Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Another prayer request

I ran into a friend at our Parents as Teachers open house this morning.

I did my undergrad at the same time and school in mid-Michigan as her hubby - who was studying to be a teacher.

Then, I was part of a college student ministry with him AND her at a different college in SE Michigan a few years later while he and I were in "the real world" and she was finishing up her undergrad in teaching.

After we all left THAT college, we all taught for a few years in our respective areas of certification. Then, her hubby left teaching and was accepted to LCMS seminary in St. Louis. They were married at some point before or after his graduation and installment. They have since created two gorgeous kids.

Then, by what could be explained as God's infinite grace and plan (LOL), he was called a few years ago to a church just around the corner from where DaHubby and I had been living at the time here in SW Michigan!


Anyway, she approached me this morning and shared the heart-breaking story that's been her life the last few months.

Her husband recently had a setback. Over that last several years, they thought they were dealing with one particular, manageable physical and mental challenge and it turned out to be something entirely different which caused such symptoms and problems that things finally culminated in him attacking her.

He has been hospitalized for his safety and those around him about an hour away. All sorts of people are now involved...child protective services, the court system, etc. The church is providing a full salary for 6 months but the wife now has to return to full-time work while juggling her (I think) 2 and 5 year old. As far as I know, she knows no one here but her church family and me. Her teaching credentials have lapsed since she's been a SAHM so now she has two classes to take ASAP so she can be re-certified and hire-able for a local school district.


I'm at a loss. I'm stunned. My heart's broken for her and for him. To be that ill, that out of control. To have been attacked by the one who promised to love and honor you always. What about their kids? Their extended families? What must his church be going through?

So, I've already asked DaHubby if I may offer to her babysitting services one of the evenings she's in classes. But, I don't know what else to do.

If you would, please lift Amy and her situation up in prayer. And, ask that God may guide me to the correct type of help, service, and/or assistance He would have me offer. I have been lifted up by my sisters-in-Christ on more than one occasion. And, while we may no longer share the same denominational labels, everything in me wants to help her and serve in this situation.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

sara said...

Beth, I'm praying. Is there anything I can do in a more tangible way? I know I'm a long way away but please email me if you think of something.

Thursday's Child said...

Poor thing. God will see her through this but it's hard sometimes to know just HOW He's doing that. My thoughts and prayers are with her too.

Marilee said...

I am praying for your friend and her family. Even when we have no clue what God is doing we have total assurance that HE IS IN CONTROL and He DOES have a plan. These are the times when we find just how trustworthy HE is! There is a light at the end of this tunnel... God is amazing!

Love, Marilee

Unashamed said...

Oh wow. Me too - praying that is and also following Sara's lead. If you can think of anything that I can do please pass along your suggestions. Big or small. You never know how God may equip us.