Spring is upon us, and once again, I revel in the change of seasons and rhythms that our world displays so consistently. The world turns on its course in daily following of its Master’s footsteps, and I hope to apply the same lessons in my own life!!
When we last wrote you, God had miraculously led our family through a maze of medical mysteries, and we had emerged in one piece at the other end J. By the beginning of March, my own health felt so completely restored that I began to once again engage in activities I had laid aside for the previous four months. My energy has been good, my strength is returning, and my activity levels are resuming. Zachary and Samuel have thrived in their school settings, and we are catching up with family, friends, and supporters.
March and April were full of visits to church communities and sharing about God’s work in Cambodia.
One particular highlight in April occurred on a Sunday morning visit to Gateway Friends Church. We anticipated seeing our old teammate, Elise Lature (née Paty), and her husband Evan, who are now on staff there. Imagine our shock to be visiting Evan and Elise in the church parking lot, and look up to see our really old teammates (not in age! But in length of time serving in Cambodia together J), Fede and Diane Hernandez, with two of their kids!! They were in the area and decided to worship at Gateway that Sunday. What a joy and special gift to have an impromptu team reunion with our old friends!
Now we find ourselves on the cusp of May. We have two big prayer requests this month for you, our faithful prayer warriors. We long more than anything to get home by the first week of June. In order for that to happen, we need two things:
Despite feeling great, I had one more doctor appointment at the very end of April with a vascular surgeon. Due to ongoing ‘too-high’ blood pressure, he has ordered another MRI. I have a nuclear medicine test next week to evaluate the actual function of my right kidney. He wants to look at these two results and decide on the next steps.
- Please pray that I am able to get an MRI scheduled ASAP.
- Please pray that the results of these two tests show that my kidney is either 1) fully restored or 2) fully dead. It is possible that my not-totally-dead kidney is triggering my high blood pressure. This is not good for my body in the long term. So, we need it to make a decision.
Please pray with us for spiritual protection, which encompasses bodies, minds, and hearts. Our small missionary community in Stung Treng has experienced one trial after another in the last two to three years. Please pray that Jesus will be victorious in Stung Treng, and that his Church will remain strong in the face of so many challenges. Please pray with us for our boys as we go home. They will face many changes in their community upon their return, and this brings additional emotions to process.
You know we could not, we would not, be here without you. Thank you for your incredible generosity to keep us financially supported on the field, thank you for your encouragement to lift up our hearts, and for your ongoing faithfulness in prayer for us to keep us protected in Jesus. We are so grateful for you!!
Much love,
Andrea and Scott Sward
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