Open Opportunity

This blog (and moreover an "Open Opportunity") goes out to all of my Christian friends and neighbors.... I'm making a plea to the Body of Christ for help in showing God's love to a suffering family.

Last night, while watching the fireworks with our neighbors I learned of some heartbreaking news...

However, before I share what I learned, I must first make a confession. I've been a crummy neighbor. Now that I'm working, I find that once I'm home I just wanna chill. As a result, I've lost touch with many of those who live on our street. And sadly, it's because of my selfishness that I missed (and had no clue!) that one of our direct neighbors has been under tremendous health and financial strain.

To give you a summary:

• The husband lost his father in a freak biking (hit and run) accident. She shared that although it's been 4 years since his death, her husband has never recovered from losing his dad.

• The wife had some major dental surgeries (extractions) that she believes led to serious eye issues. Basically, the lids of her eyes can barely open. The skin around her eyes is blood red. They look awful, and when I asked if they hurt she said "unbearably." 

• On top of all of this, her husband lost his long-term job in medical billing. He began to drive trucks to make ends meet but then lost that job b/c of the time he had to take off to get her to specialists (like MD Anderson in Houston). She said that he's been jobless for quite some time now. Not a great mixture with grief/depression.

• Despite all of their visits to numerous doctors, they've yet to receive any answers as to what is wrong.

After listening to her story, I felt compelled to pray for her. What's even more crazy is the fact that one of my church pastor's was there and joined me and his wife (who was also listening and also wanted to pray). I had no idea he was even there until me and his wife said our "Amens."

Needless to say, my neighbor was moved to tears. She was so open to our praying, and she was quite honest about her loss of faith, fear, and hopelessness.

As she wept, she also shared that she had asked for help from her church. Sadly, she said that her plea had gone unanswered. No one had even called to check on her.

My friend and I, along with her husband (one of my church pastors) listened wholeheartedly, and then the pastor gave her his card. He said for her to call him, and he explained that our church would be honored to help them.

She just wept, unsure of how to receive such love. "But we don't even go to your church," she cried.

His response was simple, "It doesn't matter."

This was such a "God appointment!"

AND this is where YOU come in....  Andrew and I have offered to reach out to our neighbors & friends to collect cash/gift cards for them to be able to pay bills and purchase groceries, pet food, etc. If you feel so led, please consider helping this family.  You can contact me at my email: lauriemacafee@yahoo.com. I can either pick up your donation or you can get them to me.

If you'd like to write a check, please let me know and I will give you their info privately.

Huge thanks for even considering this Open Opportunity!!! 

My prayer is for her total healing - both physically AND spiritually.

No matter what, the Lord loves her and He cares... and so should we.