testimony

Hi all.  I hope you’ve had a peaceful Christmas and wishing each and everyone of you a happy and healthy New Year.

I wanted to tell you a little about a journey that Bert and I, and our family, have been on for the last few weeks.  Bert was admitted to Bolton Royal Hospital with pneumonia and problems with his heart.  He was given 24 hours to live.  Terry came and prayed with us – ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’.

The next day he seemed better.  We had a word with the doctor and he said he would review him again, but really hadn’t expected to see him the next day.  Praise God, although he was still very ill, he rallied.  Prayer had a great impact on him.  

He couldn’t walk and he has more trouble with his dementia.  From hospital he was discharged into Farnworth Care Home for rehab.  Bert can get tired very easily, and sometimes that puts him back with his physio, but bless them they don’t give up.

This has been a real learning curve for me.  I’ve always asked God to let me know he was with me.  Well now I know he has been.  Not quite sure why I had to go through this, but I’m sure Terry will have the answer!

With help and prayers God set me up with a network of people to help with lifts and support, not all Christians.

Bert came home and I got ill.  Couldn’t believe it!  Those first few days weren’t good.  But I have my amazing team of angels – my daughter Nicola, Paula and John (who comes round in the middle of the night to help me clean him up and lift him back into bed) and the meals support we have had from the the church family has been awesome.

My home group have always been there, so if you aren’t in a group, please join one!

So yes, I know God is with me, protecting me and my family, and I thank him for letting me know he is with us.

Also, yesterday (2nd January) I had my 80th birthday. I was so emotional.  I felt so special.  I try not to cry in front of Bert, but I did last night, but out of happiness, for your kindness, caring, everything people have done, lifts, meals and support.

God bless you all.

Joan, Bert and family xx