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Answer To Prayer
Our lives have been filled with hospital stays and doctor visits this Fall. As we shared in the last newsletter, Jim had a discectomy in August after months of serious back pain. Trusting that Jim was on the road to recovery, Penie returned to Jamaica to finish preparations for the children to return to school. Instead of feeling better each day, Jim's condition worsened. He called the neurosurgeon to report his worsening condition and was encouraged to walk more. He shared with Penie the intense pain caused by just the short walk to the bathroom. After books, uniforms and school supplies were distributed in Jamaica, Penie returned to Texas and took Jim back to the neurosurgeon. One look at Jim's leg and the doctor had Jim admitted to the hospital immediately. Not only was Jim's leg filled with blood clots, but two were located in his lungs as well. After a weekend on intravenous blood thinners, Jim was released with a prescription for Eliquis, one of the newer blood thinners. We were thankful that the problem was dealt with and Jim was able to go to Cincinnati for our annual fund raiser, Family Jam. We arrived a week ahead of the big day so we could help with preparations. Monday, Jim woke not feeling right and his leg was swollen more than before. By the time Penie could dress to take him to the hospital, Jim could not walk and an ambulance was called. Tests revealed that his lungs were filled with clots and his heart was tremendously stressed. Apparently Eliquis didn't work for Jim! After a few days in intensive care and another couple days in a regular room, Jim was discharged on Saturday, the day of Family Jam! We rested Sunday and flew back to TX on Monday. Since then we have acquired a hematologist, cardiologist and pain management doctor. They, along with his primary care physician, neurosurgeon and physical therapist, continue to search for the correct treatments to give comfort and strive toward regained health for Jim. The doctors have recently agreed that further back surgery at this time would endanger his life, so he must endure until the blood clots are gone which will likely be another six months.
We find ourselves praying continually, seeking God's intervention and strength throughout each day.
Anyone who has ever met Jim knows that the inability to be active is tremendously challenging and is having its toll on his spirits. We are determined to trust God and get through this season stronger with testimony of God's faithfulness and mercy.
Presently, Jim and Penie have no income. Jim hasn't worked since June and Penie has been devoted to Jim's care and the management of Kingdom Builders. Penie has applied in local school districts to be a substitute and multiple temporary staffing firms, but hasn't been able to accept a day's work yet. Thankfully Jim's doctors have worked diligently to get Jim up and moving again. The pain in his back and legs persists, but with proper medications and therapy, Jim is more persistent! Jim is slowly resuming activities and is getting around without the wheelchair! Thank you for all the prayers for Jim's health and God's provision!
Kingdom Builders Ministry has been dependent on the Koch's provision supplementing contributions and income from teams. With Jim not working since June, we have depleted all savings and are praying for supernatural provisions. We are thankful for Jim's abilities and work ethics that he is in high demand when his body is able. Penie will take every opportunity to help bring in an income as well. We are simply overwhelmed at this time with the costs of living, medical expenses and KBM expenses.
We are weary and ask you to be to us as Aaron and Hur were to Moses when they held his arms.
"Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.". Exodus 17:12 (NLT)
We trust in God's promises and continue to pursue His calling on our lives.
"For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do." Hebrews 6:10 (NLT)
You can be a part of God's provision.
" Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
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Thankfully, sponsors have committed to providing for My Father's House resident children's school needs. If you are one of these sponsors, we are counting on your faithfulness! Education is an important part of life, but there are other needs that require financial support. The children must eat, utilities and staff must be paid. A monthly budget of $1,000 USD is required to meet the basic bills. Please consider a monthly commitment of $10. Yours along with 99 others will keep My Father's House providing for the children and staff.
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Plan your 2017 Jamaica Mission Trip!
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TEAM Building! Our recent experience with health problems and lack of income has renewed our compassion for those who rely totally on God's mercy, grace and provision. Truth is we all do, but with a good job and healthy bodies, we often forget. In Jamaica the general population struggles for basic needs of food and shelter. When teams partner with KBM, we act as God's hands in helping with general repairs, carrying water or offering a word of encouragement that refreshes the weary. As Jesus modeled for us, providing for physical needs opens hearts to hear the Good News of the Gospel of grace, the real reason we are serving. Please, consider joining us in Jamaica sharing God's love in tangible demonstrations. Share the opportunity with your small group, Sunday school class, friends and family. When you gather ten team members to join you on a short term mission trip, KBM will waive its fees for you as the leader. We are offering this because KBM needs teams! There is so much to do this year! Contact PENIE for more information. KBM@jaminjamaica.com. We promise you and your team will be glad you did! Every team has agreed that they were blessed far beyond expectations.
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Search and Shop - Support KBM
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Choose Kingdom Builders Ministry as a beneficiary in your web searching & shopping!
Your daily routine can benefit KBM by using Goodsearch.com as your web browser and use Goodshop when shopping online. You are invited to join KBM at Goodshop, a great site & app that helps save money at your favorite stores, but most importantly, support a cause close to your heart: Kingdom Builders Ministry. Not only does Goodshop have the most powerful coupons on earth from every online store I could ever want (like Amazon, Gap, and Target), but they also donate a percentage of each eligible purchase to charity! You can sign up using our personal referral link: www.goodsearch.com/goodshop-invite/james-koch-34608 and Goodshop will donate an extra $5 to the cause you choose to support (and an extra $5 to my cause, Kingdom Builders Ministries) when you complete your first $25 purchase. Goodshop is partnered with 114,000 nonprofits and schools - so you're apt to find the one you really love. We hope you will choose Kingdom Builders Ministries, and give us double the support.
 Amazon Smile is another great way to shop and support Kingdom Builders Ministry! You get the same great Amazon prices, KBM gets a percentage! Support KBM through Amazon Smile
When you designate Kingdom Builders Ministry as your cause on Amazon then shop through Goodshop, you become a double blessing! The percentages donated are small, but they do add up. The little bit that we use them over time has brought in over $70 to KBM. If each of our supporters will join, the support could be significant!
Tell SOMEONE!!
Please share this newsletter with someone! A share on Facebook could do more for the kingdom of God than you can imagine! Has God laid a friend's name on your heart? Forward this message to them!
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Thank you to all our supporters! Your prayerful encouragement and financial support is greatly appreciated!
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