International Christian Hospice Newsletter
January 2016
We serve a God of new beginnings! “The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease. Great is his
faithfulness; his mercies begin anew each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Please join us as we find hope and comfort afresh in
these words to begin this New Year!
2015 Our Journey
Thank you to so many of you who were praying for us in
our personal Hospice journey. The past 3
years have been a season of “caregiving”, health changes and loss for us. There has been much joy and fulfillment even
amid the difficult family responsibilities with which we were entrusted. In 2013 we were honored to be caregivers together
for Ron’s mother in our home until her death in September 2014. That same month Susan’s brother Bo, was
diagnosed with cancer and we began that journey with him. With Ron’s willing support, Susan was able
to care for him in his home through many months of chemo and radiation. God blessed in this time by strengthening
family relationships with Bo’s three adult sons who also live in Albuquerque. As he began to decline and no further
treatment was recommended Hospice of New Mexico joined his caregiving
team. On the morning of October 31 Susan
was present with him in his home at his passing. We once again experienced God’s comforting
presence even through the deep sadness and grief. God gave both of us the gift of being able to
share words of comfort, supporting each other and the entire family as Ron
officiated in Bo’s memorial service.
In December of 2014 Ron’s brother Frank who lives in
Florida was also diagnosed with cancer.
Ron and his sister Arleen made several trips over the next few months to
be with Frank. Praise God that he had
successful surgery and now, a year later, is cancer free!
During our time “out west” in November we also traveled
to California and enjoyed a visit with our son Chad and his family. Can you see our buttons popping off? We are so proud of Chad’s successful Navy career!
*** Then we completed our 5,000 mile road trip as we drove home to S.C. in time
for Thanksgiving. Our “east coast” family gathered at our home
for a traditional Thanksgiving weekend.
What fun we had with the five grands, 8 years down to 2 years old. Our daughter Michelle has since announced that
next year there will be another grandbaby in the photo! How blessed we are! ***
And one other praise!
Since 2013 Ron has had an ongoing health issue and the VAMC MD suspected
that he has a liver problem. After two
years and multiple tests the liver involvement has been ruled out and his issue
is under control with diet and medication!
“I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore,
I will hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:24
Ministry Highlights
In 2015 the translation of our ICH Training Manual is now
complete in Pakistani Urdo! We have
already heard testimonies from people who have been impacted through ICH in
Pk. Thank you to the Din family and
their team who God brought together to produce and proof this edition for
printing. ***
Also in 2015 ICH became a member of the South Carolina
Christian Chamber of Commerce. Ron has
attended meetings with our ICH Team Co-ordinator Chuck McCurry and we are
anticipating future networking with other Christian organizations.
In December 2015 Pastor Francisco Ilias, the ICH Central
American Director, arrived in S.C. for a time of ministry with us. We enjoyed his encouragement and the blessing
of his preaching in Pastor Ken Freeman’s church near Columbia. *** What fun to
surprise Francisco with a birthday party since he was far from his own family. ***12 former ICH team members, who have
traveled with us to work with him in Honduras, gathered at our home for
fellowship. The next day we drove Francisco to Raleigh,
N.C. for another preaching engagement at Iglesia Palabra de Vida. We couldn’t help but feel the tug on our
hearts for the Latino people with whom we have grown to love in our 12 years of
ICH ministry! ***
The timing was perfect to reunite him with Chris and
Rachel Embler, Susan’s cousins. *** In
2007, while we had a team working with Francisco in Honduras, Chris and Rachel
came through on their “Walk of Faith” on their way to Peru. (see www.ourwalkoffaith.blogspot.com
for their amazing story) They also
returned to work with him twice with teams of youth. Recently God has lead Chris and Rachel, now
with four children, to work with “Gain” ministry which offers respite and
encouragement to people who are in full-time Christian service. They help to operate a retreat center on
Okracoke Island, N.C. which offers family accommodations, times of outdoor
activities as well as prayer and evening devotions. (see GAIN on Facebook)
Ahead in 2016
Please pray with us:
·
for LaVerne
Busbee who has been serving with ICH in South Africa. She is currently in the U.S. to raise funds and
is considering moving her work to India.
·
for Mike
and Maria Saeli who have been serving with ICH in Nicaragua. They are currently in the U.S. due to health
concerns and are anticipating returning to Central America on short-term
trips.
·
about additional translation work into
Urdo. Children’s book, and Grief book.
·
about opening a dialogue with missionaries to
China who have an interest in ICH
·
about possible ministry travel this year. Central America, Mexico and Pakistan
·
Financial support for ongoing ICH work around
the world
·
Staffing and team members
Thank you again for the blessing of your friendship and
interest in International Christian Hospice.
Please consider what you can do to serve with us in this New Year
2016!
God’s richest blessings,
Ron
and Susan
Ron and Susan Naish, Directors
803-781-0656
Web site www.ichospice.org
Tax exempt donations received at ICH
c/o Banis 103 Madison Hts.
Dr. Marshall, N.C. 28753