A Beautiful Thing

During the month of December some things happened in my life and in my parent's life that reminded me of the beauty and the blessing of the body of Christ when we work together and care for one another. First of all, my dad was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer in November. As soon as we got the news, brothers and sisters in Christ both in Michigan, Illinois and all over the place began praying for my dad. Not only that but several couples from my parent's church who had gone through the same thing in their lives (meaning prostate cancer) either called my parents or went and met with my parents to encourage them and to give them wise council when considering the treatment options. Throughout this time my church here in Chicago has prayed for my dad and mom. Then, the night before my dad was to leave for Detroit for his surgery some close family friends from my parent's church came over and prayed with me and my parents. Someone else made us a food basket to take to the hospital. Several people called my dad as he was driving to Detroit to tell him they were praying for him. Two of my uncles and one of my aunts came to Detroit and stayed in the hotel and were there for the surgery. My parents have felt the love and support of the body and it has been a beautiful thing to watch.
Then during the month of December I got support gifts from several different people unexpectedly. God's timing always amazes me with these gifts, and people's generosity always amaze me with these gifts. Living on missionary support has definitely been a growing experience for me. It has been amazing to see God time and time again provide just what I need, at just the right time, and often times using His people, the body of Christ, to do it.
I have been reminded of 1 Corinthians 12, and I have been thankful for the body of Christ. Though as members we all have our issues, when we work together and encourage one another, it is a beautiful thing.