Today I am sitting in the Mazankowski Heart Institute anxiously awaiting news on the the outcome of the surgery Rod is in the midst of. Early this morning he had an angiogram (a tube running into his heart that injects dye to search for blockages). This procedure was followed by an angioplasty (a balloon that opens blockages). How grateful we are to be in Canada going through this procedure. Rod had three stints (little springs that keep the arteries open) surgically placed in his heart. Our prayer is that now we can grow old together serving our Savior.
God knew we would be in Canada during this time. He knew Rod’s medical condition before we did. Actually it was picked up by a nurse placing an electrode in a wrong spot during an ECG. This error caused the doctor to investigate further. God loving placed all the people in place so Rod could have excellent medical care in his time of need. What an amazing God we have! He has a plan. A plan for our future!
We recognize that not only do we have to keep our physical bodies healthy; we also need to care for our spiritual and emotional needs. Our sending church St. Albert Alliance Church began a series called, “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality”. Rod and I just happened to be visiting the first Sunday the series kicked off. Rod and I recognize areas in this journey of our lives that need a touch from God. Many times we fill our days up with activity and not enough time in the presence of our Maker. It never ceases to amaze me how God uses imperfect people to accomplish His work.
We have so much to be grateful for. As we are here in Canada our Prison Ministry Team has experienced great changes within the Mexican prisons. Women prisoners are being shuffled around and being returned to the prisons in the states were they originated. Many tears have been shed as the women that have bonded with each other over time have had to say their goodbyes. My prayer is that each woman that found Jesus and freedom from their addictions through the Celebrate Recovery Program will share what they have found with others, no matter where they are placed.
More Prison Ministry Updates:
-Funds have been raised so the women in the Ensenada Prison can crochet scarves for the orphans in local orphanages. Yes, it gets cold enough to need hats, scarves and mittens in our area. I love how the women prisoners are reaching out beyond their own needs.
-December our Prison Ministry team will have a Christmas Fiesta for the women of the Ensenada Prison. This event will include the staff of the prison. In Mexico is especially important to stay in the good books of the government officials. Each woman will be presented with a beautiful, hand sewn bag filled with personal items accompanied by music, worship, drama, and a message of hope followed by a meal. Thank you Judy Kropp from Alberta, Canada for making the bags. The women will love them!
-Due to the H1N1 scare in Mexico, all prisons have barred their doors from outsiders visiting inmates from August 2009 to January 2010. We are thanking God that our Prison Ministry Team is exempted from this rule. Actually, the prison has called our leadership and personally let them know that they are not included in this new ruling.
With the prison not allowing outsiders to visit prisoners, their personal needs are not being met. All items such as: pads, tooth paste, tooth brushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, blankets, etc. are not supplied by the prison. Families and friends of the prisoners are responsible to bring personal items to the prisoners. If you feel God urging you to get involved in the Prison Ministry contact me and I will let you know how you too can get be a part of our team in reaching those in need.
It has been a tremendous blessing to be here in Canada during this time. My brother continues to struggle after the bone marrow transplant and is presently back in the Tom Baker Institute in Calgary. Pray that God will touch his body and bring him back into wholeness. Rebekah is adjusting well to dorm life in college. Our social butterfly has met many beautiful, caring friends. Rod is resting after surgery. We continue to tag team with my sister in law or my parents in caring for Jack. The plan is for Jack to return to his home mid December. It will be at that time that we plan to return Mexico after braving the blustery Canadian winter storms.
Rod, Cheryl & Leonard Janssen (Executive Director of YUGO Ministries)
Thank you for your many prayers. We feel them and know it is the prayers of the saints that keep us all strong during this time. God had an amazing plan and He chose you to be a part of it through your prayers, words of encouragement and generosity.
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