Update for NPUMC friends

The devil has to be interested in messing me up! Last week I was so hopeful and happy to report that we had NO one in the hospital or in rehab for the first time in a long time. After a long rehab at Golden Living, Ann Kitley went home. Jack Zerkel went home from Kindred. Then BOOM! Esther Lowe had a bout with diverticulosis and went into Hancock Regional Hospital. Jack Zerkel fell. He cracked open his head and needed staples from the hospital. Dick Kuhn went in and had a pacemaker implanted. Fortunately, we have great health care facilities in Greenfield and the Indianapolis area. As of Monday, Esther is back home as is Jack and Dick. All seem to be doing well. Keep praying for their continued improvement and for me. Every time I think we are doing better, OLD NICK interferes and creates havoc for some of my friends!

Our Franklin Family

Yesterday, I made the trip to Franklin to visit three wonderful ladies who live there. First, I saw Frances Kissell who had been hospitalized with a racing heart and some "mini-strokes." Frances is over 90 and has the sweetest disposition. She is truly an inspiration to all who know her. She is now in the Health Center at the Methodist Home. I love her...God loves her. I pray she feels the love that God gives her every day. I know she is ready to meet Him whenever He calls her home. Then I stopped to see Doris VanDine. She and Lula Bonsett are going to Florida a little sooner this year so I wanted to be sure to send her off knowing her Christian friends at NPUMC are praying for her. While she no longer makes the long drive to our congregation, she is still one of "ours." Please continue to pray for safe travel and her joy of being with her good friend, Lula, and the warming sun of Florida. Myrna Beck's house was my next stop. I barely caught her since she and her daughter, Linda Quick, had just got home from Christmas shopping. Myrna seems to be doing well and is always ready to go "out." While I stopped at Myrna's last...she holds a special place in my heart. She and her late husband, Glen, have always been important examples of how we as Christians are to live. While it is nearly 100 miles round trip for me when I go to Franklin, I always look forward to it since I have these three wonderful lady friends to visit!

Jack Zerkel

For many months, now, Jack Zerkel has been on our prayer lists. He has has infections, replaced joints, concerns for heart issues, and back surgery. He has been in the hospital several times and in rehab now for awhile. Through all this, his wife Jean has been by his side. Now, by the grace of God, Jack may have turned the corner. He has been getting stronger at rehab in Greenfield and now is ready to go home. He is scheduled to go home on Friday, November 2!!! Now he still needs our prayers and to be encouraged. He must continue to work and get stronger. But, he will be sleeping in his own bed, eating at his own table, and much, much more comfortable in his own home. God is good. Many thanks to all of Jack's Christian friends who have sent up so many prayers, sent cards and called Jean. God is sooo Good!

A Tough Week

Last week was a busy and tough week for the ministry team from NPUMC. We lost a real trooper and tough veteran in Bud Hickman. At 90, Bud had been fighting COPD and was on oxygen for awhile now. He didn't let his age or infirmaties slow him down. All the way to hospice, Bud was concerned not for himself, but for his loving wife, Barb. His viewing and remembrance was Thursday with JT officiating. It was a memorable service with a military presence and a gun salute. Bud will be missed by his family and friends but remembered for the caring friend he was. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace! On Monday, Jack Zerkel had his back surgery. The doctor had to remove his older back bracing and replace it with more. It was a long, difficult operation but this will hopefully alleviate some of Jack's pain and allow him to return to a more normal life. He is now in the progressive care unit at Community East Hospital. He is already receiving physical therapy and they have had him up but he has a long recovery yet to go. Wednesday, Jay and I sat in the waiting room at Community North Hospital as Pam Komendo had an extensive hiatal hernia repaired. She came home Thursday and says she hasn't felt this good in a long time. For her the last few years have been filled with illnesses and surgeries. Maybe this will be the one that helps her turn the corner to better health. Keep praying for these families. God is good and hears all our prayers!!! IHS, Roger

Ann Kitley

What an amazing woman!!! I saw Ann at Hancock Regional Hospital recently as she was weak and had fallen. They feared she may have had a stroke or heart attack. While they do believe she had a heart "episode" it was mild. She did sprain her wrist though. She is so strong and trusts in God so much that regardless of what happens to her she praises Him! She is now in Room 48 at Golden Living for rehab. It is right behind Hancock Regional Hospital. Lily, her daughter from Colorado is here. Jim and Roberta Fowler continue to watch out for mom and dad Kitley too. Pray for her and Dale and they both are wonderful friends in Christ!

IHS,

Roger

Prayers needed for Jack and Jean

This morning I learned some new, but disturbing terms about Jack Zerkel's health. He first has continuing back pain due to stenosis. Then recently the doctor's have diagnosed him with C. Diff. C. Diff. (Clostridium difficile) is a condition usually brought on in patients with another ailment for which they have taken antibiotics. The antibiotics kill not only the bad bacteria but also the good. So in this condition the bad bacteria line the intestines causing abdominal pain, diarrhea and weakness. Untreated the condition can be fatal. Jack has multiple ailments that all cause him discomfort. He is very weak now and needs serious interventions so they are inserting a G-tube today to provide necessary nutrition. Jack is in room 2505 at Community East. Jean has been caring for him at home for some time also and is worn out too. Please pray for them and send them cards of encouragement

God is so good!

God is indeed good and we praise Him for His good works among our church family.

As usual, I have been running all over Hancock and Marion counties visisting our members as needed. This morning, I was at Methodist Hospital at 6:30 a.m. for Carol York as she underwent a couple of heart related tests. She is fine and got good news that her heart valve isn't as bad as formerly thought. It requires NO open heart surgery! Carol, her daughter Sarah and I were all very relieved. Carol will likely continue to need oxygen though as her lungs are damaged from years past.

Don Ellis had his tummy rupture repaired this week and seems to be doing well. He thanks all for their prayers.

Gail Hancock's shoulder surgery was successful and she has better mobility and less pain.

Bonnie Petrow's new knee is getting better all the time!

I just got news that Ann Kitley has been taken to Hancock Regional Hospital with some pneumonia. Please pray for her and Dale.

Roger and out...

Don Ellis

Just a week after saying goodbye to his beloved wife, Don Ellis has to go in for a surgery to repair a hernia in his mis-section. While this procedure is supposed to be very routine, all your continued prayers are appreciated. Don is such a great and caring guy. He even came all the way to Greenfield to help me with a knotty electric problem yesterday. Praise God for Don and people like Don who care for and put others ahead of their own needs as Jesus did.

OMG

OH MY GOSH!

Stacy Boyd is in Hancock Regional Hospital with a collapsed lung. I know, she's too young, too healthy, too great a singer...
Well, she's still a great singer and along with Shelly and Rita...she's Brand New! OK, she apparently has struggled with a cough for awhile and Sunday had a rather hard coughing spell. Doctors think this may have contributed to the condition. I saw her at HRH two days ago and she had a chest tube to help reinflate her lung. She was terribly uncomfortable and sore. But...today the tube was removed and her lung was nearly fully inflated. Good news...she should be home today or tomorrow. God is so good!

Continued

While I didn't know Dick Merlau well, his family did a great job of keeping his memory alive as they spoke at his service today. Pat Trout, his sister, spoke of trying to keep him in line as big sister! Charles, his brother, spoke of the faith they both shared in Jesus Christ. The daughters and grandchildren had special memories of all the stories he told them...again...and again...and again. They remembered that he loved to play his guitar and sign them to sleep with his lullabys...like "The Gambler and Mama, Don't Let Your Children Grow Up to be Cowboys." He must have been quite a philosopher. Many family members and friends remembered wise sayings of his. He will surely be missed but I suspect he, like Bert, has already found his place in our Fathers house.

A Sad Week at NPUMC...a glorious day in heaven!

It was a sad week for those of us who will miss our friends Bert Armstrong and Dick Merlau. Tuesday I attended a wonderful tribute to Bert Armstrong. Pastor JT and Steve Harding conducted the service and several family members participated sharing memories of love and caring. The beautiful singing by Danielle and Samantha added to the remembrance of Papaw Bert. Mary also bravely spoke showing the strength of faith and also gratitude of the entire family for the ongoing support shown during Bert's illness. Tears came to my eyes as I viewed the football next to Bert in the casket. It had a statement from grandson Jason saying, "Papaw, You play catch with Jesus until I get there." I am quite sure Jesus is ready for Bert...to play catch...and as JT said ..."Maybe to help with the cleanup in heaven..."
Bert will be terribly missed in New Pal and in our church. We all need to recognize that while Bert is gone to his reward, the rest of the family needs our continued love and support.

A Quick General Update

First, I want to share a quick note about our Fellowship dinner held last evening in Fellowship Hall. We had about 50 folks present even though it was rainy and cold. The "cookout" we had included hambergers,with all the trimmings, baked beans, slaw, several types of salads, and potato salads too. There were more desserts than I could taste...well I tried! Everything was fantastic as usual and everyone had a great time. Many thanks to Lee and Denny and Roger McCarty who managed the grill...in the rain! Great job guys!!! Bert Armstrong is back at St. Francis for rehab now and he is happier and closer to going home. Sheila Ellis is in ICU there also and she and Don need our ongoing prayers. Ginny Brosier is recuperting. well and is nearly back to normal. Pam Komendo got a good report from her doctor this week...no big C found in biopsies. Georgia Cassell is due to return home Wednesday from Cyprus Run in Morristown. She is stronger and happier too. Jim and Bonnie have moved to the condos right behind the play area at church. Jim says he plans to be walking over to NPUMC. Doris VanDine asks for prayers as she is having some health issues presently. Katsue Gladback is nearly back to normal and is busy as ever. Oh, there is plenty more...but it's midnight and I can hear my mattress calling! In His Service, Roger

Bert Armstrong update

Today, Bert Armstrong went back to his favorite hospital. (IU) He needed some "clean up" work done. The doctors said they would clean out his pancreas to intestine vessels which were backed up with "sludge." Since his gall bladder was bad they gave him the two for one treatment and removed it also. Honestly, the man is a walking miracle! After his bout with gion bere several years ago then his recent battle with staff infections, he has great faith in the doctors to help him. Today his spirit was good. He was surrounded by family and friends. His God was with him. He came through the surgery well although he'll to keep a g-tube for awhile so he can heal more effectively. He should get out of the hospital in about a week if all goes well. We pray for his healing. We pray for Mary as she runs back and forth to the hospital. We thank God for these two wonderful members of NPUMC and God's family!

Another Angel Gets Her Wings

Word came from Oxford, Ohio that our good friend Gesina (Sina) Llewellyn left her earthly body behind today to join our Savior in heaven. She had been in pain for awhile due to a deteriorated hip and arthritic back. A short time ago she had to give up her apartment and move to a convalescent home. Her appetite was gone and with loss of weight, her health became very fragile. She went to the hospital with pneumonia and left this world in her sleep. For the past four years, I have called on Sina. We have told many stories, drank a lot of coffee, and petted her cat Dutch. She was an amazing woman who inspires me whenever I think of her. The unbelievable facts of her early life should be recorded in a book. She didn't mind talking about "some" of it although I know it was at times painful.
We have lost a great lady, a great friend and a true Christian. I have lost one of my best buddies. I will never forget her love and kindness. I will miss her but I KNOW where she is and am happy she has no more pain.

Goodbye Sina...the bells are ringing in heaven!

A Wonderful Evening with Friends

Last night our fellowship dinner hosted over fifty wonderful folks who enjoyed a sumptuous meal and some great interaction with Christian friends! It was truly a very enjoyable evening!

Thought of the Day!

EXPECT GOD'S BEST

Those who wait for the Lord, who expect, look for and hope in Him, shall renew their strength... (Isaiah 40:31)

What are you expecting in life - good things? Bad things? Little things? Anything at all? God wants you to get your hopes up! The Bible says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for." One definition of hope is CONFIDENT EXPECTANCY. Did you know you can't even have faith if you don't first have hope?
Your expectations set the limits for your life. If you never expect anything good, you're never going to receive anything good. If you don't expect things to get better, then nothing will get better. God promises to meet you at your level of expectancy. That's why Jesus said in Mathew 9:29, "According to your faith be it done unto you." One translation simply says, "Have what your faith expects."
Start expecting to overcome every challenge you face and for God to meet all of your needs! Live every day of your life filled with anticipation that God is going to bless you abundantly above and beyond your wildest dreams!

Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. Today I purpose in my heart to raise my level of expectancy and hope in You. Thank You for putting Your desires in my heart and bringing them to pass in my life.

General Update

The love of Christ always keeps our spirit moving in the right direction toward a loving relationship with our Lord. Loving others and remembering that we are here for HIM keeps us focused on exercising HIS plan for us. As we show our concern for others, we show our love for our Lord.

Please keep Cindy McClatchey and her family in your prayers as she lost her step-father Charles Walton this past week. Her mother is also still at "Golden Living" in Greenfield.

Gary Jones was to have his catheter removed this week and his staples also. He said he appreciates everyone's support and prayers and can feel the love of Christ from his church family.

Alice Cooper is home and hoping to return to church this week. She is no longer needing her oxygen around home and is feeling much, much better.

Ginny Brosier has finally gotten her shoulder set after falling and breaking it several days ago. After spending three days at Hancock Regional Hospital, she plans of doing her "rehab" at Cypress Run in Morristown.

Myrna Beck had her hip set after her break last week and is still recovering in Franklin at the Johnson County Hospital there. She will likely return to the Methodist Home across the street for her "rehab." Keep her and Linda and their entire families in your prayers as they hold to Christ's faith for their family matriarch.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to those of you who help me keep us on the concerns of our church family. Please continue to keep me posted as to what's going on by calling me at 317-695-4779 or emailing me at hoopref@aol.com.

In His Service,

Roger

HOME

Home: An abode. A house. A living space.....NOPE! While all these responses at times seem appropriate, they are entirely inadequate. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy realized that "home" was the most important place. In fact, to get there she had to repeat, "There's noplace like home." Home is where the heart is. It is where we are loved and where we love.
Charles Marling and Alice Cooper both have been under hospital care for some time and have finally been released to go home. I visited both of them today and they are both MUCH,MUCH happier being HOME. While Charles still isn't well and still has aches and neroprathy in his feet, he is so glad to be "home" with Diane. Alice is still using oxygen as she continues to get stronger daily. She longs to get back to church and friends, but is also happy in her home. Yes, home is a place that we refer to when we talk about where we hang our clothes. But more than that it is where we find and give love. "There's no place like HOME!"

Peace for 2012

St. Francis of Assisi left us all with a "jewell" that I treasure. I hope you and many world leaders will embrace this message in 2012.

Lord, Make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

New Year...More Work to Do!

God is Good! It’s the New Year and our prayers have helped to ease the pain or anxiety of several of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
In December we had several “family” members and friends go through some trials. We know from scripture that He will never allow us to have more than we can handle…so with prayer many have overcome obstacles recently.

Billie Davis underwent surgery and it was successful in giving her needed pain relief. She looks good, is now at home, and improving daily.

Jack Zerkel’s new hip is getting used to him…or the other way around. It was good to see him back at church.

Don Kottlowski went to be with the Lord and he will know no more pain or have any more confusion.

Alice Cooper is now in a rehab center after a scary heart attack and bout of pneumonia. Her family fought along side of her every step of the way. Our prayers for her restored health seem to be a part of God’s master plan.

My hand is healing from surgery…(even if it is taking me longer than normal to type this!!!)

I heard that Dwayne Wilson was just taken to Hancock Regional Hospital with pneumonia last weekso our work goes on! Dwayne is now home resting.

Susan VanRooy’s brother Bryan is in critical care in Cincinnati after an accident at work. A tree fell on him crushing many bones.

Please know that God hears all our prayers and that all things work for good for those who love the Lord! Pray …pray…pray!
Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!

HIS,

Roger