Dear Church / Small Group Family,

I just want to express how grateful I am to you all for caring and praying for me, and for walking beside me through what I would describe as a faith building exercise.

Despite the basin of bright red blood and the urgent tone of the medical staff ( he’s not stable, he needs a transfusion), I was able to look to God and to realize that he was in charge of the situation and that he was protecting me.

My fear subsided and a calming peace came over me. By simply continuing to look to God I was able to sustain that feeling through the duration of my hospital stay, despite the discomfort and uncertainty.

Of course things worked out better than I could imagine. Carroll Hospital did a super job caring for me, and kept me safe while an appointment opened up at Hopkins.

The procedure there confirmed that the bleeding had resolved, and they were able to dilate the stricture to 12 mm, two thirds bigger than what I started with.

When I ask myself how did I acquire this faith, I can only say that I was willing to seek it. When I became willing, God connected me to this community of seekers.

I am eternally grateful for the love, encouragement and direction I have received from the Crossroads Community, especially our small group family. Thank you, thank you, thank you for leading me to life-changing faith in Jesus Christ!

May God’s Infinite Peace, Grace and Love be with us all!!

John