Greg Morgan's last report to you
Well, it’s finally dad’s last full day at The Oaks Rehabilitation Center in Athens, Georgia. Hallelujah! What looked like a long visit has turned out to be a short one.
The problem was really at the hospital when dad had so many stomach problems as a result of his intestines falling asleep during surgery. They, doctors and nurses, call this physical issue: Illus. What looked like a short hospital visit turned out to be a long one. Obviously we humans don’t really know what’s going to happen, do we? I often wonder how people who aren’t Christians make it through life, especially those who aren’t very religious.
During dad’s recovery, there have been so many people to thank. I’m reminded of nominees who win awards on television. If you haven’t noticed, there is no shortage of awards shows on TV! Anyway, I have noticed over the years that winners seem to have a hard time naming the many people who helped them achieve their successes.
Sometimes if they try listing many people, the orchestra starts playing and the poor winners just finally finish speaking. In turn, I’m left with a similar dilemma, how can I possibly thank everyone properly for all of your prayers and well wishes, not to mention kind words regarding your great optimism for dad’s speedy recovery?
However, one particular gentleman called to check on dad last night. I was especially struck by his concern, because he has actually been in a lot of physical pain for years in spite of the fact that he is a Christian. The man is Billy Brewer. I answered the telephone last night when it rang. It was Billy Brewer on the other line. He said that he had not heard from dad lately and wanted to check on him. I imagine that somehow he did not hear about dad’s surgery and I also think that he must not get Hugh’s News, but that’s OK of course.
When my family and I moved to Athens, Georgia in late May of 1986, our church, Tarkenton Memorial Pentecostal Holiness Church, had softball teams—not a team, but several over the years. Billy Brewer was one of the coaches as well as the manager of the TMC's Men's softball team. He was instrumental in recruiting men who just wanted to play softball. The players who did not attend church with us had to agree to come to our church at least during softball season. Needless to say we had a full house during softball season. I always felt that Billy Brewer was a type of missionary recruiting men for the Lord. Please pray for Billy who has had many back, neck, and spine problems over the years. He told me last night that he is on high powered medicine for his back and legs, but gets little relief. Please join me in praying for Billy’s healing.
Then there is Pastor Wesley Russ who recently lost his wife yet he prays for dad all of the time. I can only imagine the grief that he is suffering, but he still takes time to call dad regularly.
Next I think of Wayne Butler who visited dad in the hospital one Sunday evening after mom and I had left. Wayne was there late and even helped to feed dad. That is real ministry from one of dad’s former associate pastors who is a great Emmanuel College graduate.
I also think of Bonnie Bender, a retired nurse and member of mom’s ladies prayer group. She fervently prays for dad and offers insight to medical procedures and problems that he has.
I would love to say more, but I can hear the orchestra starting to play the music softly so I will finish quickly and get off stage. Before I leave though, thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts and cards and visits. My parents and I appreciate you all more than you know.
God bless you richly!
Greg
Well, it’s finally dad’s last full day at The Oaks Rehabilitation Center in Athens, Georgia. Hallelujah! What looked like a long visit has turned out to be a short one.
The problem was really at the hospital when dad had so many stomach problems as a result of his intestines falling asleep during surgery. They, doctors and nurses, call this physical issue: Illus. What looked like a short hospital visit turned out to be a long one. Obviously we humans don’t really know what’s going to happen, do we? I often wonder how people who aren’t Christians make it through life, especially those who aren’t very religious.
During dad’s recovery, there have been so many people to thank. I’m reminded of nominees who win awards on television. If you haven’t noticed, there is no shortage of awards shows on TV! Anyway, I have noticed over the years that winners seem to have a hard time naming the many people who helped them achieve their successes.
Sometimes if they try listing many people, the orchestra starts playing and the poor winners just finally finish speaking. In turn, I’m left with a similar dilemma, how can I possibly thank everyone properly for all of your prayers and well wishes, not to mention kind words regarding your great optimism for dad’s speedy recovery?
However, one particular gentleman called to check on dad last night. I was especially struck by his concern, because he has actually been in a lot of physical pain for years in spite of the fact that he is a Christian. The man is Billy Brewer. I answered the telephone last night when it rang. It was Billy Brewer on the other line. He said that he had not heard from dad lately and wanted to check on him. I imagine that somehow he did not hear about dad’s surgery and I also think that he must not get Hugh’s News, but that’s OK of course.
When my family and I moved to Athens, Georgia in late May of 1986, our church, Tarkenton Memorial Pentecostal Holiness Church, had softball teams—not a team, but several over the years. Billy Brewer was one of the coaches as well as the manager of the TMC's Men's softball team. He was instrumental in recruiting men who just wanted to play softball. The players who did not attend church with us had to agree to come to our church at least during softball season. Needless to say we had a full house during softball season. I always felt that Billy Brewer was a type of missionary recruiting men for the Lord. Please pray for Billy who has had many back, neck, and spine problems over the years. He told me last night that he is on high powered medicine for his back and legs, but gets little relief. Please join me in praying for Billy’s healing.
Then there is Pastor Wesley Russ who recently lost his wife yet he prays for dad all of the time. I can only imagine the grief that he is suffering, but he still takes time to call dad regularly.
Next I think of Wayne Butler who visited dad in the hospital one Sunday evening after mom and I had left. Wayne was there late and even helped to feed dad. That is real ministry from one of dad’s former associate pastors who is a great Emmanuel College graduate.
I also think of Bonnie Bender, a retired nurse and member of mom’s ladies prayer group. She fervently prays for dad and offers insight to medical procedures and problems that he has.
I would love to say more, but I can hear the orchestra starting to play the music softly so I will finish quickly and get off stage. Before I leave though, thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts and cards and visits. My parents and I appreciate you all more than you know.
God bless you richly!
Greg