Paul's second letter to the brethren at Thessalonica
begins with this expression of gratitude, "Paul, and Silvanus,
and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians ... We are
bound to thank God always for you." (2 Thessalonians
1:1a, 3a). Paul's second letter to the brethren at Thessalonica
begins with this expression of gratitude, "Paul, and Silvanus,
and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians ... We are
bound to thank God always for you." (2 Thessalonians
1:1a, 3a).
On this entire green earth no one is obligated
more than I to give thanks. A few months ago at the kind suggestion
of brothers Frank Higginbotham, Charles Pugh, and W. Terry Varner,
coupled with the loving support of the Harmar Hill elders, brothers
Glenn Briggs, Paul Hickerson, and Paul Wells, a letter was sent
out all across the brotherhood in my behalf. It was an appeal
for money, a great deal of money, $30,000.00. This appeal was
made with the hope that some of my medical debt incurred since
2002 could be reduced. My family and I were not prepared for what
happened next. In less than three weeks the entire amount arrived
and the imposing debt was completely erased! The monies poured
in from sixteen states, over seventy congregations, in addition
to nearly one hundred and twenty individual donors. Some of the
individuals and congregations my family and I had never heard
of. Even after the money was raised, many still insisted on contributing!
One thing was clear, I had under-estimated the love and generosity
of the brotherhood. To say the least, my family and I were overwhelmed
by the immediate, full and loving response; it was staggering.
Words simply cannot express or convey our deep
sense of gratitude. But because the majority of the money came
from good brethren in the Ohio Valley I wanted to use this space
in the West Virginia Christian to convey our deepest thanks
for "the charity of everyone of you ... " (2
Thessalonians 1:3c). Just as important, I also want to express
my thanks for all of the prayers that have ascended to our Father's
throne in my behalf. Without question they have been heard and
answered. Since May of last year I have enjoyed good health.
My family and I are not only "bound to
thank God always for you" but we are bound to never forget
your generosity. May God bless each one of you as richly as you
have blessed us! -102 Laramie Rd., Marietta, OH. 45750. jdconley@localnet.com