Many years ago, when I was a single parent with two teenagers to raise, my employer would stop by my office asking for prayer. I really do not know why he entrusted his concerns to me, but I was grateful to be used by the Lord to bless and encourage him. Together we would cast our cares upon God and wait for His answers.
He had a friend with the gift of prophecy, the ability to foresee what God has planned for the future for individuals. He wanted me to meet her so I could be blessed (like he had been) by hearing what God had to foretell through her to me specifically. The only thing I can remember her saying is that I would be traveling a lot. It made me wonder what that could mean for one who was grateful just to have enough money to pay the bills. This year it all became clear.
In 2017 I got married to a friend from earlier years. That very month he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. The Prayer Team at The Fellowship joined us in interceding on his behalf. After surgery to remove the cancer and rounds of treatment, his health has been touch and go. Now nine years later, the cancer has metastasized to his liver, but he is living each day as a gift from God in a way many people fail to understand. The last round of treatments left him with frequent hot flashes that refuse to back down, but he is still alive, and for this we are truly grateful.
Late last year my husband began talking about retiring. He just turned 74 and decided it was time. As a big history buff, he expressed the wish to travel to Europe to see places where history has been made. That was all I needed to begin the travel plans! 😊 Since I was already retired, this was a great opportunity to pour my heart into the planning, specializing in a trip specific to our desires that would strengthen our faith, develop our historical understanding, and provide memories for years to come.
I made it my mission to make this the best “one and done” overseas experience ever. God had given my husband this window of improved stamina. With one long international flight we hoped to see as many countries as possible. This was going to be a challenging adventure for sure since neither of us were experienced travelers overseas and we are not exactly spring chickens!
We departed for Europe on March 18th and were blessed to celebrate a sunrise service on Easter at the church where Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door. Then we proceeded to the church where Luther attended and was married just blocks away. It was the 10 o’clock service and we witnessed an elementary-aged boy getting baptized and the wonderful German people worshipping God in their unique fashion. The following week we were in Athens in time for the Greek Orthodox Easter service, celebrated the week after our traditional Easter Sunday.
The Lord went before us throughout our journey and allowed us to develop friendships with many wonderful people as well as opportunities to share Jesus. I especially enjoyed wearing my custom-made 'Jesus is King' sweatshirt as a witness for all to see.
Upon checking into a hotel near Corinth (Paul established a church there), we were greeted by an eccentric fellow guest who implored us to allow him to drive us to the famous canal about 20 minutes away. I was shocked that my husband agreed, but he had heard this man talking with others and respected his historical knowledge. The guy was a tormented soul who poured out the venom of his failed relationships, describing them in his TMI (too much information) way as he drove us to the canal. My heart broke for him, and I wanted to let him know that God loves him and wants him to be saved. I wrote him a thank you note and included a gospel tract. In order to encourage him to respond, I used the same words that I heard him say: "Everything happens for a reason."
When I saw him after he received the card, he thanked me and told me about meditating on it by himself at the beach. I continue to pray for him and hope to see him in Heaven.
I always knew from Scripture that the Lord has good plans for me and wants to give me a future and a hope but never dreamed it would include such an excursion. When I think of the adventure God had planned for me, it makes me smile. God is so good!
June 28, 2026
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
