UPDATE:
On Saturday, August 1, 2009, the day after her birthday, Jesus finally healed Cheryl completely and took her home to live with Him.
Please be in prayer for her husband, Steve, her children, Karen, Keith, and Kent, and her grandchildren, Kennedy and Cole. They face difficult days ahead without sweet Cheri.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Lord Jesus, be near.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonight, I would ask you to pray for my friend Cheryl.
Cheryl is a colleague of mine. We met two years ago and worked together on many occasions as I was the sixth grade English teacher and she taught seventh grade English. She has always been very helpful and encouraging to me.
Cheryl has taught at CCS since 1984. She is an amazing woman of God as well as a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Just a few months ago, Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer that had spread throughout her body. She quickly deteriorated even while going through chemotherapy.
Cheryl was moved to hospice about a week ago. Her message to us, as her friends, was to come and visit. I was able to go and love on Cheryl this past Sunday. It was such a precious time. Even though she was so physically ill, she still asked about my life and about Dana's life (Dana was with me) and focused on us. It blew me away. We were able to chat about silly things, like her love of reality television, and serious things as well.
While I was there, I asked her how we could be praying for her. She asked for us to pray for healing and for God's will to be done. Cheryl knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord can heal her on this Earth, but that He will heal her fully when she is welcomed into His arms.
Tonight, our staff received an email that Cheryl is much worse tonight (7/29) and will most likely not make it through the night. Will you join me in praying for Cheryl, her husband Steve, her children and her young grandchildren?
I am praying that Jesus will take Cheryl into His arms quickly, quietly, and peacefully. That He will welcome her with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
Cheryl serves Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer. He heals us of all our diseases, but the fact of the matter is that He may not do it on Earth. He can do it, but that may not always be a part of His will for our lives. However, one way or another, Cheryl will be healed because she serves the Lord of Healing. Please pray with me that healing will come soon and that her loved ones here on Earth will remember that it won't be long before they are reunited with Cheryl, healed and whole.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits-
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases...
Psalm 103:2-3
