I have so many exciting things to tell you about what has been going on with this ministry! I thank the Lord for giving me the time today to finally get to this update.
About 6 weeks ago a lady who used to be the nanny for my friend called me to help her find a place to live. She had begun to call places herself, but was getting frustrated. We visited one place about 3 weeks ago and yesterday she signed a lease! Praise God for His provision. We had to go to Social Security to get an award letter with her birth date indicated. That was the fastest trip to Social Security I have ever made in the last 7 years. We were in and out of there literally in 10 minutes! She is moving into Christopher Homes and is so happy to be back in her own place. In the course of helping her find an apartment, other issues have come up that I have been able to help her with as well. Transportation with the city’s para-transit system has been applied for. And, we will also be going to her clinic to fill out a request to write off a balance she evidently has from many years of built-up charges.
Another lady has completed her 4 weeks of radiation. She received a certificate, rang the bell and we took pictures to memorialize the day. She is cancer free. Another testimony of God’s grace. This lady also has had a hard time getting her psychiatric medications straight. I am happy to report that at her last doctor’s appointment he said he did not need to see her for 3 months – unless she needs. Praise God! We have also found a Senior Center that has younger attendees. She has been a few times and we are working out the kinks for transportation for her to get there on a regular basis.
1-1/2 year ago a client was offered to purchase the double that she rented in Uptown New Orleans. Things were moving very slow and we actually gave up on that place and began looking elsewhere. At just the right time (God’s time) the owner finally called and got the ball rolling. We closed a few weeks ago. I thank God for all the people He put in my path to help in that process. Now, we need to rent out the other side. If you know anyone looking for an apartment Uptown (near Tulane and Loyola) please give them my information. Rent is $850 a month. It can be used as a 1 or 2 bed-room. All appliances provided – including washer and dryer.
I have begun working with another lady. She is truly a product of God’s blessing. She was in a horrible mis-hap in April. I am happy to report she is back home and doing quite well. We are working out the kinks in her doctor’s appointments and getting her medications straight. I am grateful to be working with a great home health agency who really works well with communicating to me her needs.
Another lady I have been working with for a few months is coming around to allow me to minister to her. She is having a hard time with some things – but is slowly working towards goals that will benefit her.
I am sad to report that I have two ladies in the hospital right now. One had elective hernia surgery that has turned into a nightmare. She was not very cooperative with what she needed to do to get moving. Consequently, she got pneumonia. Her heart and kidneys are already in not-so-good shape. Therefore she is currently on the ventilator and dialysis. Her son is having a very hard time with all of this – particularly because he did not want her to have this surgery. The doctors are a little more encouraged. This past Sunday, she did seem to acknowledge her son’s and my presence in her room. So, I am hopeful for a full recovery. Although, it will be a long one. I am grateful that her son is turning to me and trusting the wisdom God has given me to help him understand all that is going on in his mother’s life right now.
The other lady in the hospital is 94 years old. She has been telling her daughter and others that she is dying – for several weeks. She began to have trouble with speech. I thought they would call in hospice due to her age and fragile condition. Instead, the doctor ordered tests and sent her to the hospital for a blood transfusion. I was in the ER with her on Tuesday. She was scared and confused as to why she was there and why her daughter was not there. I pray for God’s will in this lady’s life – that she would not suffer much and that she and her daughter accept His sovereignty in their lives. They both know the Lord – so, that is a tremendous blessing!
I continue to struggle with my own personal physical limitations. My back continues to give me problems on a regular basis. My ankle is also still not healed. I think I will have trouble with my ankle for the rest of my life. Consequently, my back will also be fragile as well.
I praise God today for His financial provisions for this ministry. Every month, He provides just what I need to carry me through. At this point, I need about $1,500 to carry me through July. Please prayerfully consider a donation. God will bless you as you give.
I pray that God bless each of you richly – thank you all so much for your continued support. I leave you with the scripture passage that is the very heart of this ministry. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23, 24