...and all is well. God is good, faithful and kind. He has brought us through the desert to the land of plenty. He has provided for us all that is needed to serve Him. May we always bless and praise His name. Below are the letters recently written to let everyone know the final results of "Courtney's Campaign" which began one year ago with this blog. We thank each and every person who has walked with us this past year, who has prayed with us and for us. None of the miracles that have accrued would have been possible without those prayers We do not deserve such goodness. We hope that we can "pay it forward" for the rest of our days.
May God Be With Each of You,
Mary, Jerry, Courtney and Jonathan
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“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21
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It’s been a year since we last wrote to you on behalf of Mary, Jerry, Jonathan and Courtney Lenaburg. Thank you for your incredible generosity. The profound impact you have made on their lives can only be adequately described by them.
We are amazed by your love and deeply grateful for lifting their overwhelming financial burden. Your support has virtually eliminated their practical worries while providing and caring for Courtney and provide for her needs.
The love for Courtney and appreciation for the gift of her life affirms a truth we wish more people embraced. Your response to Courtney's need is witness to the Hope of which our Holy Father so eloquently spoke on his recent visit -- the Hope of action enflamed by prayer.
We continue to remember the Lenaburgs in our prayers as well as all of those who so generously served them. May the Lord continue to bless you and your families.
Marques and Christine Silva
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What a difference a year can make! When we sent out the Courtney’s Campaign letter last November asking for your prayers and support, our family was in severe financial distress. The years of accumulated medical and daily care costs for Courtney, combined with Mary needing to leave her new job because of a severe increase in Courtney’s seizures and failing health, left our family with two previously unthinkable choices- file for bankruptcy, endangering my job and potentially causing us to lose our home or swallow our pride and ask for help from our friends and family.
With the advice of our legal counsel and the unwavering support of our friends, Tom and Meg Kilgannon, Marques and Christine Silva, and John and Therese Ryan, we decided to begin Courtney’s Campaign in the hopes of raising enough money to pay off our 2nd mortgage, which would just about replace the income lost from Mary’s job. We prayed and left our family’s fate at the foot of the Cross. We have learned that God never abandons or disappoints. Through the incredible generosity of friends, family and total strangers from across the globe, we have been blessed beyond measure. Mary and I are deeply humbled and grateful to report that not only was the 2nd mortgage paid off, but all of the debt related to Courtney’s medical and daily care for the past 15 years has been retired. For the first time that Mary and I can remember, we are on sound financial footing. This was far beyond what either of us expected to happen. In addition, we have been able to start a trust fund for Courtney to provide for her future medical costs and daily care ensuring a high quality of life as well as safeguarding our family financially.
How is Courtney doing today? Her prognosis continues to challenge even the best physicians. Her seizures continue on a daily basis, although their severity has diminished somewhat. It was a difficult winter dealing with one illness after another, but with the break of spring, new hope arose. She rallied once again showing us that God is in control and we are just here to love her and follow Him. We have learned to take each day as it comes and to appreciate the gift of her life. After enjoying her summer break, Courtney is now back in school and smiling and laughing once again. We are convinced that yet again your prayers have created another miracle for our girl.
Courtney turned 16 in August, a birthday we did not believe we would get to celebrate. Mary and I can never express how deeply grateful we are for all you have done for our family. We have always known that Courtney had a purpose and mission in life to teach about God’s love: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” {Matt 25:40}.
As we go forward know that our family is praying in Thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received from all of you. We ask for your continued prayers that we may be able to care for our Courtney each day recognizing the dignity of the person God has created her to be until He calls her home to Him.
Labels: Courtney's World
