Dear Friends and Family:
Will and I are experiencing something new. Homework! When Debbie and I were educating our children at home, our children were normally finished with school by the time that I got home in the evening. Now it is not unusual for Will and me to spend several hours together in the evening finishing his daily assignments and doing his homework.
Recently his grandmother asked what he liked most about going to Christian Heritage Academy. Will said it was the homework. I wish that I had the same attitude.
Is it the homework or is it the personal time with Dad? For a ten year old who has just lost his mother I would conclude that it is the personal time with Dad. His need for me is even greater since Debbie’s home going.
Who would have thought that something like homework would help meet Will’s need? Homework is normally something that students despise. Homework is normally something that students want to finish as quickly as possible. Homework is normally something that students dread.
God is always giving us homework. Our homework is those people and circumstances in our lives that we would rather avoid. But with each assignment God is meeting a great need in our life. Will’s homework makes him more dependent upon me. God’s homework makes us more dependent upon God.
May we all have the same attitude that Will has about His homework. May we see each assignment as God’s way to make us more dependent upon Him. And may we always delight in more personal time with our Heavenly Father!
Prayerfully,
Jerry Wells
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
An Update And A Request
Thanks again for supporting our family during such a time as this. Each prayer you offer on our behalf is pleasing to the Lord. I know that you are sharing His heart with us when you pray for us.
We are very busy. There are eleven of us living in my home. Josh and Jill and my two grand babies moved in with us in July. They have been such a tremendous help and support to us in so many ways. It is has been a smooth adjustment because of their maturity in the Lord. I am very grateful.
Josh is completing his last year of law school at OCU. He had done very well and we anticipate he will have several opportunities to start his practice when he is finished.
Besides Josh finishing law school, Zach is a junior at Mid American Christian University which is just down the road from us. That is where his fiancée Karla Davis also attends. It appears their wedding will be early next summer.
Jacob is my only child that is not living at the house. He is doing a remarkable job selling cars at Bob Howard Toyota in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Caleb is a full time student at Moore Norman Vocational Center. He is studying auto mechanics. This will be very helpful to the Wells since there are normally seven or more cars in our drive way at home.
Grace is taking 16 hours at OCCC, a local two year college. She is just getting her basics out of the way as she considers her major.
Jeremiah, Mercy, and William are all fully involved at Christian Heritage Academy thanks to the gifts that were given in Debbie’s honor. Jeremiah is playing football for the first time and it has been a great experience. Mercy has several new friends and is preparing to play basketball. I call her the best athlete in our family but she does not know it. William is literally a full time student. We have some catching up to do so Will and I normally spend several hours each evening doing his homework. All of the children are being challenged academically and are embracing the challenge. CHA is definitely exactly what we need at such a time as this. I am very grateful for this opportunity for my children.
I am very busy at church, preaching and teaching twice a week, counseling, and leading our wonderful staff. Our church has embraced our new lives and loved us beyond measure.
How are we doing emotionally? It is still very hard for all of us at times as you would expect. We all have our moments! But we enjoy one another and enjoy life like Debbie wanted us to do. She told me that she wanted our home to be a happy place where people would enjoy themselves. Jill has done a wonderful job creating that kind of atmosphere. There is lots of laughter again in spite of our moments.
I want to make an unusual request before all is lost. We are compiling all of our resources for the book that we plan to write about lessons that we learned from Debbie’s life. If you have any e-mails that you received from Debbie that would be helpful would you please send them to us before they are deleted and lost. If you have any stories in which you learned something from Debbie’s life, would you send us those stories and what you learned from her?
I know that this will not be easy for some of you. I have wept many tears re-reading her e-mails or recounting stories about her. But it is also very healing and it will be a great help to us. Obviously I cannot promise that we will use everything we receive in the book but whatever we receive will be maintained for our future generations.
Please send your e-mails from Debbie or stories about her to jerrywells@westernhillschurch.com or jerrywellsfam@gmail.com. You can send mail to our home at 6301 S.W. 123, Oklahoma City, OK 73173, if you need to send a copy of a letter that she wrote to you or send us some other information.
Friends are wonderful. Thank you for being there for us. Please let us hear from you.
Jerry Wells
We are very busy. There are eleven of us living in my home. Josh and Jill and my two grand babies moved in with us in July. They have been such a tremendous help and support to us in so many ways. It is has been a smooth adjustment because of their maturity in the Lord. I am very grateful.
Josh is completing his last year of law school at OCU. He had done very well and we anticipate he will have several opportunities to start his practice when he is finished.
Besides Josh finishing law school, Zach is a junior at Mid American Christian University which is just down the road from us. That is where his fiancée Karla Davis also attends. It appears their wedding will be early next summer.
Jacob is my only child that is not living at the house. He is doing a remarkable job selling cars at Bob Howard Toyota in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Caleb is a full time student at Moore Norman Vocational Center. He is studying auto mechanics. This will be very helpful to the Wells since there are normally seven or more cars in our drive way at home.
Grace is taking 16 hours at OCCC, a local two year college. She is just getting her basics out of the way as she considers her major.
Jeremiah, Mercy, and William are all fully involved at Christian Heritage Academy thanks to the gifts that were given in Debbie’s honor. Jeremiah is playing football for the first time and it has been a great experience. Mercy has several new friends and is preparing to play basketball. I call her the best athlete in our family but she does not know it. William is literally a full time student. We have some catching up to do so Will and I normally spend several hours each evening doing his homework. All of the children are being challenged academically and are embracing the challenge. CHA is definitely exactly what we need at such a time as this. I am very grateful for this opportunity for my children.
I am very busy at church, preaching and teaching twice a week, counseling, and leading our wonderful staff. Our church has embraced our new lives and loved us beyond measure.
How are we doing emotionally? It is still very hard for all of us at times as you would expect. We all have our moments! But we enjoy one another and enjoy life like Debbie wanted us to do. She told me that she wanted our home to be a happy place where people would enjoy themselves. Jill has done a wonderful job creating that kind of atmosphere. There is lots of laughter again in spite of our moments.
I want to make an unusual request before all is lost. We are compiling all of our resources for the book that we plan to write about lessons that we learned from Debbie’s life. If you have any e-mails that you received from Debbie that would be helpful would you please send them to us before they are deleted and lost. If you have any stories in which you learned something from Debbie’s life, would you send us those stories and what you learned from her?
I know that this will not be easy for some of you. I have wept many tears re-reading her e-mails or recounting stories about her. But it is also very healing and it will be a great help to us. Obviously I cannot promise that we will use everything we receive in the book but whatever we receive will be maintained for our future generations.
Please send your e-mails from Debbie or stories about her to jerrywells@westernhillschurch.com or jerrywellsfam@gmail.com. You can send mail to our home at 6301 S.W. 123, Oklahoma City, OK 73173, if you need to send a copy of a letter that she wrote to you or send us some other information.
Friends are wonderful. Thank you for being there for us. Please let us hear from you.
Jerry Wells
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Our First Day Of School At CHA
I have a new e-mail address at home.
It is jerrywellsfam@gmail.com
Dear friends and family:
This morning I took Jeremiah (17), Mercy (15), and William (10) to classes at Christian Heritage Academy for the first time. They were excited and somewhat apprehensive. The reality of our new life together really sank in when we pulled up to the building where nearly 700 other students were unloading from a mass of cars.
While I was there, I thought about how excited Debbie would have been if she was there this morning. I thought about the look of wonder and joy and relief on her face when we told her just a few days before she died that a way was being made for the children to attend CHA. I thought about how this would not be possible without all of you that have helped us and prayed for us.
Thank you for caring for us.
Jerry Wells
It is jerrywellsfam@gmail.com
Dear friends and family:
This morning I took Jeremiah (17), Mercy (15), and William (10) to classes at Christian Heritage Academy for the first time. They were excited and somewhat apprehensive. The reality of our new life together really sank in when we pulled up to the building where nearly 700 other students were unloading from a mass of cars.
While I was there, I thought about how excited Debbie would have been if she was there this morning. I thought about the look of wonder and joy and relief on her face when we told her just a few days before she died that a way was being made for the children to attend CHA. I thought about how this would not be possible without all of you that have helped us and prayed for us.
Thank you for caring for us.
Jerry Wells
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Copy Of Video Recording Of Debbie's Funeral Service
Dear Friends:
If you would like a copy of the video recording of Debbie's funeral service please use the form below to make an order. Due to the life that Debbie lived and the testimonies that were shared, we have heard from many people who attended the service that God changed their lives. We believe that Debbie's life message will continue to be a blessing to those on earth even as she enjoys her eternal life in heaven.
Jerry Wells
Psalms 40:1-3
Western Hills Church Video Productions Ministry
Debbie Wells Memorial Service
DVD Order Form
(please print clearly)
Last:_______________________ First:_________________
Address:__________________________________________
City:______________________ State:_____ Zip:_________
Phone: (____)____-________ Phone: (____)____-________
Email:____________________________________________
DVD Order Information:
Number of copies: _______
Number of copies x $10: $_______
Shipping and handling: $ 2.00
Sub total for purchase: $_______
Total amount enclosed: $______________
Please complete this form and mail with payment to:
Western Hills Church
401 SW 44th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73109
Call 405-634-1454 and ask for Brandon Werner if you have any questions.
If you would like a copy of the video recording of Debbie's funeral service please use the form below to make an order. Due to the life that Debbie lived and the testimonies that were shared, we have heard from many people who attended the service that God changed their lives. We believe that Debbie's life message will continue to be a blessing to those on earth even as she enjoys her eternal life in heaven.
Jerry Wells
Psalms 40:1-3
Western Hills Church Video Productions Ministry
Debbie Wells Memorial Service
DVD Order Form
(please print clearly)
Last:_______________________ First:_________________
Address:__________________________________________
City:______________________ State:_____ Zip:_________
Phone: (____)____-________ Phone: (____)____-________
Email:____________________________________________
DVD Order Information:
Number of copies: _______
Number of copies x $10: $_______
Shipping and handling: $ 2.00
Sub total for purchase: $_______
Total amount enclosed: $______________
Please complete this form and mail with payment to:
Western Hills Church
401 SW 44th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73109
Call 405-634-1454 and ask for Brandon Werner if you have any questions.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Thank You!
My words are totally insufficient to express our gratitude for the love and support that each one of you have given to us during the last eight months. You have provided for our family a support system of prayer and service that has expressed the love of Christ for all of us. Thank you for standing with us at a time such as this.
The vacuum that our family feels is so vast that it cannot be measured. The grief and sorrow is like a giant wave at times and all we can do is surrender to it. We have learned that the best thing we can do during these times is cry and talk with one another and pray. The release makes us feel better until we experience the next wave.
The waves will get smaller with the passing of time and less frequent. As Debbie has been fully delivered from her suffering, one day we will be completely delivered from ours. Until then, I want to learn to be like her as she dealt with her sorrow the last eight months.
She was for all of our family a true champion of faith in the way she responded to her greatest trial. Watching her be joyful and be happy and loving to others day after day in the midst of her suffering was one of the greatest miracles I have ever witnessed. I can get grumpy just with a cold or a bad nights sleep.
Her personal journal reveals just how much she suffered. But in spite of her pain, she drew upon the Lord to be such a great blessing to us and to others.
God’s grace is sufficient in our every weakness. We just have to have the right goal for our life and be humble enough to receive the grace that He promises.
Debbie’s goal for her life was to honor the Lord and to bring glory to Him with the way she lived and treated others. She loved God when she discovered how much He loved her. His payment for her sin broke her and made her what she became.
Her humility was forged through a life of experiences in which she would come to the end of herself. I saw it happen over and over again at her private alter.
It was all of these experiences of brokenness at her private alter that prepared her for her greatest trial.
It was such a privilege to be married to someone like her and to be loved by her. Today marks the thirty first anniversary of the day that I proposed to her. Not everyone has the privilege of knowing the kind of love that Debbie and I shared as husband and wife. It takes two people who are committed to live out God’s Word in their relationship to have such an experience of love. God’s Word is the truth and those who follow His commands will be greatly blessed in the midst of the greatest of trials.
I am thanking the Lord today for what He has allowed us to experience together. We did not deserve it. We were just two lost sinners when He found us. It has been amazing to both of us why He still loved us.
And one day soon we will celebrate together His love for us. Please join us!
Jerry Wells
The vacuum that our family feels is so vast that it cannot be measured. The grief and sorrow is like a giant wave at times and all we can do is surrender to it. We have learned that the best thing we can do during these times is cry and talk with one another and pray. The release makes us feel better until we experience the next wave.
The waves will get smaller with the passing of time and less frequent. As Debbie has been fully delivered from her suffering, one day we will be completely delivered from ours. Until then, I want to learn to be like her as she dealt with her sorrow the last eight months.
She was for all of our family a true champion of faith in the way she responded to her greatest trial. Watching her be joyful and be happy and loving to others day after day in the midst of her suffering was one of the greatest miracles I have ever witnessed. I can get grumpy just with a cold or a bad nights sleep.
Her personal journal reveals just how much she suffered. But in spite of her pain, she drew upon the Lord to be such a great blessing to us and to others.
God’s grace is sufficient in our every weakness. We just have to have the right goal for our life and be humble enough to receive the grace that He promises.
Debbie’s goal for her life was to honor the Lord and to bring glory to Him with the way she lived and treated others. She loved God when she discovered how much He loved her. His payment for her sin broke her and made her what she became.
Her humility was forged through a life of experiences in which she would come to the end of herself. I saw it happen over and over again at her private alter.
It was all of these experiences of brokenness at her private alter that prepared her for her greatest trial.
It was such a privilege to be married to someone like her and to be loved by her. Today marks the thirty first anniversary of the day that I proposed to her. Not everyone has the privilege of knowing the kind of love that Debbie and I shared as husband and wife. It takes two people who are committed to live out God’s Word in their relationship to have such an experience of love. God’s Word is the truth and those who follow His commands will be greatly blessed in the midst of the greatest of trials.
I am thanking the Lord today for what He has allowed us to experience together. We did not deserve it. We were just two lost sinners when He found us. It has been amazing to both of us why He still loved us.
And one day soon we will celebrate together His love for us. Please join us!
Jerry Wells
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Carrying On Mom's Legacy
Thanks to all who came to Mom's service on Monday, and thank you to the many who have sent messages of condolence to our family. As near as we can tell, around 1,300 people attended the funeral.
Mom was definitely a hero of faith, and we, as a family, have a strong desire that her story continue to be told and her testimony continue to go out even after her death. We are looking at the different avenues available to us in order to accomplish this goal. One thing that is in the works is we will be attempting to make DVD's of Mom's "Mrs. PJ" skits available to the public. At this point we're not sure how many quality recordings we have, but there are a few. Other thoughts have been to write a book telling her testimony, or a devotional book based on her writings and her Mrs. PJ character. Obviously we have not had the opportunity to get into details yet, but I wanted you all to know that we are committed to promoting her testimony and legacy for as long as we possibly can. Mom's life was too powerful and precious to not share it with as many people as we possibly can.
Eventually a website will be set up devoted to Mom's ministry. Until then, I encourage you to continue checking this site regularly for updates.
The family has been coping fairly well over the past few days. As the hubbub surrounding the final days of Mom's life and her burial subsides, we all feel the implications of her loss more deeply. We are trying to adjust to a new type of normalcy that doesn't really seem normal at all.
Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers. Again, if you have a testimony of how Mom has touched your life, I encourage you to send it by May 11 so we can include it in the book we are creating for our family to honor her legacy. You can email them to jandjwells@cox.net.
Josh
Mom was definitely a hero of faith, and we, as a family, have a strong desire that her story continue to be told and her testimony continue to go out even after her death. We are looking at the different avenues available to us in order to accomplish this goal. One thing that is in the works is we will be attempting to make DVD's of Mom's "Mrs. PJ" skits available to the public. At this point we're not sure how many quality recordings we have, but there are a few. Other thoughts have been to write a book telling her testimony, or a devotional book based on her writings and her Mrs. PJ character. Obviously we have not had the opportunity to get into details yet, but I wanted you all to know that we are committed to promoting her testimony and legacy for as long as we possibly can. Mom's life was too powerful and precious to not share it with as many people as we possibly can.
Eventually a website will be set up devoted to Mom's ministry. Until then, I encourage you to continue checking this site regularly for updates.
The family has been coping fairly well over the past few days. As the hubbub surrounding the final days of Mom's life and her burial subsides, we all feel the implications of her loss more deeply. We are trying to adjust to a new type of normalcy that doesn't really seem normal at all.
Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers. Again, if you have a testimony of how Mom has touched your life, I encourage you to send it by May 11 so we can include it in the book we are creating for our family to honor her legacy. You can email them to jandjwells@cox.net.
Josh
Sunday, May 06, 2007
A Change In Hours Of Viewing Today
Mom's body is resting at Advantage Bransetter Merritt Funeral Home at 7720 S. Penn. The funeral home is located just south of I-240.
Today's viewing hours have been changed from 9:00am to 5:00pm. If you would like to visit with Dad and some of the other family members at the funeral home, they will be there today from 4:00pm-5:00pm.
Viewing hours tomorrow will be from 8:00am-11:00am at the funeral home. There will also be a viewing before the service begins at the church in the foyer south of the auditorium.
Due to the large crowd we are expecting there will not be a viewing at the end of the service. Also due to the expected crowd, there will be two over flow rooms with video and audio feeds if the auditorium becomes too crowded. We considered having the service in a larger place, but we know that Western Hills is home and so dear to Mom's heart. There will be a number of guests books to sign. Please take the time to sign one of them. This will mean alot to us.
Parking will also be an issue. Besides the parking lots at the church, there are many side streets around the church where parking is permitted.
The family would like to personally greet and thank everyone of you for attending Mom's service. This will not be possible at the service because of the large crowd. We will be available at the cemetery after Mom's burial. Mom will be buried immediately after the service at a new cemetery located at S.W. 119 and Interstate 44 just two miles from our home.
If you unable to make it to the cemetery, please accept now our most heart felt gratitude for your love and support.
The Wells Children
Today's viewing hours have been changed from 9:00am to 5:00pm. If you would like to visit with Dad and some of the other family members at the funeral home, they will be there today from 4:00pm-5:00pm.
Viewing hours tomorrow will be from 8:00am-11:00am at the funeral home. There will also be a viewing before the service begins at the church in the foyer south of the auditorium.
Due to the large crowd we are expecting there will not be a viewing at the end of the service. Also due to the expected crowd, there will be two over flow rooms with video and audio feeds if the auditorium becomes too crowded. We considered having the service in a larger place, but we know that Western Hills is home and so dear to Mom's heart. There will be a number of guests books to sign. Please take the time to sign one of them. This will mean alot to us.
Parking will also be an issue. Besides the parking lots at the church, there are many side streets around the church where parking is permitted.
The family would like to personally greet and thank everyone of you for attending Mom's service. This will not be possible at the service because of the large crowd. We will be available at the cemetery after Mom's burial. Mom will be buried immediately after the service at a new cemetery located at S.W. 119 and Interstate 44 just two miles from our home.
If you unable to make it to the cemetery, please accept now our most heart felt gratitude for your love and support.
The Wells Children
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Mom's Legacy
As I've mentioned before, I am taking the email messages and testimonies I have received and we are binding them into a book for our family.
If you have a specific testimony about Mom that is on your heart, either a specific event or a specific way that Mom has touched your life, please send it to me at jandjwells@cox.net. So many of you have already done this, but I want to give you all a final opportunity to honor Mom in this way.
I'll be trying to get this done fairly soon, so please try to get your testimonies to me by May 12.
Again, I'm so grateful for all of the emails and messages you have sent. We have received well over 1,000 messages for Mom. I've received over 500 in the past 3 weeks alone. We have read each and every one of them.
Josh
If you have a specific testimony about Mom that is on your heart, either a specific event or a specific way that Mom has touched your life, please send it to me at jandjwells@cox.net. So many of you have already done this, but I want to give you all a final opportunity to honor Mom in this way.
I'll be trying to get this done fairly soon, so please try to get your testimonies to me by May 12.
Again, I'm so grateful for all of the emails and messages you have sent. We have received well over 1,000 messages for Mom. I've received over 500 in the past 3 weeks alone. We have read each and every one of them.
Josh
Friday, May 04, 2007
Viewing
Mom's body is resting at Bransetter Merritt Funeral Home at 7720 S. Penn. The funeral home is located just south of I-240. Viewing hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, May 5, and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, May 6.
Josh
Josh
Thursday, May 03, 2007
5:37 PM, May 3, 2007
Mom's service will be held at 2:00 PM on May 7. It will be held at Western Hills Church on SW 44th and Walker in Oklahoma City.
I lieu of flowers, please give a gift for Mom to William, Jeremiah and Mercy's tuition at Christian Heritage Academy. Instructions for giving are to the right, and if you would like the entire story, read the blog post entitled "A Way to Give Back to Mom."
Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers.
Josh
I lieu of flowers, please give a gift for Mom to William, Jeremiah and Mercy's tuition at Christian Heritage Academy. Instructions for giving are to the right, and if you would like the entire story, read the blog post entitled "A Way to Give Back to Mom."
Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers.
Josh
1:33 PM, May 3, 2007
Mom passed away a little after 1:00 PM today. She went peacefully and with her family surrounding her.
I'll be posting details about her service as I get them.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
Josh and the entire Wells Family
I'll be posting details about her service as I get them.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
Josh and the entire Wells Family
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
11:53 PM, May 2, 2007
Tonight, Mom's blood pressure was 80/60. Her pulse rate is still over 130. She wasn't able to speak today, but she was able to blow a kiss to the grandkids and mouth "I love you" to each of us.
She did not seem to be in pain.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Josh
She did not seem to be in pain.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Josh
12:25 PM, May 2, 2007
Mom really enjoyed William's baptism last night. She eased off on her pain medication so she could be cognizant and alert for it. It was easily the highlight of her day.
It is becoming more and more difficult to manage Mom's pain and keep her comfortable. She is herself less and less. Her pulse rate has been extremely high, over 130, and her blood pressure has been low for several days now.
I was not able to read any emails to her yesterday because of her condition while I was with her, but I encourage you to continue sending them and I will read them to her at the first opportunity.
We have received so many testimonies of what Mom has meant to the lives of those she has touched. Our plan is to bind them all in a book and keep it as a legacy that our family can appreciate for generations.
Throughout this entire situation, we have all been blessed by evidence of the Lord's care for our family. One such incident happened last year. For years and years, one of the desires of Mom's heart was to go to Africa with a ministry called Reaching Souls International. Dad and I had been with them nearly 15 years ago where we helped train indigenous pastors in evangelism and discipleship techniques. We then spent a week preaching the Gospel in the streets and marketplaces of Bujumbura, Burundi.
Mom had never been able to go. A trip is a 3-4 week long commitment, and there were always young children to care for and other responsibilities she could not leave for that amount of time. Finally, in 2006, she was able to go. My sister Grace went with her. They spent a week training pastors and their wives and then preached the Gospel in the public areas of Arusha, Tanzania. They saw over 6,000 people come to know the Lord.
You can hear Mom's testimony about the trip by going here:
http://www.reachingsoulsinternational.org/multimedia.html
She returned from Arusha in August, and in September she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I know the Lord's timing was in it. He gave her a desire of her heart before He put her through this trial. It's just another evidence that He cares about all those who serve Him and desires to give them good things.
Mom has been blessed, as has our family. Thank you all for your continued prayers.
Josh
It is becoming more and more difficult to manage Mom's pain and keep her comfortable. She is herself less and less. Her pulse rate has been extremely high, over 130, and her blood pressure has been low for several days now.
I was not able to read any emails to her yesterday because of her condition while I was with her, but I encourage you to continue sending them and I will read them to her at the first opportunity.
We have received so many testimonies of what Mom has meant to the lives of those she has touched. Our plan is to bind them all in a book and keep it as a legacy that our family can appreciate for generations.
Throughout this entire situation, we have all been blessed by evidence of the Lord's care for our family. One such incident happened last year. For years and years, one of the desires of Mom's heart was to go to Africa with a ministry called Reaching Souls International. Dad and I had been with them nearly 15 years ago where we helped train indigenous pastors in evangelism and discipleship techniques. We then spent a week preaching the Gospel in the streets and marketplaces of Bujumbura, Burundi.
Mom had never been able to go. A trip is a 3-4 week long commitment, and there were always young children to care for and other responsibilities she could not leave for that amount of time. Finally, in 2006, she was able to go. My sister Grace went with her. They spent a week training pastors and their wives and then preached the Gospel in the public areas of Arusha, Tanzania. They saw over 6,000 people come to know the Lord.
You can hear Mom's testimony about the trip by going here:
http://www.reachingsoulsinternational.org/multimedia.html
She returned from Arusha in August, and in September she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I know the Lord's timing was in it. He gave her a desire of her heart before He put her through this trial. It's just another evidence that He cares about all those who serve Him and desires to give them good things.
Mom has been blessed, as has our family. Thank you all for your continued prayers.
Josh
Monday, April 30, 2007
9:56 PM, April 30, 2007
Today was fairly uneventful. Mom continues to lose some of her alertness. When she is awake she still recognizes people fairly well and can follow conversations. She's dreaming or hallucinating more and more.
William, the youngest of the 8 siblings, is going to be baptized tomorrow evening at 6:00 on the back patio so Mom can see it. I know this will mean a lot to her.
We continue to try and keep her as comfortable as possible. She's still enjoying her cherry limeades. I've been reading your emails and messages to her every day.
Thank you all again for your prayers and support.
Josh
William, the youngest of the 8 siblings, is going to be baptized tomorrow evening at 6:00 on the back patio so Mom can see it. I know this will mean a lot to her.
We continue to try and keep her as comfortable as possible. She's still enjoying her cherry limeades. I've been reading your emails and messages to her every day.
Thank you all again for your prayers and support.
Josh
Sunday, April 29, 2007
12:34 AM, April 29, 2007
This is the fourth day in a row that Mom has gotten noticeably weaker. For the most part she is comfortable with little pain and nausea, but her ability to keep alert or communicate has gotten progressively worse as the days have gone by.
She still recognizes us and is able to follow conversations, but her ability to interact is almost non-existent at this point. I’m convinced that her spirit remains the same as it has always been. Occasionally her eyes will open, focus on you, and she almost looks healthy again, but it passes quickly after two or three words and then she has to rest once more.
This is one of the most difficult things about the disease. Mom is tantalizingly close, but her body only allows flashes of her to show through. You would love to have a good talk with her and hear her encouraging words, and you know she feels the same, but her body won’t allow her to engage.
I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:12. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
We now see Mom through a glass, darkly.
Far from being a discouraging thought, for Christians, this should bring us great joy. Even though we see through a glass, darkly, our walk with Christ is still such a wonderful thing. As I see a living example of knowing a person through a glass, darkly, I look forward excitedly to when I can know fully. If the difference between knowing Mom when she was healthy and knowing her now is anything like knowing Christ fully and knowing Him now, then we truly have something to look forward to.
It is also an example of how I should seek a deeper relationship with Christ. I have such a strong desire to have one good conversation with Mom. I feel like I’ve said all the things I need to say to her, and I’ve heard everything I need to hear from her, but when I’m with her I would give just about anything to talk normally about anything with her. I want that relationship which her weakened state denies me. In the same way, we should long to break through that glass and have a relationship with Christ. It is our weakened state that denies us that full relationship, but we have a hope that as we strive to become more like Christ, our relationship can grow and eventually be full.
The past several days, Mom has mentioned several times people she knows that are lost. She wants to be sure they have the blog address so they can hear her testimony and come to know the Lord. I’m sure none of you are surprised that the eternal lives of others are her greatest concern as she endures this trial.
We are still praying for a miracle. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Josh
She still recognizes us and is able to follow conversations, but her ability to interact is almost non-existent at this point. I’m convinced that her spirit remains the same as it has always been. Occasionally her eyes will open, focus on you, and she almost looks healthy again, but it passes quickly after two or three words and then she has to rest once more.
This is one of the most difficult things about the disease. Mom is tantalizingly close, but her body only allows flashes of her to show through. You would love to have a good talk with her and hear her encouraging words, and you know she feels the same, but her body won’t allow her to engage.
I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:12. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
We now see Mom through a glass, darkly.
Far from being a discouraging thought, for Christians, this should bring us great joy. Even though we see through a glass, darkly, our walk with Christ is still such a wonderful thing. As I see a living example of knowing a person through a glass, darkly, I look forward excitedly to when I can know fully. If the difference between knowing Mom when she was healthy and knowing her now is anything like knowing Christ fully and knowing Him now, then we truly have something to look forward to.
It is also an example of how I should seek a deeper relationship with Christ. I have such a strong desire to have one good conversation with Mom. I feel like I’ve said all the things I need to say to her, and I’ve heard everything I need to hear from her, but when I’m with her I would give just about anything to talk normally about anything with her. I want that relationship which her weakened state denies me. In the same way, we should long to break through that glass and have a relationship with Christ. It is our weakened state that denies us that full relationship, but we have a hope that as we strive to become more like Christ, our relationship can grow and eventually be full.
The past several days, Mom has mentioned several times people she knows that are lost. She wants to be sure they have the blog address so they can hear her testimony and come to know the Lord. I’m sure none of you are surprised that the eternal lives of others are her greatest concern as she endures this trial.
We are still praying for a miracle. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Josh
Friday, April 27, 2007
9:16 AM, April 27, 2007
Mom had a very difficult day yesterday. She was very weak and fading in and out.
With Mom's situation, it is difficult at times to tell what symptoms are being caused by her illness and what are being caused by her medication. It is a delicate balance in trying to manage her pain and give her some quality of life.
As the day wore on, Mom actually appeared to get a little stronger. Dad, Zach, Jacob and I spent 2-3 hours talking with her last night...most of the time we spent laughing, which was good for us and for Mom. She was also provided with a cherry limeade from Sonic, one of her favorite drinks in the world. She made sure that we only got her a kiddie size because, "She didn't want to be addicted."
I told her that with all the things being put into her body, cherry limeade addiction was the least of my concerns. You've never seen anyone enjoy a cherry limeade like Mom did last night. Zach said it looked like a religious experience. After watching the way she enjoyed that drink, I was actually a little worried about cherry limeade addiction.
Mom even sang a little Hank Williams for us, as she told us about her mother and how she used to sing "Hey Good Lookin'" as she washed the dishes back in Kermit, Texas. She managed to add some hand motions as well.
We're hoping today is a better day than yesterday. She really exerted herself getting home on Wednesday, and she had not had nourishment for about 48 hours. She's now getting the nourishment again and has had a full day of rest, so we're praying that makes a difference.
Your emails and messages continue to be a blessing. I read the latest messages to her yesterday afternoon, and they really pick her spirits up. Our thanks to all of you who take the time to write and pray.
Josh
With Mom's situation, it is difficult at times to tell what symptoms are being caused by her illness and what are being caused by her medication. It is a delicate balance in trying to manage her pain and give her some quality of life.
As the day wore on, Mom actually appeared to get a little stronger. Dad, Zach, Jacob and I spent 2-3 hours talking with her last night...most of the time we spent laughing, which was good for us and for Mom. She was also provided with a cherry limeade from Sonic, one of her favorite drinks in the world. She made sure that we only got her a kiddie size because, "She didn't want to be addicted."
I told her that with all the things being put into her body, cherry limeade addiction was the least of my concerns. You've never seen anyone enjoy a cherry limeade like Mom did last night. Zach said it looked like a religious experience. After watching the way she enjoyed that drink, I was actually a little worried about cherry limeade addiction.
Mom even sang a little Hank Williams for us, as she told us about her mother and how she used to sing "Hey Good Lookin'" as she washed the dishes back in Kermit, Texas. She managed to add some hand motions as well.
We're hoping today is a better day than yesterday. She really exerted herself getting home on Wednesday, and she had not had nourishment for about 48 hours. She's now getting the nourishment again and has had a full day of rest, so we're praying that makes a difference.
Your emails and messages continue to be a blessing. I read the latest messages to her yesterday afternoon, and they really pick her spirits up. Our thanks to all of you who take the time to write and pray.
Josh
Thursday, April 26, 2007
2:14 PM, April 26, 2007
Mom made it home yesterday afternoon. She was amazed by all the work that had been done to the house. Several people from their church came together and redecorated the living room. They purchased a new sofa and recliner as well as coffee tables, end tables, rugs, lamps, and other items. Everything looked amazing. Mom was absolutely overjoyed and just wanted to sit and stare at her new room.
Caleb, Zach, and one of their friends, spent several days doing landscaping work to the front of the house. They put in new pavers and created a new walkway. They also planted dozens of flowers and several shrubs. It looks unbelievable. Mom was ecstatic. This is something that Mom has wanted done for years, and she was so excited to see her vision become a reality.
As to her health, the last 24 hours have been uneventful, which is a good thing. Her pain has been managed well and she is alert for good periods of time. Her spirit remains unchanged. She is still the same joyful person that she has always been, and spends most of her time encouraging those around her.
Several of the ladies from Western Hills Church have volunteered to sit with Mom every day so there is always somebody nearby to help. This is a great thing for Dad, as he can take time to rest knowing she is in good hands. At night a nurse comes and spends the night with her, making sure she is comfortable and stable.
The church body has responded in an amazing way throughout this entire situation. Mom and Dad's church (Western Hills Church) has stepped in and met every possible need. They have done many special things that have brought joy to Mom and the rest of our family. Our church body (Northwest Baptist Church) has also stepped in to meet many of our needs. Meals have been brought, our home was cleaned, laundry done, and children kept with numerous offers of further help should we need it. It is difficult to think that many people go through situations just like ours and do not have a church family to support them. We would not be able to handle this situation with the peace and faith that we have without the support of our churches and our extended family.
Mom's family has been here throughout the ordeal, helping in any way they can. Dad's family has also been with us constantly, giving themselves in any way they can to meet our family's needs.
Your emails and messages have also been very important. Mom has read each and every one of them. On several days I have given Mom a manila folder filled with 30 pages or more (12 point single spaced) of encouraging words and tributes of gratefulness for her impact. Not only does this lift her spirits, but it will be a great legacy for future generations of Wells.
Anybody who has been involved in church knows with their minds that God loves them. John 3:16 is probably the most memorized verse in the Bible. It is in circumstances like these that He uses human beings to tangibly demonstrate His love. I hope it is a blessing for you to be used as a conduit for Christ's love. It has been a great blessing for our family to receive it.
Josh
Caleb, Zach, and one of their friends, spent several days doing landscaping work to the front of the house. They put in new pavers and created a new walkway. They also planted dozens of flowers and several shrubs. It looks unbelievable. Mom was ecstatic. This is something that Mom has wanted done for years, and she was so excited to see her vision become a reality.
As to her health, the last 24 hours have been uneventful, which is a good thing. Her pain has been managed well and she is alert for good periods of time. Her spirit remains unchanged. She is still the same joyful person that she has always been, and spends most of her time encouraging those around her.
Several of the ladies from Western Hills Church have volunteered to sit with Mom every day so there is always somebody nearby to help. This is a great thing for Dad, as he can take time to rest knowing she is in good hands. At night a nurse comes and spends the night with her, making sure she is comfortable and stable.
The church body has responded in an amazing way throughout this entire situation. Mom and Dad's church (Western Hills Church) has stepped in and met every possible need. They have done many special things that have brought joy to Mom and the rest of our family. Our church body (Northwest Baptist Church) has also stepped in to meet many of our needs. Meals have been brought, our home was cleaned, laundry done, and children kept with numerous offers of further help should we need it. It is difficult to think that many people go through situations just like ours and do not have a church family to support them. We would not be able to handle this situation with the peace and faith that we have without the support of our churches and our extended family.
Mom's family has been here throughout the ordeal, helping in any way they can. Dad's family has also been with us constantly, giving themselves in any way they can to meet our family's needs.
Your emails and messages have also been very important. Mom has read each and every one of them. On several days I have given Mom a manila folder filled with 30 pages or more (12 point single spaced) of encouraging words and tributes of gratefulness for her impact. Not only does this lift her spirits, but it will be a great legacy for future generations of Wells.
Anybody who has been involved in church knows with their minds that God loves them. John 3:16 is probably the most memorized verse in the Bible. It is in circumstances like these that He uses human beings to tangibly demonstrate His love. I hope it is a blessing for you to be used as a conduit for Christ's love. It has been a great blessing for our family to receive it.
Josh
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
10:17 AM, April 25, 2007
Mom spent last night in the hospital. She was stable and comfortable. The only reason she stayed one more night in the hospital is so that we could work out hospice care for her at the house.
Finding good hospice care is such a difficult decision because of the costs involved and our desire to find somebody who will truly have Mom's comfort and well-being at heart. We praise the Lord for God's provision.
Dear friends of our family stepped in and provided home health care for Mom free of charge. We can't tell you how grateful we are that Mom will be cared for and made comfortable in this way. It is a major answer to prayer. We are amazed at the love the Lord has shown our family through His Body.
Mom will be going home later this afternoon.
I'm going to post the information again for those who would like to give a gift for Mom towards William, Mercy, and Jeremiah's education. If you would like the full story, please read the entry entitled "A Way to Give Back to Mom" posted on April 24, 2007.
If you would like to give a gift, you may give the gift directly to Christian Heritage Academy. Mark the gift towards the “Wells Family Tuition Aid”. CHA is a 501C3 non-profit organization, so all gifts are tax deductible. Their address is 4400 SE 27th Street, Del City, OK 73115.
If you want to make your gift anonymous, please indicate that as well. Otherwise, the school will provide us with a list of names (not amounts) so our family can express their gratitude.
Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers. Your emails and messages of encouragement continue to bless my parents. I'm sorry I haven't been able to reply to all of you, but know that we are grateful for every thought and word sent.
Josh
Finding good hospice care is such a difficult decision because of the costs involved and our desire to find somebody who will truly have Mom's comfort and well-being at heart. We praise the Lord for God's provision.
Dear friends of our family stepped in and provided home health care for Mom free of charge. We can't tell you how grateful we are that Mom will be cared for and made comfortable in this way. It is a major answer to prayer. We are amazed at the love the Lord has shown our family through His Body.
Mom will be going home later this afternoon.
I'm going to post the information again for those who would like to give a gift for Mom towards William, Mercy, and Jeremiah's education. If you would like the full story, please read the entry entitled "A Way to Give Back to Mom" posted on April 24, 2007.
If you would like to give a gift, you may give the gift directly to Christian Heritage Academy. Mark the gift towards the “Wells Family Tuition Aid”. CHA is a 501C3 non-profit organization, so all gifts are tax deductible. Their address is 4400 SE 27th Street, Del City, OK 73115.
If you want to make your gift anonymous, please indicate that as well. Otherwise, the school will provide us with a list of names (not amounts) so our family can express their gratitude.
Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers. Your emails and messages of encouragement continue to bless my parents. I'm sorry I haven't been able to reply to all of you, but know that we are grateful for every thought and word sent.
Josh
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A way to give back to Mom
As Mom has journeyed through this situation, she has done so with remarkable peace and faith in the Lord. There have been times when she was staggered. Bad reports have a way of knocking the wind out of you. It was especially difficult when we found out that she had two new spots on her liver after we had received the good report on her just a few weeks earlier, but through it all she has maintained her faith in the Lord’s plan. She knows that she is in His hands, and that her family is as well.
Through this entire ordeal, Mom had one burden that weighed heavily upon her heart. Her three youngest children, Jeremiah, Mercy, and William, were still in school, and Mom worried about their education once she could not continue to provide it for them.
As most of you probably know, other than myself, our entire family has been home educated for the entirety of their school days. I was home educated from the 3rd grade on. This past year was very difficult for the children and Mom as they tried to continue their schooling as she received her chemo treatments. Feeling as if the children did not get the kind of time and attention they needed, she began to look for other options.
After looking at viable options, Mom felt at peace about only one of them, and that was to send the children to Christian Heritage Academy. She felt at peace about CHA because of the Godliness of the school’s founder, Ralph Bullard, and the schools current headmaster, Josh Bullard. They teach a Christ centered curriculum and have high academic standards. The staff are all Believers and Mom knew that it would be a safe place for her children to grow and learn.
Over the past several months, Mom did the work necessary and put in the paper work for the children to enroll at CHA. As her health deteriorated over the past several weeks, she became even more convinced that the Lord had led her to prepare for her children’s education in this way.
The only issue was provision. Several weeks ago, Dad informed Mom that the Lord would have to provide a way for the children to go. As their finances currently stand, it would not be possible for them to afford sending 3 children to Christian Heritage.
As Mom was in her early days at the hospital last week, she was in tremendous pain. As those around her would pray for her physical pain to cease, Mom would pray out loud that the Lord would provide for her children and ease that burden on her mind.
As my Grandmother Joy listened to Mother’s cries for her children, the idea came to her that a trust should be set up in Mom’s name with the funds going towards the children’s education at CHA. She wanted confirmation that this idea was from the Lord, so she sought the counsel of Godly men. They confirmed the idea, and the process was set in motion.
The next day, Mom was again in severe pain. As Grandmother sat and prayed for her physical comfort, Mother again asked the Lord to provide for her children and relieve her of that mental burden. Joy said, “What if I told you that the children’s education is going to be provided for?”
Mom immediately broke down in tears of relief and gratitude. Grandmother explained the idea of the trust as Mom thanked the Lord for His provision. She has been at peace ever since that day. She has felt mentally and emotionally prepared for whatever else may come.
Many of you have asked, "What you can do for Mom or the family?" This is one of the greatest gifts you could give my Mother. She wants her three youngest children especially, to see evidence that the Lord will watch over them and meet their every need, even if He is not able to meet those needs through her any longer. It is also a way for her to help provide for her children’s future.
It will cost approximately $80,000 to send all three children to Christian Heritage Academy for the rest of their elementary and high school educations. Jeremiah will be a junior; Mercy a sophomore; and William will be in the 4th grade. This amount would pay for them all to graduate from Christian Heritage. As we attempt to project current costs over the next 8 years or so, it will cost around $5,800 per year for each of them to attend.
If you would like to give a gift, you may give the gift directly to Christian Heritage Academy. Mark the gift towards the “Wells Family Tuition Aid”. CHA is a 501C3 non-profit organization, so all gifts are tax deductible. Their address is 4400 SE 27th Street, Del City, OK 73115.
If you want to make your gift anonymous, please indicate that as well. Otherwise, the school will provide us with a list of names (not amounts) so our family can express their gratitude.
As I said, I know many of you have felt the urge to do something for Mother, and perhaps this opportunity will meet a need for you as well as for Mom and our family.
I again want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Our family is truly blessed.
Josh
Through this entire ordeal, Mom had one burden that weighed heavily upon her heart. Her three youngest children, Jeremiah, Mercy, and William, were still in school, and Mom worried about their education once she could not continue to provide it for them.
As most of you probably know, other than myself, our entire family has been home educated for the entirety of their school days. I was home educated from the 3rd grade on. This past year was very difficult for the children and Mom as they tried to continue their schooling as she received her chemo treatments. Feeling as if the children did not get the kind of time and attention they needed, she began to look for other options.
After looking at viable options, Mom felt at peace about only one of them, and that was to send the children to Christian Heritage Academy. She felt at peace about CHA because of the Godliness of the school’s founder, Ralph Bullard, and the schools current headmaster, Josh Bullard. They teach a Christ centered curriculum and have high academic standards. The staff are all Believers and Mom knew that it would be a safe place for her children to grow and learn.
Over the past several months, Mom did the work necessary and put in the paper work for the children to enroll at CHA. As her health deteriorated over the past several weeks, she became even more convinced that the Lord had led her to prepare for her children’s education in this way.
The only issue was provision. Several weeks ago, Dad informed Mom that the Lord would have to provide a way for the children to go. As their finances currently stand, it would not be possible for them to afford sending 3 children to Christian Heritage.
As Mom was in her early days at the hospital last week, she was in tremendous pain. As those around her would pray for her physical pain to cease, Mom would pray out loud that the Lord would provide for her children and ease that burden on her mind.
As my Grandmother Joy listened to Mother’s cries for her children, the idea came to her that a trust should be set up in Mom’s name with the funds going towards the children’s education at CHA. She wanted confirmation that this idea was from the Lord, so she sought the counsel of Godly men. They confirmed the idea, and the process was set in motion.
The next day, Mom was again in severe pain. As Grandmother sat and prayed for her physical comfort, Mother again asked the Lord to provide for her children and relieve her of that mental burden. Joy said, “What if I told you that the children’s education is going to be provided for?”
Mom immediately broke down in tears of relief and gratitude. Grandmother explained the idea of the trust as Mom thanked the Lord for His provision. She has been at peace ever since that day. She has felt mentally and emotionally prepared for whatever else may come.
Many of you have asked, "What you can do for Mom or the family?" This is one of the greatest gifts you could give my Mother. She wants her three youngest children especially, to see evidence that the Lord will watch over them and meet their every need, even if He is not able to meet those needs through her any longer. It is also a way for her to help provide for her children’s future.
It will cost approximately $80,000 to send all three children to Christian Heritage Academy for the rest of their elementary and high school educations. Jeremiah will be a junior; Mercy a sophomore; and William will be in the 4th grade. This amount would pay for them all to graduate from Christian Heritage. As we attempt to project current costs over the next 8 years or so, it will cost around $5,800 per year for each of them to attend.
If you would like to give a gift, you may give the gift directly to Christian Heritage Academy. Mark the gift towards the “Wells Family Tuition Aid”. CHA is a 501C3 non-profit organization, so all gifts are tax deductible. Their address is 4400 SE 27th Street, Del City, OK 73115.
If you want to make your gift anonymous, please indicate that as well. Otherwise, the school will provide us with a list of names (not amounts) so our family can express their gratitude.
As I said, I know many of you have felt the urge to do something for Mother, and perhaps this opportunity will meet a need for you as well as for Mom and our family.
I again want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Our family is truly blessed.
Josh
3:43 PM, April 24, 2007
Mom's procedure went as planned. As of now she is planning to check out of the hospital today. She should come home this evening.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Josh
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Josh
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