“Did you know the O’Donnels’ three-year-old daughter Ava just had a stroke and is in hospital?” The news came as a shock. I never thought such things could happen to such a little girl, yet this information was confirmed later that day. (See page 36 for more details.) As I considered this tragedy, I began to wonder how Dylan and Claire were feeling, and I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with them later on Skype. This family is preparing to go to Ireland, and now it seemed the devil was doing his worst to dissuade them from going by crippling their youngest daughter.

And yet, when I spoke with the O’Donnels, they told me they were not discouraged from going. Their resolve to serve the Lord among the Irish is as strong as ever, but little Ava must finish a course of treatment and therapy before they can launch. They also have more funds to raise, which is why I traveled to Florida earlier this year to encourage and assist them in that task by speaking at some churches and making home visits.

It was an honor and a privilege to meet this lovely family and to get acquainted with their children. Ava is walking again but has to wear a leg brace. She needs to be reminded that she has a right arm, which most of the time hangs limply by her side. Her parents constantly encourage her to use it. She also requires speech therapy.

Ava was shy at the beginning of my visit, but by the second day we started to become good friends. Her sister Coleen was much more confident and talkative. Spending time with this family was a wonderful reminder to me that though Satan tries to thwart our plans and calling to serve the Lord, Jesus never leaves us. Isaiah 43:1-2 says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” It doesn’t say He will always protect us from harm or danger, but that He will always be by our side wherever we go and in whatever situation we may find ourselves.

For many years we have been praying for more laborers for our Irish projects. Please pray that if it is God’s will, He will fully heal Ava, so that many Irish people will see the miracle and give glory to His name. May our loving Heavenly Father grant this family His grace and courage as they move forward in faith.

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