An email. sent out July 17th

Dear All,

From so far away it is difficult to know what to say about Betty, except that she is in the hands of her Loving Heavenly Father and only He knows the whole situation and His plan. As I think you are aware, Betty had a G-tube inserted, someone had said that after that, with proper nutrition, she would "bounce back" - but, the reality of the situation is that after an initial slight improvement - her situation seems to have deteriorated.
She is in severe pain, is on heavy medication for this but even so, the pain is not being relieved, because of this, it is becoming more difficult for her to be propped up for her feeds. We have very little explanation, at this point, as to her real situation. Heavy sedation and a bacterial infection are making it more difficult for her to talk.
We thank you for praying for her and for us.

On this side - we do praise the Lord for answered prayer and for the tremendous help and support the counsellors were in the camps which have just finished. Also, every one of the speakers turned up in good time. We certainly have much to praise and thank the Lord for. Especially, are we thankful, for those whose lives were touched and changed - and we continue to support and pray for them. Thankyou for your great part in the Lord's work here. School exams are just about to start and following that of course, is the wonderful job of marking - being as these are the largest exams of the year!

Assembly wise, Don has many responsibilities, do pray regarding the assembly here - and for Don and the one brother who have been left with a great load. Much spiritual grace and wisdom is needed.

I thought the poem by Henry H. Barry, in the Counsel Magazine was very appropriate -

He Leadeth Me.

In "green pastures"? Not always;
sometimes He, Who knowest best,
in kindness leadeth me
In weary ways, where heavy shadows be,
Out of the sunshine, warm and soft and bright,
Out of the sunshine, into darkest night,
I oft would faint with sorrows and affright,
Only for this: I know He holds my hand;

So, whether led in green or desert land,
I trust, although I may not understand.
Beside "still waters"? No, not always so;
Oftimes the heavy tempests 'round me blow,
And o'er my soul the waves and billows go.
But when the storms beat loudest, and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by,
and whispers to my soul, "Lo, it is I."
Above the tempest wild I hear Him say:
"beyond this darkness lies the perfect day;
In every path of thine I lead the way.

"So, whether on the hill-tops, high and fair I dwell,
or in the sunless valleys where The shadows lie,
what matter? He is there.
And more than this; where'er the pathway lead,
He gives to me no helpless, broken reed,
But His own hand, sufficient for my need.

In the One who is working out His perfect plan,
thanking you for your great part,