I understand that death is inevitable...and yet when faced with it I still can't help but wonder... what the hell I am doing with my life?
I witnessed to a dying man this past week. His name was Patrick. As he lay in his bed weak and in and out of conciousness I could actually feel the sorrow the lord had for this man. The first time I heard of his condition the lord spoke so clearly to me. "You must encourage Karin and Liam to witness to him!" So I began my journey of walking along side and encouraging both Liam and Karin to step up to the plate and bring the word of God into this mans life before it was to late! I became very addiment about it. Texting them, asking whenever I would see them if they had gone to see Poric (irish for patrick). I could feel God prodding me and just as I began to feel like the biggest pain in the butt. Karin had a dream, she and I were in it and we were praying for and reading the bible to Poric. Halleluja! finally I thought.
Then we began our long trips to the Hospice where Patrick lay dying of lung cancer that had spred through his entire body. Leaving his toes completely blackend and huge spots of black over his entire face, downs his chest and arms. I have not personally been around many people who are actually dying. But I hope this is not my last encounter either. Do not get me wrong it was hard, probably one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Walking into the Hospice knowing that when my visit is over...I get to walk back out again. I get to go home and spend the day with my loved ones. Watching the kids play and run around. I get another chance at the end of that visit...to live my life to the fullest.
My first encounter with Poric was quick and yet it has changed me. And by this I mean there was actually a shift in my person. Deep within me I felt the Holy Spirit shift and as I began to speak I realized that I was seeing this man through the eyes of God. I could feel the pain and urgency of what God was talking about when he had me take on the task of having Karin and Liam minister to this man. What I saw was a child, who was sick and scared. I saw a fading light before me. I saw a lost little boy that God wanted us so desprately to guide home to him. I for the first time saw the true value of a human life. And it has changed me. When I took Porics hand, I heard so clearly the lord speaking to me and telling me that this is not what he intended for Poric. Then I could hear, "TELL HIM...TELL HIM" I shared with Poric how much God loves him, that God is right there with him at his side. And that God wants to take him home, away from the pain and suffering. And then I began to get over whelmed and teary eyed so I said my goodbye to Patrick and cried the entire way out of the Hospice. For the first time in days I did not care about my own personal problems. We had to pray Patrick into heaven. Patrick passed away yesterday afternoon May 23rd 2007, and although we did not actually pray the "prayer" it was patrick that asked for karin to read him the bible. It was Patrick who asked for prayer and with every fiber of my being I know that Patrick is now walking with out Lord Jesus Christ in all of his glory. No more pain, no more suffering, no more death. Just eternal life, peace and absolute glory. You will be missed by those of us who you left behind Patrick, but I am at peace knowing that I will see you again.
Yes this event like many others has changed me. I find it astounding how often one can be changed in a lifetime. When you think about it everyday should be a life changing event. Each new day we have to wake up and live our lives should be a life changing event. I spent my day yesterday both mourning the loss of Patric, celebrating his victory. Encouraged by his determination to hear the gospel and cry out to someone to tell him about the glories of Jesus Christ. For those who do not believe that God is real, I ask you this "What then drives a man who has not known the truth about Jesus, to suddenly and so clearly understand that it is this very man we call our Christ Jesus that is his key into the Kingdom?" For it is written "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
I now truly understand the importance of the message God has left behind for us in the Bible. The teachings now all make more sense to me some how. I can't help but wonder... what if I did not listen to God that first time when he told me to get Karin and Liam on the path to witnessing to Patrick. What if Karin had ignored her dream? What if we went down to the Hospice and said nothing? it makes you think doesn't it. The truth is we all have a Poric or two or three in our lives. Patric may have been dying of Cancer, but what would have been worse, the three months he had to endure the pain and suffering and brutalness of that cancer or Eternal Damnation? Yes it was hard to see death staring back at me, seeing a fellow human being in such grave pain and not having a way to ease it. But it would have been much worse to ignore the chance God had given us to care for and bring his son home to him. John 8:47 "He who belongs to God hears what God says." We all have a Patrick in our lives because we are surronded by non-believers each and eveyday. If you are the type of Christian that sits back and lets the "Other Christians" bring people to God then you had better take another look at your life. Are you sure you are going to heaven? Are you sure you can call yourself a Christian? If you are not out there winning people over for/to the kingdom then I am here to tell you... you have some serrious soul searching to do my friend. We are ALL called to get out into the world and share the Gospel. We are all called because we are all warriors fighting the same fight. The battle has already been won people! So what are you affraid of? Rejection? John 16:33 "But take heart! I have over come the world."
"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23 "All things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
I started this entry with the statement that Death is inevitable...so doesn't everyone deserve the opportunity to know the truth? Even if they only have a couple of days left on the earth they still need to know the truth! I would not have been able to live with myself if I had ignored God's calling to speak into Patricks life. What an opportunity! GOD HIMSELF TRUSTED US WITH THE TASK OF SPEAKING INTO PATRICKS LIFE!!!! He knew we could do the job even when we didn't! Trust me there were plenty of conversations about it, you know the ones... I can't do this! I am not qualified to be doing this! I want out! What if I fail? And these are the TRUTHS I learned about each statement. 1)We could'nt have done it... not without Gods guidence and strength! 2)If you have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you... YOU ARE FULLY QUALIFIED! 3)I want out... there is no honour in not even trying. And that is all I have to say about that. 4)There is no failure if you try. God will not be calling on you to do something if he does not know already that it is you who can accomplish the task! God will not give you more then he knows you can handle. And might I add you are not alone he's there with you people! Again... there is no failure if you are first willing to try. If you are willing to fall on your face in the name of God then... GOOD FOR YOU! YOU ARE A TRUE DISCIPLE!
I will be arriving back into Canada June 20th. I would like to ask for your prayers as I am preparing to come back into the country and adjust to living in the North American setting once again.
Please pray as I say goodbye to those I have grown to know and love so dearly here in my home of Ireland. Parts of me do not feel ready to leave and yet I know I must. So please pray for peace in my heart on this matter.
Please pray that finances will work themselves out for me also upon my arrival.
Please pray that the direction that God has called me to go next will be one that I can adjust to quickly and easily. Or at least that I will allow him to take the lead!(control freak I am )
Please pray that my stay away from my home here in Ireland will be a short one. (lord willing)
God's Blessings to all of you and know that each of you are in my prayers daily.
May God bless those of you I know and love, and those I have yet to know and love. In his precious name Amen.
I witnessed to a dying man this past week. His name was Patrick. As he lay in his bed weak and in and out of conciousness I could actually feel the sorrow the lord had for this man. The first time I heard of his condition the lord spoke so clearly to me. "You must encourage Karin and Liam to witness to him!" So I began my journey of walking along side and encouraging both Liam and Karin to step up to the plate and bring the word of God into this mans life before it was to late! I became very addiment about it. Texting them, asking whenever I would see them if they had gone to see Poric (irish for patrick). I could feel God prodding me and just as I began to feel like the biggest pain in the butt. Karin had a dream, she and I were in it and we were praying for and reading the bible to Poric. Halleluja! finally I thought.
Then we began our long trips to the Hospice where Patrick lay dying of lung cancer that had spred through his entire body. Leaving his toes completely blackend and huge spots of black over his entire face, downs his chest and arms. I have not personally been around many people who are actually dying. But I hope this is not my last encounter either. Do not get me wrong it was hard, probably one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Walking into the Hospice knowing that when my visit is over...I get to walk back out again. I get to go home and spend the day with my loved ones. Watching the kids play and run around. I get another chance at the end of that visit...to live my life to the fullest.
My first encounter with Poric was quick and yet it has changed me. And by this I mean there was actually a shift in my person. Deep within me I felt the Holy Spirit shift and as I began to speak I realized that I was seeing this man through the eyes of God. I could feel the pain and urgency of what God was talking about when he had me take on the task of having Karin and Liam minister to this man. What I saw was a child, who was sick and scared. I saw a fading light before me. I saw a lost little boy that God wanted us so desprately to guide home to him. I for the first time saw the true value of a human life. And it has changed me. When I took Porics hand, I heard so clearly the lord speaking to me and telling me that this is not what he intended for Poric. Then I could hear, "TELL HIM...TELL HIM" I shared with Poric how much God loves him, that God is right there with him at his side. And that God wants to take him home, away from the pain and suffering. And then I began to get over whelmed and teary eyed so I said my goodbye to Patrick and cried the entire way out of the Hospice. For the first time in days I did not care about my own personal problems. We had to pray Patrick into heaven. Patrick passed away yesterday afternoon May 23rd 2007, and although we did not actually pray the "prayer" it was patrick that asked for karin to read him the bible. It was Patrick who asked for prayer and with every fiber of my being I know that Patrick is now walking with out Lord Jesus Christ in all of his glory. No more pain, no more suffering, no more death. Just eternal life, peace and absolute glory. You will be missed by those of us who you left behind Patrick, but I am at peace knowing that I will see you again.
Yes this event like many others has changed me. I find it astounding how often one can be changed in a lifetime. When you think about it everyday should be a life changing event. Each new day we have to wake up and live our lives should be a life changing event. I spent my day yesterday both mourning the loss of Patric, celebrating his victory. Encouraged by his determination to hear the gospel and cry out to someone to tell him about the glories of Jesus Christ. For those who do not believe that God is real, I ask you this "What then drives a man who has not known the truth about Jesus, to suddenly and so clearly understand that it is this very man we call our Christ Jesus that is his key into the Kingdom?" For it is written "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
I now truly understand the importance of the message God has left behind for us in the Bible. The teachings now all make more sense to me some how. I can't help but wonder... what if I did not listen to God that first time when he told me to get Karin and Liam on the path to witnessing to Patrick. What if Karin had ignored her dream? What if we went down to the Hospice and said nothing? it makes you think doesn't it. The truth is we all have a Poric or two or three in our lives. Patric may have been dying of Cancer, but what would have been worse, the three months he had to endure the pain and suffering and brutalness of that cancer or Eternal Damnation? Yes it was hard to see death staring back at me, seeing a fellow human being in such grave pain and not having a way to ease it. But it would have been much worse to ignore the chance God had given us to care for and bring his son home to him. John 8:47 "He who belongs to God hears what God says." We all have a Patrick in our lives because we are surronded by non-believers each and eveyday. If you are the type of Christian that sits back and lets the "Other Christians" bring people to God then you had better take another look at your life. Are you sure you are going to heaven? Are you sure you can call yourself a Christian? If you are not out there winning people over for/to the kingdom then I am here to tell you... you have some serrious soul searching to do my friend. We are ALL called to get out into the world and share the Gospel. We are all called because we are all warriors fighting the same fight. The battle has already been won people! So what are you affraid of? Rejection? John 16:33 "But take heart! I have over come the world."
"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23 "All things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
I started this entry with the statement that Death is inevitable...so doesn't everyone deserve the opportunity to know the truth? Even if they only have a couple of days left on the earth they still need to know the truth! I would not have been able to live with myself if I had ignored God's calling to speak into Patricks life. What an opportunity! GOD HIMSELF TRUSTED US WITH THE TASK OF SPEAKING INTO PATRICKS LIFE!!!! He knew we could do the job even when we didn't! Trust me there were plenty of conversations about it, you know the ones... I can't do this! I am not qualified to be doing this! I want out! What if I fail? And these are the TRUTHS I learned about each statement. 1)We could'nt have done it... not without Gods guidence and strength! 2)If you have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you... YOU ARE FULLY QUALIFIED! 3)I want out... there is no honour in not even trying. And that is all I have to say about that. 4)There is no failure if you try. God will not be calling on you to do something if he does not know already that it is you who can accomplish the task! God will not give you more then he knows you can handle. And might I add you are not alone he's there with you people! Again... there is no failure if you are first willing to try. If you are willing to fall on your face in the name of God then... GOOD FOR YOU! YOU ARE A TRUE DISCIPLE!
I will be arriving back into Canada June 20th. I would like to ask for your prayers as I am preparing to come back into the country and adjust to living in the North American setting once again.
Please pray as I say goodbye to those I have grown to know and love so dearly here in my home of Ireland. Parts of me do not feel ready to leave and yet I know I must. So please pray for peace in my heart on this matter.
Please pray that finances will work themselves out for me also upon my arrival.
Please pray that the direction that God has called me to go next will be one that I can adjust to quickly and easily. Or at least that I will allow him to take the lead!(control freak I am )
Please pray that my stay away from my home here in Ireland will be a short one. (lord willing)
God's Blessings to all of you and know that each of you are in my prayers daily.
May God bless those of you I know and love, and those I have yet to know and love. In his precious name Amen.
posted by Andrea at 5/24/2007
1 comments
