September 8, 2009
Now and then, someone says something that gets our attention and touches our hearts. Recently, Jean Coleman of Maryville, Tennessee made such a statement in an e-mail to Bob and Jan Towell. With her permission, I will share her statement with you.
“How many times have we prayed for something good to happen, and when it did, we were surprised. . . . I have prayed many times for the WEI mission. I wanted to get involved, and then I stopped breathing in the ambulance before we got to the hospital. When I regained consciousness, it was six hours later, and I was on a respirator.
“For ten days, my life hung precariously while my church family and many other friends prayed for me. April 1, I got a new heart valve, and on April 3, I went into congestive heart failure. I survived by the grace of God. I spent 21 days in the hospital, and those who loved me continued to pray for my recovery.
“Why am I telling you this? It is because I believe that God hears our prayers and answers them. I would think that every teacher and every congregation involved with WEI is praying for WEI. This concept has the greatest method of mission work that has existed since the days of Paul.”
In an e-mail addressed to me, Jean said, “I truly do believe that WEI is why God spared my life. I am new at teaching in this manner. I have suggested to my students that I am learning about them and their culture while helping them with their studies. . . . What a warm feeling.”
When we come face-to-face with death, the Lord gets our full attention. Suddenly, we discover what is really important. It is then that we think most seriously about investing in eternity.
WEI is still celebrating its 20th anniversary. Some of you have sent $20 to celebrate what God has done through WEI during the past twenty years. Perhaps someone would like to spend $20,000 to keep this global outreach ministry going. To those who have partnered with us, we say, “Thank you.” May God reward you.
