People have been saying it for years, and it is medically confirmed: I have a lot of problems in my head. On Thursday, I (Troy) will finally be heading to the hospital for some exciting endoscopic surgery inside my skull! I’m not really looking forward to this, but for many years I have had sinus issues, and after a few examinations, the Ear Nose Throat doctor has determined that I do have some physical blockages that can be opened up. Hopefully this will clear up my annual parade of sinus infections, help me breath better, and maybe even give me a better sense of smell! I expect this weekend I will look like I was hit in the face with a shovel, as I will likely have two black eyes and a very swollen face. I’ll be going under general anesthesia for this surgery, and would appreciate your prayers for the recovery.
Also going on in my head is some spinning. I have occasionally had some mild issues with dizziness for a few years now. Last month, I was at a Vestibular Clinic (dizziness doctors) for some testing that came back negative for several diseases, thankfully! But last week I had some pretty severe vertigo and am still working through some milder forms of it. The vertigo did unfortunately cause a delay in our plans to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary last week, but we were testing out that whole “in sickness and in health” commitment. Anyway, I’m now well-versed in the arts of the Epley and Foster-type maneuvers to attempt to correct the vertigo, but I would appreciate your prayers nonetheless that this dizziness would pass.
Hooked up for a test where they induce vertigo and use special cameras to check my eye movement.
Please continue to pray for the study Naomi is involved in with several unbelievers. She and her co-teacher are making progress through By This Name but it hasn’t been without obstacles.
This past Sunday we finished up the By This Name Bible study at a local church that I had mentioned a few weeks ago. It was a great joy to join this congregation in fellowship as we explored together the simple plan of salvation laid out in this book. As part of the last lesson, we often ask a few questions of the participants to help gauge their understanding of the Gospel. I always enjoy reading the many clear expressions of faith. One question is also about how the study has helped them. I’ll leave you with a few of their responses.
“It has helped me to see the story of Jesus throughout the whole Bible.”
“It has taught me a lot of the Bible that I did not understand.”
“The relevance and importance of the Old Testament to the New Testament. Like the unblemished animal offering for the atonement of our sins so thus, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away our sins.”
“It puts together the salvation message from Genesis to the New Testament – clearly illustrating God’s plan of redemption through the shedding of blood as atonement and restoration of mans relationship with God.”
“Brought me back to the Lord and reminded me what my long lost beliefs were.”
“It has helped to make talking to unbelievers about the importance of salvation and not just believing that there is a God.”
“This has been beneficial for me because I was not a believer. I did not think there was any way out of life for me but this has taught me I am not alone. I have Jesus.”
To God be the glory for these testimonies!