34 responses to “Testimonies from You”

1. 

   Laurie

   September 1, 2025

   I initially heard about Kevan and Tommy’s book, The Hospitality of Need, through Ann Voskamp’s blog. What I read prompted me to order it immediately. I was intrigued by the title and summary shared since my husband and I experienced first hand how, what many would define as roadblocks to a fruitful life became a springboard for ministry.

   My husband’s story of health challenges included many chapters with titles such as splenectomy, chronic active hepatitis, liver transplant, failed treatment for Hep C, disability, LGL leukemia, cirrhosis and successful treatment of Hep C. In the midst of those chapters were many blessings as well as he served as lead pastor at a church in Ohio and then Michigan. We were blessed with three adopted children after struggling with infertility. For many others, and often for me, I felt God had given us a raw deal at times. From the beginning we had desired to serve God in full time ministry. Surely difficulty and suffering were an anomaly to His purposes. We had much to learn! We had aspirations that God would use our strengths to further His work. Instead we found that the ‘limits’ we experienced were great gifts to us.

   My husband’s sermons and my Bible study lessons were honest reflections of our efforts to apply God’s Word to our lives. We did not sugar coat our struggles to trust God and were open about our need for prayer. When he faced a liver transplant in 1987 folks from our church stepped in to care for our 2 year old twins and continued his salary during his 2 month hospital stay and for 4 additional months as he recovered. We were coached on how to winterize our home and what leaf pickup looked like in the Midwest, after growing up in San Diego. Friends acquired names such Nana and Papa and Mr. Bob and Mr. Bill. We needed help and our church friends became ‘family’ as none of our immediate family lived in the state.

   We experienced the same support when we moved to Michigan. This time the burden we faced was clinical depression as I struggled to recover from major abdominal surgery, while raising three small children, and a interstate move. I openly shared my emotional battle during our initial meet and greet. I knew we were meant to be in MI but I was unsure how I could carry the load. That confession opened the hearts of many women to come alongside me during the first 6 months of settling in. I was touched and encouraged as women helped me with ironing and came to walk and talk with me. As we shared life together we learned more about WHO GOD IS and we carried each others burdens. We didn’t have all the answers but we had each other. As the years past my husband’s health again necessitated more tangible support and finally led to going on medical disability.

   Both my husband and I found that we had companions in crisis and our friendships and ministry were enhanced because of it. We had no expectation of full and active retirement years and because of that we didn’t burn the candle at both ends. We savored our family time and the people in our life.

   My husband died in 2019. I processed much of my grief story using the online blog called Caring Bridge. Again, my openness about my journey allowed me to experience the support of friends and family. Allowing people into my pain fostered more openness from others about their struggles. At times it was exhausting to carry others pain along with mine and I dug even more deeply into my study of Scripture asking God to give me the right way to think about life.

   I appreciate what Kevan and Tommy have shared and have recorded some of their insights into my journal. I have no doubt that their words and example will continue to challenge the church toward authentic faith and deeper relationships.

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