May 27, 2026

Recently my wife Kathy and I spent a few hours with a childhood friend of hers who has been battling several serious diseases. It’s remarkable that she is yet alive but she is. Not only alive but buoyant, good humoured, and joyful. Indeed, her attitude and worldview in the face of constant vulnerability is both countercultural and truly inspiring. We went to see her, prepared to encourage her, but found ourselves as the ones encouraged. It reminded us of our visits these past 26 years to dying orphans and widows in Africa and India.

We have visited and prayed for countless numbers of what Jesus termed “the least of these” in our Home Based Care (HBC) ministry with WOW (Working for Orphans and Widows). In concert with hundreds of local pastors and church based volunteers we have done and are doing this to bring healing, blessing, and encouragement to the dying in Jesus’ name.

Interestingly, as happened with our visit to Kathy’s dying friend, we are encouraged and inspired. Even as we pray for these afflicted ones we find ourselves uplifted by their peaceful joy and the Lord’s presence. It’s as though we are “under the shadow of his wings” by proximity to the ones in need of his touch, their vulnerability a reminder of our own.

We are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. And “the times of our lives are in his hands”. What’s more, our short lives here are merely preparation for everlasting life on the other side. Death awaits us all. But for those who die in faith it will be a glorious homecoming. So like our friend whose days are numbered so are ours. As lovers of God we both live and die in hope of resurrection and the life to come.