~ ~ God is SO FAITHFUL ~ ~
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“Don’t be afraid,
for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you
and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 |
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Eleven years ago, on July 23, 2007, my cell phone rang in Gloucester. It was Bernie. He called with the horrifying news that he was in the intensive care unit in New York City. The doctor had just told him, "I am sorry Mr Gillott, you have six inoperable pulmonary emboli in your lungs. You will not survive the night."
Bernie said, "I love you," and there was silence. In that moment his words sank in. His extensive traveling schedule had caused deep vein blood clots to form, moving from his leg to his lungs. Now testing revealed six “giant” pulmonary embolisms that threatened to take his life. BUT GOD!
When I received the news, there was that moment of fear. It was quickly replaced by anger that the enemy was going to try to take my husband, followed by a fierce determination that God would have the last word. Of course, Bernie only remembers me saying, "Don't you dare die till I get there!"
Bern's pulse ox was under 60, he was on pure oxygen and still unable to get his breath. The tissue in his lungs was damaged and the right side of his heart was about to burst.
Even though the doctor's prognosis was, "No hope," we prayed, along with many of you. Despite the doctors dire prediction, God gave us a promise in Psalm 118:17. “You will not die, you will live, and declare my glory to the nations." God, in His faithfulness, raised Bernie from that hospital bed. I am still SO GRATEFUL for all of you that joined us in prayer as we watched God do the MIRACLE!
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 He left the hospital, on oxygen, in a wheelchair. The doctors warned us that survival would demand a total lifestyle change. The specialist shared, "Because of the damage to your heart and lungs, you will not be a missionary again. Perhaps you could pastor a small church? If you share sitting down, you may have a two years."
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| The doctor warned me, “If he boards a plane again, when the aircraft reaches altitude, his heart will burst". He reminded us that we really did not have much time. "In 80% of cases, following a right side systolic pressure over 60 -- (Berni's had been 86) survival rate is less than three years. |
With his warning ringing in our ears, we still went home believing God. Within six weeks, diagnostic tests began to confirm that God was doing a miracle. On September 6, 2007, Bernie returned to Cuba on a critical mission. Our God is AWESOME! . Through four air flights, Norfolk to- Miami- to Havana and home to Virginia, God kept him. That was just the beginning.
I am not sure what report you have been given, not sure what you have been told, not sure what THEY said, but we know this --God has the last word. The name of Jesus is the final authority.
To be honest, I do not know what you are facing today, but I DO know that you DO NOT face it alone. We have traveled over a million miles since July 2007 and just returned from Madagascar where we (along with the Mission SOS team) ministered to over 157,000 people and over 30,000 committed their lives to Christ. God is still not done with us.
God is faithful and His promise is true. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.
Not just 10 years ago, but over and over and over, God has been so LOVING and so FAITHFUL! And we are so GRATEFUL! Whose report will you believe? We will believe the report of the Lord. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
RETURN TO TOP |
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MAKE YOUR SUMMER
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!
YOU CAN REACH THE WORLD FROM YOUR HOME OR OUR OFFICE. WE NEED YOU. |
You may not be able to pack your bags and get on the plane with us, but you can travel the GLOBE from our office and editing suites. BE A PART of the miracle as we carry the gospel around the world. Volunteer an hour, a day, a week
1) Find out how you can help to prepare transcripts from available media, edit video, or categorize, organize and title photos,
2) We need volunteers to help in our office with record keeping and
report preparation.
3) Can you help? We need help with Power points, flash drives, graphics, video,
If you can help, TEXT --
--"I can Help" to (757) 218-8499
or email us Bernstuff@aol.com |
| Posted AUGUST 25, 2007 |
In the hospital today for my echocardiogram, I overheard the cardiologist speak to the technician on the other side of the curtain.
We have specific instruction to focus on the descending vena cava or some such thing. He said " I understand that if this guy is still alive in 90 days, they may try that new dissecting pulmonary thrombo-embolectomy surgery in San Diego, but this is bad, not much chance of that."
I said, "Yo, I'm still here. I won't be in the San Diego hospital in 90 days, I will be on the mission field!
We do not minimize the report of science, bit I am so glad we have the report of faith.
In spite of the words of the cardiologist, I am confident that I will still be alive in 90 days and ... Cathy knows I expect to be preparing for a new trip by then!
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Returning Home
What a delight when we got home to Virginia, that Bernie & Sara brought our new granddaughter and and spent time with us as I needed extra care. |
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| Psalms 118:15-17 The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous.
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
17 I will not die, but live, And tell of the works of the LORD. |
Romans 4:19-21 - Without becoming weak in faith Abraham contemplated his own body, now as good as dead . . .
Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised,
He was able also to perform. |
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