Blessin' a brother!

[Pastor Gary]

Most of you have seen Pastor Don Johnston's post about his surgery, and I know many have said a prayer for a successful outcome and full, speedy recovery.

What he DIDN'T post is, for you fans of the late Paul Harvey, the REST of the story...

Here's Don's story, in his own words:

I find myself in very unfamiliar territory as I write this note. I want to be understood from the very beginning that I am not asking for anything specific. I have always tried to help others in teaching them that if they have a need that it is biblical for them to let their brothers and sisters in the Lord know their needs. That is the purpose of this note. For the first time in my life, I find myself at a place where I am having to let my family and friends know that due to the recent medical problems I have experienced I do have a need.

If you would allow me the opportunity to explain; It is important that you know that my employment with the Fields of the Wood is helping on the front side. They have been extremely supportive and helpful during this entire situation. They could have easily have replaced me and been well within their rights to do so but instead they have partnered with me to help during the situation.

The situation;
Over the course of my life time I have tried to help people. I have been blessed with size and strength all of my life. I have over taxed my back and damaged it pretty extensively. In the cervical (neck) region of my spine I have ruptured the disk between the C5 and C6 and the C6 and C7 vertebrae and the C7 has a fracture on one side. The C5 and C6 are also dislocated. So tomorrow at 12:30 PM I will be undergoing surgery to “fix” the problem. During the past three months of trying to find out what is wrong I have had to use all of my vacation, sick, and personal days so I have no time left to take off from work. But my supervisor Brother Paul Holt has been so supportive. He has gone way beyond what anyone should have to do and for that I am grateful. My employment has granted me up to 12 week of Family Medical Leave for the recovery of my surgery. They have even willingly taken it upon themselves to pay for my personal insurance during the entire time.

The Problem;
The problem comes in for my wife’s health insurance. On top of what they have to pay for me there is an additional $436.00 per month that I have to pay for the family coverage. So if I cannot pay the additional $1308.00 for the 12 week period I will lose Sandra’s health insurance which is just not possible at this time of our lives. I have no doubt that God will make away.

The Request;
Again I am not asking for anything specific. Most of all I need your prayer. I have let my need be made known. So if the Lord so directs you I could use any help you could send our way. If you are not impressed upon by the Spirit to help in a financial way then I ask that you only pray. If the Lord so directs you to help in a financial way you may do so through my Pay-Pal account: curity2@hughes.net and specify for health insurance. If you would like to mail something to us the mailing address is located at the end of this e-mail, If you can only offer your prayers right now I count them as more of a blessing than finances.

I am feeling extremely vulnerable at this point. I know that many will see this as a form of begging but that is NOT the intent. I am simply letting you know the need. I do sincerely pray that if any one of you ever find yourself in a position of needing help that you would think first to call upon me as a friend and brother.

Truly in the grip of His grace
Don Johnston
9907 Highway 294
Murphy, NC 28906

Sounds to me, family, like 13 people with a $100 bill, or 26 people with 50's could solve a problem for the Johnston's and take a big load off Don's mind during his recovery. I remember when Mississippi was hit by major storms and he (and others) put their lives on hold to mount a relief operation, making trip after trip hauling supplies. Now he has been hit by his own major storm in the form of a $1,300 need, and God's people can fix this for him.

The principle expressed in James 2:15-17 (NASB) seems to apply here, doesn't it?

"If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."

[Pastor Don]

Thank you so much
I will write when I get home
I am out of surg and pain is intense but manageable with God's grace
Talk to.U all soon

Don. J

[one love]

Thank you so much
I will write when I get home
I am out of surg and pain is intense but manageable with God's grace
Talk to.U all soon

Don. J

Praying for a quick recovery, I have been there as I told ya. I pray your need is met and your pain to be gone!

[Pastor Gary]

Thank you so much
I will write when I get home
I am out of surg and pain is intense but manageable with God's grace
Talk to.U all soon

Don. J

Check your Paypal account.

[Pastor Don]

Brother Gary;
Thanks! I will begin with that small over used word once again. You would think with all of the brilliant minds and tremendous inventions over the last thousand years or so that someone would have come up with a word that didn't sound so insignificant. But until that happens hope you know in your spirit the love and appreciation that fills that little word...Thanks!

It would stand to reason that if a man had as much time to think as I have had over the last few days that he would be ready to have lots to say. Somehow though the opposite seems to be true for me. One of the most critical things about this surgery is that they had to lift my vocal cords, trachea and move it out of the way. Talking for the first day or so was out, only when he was checking to make sure I had a voice. Now for the next week or so it is to be very limited and then only in whispers. After that if the voice is back to a normal sound then I can start talking on a regular basis but absolutely loud or forceful sounds for at least one month. With all of that time to sit in quiet, I find myself with many, many thoughts but very little to say.

The thoughts run the gambit of subjects. Even some really off the wall stuff, but it seems so insignificant to talk about. Even as I am trying to write this small note I am struggling for words to say.

To the others that have been so kind and generous, for now please accept heart inspired and love filled word...Thanks!

[PastorDaniel]

Hope things are going better! Love you guys and praying for ya!