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THE BODY OF CHRIST: HELPING OTHERS IN TIME OF NEED
Many of you have heard by now of the devastating fire that took Deborah Waterhouse's home last week. Don and Deborah are well-known in our Canadian churches -- for their pastoral ministry in Ontario, for their compassionate work through their group home, for Don's role on the Regional Synod board, for their servant hearts and their loving personalities. Last year, Don passed away. Last week, their house burned down. |
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Deborah lost everything except her cell phone, a laptop and her wedding album. Her car was destroyed, her dog died in the fire, and she had no insurance on her house. Currently she is staying with friends as she recovers.
As I thought about writing this update, I couldn't help remembering the promises the classis and the congregation make to a new pastor when they are installed in a church and accepted into Classis (we pledge our support, affection and prayers... so that they shall serve among us with joy and not with grief).
As I thought about writing this update, I couldn't help remembering the promises the classis and the congregation make to a new pastor when they are installed in a church and accepted into Classis (we pledge our support, affection and prayers... so that they shall serve among us with joy and not with grief).
Over the past week we have seen the outpouring of that pledge of support, affection and prayer. We have seen the loving and concerned response of so many people who are offering to support Deborah in her pain and loss. The Ontario Classis (and the RSC) sent donations to Deborah... John and Margaret Kapteyn visited with her... others have been asking how they might support her... many have lifted their voices in prayer on her behalf. This is the body of Christ fulfilling our pledge to love a co-labourer in our community.
If you would like to know more about how to support Deborah, read John Kapteyn's update below, and consider donating toward relief efforts on her behalf:
If you would like to know more about how to support Deborah, read John Kapteyn's update below, and consider donating toward relief efforts on her behalf:
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John and Margaret Kapteyn are RCA Retiree Chaplains and just visited with Deborah. They brought donations from both the Regional Synod of Canada and Classis Ontario. Deborah was very thankful and was moved to tears by this.
Deborah lost everything except her cell phone, a laptop and her wedding album. Her car was destroyed but she has an old 2002 van with over 300,000 milage. She had no insurance on her house but did have insurance on her car and should receive a few thousand dollars from the insurer. Deborah is staying with various friends and neighbors for the time being. When asked what she needs the most she said, “prayer – for purpose and patience and for knowing God’s presence.“ Still mourning the sudden passing of her husband, Don, last year, Deborah wants to serve God but awaits direction. Her immediate needs are to clean up the house debris from the property and to determine where to live. Some of you have been asking about how to donate funds to Deborah. She is not asking for support but is very appreciative when offered. Whether she will need to rebuild or find other accommodation, there will be costs involved. |
Please send donations to:
Harcourt Community Chapel, 1054 Harcourt Rd, Harcourt, ON K0L 1X0
If you want to mail a card or letter to Deborah, her address is:
1857 Mumford Road. Highland Grove, Ontario L0L 2A0.
Harcourt Community Chapel, 1054 Harcourt Rd, Harcourt, ON K0L 1X0
If you want to mail a card or letter to Deborah, her address is:
1857 Mumford Road. Highland Grove, Ontario L0L 2A0.
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