DailyConnections.net

WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 5/27/09

A Prank Offering
 
Forgive me, but this one will be longer than usual.
 
My brother and I have always traveled different roads in search of our demons to wrestle, our dragons to slay.  He uses his gift of medical healing in remote corners of the world, but he had always done so with anger at a god he hoped didn’t exist (because random suffering made more sense than a cruel god).  On the other hand, I tend to use my small gift with words to educate and inform and, these days, wearing my faith on my sleeve, to attempt to spread the knowledge of The God who is ever watchful over us.
 
This fall those roads will meet … in Swaziland, Africa, of all places.  The “fun” part is that I’ll be joining Lou as general grunt labor on a two-week trip through Medical Ministry International. 
 
But the best part is that … well, let me put it this way:  On the phone the other night, we were discussing plans for the trip.  I said I hoped my inexperience in remote travel and lack of medical skills would not prove futile.  He assured me there would be plenty for me to do, and then added, “There are many ways to serve the… ” and then lapsed into silence, as I processed what he had just about said.  Finally, “Gotcha,” I said, and he replied with a joyful, pure laugh.  “Oh, Little Brother, you have no idea.  Good night.  God bless.  I love you.”  And he hung up the phone.
 
Now here’s the prank part.  (You were probably wondering about that title, eh?)  Lou and I have always pranked each other and playfully competed with and tried to amuse each other…from sending dead animal body parts to each other through the mail, to borrowing each other’s credit cards to … well, never mind.  Most of all, we’ve always looked after each other, coming as close to unconditional love as I imagine exists on this earth. 
 
What I’m looking for here really isn’t a prank at all.  Lou has been in my daily prayers for years.  The realization that he is being graced with faith thrills me beyond words.  So, today, I’m asking for your prayers — to join me in a prayerful prank, if you will — that Lou’s road to faith be blessed and straight, especially after so many years of uncertainty and skepticism.  I also ask for your prayers that this trip we will be setting out on at the end of October may be fruitful.  Thank you and God bless. — jri
 
“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me.
    and he prepares the way
    so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
        –    Psalm 50: 23
 
BTW:  All profits from the sale of my book, A Perfect Day, from now until the end of October, will go as a donation to Medical Ministry International.  
 
John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
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