Not too long ago some friends of ours found out their oldest son has muscular dystrophy. What heartbreaking news to be laid on a parent. This young boy is the same age as our oldest boy. We felt helpless... what could we do? They have another son who is the same age as our youngest son. Lightning doesn't strike twice does it? Could it?
A short time after this news hit their family, they had their second son tested and he also was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. I couldn't sleep. It bothered me real bad. I had breakfast with their dad to see how things were going and I was real encouraged with his attitude. He didn't want people to feel sorry for them. He only wanted people to pray and to be there as friends. After the shock of it all, he said he was trying to come to terms with it... and he knows that he and his family is in the hand of a sovereign God, even when its time to get wheel chairs and ramps.
The boys are still able to walk and run although with some difficulty at times. But as the disease begins to do more damage they will likely deteriorate in the coming months and years. It's sad to think about. It makes you know how helpless you really are.
A group of people from our church who are close friends of theirs hatched a plan. One thing we can do as friends is support and encourage them. Unknown to this struggling family, a collection was taken up to send them to Disney World while the boys are still mobile. In just over a month, they had enough money to purchase full accommodations, food, transportation and Disney tickets. And not only that, the money collected amounted to more than double what it cost for the trip, which means they will have some left over to buy medicine and other supplies that they will need. They were presented this gift on Sunday at church. It was a very touching and emotional scene. The response of the people was overwhelming. When Christ is at the 'head' of the church, there is no 'dystrophy' in the body. This is the body of Christ in action.
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