My dear friends
Last year I celebrated my 47th birthday in the General
Intensive Care Unit of Entabeni Hospital. In His faithfulness the Lord granted me one of
the most memorable birthdays under difficult circumstances. As we thanked the Lord for yet
another year yesterday our thoughts kept going back to Entabeni. Even though I am still
fixed on the bed and confined to one room, being home for my birthday was a gift in
itself!
Thank you very much for all the calls, smss, e-mails, cards
and gifts. The most precious thing for me about a birthday is how many people think of you
and lift you to God in prayer. And my friends, I need your prayers.
To be honest, I was looking forward to a special present for
my 48th birthday. As you know the further weakening of my right arm and hand makes
communication a real challenge. Some of my friends kindly gave generously towards
expensive software that will enable me to use eye movement to execute certain tasks on the
computer. The order came through from the USA but bureaucratic procedures in the Customs
Office have delayed my treasured parcel.
Of all the day's excitement let me share with you one tender
moment.
Last year I was presented with an exquisite, professional
flower arrangement. Yesterday was different. There is the vase with the flowers I got;
typically boyish and amateurish. But you should have seen the beaming face of my young
friend, Frans Roos, as he reached out with his gift!
God loves a cheerful giver. Yesterday gave me another chance
to understand why.
Motor Neuron Disease has taught me to appreciate time even
more. Thank the Lord with me for the grace to reach 48.
"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my
inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—" (Psalms 103:1-2)
Have a blessed weekend.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
