Health Update

This picture was taken in March, just a few weeks before I got sick

To say that April, May and June have been eventful would be an understatement. 

After several months of not feeling well, I (Margaret) had a crisis situation and ended up in the hospital in the Dominican Republic at the end of April.  I immediately flew to the States and saw an internist and endocrinologist to determine what was going on in my body.  After 4 weeks of testing, I was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease and remained in the States to recover for a total of 7 weeks. 

Fortunately, I am back in the DR, but my fatigue is still very present.  The doctors have told me that over time, the fatigue will diminish and I’ll start to feel better.  Through all of this, God has taught us so much.  I’m so thankful for His provision.  Doug and I have been the only host couple for the last 4 years, but just before I got sick, another host family reported to the DR and were able to smoothly jump right in and help Doug while I was away.  Their help has been tremendous, but the gift of their friendship has been irreplaceable!  We count our blessings for the Lehrs!

I’ve also seen the beauty of the body of Christ!  While in the States, I had friends (and some strangers) making phone calls to doctors’ offices to help me get appointments ASAP; others brought by meals; many reached out; some sent notes of encouragement; some offered their services for free and the list goes on and on…it was a beautiful example of God’s love in tangible ways.

Whoa!  Look at my face!  This was taken 2 days

before I went to the hospital in April

And finally, through my sickness and uncertainty, 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 has been etched in my brain and I have never been more convinced in God’s sovereignty and care for me.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”  2 Corinthians 4:7-10

There is hope in the gospel, and we are thankful for that Truth. 

Thank you to many of you who have prayed for us, encouraged us, supported us, emailed us, etc.  We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we have received from friends both near and far.  Thank You!

The Lehr Family and Interns

We are right in the midst of our busy season hosting summer teams, but are thankful to be sharing the load with the Lehrs.  Please be praying for all of us as we host and minister to the teams coming this summer.  We also have 7 interns who have been ROCK STARS!  Please pray for them, too as they minister to teams, to us and the Lehrs.

Even though we have health insurance in the States, our recent out-of-pocket medical bills have been significant. If you’d like to help with some of our current and medical expenses, you can click HERE to give. All gifts are tax deductible.

This picture was taken in May...

There is still considerable swelling in my face.

Another way you can help is by purchasing Young Living Essential Oils.  A friend who has Addison’s gave me some Ningxia Red from Young Living to help with my fatigue and I’ve found that this, and some other essential oils have helped with some of my symptoms.  If you have ever considered using essential oils, and if you order them using my member #, it will help me purchase what I need.  Contact me if interested.

Despite all the recent struggles, God has been faithful to us as we continue to serve here in the DR.  Thank you for your part in our life and ministry.  As we often say, “Life is Never Boring.”  Oh, What a journey! 

Love from the DR,
The Becks

I hope these pics of my face will keep you entertained and in prayer for me! While it is definitely still better, it still looks like I just got my wisdom teeth out!