As I contemplate 2015, I have to admit, this has been quite a year. In April, Tammy was told she was at Stage 4 Metastatic Cancer, and that it was incurable. In July, I had to have an unexpected open heart surgery. The doctor said I had already had a heart attack. The right main artery was 100% blocked, and I had 5 other blockages at 90% or above. It addition to that, my heart was overly enlarged, and I had a leaky valve. My heart was operating at 20%. He said I should not be alive. Then, last week, our house burned down--a total loss. The Fire Marshall told me he's glad I'm alive. When I opened the back door to check where the smoke was coming from we were within minutes that there would have been a back draft and fire would have engulfed me.
The result of all of this? I am so thankful to God! Since April, Tammy continues to do very well as the Lord sustains her. My recovery from heart surgery has been quick, and I feel great (although I still get tired trying to push through a whole day). While the fire destroyed most everything in our house, there was no loss of life. We have been tremendously blessed by the outpouring of love, financial assistance, and offers to help. God's Word declares: "But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV). This Thanksgiving we will be at the Freedom Center in downtown Delphi, helping to serve a free Thanksgiving meal to the community. Anyone is welcome to come. Our thankfulness is towards a God who loves us, sustains us, and who continues to allow us to serve Him and this community. We thank God for all of you who have prayed for us and who have provided us the help we have needed at this time. Our focus remains on the goodness of God, Our hope is that others in need will find the same love and care we have received. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
3 Comments
|
AuthorPastor Brent Oliver grew up in Kokomo, Indiana and is an Ordained Minister through the Assemblies of God. Before embarking on God’s plan to establish a church in Delphi, Pastor Brent served in both Peru and Logansport, Indiana encompassing over 29 years of fulltime ministry. His vision and creativity has been the benchmark for the growing ministry at Delphi First and after 23 years, his passion and leadership could not be stronger. Archives
May 2019
|