romans. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to share with her my testimony of salvation. It was in this very book of the Bible that I found true salvation.
Since the chapter title here is Reality...it is only fitting to post My Testimony as well. It was a point of Reality that helped me understand my dilemma of sin and also my putting off a vital decision in life. This is what I shared with Kathryn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MY TESTIMONY
I was raised in "religion" and had no peace, no assurance of heaven, no place to take my fears. Did memorized prayer help? no. As I child, it troubled me greatly when someone died...
"Where did they go?
I was so moved by the death of a young woman posted in the paper that I cut out her photo and prayed for her. I was also exposed to many people dying...in grade school several of my classmates siblings died...one at birth, one a drowning, one hung accidentally, one in an auto accident, another elder schoolmate died from a health problem and yet another young man committed suicide. I was deeply troubled over this, but, with most people...time went on and I became immune to the affects it once had on me. As I matured I also stopped going to church. There was nothing in this church worth going to...a weekly ritual that did nothing for me. A formality from my youth.
As I approached the age of 19 the LORD in his perfect timing desired at this time...to give me the true Gospel of his Son...the LORD JESUS CHRIST...found in the scriptures.
The LORD brought a young man along my way...a Bible Believing Christian. I say this since I knew many church going people up to this point..but none who impressed me as he did.
Let me explain: Another issue in my life was a lack of trust in people. To often I had been heartbroken...over many different reasons. When I met this young man via some elderly friends coxing the meeting...I was leery. I went ahead and obliged to a "date" that turned out to be my first exposure to the TRUTH of Bible Scripture. This young man's first conversation with me...was his testimony of faith in the LORD. I was awe struck with his sincerity and taking the time to read the Bible he had with him! This was not an ordinary "date"..this was special. He showed me the sincerity of his care for my soul. I listened...and we dated again..and I listened...dated again..and I listened....the Bible being read and faith explained. Yes, he took me to the book of Romans chapter 5. I remember distinctly being amazed at the truths I was reading and had longed for to know...YET...I did nothing with it.
A few months passed and I was in an automobile accident. Very strange circumstances that would make for a long story. (maybe this part will be in my book..Lord willing).
I should have died in this accident, but by the mercies of God, I did not, nor was I even injured. However, I realized that night, I could have died in my sins. I knew the Bible verses in:
John chapter 8 verse 24... I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
I had "heard" of Jesus Christ...but it never became so very personal...to truly believe who HE is...The SON of GOD as MY Saviour.
I John chpt 1 verse 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
REALITY came to me that moment realizing that I had unconfessed sins in my heart...
James chapter4 verse 17 says: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
.. and though I had read the Bible and listened, I had done nothing with this knowledge. I then began to recall the many talks I had with this young man concerning faith in the LORD Jesus. His death on the cross of Calvary..for me.
Romans chapter 5 verses 12, 17-19 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(this one man being Adam)
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Verses 7-11 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for good man some would even dare to die.
But GOD commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we now have received the atonement.
Romans chpt. 5 verse 1 -2 became my favorite verses.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
This night of my accident, I became a Born Again Christian. I knew that my life no longer was my own... I had been bought with a price...the precious blood of the Lord Jesus.
I determined in my heart that night to live for him. The peace that flooded my soul can only be explained by this saving faith. I now had the assurances that I desired and I knew heaven was to be mine one day.
After this day, I began to read my Bible and attend a church that I knew preached and taught the Bible. And as the scriptures promise...he giveth understanding unto the simple and I began to grow in understanding of God's Word. How wonderful to know God and who he is and why he performs as he does in the lives of mankind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...and so my testimony explained... WHY? ...giving hope to others is so vital and worth some of the sacrifices people make. She asked me...
"Do you really believe God sent you here...for me?"
" Yes, Kathryn, I do."
Each time she came to visit, the LORD manifested his love to her and ours as well. We became good friends. She told me some time later...that she only intended to visit me a few times because she felt sorry for me living in a foreign country with the language barrier and no family present, but that God had been working in her heart and she knew our sincerity towards her was real.
We began to do a study together in the book of Romans. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to share with her my testimony of salvation. It was in this very book of the Bible that I found true salvation.
Since the chapter title here is Reality...it is only fitting to post My Testimony as well. It was a point of Reality that helped me understand my dilemma of sin and also my putting off a vital decision in life. This is what I shared with Kathryn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MY TESTIMONY
I was raised in "religion" and had no peace, no assurance of heaven, no place to take my fears. Did memorized prayer help? no. As I child, it troubled me greatly when someone died...
"Where did they go?
I was so moved by the death of a young woman posted in the paper that I cut out her photo and prayed for her. I was also exposed to many people dying...in grade school several of my classmates siblings died...one at birth, one a drowning, one hung accidentally, one in an auto accident, another elder schoolmate died from a health problem and yet another young man committed suicide. I was deeply troubled over this, but, with most people...time went on and I became immune to the affects it once had on me. As I matured I also stopped going to church. There was nothing in this church worth going to...a weekly ritual that did nothing for me. A formality from my youth.
As I approached the age of 19 the LORD in his perfect timing desired at this time...to give me the true Gospel of his Son...the LORD JESUS CHRIST...found in the scriptures.
The LORD brought a young man along my way...a Bible Believing Christian. I say this since I knew many church going people up to this point..but none who impressed me as he did.
Let me explain: Another issue in my life was a lack of trust in people. To often I had been heartbroken...over many different reasons. When I met this young man via some elderly friends coxing the meeting...I was leery. I went ahead and obliged to a "date" that turned out to be my first exposure to the TRUTH of Bible Scripture. This young man's first conversation with me...was his testimony of faith in the LORD. I was awe struck with his sincerity and taking the time to read the Bible he had with him! This was not an ordinary "date"..this was special. He showed me the sincerity of his care for my soul. I listened...and we dated again..and I listened...dated again..and I listened....the Bible being read and faith explained. Yes, he took me to the book of Romans chapter 5. I remember distinctly being amazed at the truths I was reading and had longed for to know...YET...I did nothing with it.
A few months passed and I was in an automobile accident. Very strange circumstances that would make for a long story. (maybe this part will be in my book..Lord willing).
I should have died in this accident, but by the mercies of God, I did not, nor was I even injured. However, I realized that night, I could have died in my sins. I knew the Bible verses in:
John chapter 8 verse 24... I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
I had "heard" of Jesus Christ...but it never became so very personal...to truly believe who HE is...The SON of GOD as MY Saviour.
I John chpt 1 verse 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
REALITY came to me that moment realizing that I had unconfessed sins in my heart...
James chapter4 verse 17 says: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
.. and though I had read the Bible and listened, I had done nothing with this knowledge. I then began to recall the many talks I had with this young man concerning faith in the LORD Jesus. His death on the cross of Calvary..for me.
Romans chapter 5 verses 12, 17-19 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(this one man being Adam)
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Verses 7-11 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for good man some would even dare to die.
But GOD commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we now have received the atonement.
Romans chpt. 5 verse 1 -2 became my favorite verses.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
This night of my accident, I became a Born Again Christian. I knew that my life no longer was my own... I had been bought with a price...the precious blood of the Lord Jesus.
I determined in my heart that night to live for him. The peace that flooded my soul can only be explained by this saving faith. I now had the assurances that I desired and I knew heaven was to be mine one day.
After this day, I began to read my Bible and attend a church that I knew preached and taught the Bible. And as the scriptures promise...he giveth understanding unto the simple and I began to grow in understanding of God's Word. How wonderful to know God and who he is and why he performs as he does in the lives of mankind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...and so my testimony explained... WHY? ...giving hope to others is so vital and worth some of the sacrifices people make. She asked me...
"Do you really believe God sent you here...for me?"
" Yes, Kathryn, I do."
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