Hands and Feet

An excerpt from Hands and Feet
Missions-active Christians Making a Difference in Their Communities
By Tim Rickel, Support Staff
January–March 2011

As I write this, my wife is just finishing radiation treatments for breast cancer. The journey started with a heart-stopping phone call in April, surgery in May, and radiation therapy in July and will continue with hormone therapy for the next five years. No chemotherapy, praise God!

In this journey, we have been blessed by many friends who made a difference when we were feeling lost and out of control. From our experience, here are some practical ways you can make a difference when you feel overwhelmed by a prayer request.

*Pray. It makes a difference.

*When you pray for someone who is going through a trial, write them a quick note telling them you just prayed for them.

*If someone’s life is disrupted by an illness or disaster and you think of something you could do to help, call them and say, “I’d like to stop by with supper for you this week. When is a good day?” If you freeze a dish like a casserole, they can use it when they need it. Other ideas are cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, or watching the kids so a couple can have an evening alone. It all depends on the situation and the personality of your friend.

*One church sent Laurie a quilt to use when she went for treatments. It has gone with her to every appointment and has been a huge comfort in the car. I would never have guessed.

*Give the gift of normal conversation. If someone who is going through a trial needs a shoulder to cry on, be that shoulder. But if they are putting on a good face, let them know you are praying for them, and then take your cue from them. If they are smiling, smile back!