I just spoke with Nichole for quite a long time, and am once again humbled and blessed beyond expression! Nichole is doing well because of the Lord. Her perspective is unbelievably trusting, and if you looked at her circumstances, you would be amazed. She spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day away from her sweet family (released from the hospital Christmas day, but was unable to be with family because she was sick), but again she trusts God's perfect plan...
She was in the hospital for almost a week, and had many opportunities to "borrow visitors" as she termed it. She gave a very clear and long version of the gospel to two girls who she met while they were visiting their mother in the hospital (their mother has cervical cancer as well). Nichole has deveolped a close relationship with them over a short period of time and would like us to pray for these two girls, Rita and Jasmine. Nichole was excited to tell me about them and wants desperately for their understanding of the gospel to deepen from knowing about the Bible, to knowing the Christ of the Bible in a personal relationship. Please pray for them!
Though Nichole admits that there have been dark times of deep questioning, her faith remains strong. God has used her in so many ways it would be nearly impossible to count. I'm sure we could all share stories! (Please let Nichole know how you have been able to "use" her situation and her story of hope in the Lord to reach others!) I have personally been able to share Nichole's situation and her hope in the Lord with several unbelievers, and have been able to encourage many other believers with her strong and abiding trust in the Lord through her darkest hours. She has spent many lonely days in the hospital and has only (seemingly) briefly struggled with God's plans for her. She told me today that although times have been really tough, she has felt awful with sickness, and has missed her family desperately- that she KNOWS that God has a plan that she can't fully understand, yet she sees pieces and parts and is greatly encouraged. Only He knows all of what He is accomplishing, and she is glad to be used by Him. She can recollect many opportunities she has had to give the gospel to nurses, doctors, other patients, visitors to those other patients, specialists, family members, and then some. She is truly an inspiration, and I pray that if I were to face her situation, I would have the grace that she does to persevere with hope and trust in the Lord.
Please remember to pray for the Greenes. The difficult days are not over. Though the infection is definitely better, Nichole is still struggling physically. Please remember to pray for Norm. He is carrying an extremely heavy burden right now- working his normal job, then coming home to taking care of the kids (all four of them!) and Nichole as well, since she has been unable to do much. Her energy seems to be returning (not completely, but some!), yet she will be starting chemo again soon- possibly next week. This will mean more opportunities for us to serve the Greene family! Please consider how you can help their family as they endure another phase of this long trial, and please, pray for them daily!