My church family is amazing. They have poured into us during this difficult time of Tom’s hospitalization and sickness. As soon as they got word of Tom being in the ICU, the phone calls and texts started pouring in. They were ready to storm the hospital and lay hands on Tom.
Since coming to the hospital was not ideal, my brothers and sisters in Christ stormed the gates of heaven on Tom’s behalf. While in the ICU I’d receive a text letting me know they were praying. Their words were faith filled, saying things like, “God’s going to heal Tom” “God is faithful” “Healing is His hobby”.
It was so encouraging as everything we saw looked like death. They have stood in the gap for us and they continue to do so. Our pastor and his wife have been supportive and willing to help us, and our whole church family is praying for us. I want to give honor to this very special group of believers that I call not just friends, but family. Here are just a few of my church peeps that I want to give a shout out to.
Sharon is a pillar of the church and a faithful prayer warrior. She has sent us the most beautiful letters filled with scriptures, encouragement, and hope. She regularly calls and asks for updates. She is a blessing who has weathered her own storms, yet is full of faith.
My sweet friend Hawah called me while Tom was in the ICU as she was getting ready to leave the country. She took the time to reach out and encourage us as she was preparing for a long trip overseas. Incredible woman.
Joyce is the perfect name for a woman filled with joy. She is an encourager and every single time we talk, or she texts, she reminds me of God’s faithfulness. Her reassurance is so comforting.
Koffi is a faithful prayer warrior. Originally from Gambia, he’s around six foot five with a booming voice. When Koffi prays I feel like I just experienced God’s presence. He prays with confidence, authority, and humility.
Koffi called me the first week Tom was home from the hospital. He said in his thick accent, “How is my brother Tom doing?” Then he went on to tell me that he’d been praying for us all day, and that the Holy Spirit impressed on him to pray for us at that moment over the phone. I put the phone on speaker so Tom could hear as Koffi sang a hymn, “There is Power in the Blood”. Then he began to pray a powerful prayer for Tom.
A couple weeks ago, Koffi and Joyce, who is also from Gambia, showed up at our house with donuts and prayer. Since Tom was sleeping we stayed outside. Koffi wanted to pray, so the three of us huddled on the sidewalk as Koffi called out to God for healing. It was beautiful.
I share these stories to give glory to God, and to give thanks to some very special people in our lives. When we haven’t had the words to pray, our amazing church family has prayed. They stand in the gap for us, and they keep standing.
My church family has shown me what love looks like. What humility and sacrifice is. I have so much to learn from these precious people. What an example they are to me. I am grateful. Thank you God for this loving group of believers. Bless each and every one of them for their steadfastness.
And thank each of you who have prayed for Tom. Our battle is not over, and every prayer matters. Thank you!
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:12-13
Love you all,
Meghan
Photo credit: Meghan E. White