Greater Portland Baptist Church

Jesse and Tiffany Shanks: December 2006

"Wake up, Dad! It's Christmas time!" This was the message I was greeted with by Joshua well before the time I wanted to wake up. Isn't it funny how all kids seem to have an internal Christmas morning alarm clock that awakes them far earlier than on any other day? So after reluctantly rising from the dead, we headed downstairs to begin the most exciting event of the day for Joshua. The most exciting time of the day for the rest of us came later at dinner time!

Amidst all the joy, the gifts, and the fun, we also experienced several very sobering and scary hours on Christmas day. On Christmas morning, my family was preparing to drive to Tiffany's parents' house, which is where we live when we are not traveling. While getting ready, my mom noticed that my dad was acting a little stranger than normal. He continually asked the same question six times about a dream he thought he had that morning. After beginning their drive to our house, he repeatedly said similar things over again, but could not remember any of it. My mom called me very panicked, and asked me to do some research on the internet about strokes. After just a few minutes of reading, it was apparent to me that he had indeed suffered a stroke that morning. My mom and brother rushed him to a hospital where he was tested and observed for several hours. Surprisingly, he was released about four hours later and they were still able to come over. The doctors said that he had a mild stroke, which affected his short term memory, but that he should make a full recovery in just a matter of a few days.

He has fully recovered, and we praise God for his protection over my dad. After the whole ordeal was over, my dad made a very appropriate comment. He said, "You know, life is precious. We just never know when it will be over." As we thought about how things could have turned out differently, it was a great reminder that God is in control of our lives and nothing happens without His knowledge.

We had such a wonderful time with family and friends this Christmas season. During the holidays we have been home more than normal, so we have tried to spend as much time as possible with our loved ones, knowing that this is our last Christmas at home until our first furlough, which will be about four years from now.

God blessed in a great way in the meetings we had this month. We praise Him for every opportunity we have to minister His grace and truth in His churches. We praise God that a couple more churches have committed support, so just pray for our remaining support to be committed by May of this year.