March, 2018
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“You have no doubt heard the motto “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” It is almost an axiom because it is so often true. My intent in writing this letter is to share the most recent example of this in my life so that you might give thought to the powerful resource we have here in the Delaware Valley. Of course, I am referring to our Spiritual leader, Russ Cadle, who has faithfully and sacrificially gotten me going through tough time after tough time. Perhaps you, too, have had
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your spirits lifted while you were experiencing a time of despair, mourning, loss, rejection, depression for yourself or a loved one. Dr. Russ is always a telephone call away in those times, and it matters not in the least the time of day or night. Let me share my “tough time” that began February 8th and was a mountain I never wanted to climb. If you have ever lost a family member, especially a spouse, you know the size of that mountain.
My wife, Lina and I headed to the hospital for “routine” surgery on her colon which had a blockage. It went very well, but the next night Lina had a stroke. A ventilator hose was required to keep her air passage open. Two weeks later they had to remove it. I explained her options told to me by the doctor as follows: “When they remove the tube, either your throat will close and you will not be able to breath or they can perform a tracheotomy and you will likely recover.” She violently shook her head “NO.” I asked her if she just wanted to go be with Jesus. She nodded just as violently as before but this time it was “YES.” ”NO” was her nod when I told her that her throat might stay open and she likely would recover. You see, Lina wanted to be with Jesus more than she wanted to recover. She chose to go be with her Lord. The power of that choice sprung from her deep faith in God’s promise of eternal life through Christ. At the funeral, where Russ delivered the message for the memorial service, I gave the eulogy. I shared why Lina made that choice. Lina’s favorite verse was, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
I told them that about 15 years ago, Russ told me if I would obey His command to love her the way God asks me to love her, that down the road He would bless me beyond my wildest imagination. He said, “Just love her, Bob,” and explained that God’s love is when you put your wife’s interests ahead of your own. It’s sacrificial and unconditional. It’s called “Agape.” I began to do that. It was not easy at times, but when my wife’s health worsened it not only became easier, I began to see it as a blessing. I enjoyed doing all the cooking, dish washing, cleaning, and shopping and she began to treat me differently as well. People have said to me that it must be a burden to you with your wife being bed-ridden. My answer is always the same, “Lina has never been a burden to me. I love serving her. Russ was right – God has blessed me by changing my heart to one of service with joy.
Lina has told Russ that she loves him more than any man she’s ever known except me. I asked her once why that was. She told me, “Because of what he has done in your heart toward me.” She began to express her appreciation every day and told me more than a few times that she wished she could love me the way I loved her. No greater compliment could ever be given by a wife to her husband. What she saw in me was Jesus at work and it was so attractive that she gave her life to Jesus because of it. She could not have been more ready or willing to be with our Lord.
I’m sorry to be taking so much of your time, yet, I feel compelled to share this as one of the many, but most recent examples of Russ’ indispensable, life changing, advice giving episodes in my life. Truly, I do not know where I would stand in my faith if not for this beautiful man’s presence. When I think of how he has blessed my marriage and changed my life, how could I ever put a price on that? Very possibly you have similar experiences that you can share.
In light of this would you please give thought to Russ’ ministry and prayerfully consider how the Holy Spirit might prompt you to share in this wonderful ministry with your prayers and financial support. Anything you are led to do will be a blessing and an encouragement to Russ and Friendship Ministries Foundation.
Your Friend in Christ,
Bob
My wife, Lina and I headed to the hospital for “routine” surgery on her colon which had a blockage. It went very well, but the next night Lina had a stroke. A ventilator hose was required to keep her air passage open. Two weeks later they had to remove it. I explained her options told to me by the doctor as follows: “When they remove the tube, either your throat will close and you will not be able to breath or they can perform a tracheotomy and you will likely recover.” She violently shook her head “NO.” I asked her if she just wanted to go be with Jesus. She nodded just as violently as before but this time it was “YES.” ”NO” was her nod when I told her that her throat might stay open and she likely would recover. You see, Lina wanted to be with Jesus more than she wanted to recover. She chose to go be with her Lord. The power of that choice sprung from her deep faith in God’s promise of eternal life through Christ. At the funeral, where Russ delivered the message for the memorial service, I gave the eulogy. I shared why Lina made that choice. Lina’s favorite verse was, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
I told them that about 15 years ago, Russ told me if I would obey His command to love her the way God asks me to love her, that down the road He would bless me beyond my wildest imagination. He said, “Just love her, Bob,” and explained that God’s love is when you put your wife’s interests ahead of your own. It’s sacrificial and unconditional. It’s called “Agape.” I began to do that. It was not easy at times, but when my wife’s health worsened it not only became easier, I began to see it as a blessing. I enjoyed doing all the cooking, dish washing, cleaning, and shopping and she began to treat me differently as well. People have said to me that it must be a burden to you with your wife being bed-ridden. My answer is always the same, “Lina has never been a burden to me. I love serving her. Russ was right – God has blessed me by changing my heart to one of service with joy.
Lina has told Russ that she loves him more than any man she’s ever known except me. I asked her once why that was. She told me, “Because of what he has done in your heart toward me.” She began to express her appreciation every day and told me more than a few times that she wished she could love me the way I loved her. No greater compliment could ever be given by a wife to her husband. What she saw in me was Jesus at work and it was so attractive that she gave her life to Jesus because of it. She could not have been more ready or willing to be with our Lord.
I’m sorry to be taking so much of your time, yet, I feel compelled to share this as one of the many, but most recent examples of Russ’ indispensable, life changing, advice giving episodes in my life. Truly, I do not know where I would stand in my faith if not for this beautiful man’s presence. When I think of how he has blessed my marriage and changed my life, how could I ever put a price on that? Very possibly you have similar experiences that you can share.
In light of this would you please give thought to Russ’ ministry and prayerfully consider how the Holy Spirit might prompt you to share in this wonderful ministry with your prayers and financial support. Anything you are led to do will be a blessing and an encouragement to Russ and Friendship Ministries Foundation.
Your Friend in Christ,
Bob
Robert Nickle, Board Member
Friendship Ministries Foundation
Friendship Ministries Foundation