Joy and Agony

Dear all,

An answer to prayer. Ariel’s infection has been found. He has a few small abscesses near the site of his bone graft near his hip. Antibiotics are helping, but he has a scan tomorrow and they might drain them with a needle if necessary. His fevers have already reduced and he is feeling better. In fact I thought he was looking great tonight.

For three days in a row he has spend a couple of hours up in a chair. This is exhausting for him, but of much benefit. He’d like prayer to make it to 3 hours/day by the end of the week! Please also pray his body would adjust to being upright again during these times, as he has been feeling nauseous.

He loves having more visitors! Thanks for making the effort. [BTW… a reminder for WS people, not to ring Kirsty please, but to contact Lydia Tan re visiting]

Why does the heading say ‘Joy and Agony’?

Joy… Ariel has much joy already, but asked that we pray he’d be full of it. Joy that is! He knows God is with him. He also knows the Lord has his future in his hands – whatever it looks like. He feels convicted that God’s hand is on him to serve as a minister of the gospel. He prays earnestly that he could get back to it – and specifically get back to pastoral ministry at Strathfield 9am at WSCCC if possible. But for now he knows he is called to hospital ministry and asks that we pray that he would be up to the task – that he’d be faithful to God in this ministry, and have the strength and gifts to do it.

Agony… for his wife and kids. He misses them. He feels for the load Kirsty is carrying. He doesn’t want his situation to be any stumbling block for his kids’ well-being and faith.

He’d like us to pray using these words:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
(Phi 4:4-7 CSB)

 

Grace and peace in Christ, Mark

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