October 2006

Dear Family and Friends Near and Far,

We are asking you especially at this time to hold us up in prayer.

Two days ago I phoned the cardiac surgeon to see if Charles' surgery is already scheduled. (Currently he is on a waiting list. In Canada, having socialized medical care, everyone has to wait for their turn on a waiting list. Sometimes that can go fast and other times it can take very long.) Even though in July we were told that the surgery would happen sometime in September or October, then there was talk of a surgery date in mid to late October or even November, now we are told it won't happen until December the earliest. Our family feels rather frustrated and discouraged at times with the medical system here in Canada. On the one hand it is good to have socialized health care, since everyone will be taken care of. On the other hand, however, we have to wait our turn and are discouraged to leave the province during this time. We'd rather be in Guatemala, serving the people there. However, that is not an option at this time until after the surgery and Charles has recovered.

Please pray for our family, for Charles, the boys and myself, to develop patience. We know that all of this (the delayed surgery etc.) is happening for a reason. However, especially James and Jonathan as well as Charles are rather discouraged by the news, that now it might not be until December, the earliest, that Charles gets called for surgery.

James is working quite a bit at Subway as a "Sandwich Artist". While the job of making subs isn't the most challenging, he is gaining valuable insight into the lives of his co-workers as well as customers. I am sure the Lord is preparing him future ministry and service.

Jonathan has a part time job on Fridays and Saturdays, washing dishes at Panago Pizza for four hours each time. The owner, as well as the co-owner who manages that pizza outlet, are members of one of the churches we visited here in Cranbrook. On the other weekdays Jonathan is a big help to Charles. I always say that Charles is the "brain", while Jonathan supplies the muscles. As you know, Charles loves to work with his hands and do physical labour. However, the doctors have prohibited him to do anything strenuous. Of course, that frustrates Charles as he would rather work on the car or help our daughter with necessary home maintenance and repair. In this situation, Jonathan is a much needed help.

As for me, I switched jobs to get more hours and have a more regular schedule. I am working six hours per day on average in a coffee shop/bakery/lunch cafe as a prep cook. My shift starts at 4:00 am, which means getting up at 3:15 am. Even though it is only a five minute walk from where we live, I like to take time for spending with the Lord before I begin my daily activity. Initially I was concerned that this might create a problem for the owner of the Mexican restaurant, where I worked previously, but apparently that isn't the case. I enjoy my work, seeing that the Lord is providing for our physical needs through this work.
Please pray for me that through my actions, I will let Jesus' love shine through me. Also, please pray for physical strength. After cutting and chopping for hours on end, my hands and shoulders are aching quite a bit.

We are thankful for the privilege to know you are standing with us in prayer and physical support.

The Lord bless you,

Charles & Petra, James & Jonathan Wirrell
serving the Lord wherever He sends