This is a report for Mission 299 by Grace on Wings.
Departure: Teterboro, New Jersey
Arrival: Des Moines, Iowa
Date: May 23, 2014
MISSION REPORT
“Hello, this is the emergency department in New Jersey and we need your consent to run some tests on your 21 yr. old daughter who is unresponsive and unable to sign for herself”….This is a call no parent ever wants to receive but this is just what happened several weeks ago for Genevieve’s parents Kevin and Jeanie over 1,000 miles away from her in Iowa. They immediately flew to Jersey to be by her side as they knew she was going to need them. What a wonderful reminder of how our God is always at our side… no waiting necessary.
According to Jeanie, Genevieve had moved from Iowa to New Jersey 2 years ago because she wanted an “adventure” and this is where she took a job in retail. Back home Kevin is a pastor at a local Baptist Church and she is the youngest of 3 children. She had not been home to Iowa since last August for her brothers wedding.
After only a 30% chance of survival, being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, stroke, seizures, and multilple other treatments and complications Genevieve is ready to be moved closer to home. With the support of their church family and friends the funds were raised to bring her home and this is where God allowed us to come in.
After praying over Genevieve she and her mom boarded our plane.
It was a long flight, a beautiful day for it and Genevieve seemed to tolerate it well. This mission hit close to home for me as my youngest daughter is 22 and for me there is no greater blessing or responsibility that God has given me than being a mom. This was very evident for Jeanie too as she comforted her daughter the entire trip holding tightly onto her hand. Occasionally she would place her hand on Genevieve’s leg allowing me the priviledge of taking her daughter’s hand. Seeing her hold Genevieve’s hand was such a sweet picture of one of the many promises God makes us (Isa 66:13 As a mother comforts her child,so will I comfort you)
While in flight Jeanie shared with us how they had made some changes at their church to allow them to better spread the message of the gospel. It was very clear how much she and her husband love the Lord. Jeanie also shared how the staff at the hospital had been God’s hands and feet to her by giving her a place to sleep, taking her clothes home to wash and bringing her “home cooked” meals all of which allowed her to stay by her daughters bedside. (Heb. 13:2 do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.)
Once we landed we took Genevieve to her new NCC room where her father had been anxiously waiting her arrival and said our “good-byes.”
Please continue to pray for this precious family as they have a long road ahead of them and all praise to God that He is their Rock and their Salvation.
Hal, Matt and myself were able to make it back home safely. Thanks to Hal for a great flight and to Mike Z. for the generousity of his time in flight following.
Amazing isn’t it how when we look we can see God everywhere. I encourage you today to make a conscious effort and take the time to “look”.
