For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 1 Peter 2:21
Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) has knocked me down (in many ways) since early December, but by God’s grace I’m getting back up! One of my sisters recently sent me this quote from a book she is reading. “When God lays men on their backs, then they look up to heaven.” Thomas Watson-Mid 1600s Puritan, All Things for Good (Romans 8:28).
I am learning to see God’s hands of mercy, protection, and provision through this refining fire and “valley of (literally) the shadow of death.” Back in December, I didn’t realize just how serious GBS is and could have been until I came across this video, while trying to figure out how to pronounce Guillain Barre Syndrome https://youtu.be/HtkWhtG-MCM?si=NIU_xuPVhtzQr4kO . For example, I’m so thankful that God made a way for me to lose weight (115 lbs.) just in time or I might have been in wheelchair (or worse).
I’m also thankful that God has provided physical therapy and everything else I need here in Cambodia to restore the damaged nerves, regain strengthen my legs and learn to walk normally again. At this moment, I can only walk around 100 steps (sometimes less) at a time before pain forces me to stop and sit for minute (possibly nerves are coming back online/muscle cramps?). Prayers appreciated for this healing and strengthening process.
I continue to regain capabilities and confidence. At my lowest point, I couldn’t even dress myself, but now I’m in the process of returning to ministry and daily life activities (gradually and as I’m able). I’m learning to practice what I call, “expectant-patience,” because even though I am making rapid progress, I recognize that a long journey to complete health and strength still lies ahead. I want to be able to recognize and be thankful for each baby step (the way I walk now) God provides along the way. It also means that my plans etc. have been completely shaken up and erased (like an old Etch-A-Sketch toy). So (we all) will have to wait and see how God redraws the lines (including all travel or ministry plans etc.).
My Apologetics/Evangelism class for Cambodian students at a local seminary, founded and run by missionaries from Korea, ran between November 4 and January 16. I was only able to teach three times before I got sick. The seminary students and staff have all been very good to me, in many ways. I was very concerned that since I couldn’t teach, and finding a substitute might have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, that my students would have to retake the entire class later. However, despite my bad condition at the time, God brought it to my mind that I had recorded all the lectures during COVID. I was able to find the old video files and share them with my students-so they were able to complete the class on schedule! This morning, I was able to drive to the seminary and meet my students, my first significant ministry activity since the first week of December!
Between December 19 and January 12, Kayo hosted/facilitated (months of preparation) a team and visitors from Japan. They worked alongside our Cambodian ministry partners to host/serve in Christmas/New Year outreaches in organizations, mission/private schools, and a rural prison. They shared the Gospel, testimonies, meals, school supplies, and performed a puppet show with a Cambodian language soundtrack (even though they can’t speak Cambodian). The team/church also raised funds for the construction of a public toilet for around forty families who live in a garbage dump without any facilities, and hosted a dedication event/meal during their time there. They also visited a rural tribal church.
Benjamin finished his semester and was on Christmas break from December 20 to January 13. He spent some time studying for some major standardized tests in the next semester. He also helped me (with chores I couldn’t do), especially when Kayo was busy and traveling (one overnight trip) with the team and visitors (I’m thankful that my condition improved, just enough and just in time, so she could go and serve!) He’s really grown a lot during this trial and he and Kayo (and many others) have been a big help!
Thanks so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support!
In Christ’s Loving and Healing Hands,
Darryl, Kayo, and Benjamin.