Interested in a cure for seizures? Here's where you can immediately help.

Feel free to share any of these posts. There are no copyrights on any of them, they are for anyone, anyplace, anytime for whatever reason. All of my love, from a man who just simply misses his son, and believes in the decency of people around the world,

Mike
**To reach the author of this blog Mike, the best email account is a silly one, but goes right to my phone. Technology is so cool. Its toiletoctopus@gmail.com. Thank you for reading this blog, and its been such a good project, in that it has helped others and me as well. May you all live life to the fullest, we have no idea when it shall be our last "dance."

With much love, I am proud of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. If you can help them, and families with this condition, please consider donating to them at www.angelman.org. They are on Charity Navigator, and have done a phenomenal job over the years, on the awareness and research side.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Faith in Action: Saint Luke and Saint Matthews Lutheran Churches in Maryland: Thank You



Yesterday I had the honor of meeting Pastor Marina, who ministers to two Lutheran congregations in Southern Maryland. These are Saint Luke's at 1519 Ballenger Creek Pike Point of Rocks, MD 21777, and Saint Matthew that is at 4004 Ballenger Creek Pike Frederick, MD 21703. This was set up by "Angel on Earth" Michelle, and in no doubt was made possible by the glory of God. As many of you know, my five year old son Tommy passed away of a seizure related to his Angelman Syndrome Condition on November 4th 2009. The past year and almost a half, has been a painful journey, but it has been a learning experience of sorts. I am no longer angry at God, and feel that I have no choice, even as imperfect as I am, to do what I can to stop these seizures from taking another child or person far too early. Do I wish I had a medical degree so I could go through manuals, and understand the physiological parts of a seizure, and maybe provide me a few more pieces to the puzzle? Of course, but even as a simple man, who wears a uniform and a nametag, I have hope.

This is because of people like Pastor Marina, Angel Michelle, her family, and the folks at these two wonderful congregations. It is due to folks like "Brother Bill" who I met in that parking lot that fateful day, when I prayed and screamed at God with venom, that was only second to the night that Tommy passed away. There are two choices when faced with the loss of a child. You either give up, or fight on in the trenches. The second option, while not easy, is the best one possible. This is because it is "faith in action," which was the subject of two speeches that Pastor Marina was kind enough to allow me to deliver. I was greatly inspired by her congregants, their kindness, and they made me feel at home. If you are in the area, I cannot fully recommend either congregation enough, because what makes up a church is not the building, but rather the pastor and the people that attend. Here these churches shine, as Pastor Marina is a gem, and the folks that worship at these buildings are as well.

I would personally like to thank Pastor Marina, Angel Michelle and family, but most importantly God for making this happen. God is responsible for our interconnectedness as a community, no matter what state, or where we come from. Their doors were wide open, and for the congregants to be so welcoming, so enthusiastic, and also telling me stories of their lives when they've been challenged, left me feeling much better than prior to my arrival. It is difficult to speak in public, even when you are passionate, about a subject that causes you pain. I cried yesterday several times, but yet by the end of the day, I had a smile on my face knowing that "faith in action" is a reality. It is something that each of us is capable, and it does not require us to have an extraordinarily high IQ, work in a position of prominence, or have a lot of money. All it requires is having a heart, caring about others, and ultimately stepping in when necessary to help another person. Pastor Marina, Saint Luke's, and Saint Matthews Lutheran Churches certainly did this yesterday. May God bless all of them for their kindness, and provide them peace and blessings.

3 comments:

  1. This is beautiful, Mike. How wonderful your life was enriched by meeting these wonderful people, who, in turn, were equally enriched by meeting you. We're all in this together and God bless you for the courage to speak of yours and others' pain, and God bless the people willing to listen. Another battle won in the ongoing war against seizures, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jules,


    We are all so connected. Its just amazing how it all works out, through pain and in good times, the same. They were truly wonderful at these congregations, and they have a lovely pastor, who understands compassion. God bless you Jules, and to all who are on this battle to defeat seizures once and for all!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    BORROWERS APPLICATION DETAILS


    1. Name Of Applicant in Full:……..
    2. Telephone Numbers:……….
    3. Address and Location:…….
    4. Amount in request………..
    5. Repayment Period:………..
    6. Purpose Of Loan………….
    7. country…………………
    8. phone…………………..
    9. occupation………………
    10.age/sex…………………
    11.Monthly Income…………..
    12.Email……………..

    Regards.
    Managements
    Email Kindly Contact: urgentloan22@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete