New Years 2007 Prayer Letter

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.  They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

Dear Family and Friends,

Hallelujah what a Savior, what a wonderful Lord we have.  As we have just come through this very special season of celebrating Jesus's birth, it was a very different time for our family, but non the less a precious, quiet time as we focused on how much closer we had gotten to the Lord through the challenges of this year.  We certainly hope that you had a blessed Christmas.

       Even though our greetings are late they are still filled with love, care and concern for you and your family and for deep appreciation not only for you but your prayers, encouragement and support.  I did not want to miss this opportunity of expressing my gratitude for you.

      The heavy load of responsibility with the ministry as well as our personal challenges made it impossible to send you greetings on time.  There were many doctors appointments, tests and then ten days before Christmas, Nancy's blood levels dropped dangerously low and we suddenly had to go to the hospital so she could receive a blood transfusion.  In addition we met with a specialist from UCLA who will continue to study all her tests after he returns from the holidays.  May God grant him the necessary wisdom needed to diagnose and treat her.

      After over 11 months we still do not have a diagnosis.  We continue to covet your prayers.  We must say we are weary as we wait the "Promised Land".  We try not to murmur as the children of Israel, but we have to admit at times we have failed.  However, all we have to do is look at all the tremendous ways  God has given us the strength and courage to go on, the way He has provided for us, the many tests that show all the horrible diseases that Nancy does nothave and the murmuring ends and praise begins once again.  We will continue to lean on Him and trust Him.  He is faithful.

       I want to share a present with you that I received.  My spiritual birthday is on December 14th.  Years ago on that wonderful day the Lord brought a special lady into my life, Helene Ask her, the Director of Women's ministries for the Navigators in Denver Colorado.  She led me to the Lord that winter night, a night I shall never forget and always cherish.  Each year on my birthday, I ask the Lord to use me in a special way in someone's life.  This year was no exception;  my prayer was "Lord let me lead some hungry soul to Christ today".

      That day I was running out of strength, not finished with my requests to see the Chaplain but felt strongly compelled to go see this one lady before I left.  A precious 77 year old lady was lying in bed and was very frightened.  She had had seven stents put in her heart and each time they had failed.  Now she was being prepared for transfer early the next morning to another hospital that could do the open-heart surgery on her (what perfect timing).  She was terrified that she would not survive and she kept saying "I'm not ready to die".  She was a religious woman but did not have an understanding of grace, faith and love.  After I shared the scriptures she began to understand and was thrilled to know she could be sure of eternal life and knowing that if she did not make it she would enter into the presence of the Lord.  She wanted to accept Jesus.  What a thrill to witness her new birth.  Then with great joy I told her of my morning request of the Lord and now we both had the same spiritual birthday.  Thank you Jesus for the wonderful gift of salvation - a gift that just keeps giving.

Thanks for a year that you have blessed many through your gift of prayer, giving, loving and caring.  Even though time does not permit me to write a personal note because of the load and demands on me at the present time - just know how very grateful I am for you.

I trust that this holiday season has been very special for you and that this New Year will be filled with His Peace, His Love, His Joy and an awareness of His Presence that will equip you for every situation that you may face this year.

Prayer requests:

     - strong ministry to patients, families and staff at the hospital this year.

     - Favor with staff at the hospital

     - Protection in all areas of the ministry and our family

     - Full disclosure of the physical problem in Nancy's life as well as a solution

     - Good health and strength for Mother, Nancy and I

      Assistance at work and in our home

     - Increased prayer and financial support to meet all the increased needs at home and work

Happy New Year!

Walking in His grace and strength,

Margery Link

Donations designated for my support should be sent to:

    Healthcare Chaplains' Ministry Association, Inc.

    377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260

    Placentia, CA  92870

    Account #332