More of what God has done this past small group season! Rejoicing together at life-change!
We have a wheelchair ramp ministry as on ongoing project of the Smillie care group. We met Dave Koester, a single man who had suffered a paralyzing stroke to his left side. He could stand a little but had to use a wheelchair most of the time. He also could not speak clearly. His mind was sharp. The care group was charged with moving a wheelchair ramp into position in front of his trailer and modifying it for his needs.
Fifteen of us gathered on Sharefest Saturday and did the job for Dave. Dave told us that he really didn’t get along with his family and had minimal care available to him. Because of his needs and humorous personality, we decided to adopt him and he decided to adopt us. Everybody had a great time working and sharing with Dave. The next week Dave called and asked me to take him to Hermiston and get some salmon from the fish vendors. We were a little early so there was not fish available. Dave & I did have a nice visit while we were driving and we were able to share the Lord’s word. We talked about future outings together and I dropped him off at his trailer.
This Hermiston trip took place on a Saturday. The following Tuesday his brother Ron called me and told me that Dave had passed away and I was probably the last person that saw him alive. I feel very grateful that we were able to talk about Jesus and His word. Because of the wheelchair ramp project and the support and caring of the care group, it seemed Dave had renewed hope for his life and future.
–Don Story
I think the one thing that has been very awesome and of God this year in our small group is just how amazingly God provides when his people do what they feel the Lord has lead them to do and are following His will for their family. Three of us mothers (Frank’s, Hofstad’s, and our family) have made the transition from work to home. In those big decisions God has provided new jobs for husbands (two of) that the pay and benefits are a much better match for the families.
In addition there have been numerous other blessings – here are only a few: such as the sell of property (our family – Dewey’s that was on the market for over two years) just at the right time and when needed most, new business opportunities, an unexpected inheritance, larger sales volumes so commissions have been better, and many other examples of how awesome the Lord is and how He provides in unexpected ways and in ways we could not imagine. For us personally, we are in less debt and have more money in the bank than ever, and are living without a complete salary. . .and He continues to provide. Like pastor Dave said this past Sunday, we all are continually amazed at how we are continually blessed even when undeserving!
–Dewey small group
To me, the highlight of the Dautel/Hilliard group this year was the discipleship growth of one of our members. As the year progressed, she participated and initiated more in studies, discussions, decisions, and relationships. She blessed us with her hunger, teachability, enthusiasm, initiative, ideas, and diligence. She was baptized in the fall, and coordinated our ShareFest activity in the spring. Overcoming some challenging home situations, she has really become a disciple of Jesus.
–Dave Hilliard
