Dear Friends of Wales Awakening,

I think this photo will put a smile on most people’s faces, and maybe even if you're in the middle of some of the huge snowstorms that are happening many places these days. I like it because it sort of portrays my own situation currently, but it has nothing to do with snow.

In late December, I had another flare-up of MG (myasthenia gravis), which caused double vision as in 2024. Then late last week I had the sudden painful onset of a blood clot in my leg (DVT) and here I am, stuck in bed with my leg up on pillows!

I can smile a bit more now after six days because things are starting to improve after six days on medication. The swelling is much less, and tomorrow I go for a scan to find exactly where the clot is located and ensure it is dissolving as projected. So that is point 1 for prayer.

Point 2 is that the double vision and resultant dizziness is still difficult to get under control. After initial treatment in mid-January and now 4 weeks on an immunosuppressant, progress is still very slow. So your prayers for both of these conditions are deeply appreciated. We know your prayers work! Last year you prayed for Gladys, who struggled for months with unexplained weight loss and unstable body temperature, and now she is doing so very well, and is my driver and carer. I am so blessed by her love and care.

Reading through the book of Job over the last 3 weeks has been a timely accompaniment. Obviously my situation is nothing compared to his, but there are some precious lessons and comforts to be had. In particular today, Job 28:28 says, "And He said to the human race, 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'" On the spot, that reduced me to overwhelmed tears of thankfulness the simplicity of the Gospel, for the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary to purchase redemption for all who put their trust in Him for their eternity.

A couple of weeks ago I read the following portion, where Zechariah speaks about his son John's work of preparing the way for Jesus. Luke 1:77-79 says, "To give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." What a beautiful portrait of God's eternal promise!

For all those that have put their faith in Christ, God has grafted us into this amazing calling to give His people the knowledge of salvation. So when we share the gospel with someone who is, as it says in verse 79, "living still in darkness and in the shadow of death", it's our privilege and our joy to allow the tender mercies of God to shine through us into the lives of those living in every kind of darkness that so plainly evident in the world around us.

May the Lord help and strengthen us to offer hope and to help guide their feet into the path of peace and the mercies of God,

Dick & Gladys