Nathan with mail from Ms. Jan Spiers
While Nathan was recovering from his last surgery (for congenital kyphosis), he was delighted to receive letters each week from Jan Spiers of Picayune, Mississippi. Her letters were always filled with words of encouragement and interesting anecdotes. And there was always a surprise of some sort enclosed: pirate stickers, a refrigerator magnet, funny cartoon clippings… Sometimes she even sent a package with paperback books and little toys.
The remarkable thing to me was that Ms. Jan Spiers had never laid eyes on Nathan in her life. She learned about him at First Baptist Church of Picayune where my Aunt JoAnn and Uncle Jerry were requesting prayer for him. Other children, I learned, have received similar attention. It just goes to show you–missionary opportunities can be as far away as Timbuktu or as close as your own backyard. Thanks, Jan! And thank you FBCP for keeping Nathan in your prayers during those rough times!
- Karen
Tags: congenital kyphosis, First Baptist Church of Picayune, Nathan, Picayune Mississippi
March 29th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Hey Nathan and Karen,
Aunt Ann told me about your website this morning at church (FBC Picayune,of course!). I was so anxious to check it out. I don’t have a computer at home yet – well, I do, my son gave me his old one. But it’s not hooked up to internet yet as I don’t have a phone – but I’ve signed up today to get internet “hooked up” thru AT&T, that doesn’t require a phone. I’m in Slidell as I write, using his computer. Maybe by next weekend, I’ll have my own.
I keep “checking on you” thru Ms. Ann, and I’m always amazed at everyone’s progress. I’m still busy with my writing and cards and notes – it is fun for me, and a “mission at home”. You are all still in my prayers, and I will check out your site even more when I get all fixed up at home. If you can ever make it to Picayune, please let me know so we can finally “meet in person”. God bless you.
“Ms. Jan”
March 30th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Hi Mizjan!
It would be great to meet you in person one day–Nathan would get a kick out of that, too. Your “mission at home” is a fantastic idea. Not everyone can travel to a foreign country as a missionary, but a walk to the mailbox can be far-reaching, as well.