Devastation . . . and Beyond!

Part II:

Devastation . . . and Beyond!

Janet Page turned back the pages of her life to recall the shattering experience that broke into her joy with the shock of a thief. The accident that happened so quickly stole her husband, her happiness, her two-year-old boy’s daddy, their plans together…their future. Janet’s experience, shared openly and honestly, told of sorting through her faith, and how God brought her step by step to understanding how to walk daily and continually with Him as her husband. She shares, with her unique sense of humor, when God, as her Husband,  led her to understand later, that He yet had plans for companionship on the human level for her, as well as a daddy for her boy. Her story is not unique. But it is the story of a woman now confident in God’s direction, willing to trust Him with her own life as she ministers with her God-given spouse to persons around the world with whom she shares the truth of God’s faithfulness in every possible trial. She has a walk with God that devastation could not steal–and she’s determined to never let it go!

Linda & Jere Franklin are willing to tell the truly wrenching story of a life-changing explosion that affected their entire family, but particularly impacted their eight-year-old cheerful boy who for years afterwards had to endure repeated hospitalizations and surgeries, with scars and repairs. Through it all the child who had to grow up so fast, seemed to understand that he had been blessed by God in NOT losing his life, so there was no reason not to live a thankful life! The story is so preciously filled with God’s presence (as particularly identified in the life of their son), you will want to get to know their now-grown son for yourself. Linda’s account of her own journey to acceptance of the disaster is written compellingly, and you will be further blessed if you get her book, Rainbow in the Flames. But whether you do or not, listen to the account shared by these parents who themselves HAD to have power to cope–strength from outside themselves–if they were to watch their son, though scarred for life, become a man, a husband, a father, and a sought-after friend. There’s quite a blessing in this one!

John Fallone and Melissa Summers share words of confidence gained by experience: God does not abandon a person in their hour of sorrow or loss. In this two-part program first aired on Sunday, September 11, John shared his agony as news came to him of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center building just below the office where his younger brother had recently been so thrilled to become a stock trader on Wall Street. The new job that had lasted only a few short weeks proved to be his last. John’s faith trembled in the shock–but he has not let go of good memories of his brother as a young father and a cheerful brother and friend–nor has he let go of the hope in God’s word for a resurrection for believers!Melissa’s loss came differently. She told of a comfortable, rising career as a radio personality, a comfortable marriage with all the reasons to stay in a lifestyle that did not include God but spelled worldly success. But Melissa knew she’d left the God of her childhood. Not knowing who might have been praying for her, she was drawn to return to God. Soon she resigned from her role in radio. Then her husband, unfamiliar with the Christian walk, separated himself from her. A series of losses followed: her car, her house, her clothing…everything destroyed in one catastrophe after another. Shortly thereafter Melissa entered overseas mission work and challenges she never dreamed of–along with joy in service. What might look as though she has lost everything in reality brought her peace of mind! She’s found power to cope!

Larry Young’s story is a gripping one from a professional man whose own fingers were used by God to save his life. Only God has carried him through the experiences of living literally a breath away from death as his tongue has been removed bit by bit. Finally, to save his life,  half away, with sections of his wrist used to replace what was missing.  For a man who knew what it was like to be in a submarine during Viet Nam–with walls closing in– to having the artery in his mouth burst and blood fill his throat, is surely an account of power to cope that steadied him and his wife through it all. Don’t miss this one!

Mary Paulson Lauda, a businesswoman who worked alongside her husband for years, built up funds which they both delighted in sharing with others. Then the devastating day came while mountain climbing  far from home. The shock of her husband’s sudden death tested every fibre of Mary’s being. But years of serving and trusting God carried her through. When the shock passed she faithfully continued her daily time of devotion and constant prayer. Now 94 years young she looks back at a life filled with philanthropy, totally modest about the wisdom God has given in guiding her who to help and what to support with the financial blessings she has received. She understands that all she has belongs to God and she must be careful very careful with what is His. The secret of coping from her testimony is obvious: Whether it be the horror of the sudden loss of a husband or caring for her dying daughter, one doesn’t have to live dwelling in sorrow and loneliness. Mary looks up and looks around, living by His strength helping others.

Power to Cope As A Repairman may leave you with insights that are totally unexpected. By common consent among those for whom Dan Thomas has shared his practical skills, since he has a reputation as being a person who can “fix” or build anything, Dan’s experiences have been wide ranging and at times breathless. Try going through electrocution, for example! But the keys he shares to living a peace-filled Christian life just as this program comes to a close may be as life-changing for you as they have been for him! Stay tuned. . .

Dr. Laurice Durrant was in severe pain. A trip that should have been a dream adventure was a nightmare that God would use to give repentance and patience. Great insights here!

Caron Oswald prayed a tough15 years for her quadraplegic son, after a freak accident when he was 20 changed not only his life but hers as well. Her prayer was for his salvation, and God made sure she knew it was answered, finally. The peace was real when it came. Her own gratitude transformed her soul. It’s a powerful testimony about a mother’s prayer for God to do what He saw best–but to save her son!