“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Jim was pushing through, trying to believe the doctors that the pain would subside and it was simply a side effect of the procedure that would eventually give him relief. Eight weeks later we learned that the minimally invasive procedures would never relieve the pain Jim has because of the condition of his spine. After months of being put off by doctors not listening, Jim finally got the CT scan he had repeatedly asked for. The CT scan showed numerous bulging discs, severe facet hypertrophy and formidable narrowing of the spinal canal. Finally, convincing evidence to the need of action! After a week in the hospital, Jim is home recovering from spinal surgery with hope of living, working and serving again.
No matter what our personal circumstances are, life goes on around us. Our responsibilities can’t be put on hold. It has likely been a good thing that KBM didn’t have many teams this summer with Jim’s health being in question. He struggled through the couple teams we did have. The down side to that is the lack of finances that KBM brought in this year. The bills remain. The residents at My Father’s House still need to eat and go to school. This is on top of all the medical bills we personally face as Jim is not able to work for at least a month and possibly two! Penie will substitute teach as much as possible, but also must be in Jamaica to at least get the kids ready to go back to school. All of this leads us to a place we are familiar with, on our face before God. We know He is our provider. Our past speaks volumes of His faithfulness. We present this need to you so you can be a part of His provision. Your contributions help provide education and other provisions. All gifts are greatly appreciated. For the past many years, the Kochs have supplemented Kingdom Builders Ministry’s income when and where needed. With all of Jim’s medical bills and lack of income, we are presently unable to do that.
As I prayed, pouring my heart out to the Lord, He brought me to Genesis 50:21 “’No, don’t be afraid, I will continue to take care of you and your children.’ So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”
This quote was actually from Joseph to his brothers in the original context, but it was from God to my heart the moment I read it most recently. Jim and I have been struggling to keep our eyes on Jesus and trusting Him through the trials we have faced this year. Jim has identified with Job in more ways than anyone would ever wish to experience. Like Joseph, we have persevered through negative circumstances trusting God to keep His promise. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 We love God and we have been called and served Him faithfully.
If you have been to Jamaica on a mission trip with KBM or Jim or Penie have touched your life in any way in the past, please dig deep and give a sacrificial offering to help them through this time of tremendous adversity. KBM and Jim & Penie need your help now like never before. You are sowing in good soil tilled with faithful hands.
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"Every likkle make a mokkle!"
That's what Taya told me when I said, "I wish we could do more." As the team from Texas poured out buckets of marl for her to use to lay the foundation for a second room to be added to her house. It is Jamaican Patois for, "Every little bit helps."
Her thankfulness and determination inspires me.
As you consider a gift to Kingdom Builders Ministry, please remember this. Every donation, no matter the size, will help make a difference! Thank you!
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