Mission Partner Update - Johan & Lilli Lukasse

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all-surpassing power
is from God and not from us."
(2 Corinthians 4:7)

"But he said to me,
'My grace is sufficient for you...'"
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
 
These two Bible verses particularly encouraged me a few weeks ago when I was hospitalized for a second time this year. I had been discharged five weeks after I broke my hip as I had recovered sufficiently. But a few days after getting home, I fell again in the house. It was severe enough to be hospitalized again. Now I am back home with Lilli.

It's really wonderful how you experience and witness certain things. During the first hospital stay, I was busy with the rehabilitation schedule twice a day. After the second fall, I had much more time to think since I was not kept so busy.

Those of you who have been with us and followed us over the last few years know that we had dreamed that Liili and I would grow old together and do some fun things. Thinking on this, all kinds of thoughts went through my head, but the Lord God led me to the second letter to the Corinthians. And behold, how wonderful God's grace is. And it is sufficient! I had to learn that again.

Physically I have deteriorated a lot. The physiotherapist (in Holland they use the word "phisiotheraoeut") comes three times a week, and I not only have to gain strength but also learn to walk again!
 
Lilli has been particularly helpful and loving during this time. Although she doesn't drive a car herself, she came to visit me in the hospital every day. She had drummed up a group of drivers made up of our children, people from church, and neighbors. In all that time, she missed only one day. This situation has also taken a lot out of her.

Lilli is now looking forward to surgery on her hand, which is scheduled for May 16th. It was supposed to have been earlier this year, but she rescheduled it since I was in the hospital. Surgery on her other hand will follow after a few months.

Lilli needs a lot of prayer to receive mental, spiritual, and physical strength. She is special! And how she has pulled through all these circumstances is grace from God.
 
In the midst of all these circumstances, we must also say that we have received a lot of help in many ways, even with the household chores and all that comes with it.

Pray that I may be able to drive again soon, for that would be a lot of help for all of us.

Thank you for your prayers. The Lord is good.

Best regards,
Johan and Lilli