Scott shared the following devotional thoughts at his 40^th birthday party; thirteen years ago. This birthday was a cause for great celebration since doctors gave him a projection of only two–five years to live. This was his second year following his diagnosis of ALS in 1997. We rejoiced as if Scott had broken a type of time barrier given to him; the first of many to follow.

 

Glennis and I were devastated by the news of my ALS diagnosis. The doctor gave us no hope; I couldn’t imagine how I could ever make it through this time. The neurologist tried to dash my hope in God’s promises with an accusation that I was “living in denial”. Did he think I foolishly believed in a God who doesn’t hear, listen or answer His promises or his children’s prayers? I’ve held onto one truth since that day “against hope, Abraham believed in hope” Romans 4:18. When questions came, I just kept holding onto hope. God has encouraged me to never lose my hope; to never lose faith in Him. He promises us “those that wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as eagles” (Isaiah 40:31).

A few weeks ago, I fell on my face and I thought “I guess it’s all over” but as discouraged as I felt, I just started clinging onto little promises that God had given me. God spoke to my heart to stand in faith against the accusations of hopelessness. I can believe God does do miracles. I plan to face my trials by holding onto Gods’ promises in faith, little encouraging promises and thoughts of other faithful believers. I kept thinking of people in the Bible that have gone through battles, those that have been valiant in truth; valiant in the Word of God. I determined that I can’t go by what I see, I can’t go by sight, I have to go by God’s Word. I can believe in God’s promises, believe against all hope. Glennis and I keep clinging to God’s promises, greatly inspired by the warriors of faith that have gone on before us, both in written and living epistles.

When the world says the door is shut, we can still believe that there is an open door.  God will keep it open for you and for me. In Revelation 4, regarding the church of Philadelphia, there is mentioned a door that nobody can shut. The Lord personally encouraged me that this door of faith, God has given me, no one can shut. The doctors, the naysayers or the doubters can’t shut it; God’s going to keep it open because it is a door of faith. God’s going to keep it open and show great us great and mighty things.

God will do amazing things when we ask and pray. He will build faith fields in all of us, walls of faith in each person. Recognize answered prayer, write it down and hide it in your heart (Hab 4). By reminding ourselves of God’s goodness and faithfulness we can cooperate to build strong walls of faith in our souls. Build your walls with God’s promises and individual acts that He has done.

As we go forward in the work of God, look to those who have gone before, those who have been courageous; those who, no matter the circumstance, believe and hold onto God’s Word.  As believers and children of God, we can choose to believe all things in Christ, we can go forward in the call of God with valiant hearts of faith.

“Being valiant for the Lord, Valiant in truth, clinging to promises God had given them and they have run with these promises” Hebrews 11:34

 Over the years, God has led Scott through many dark nights with the terminal illness of ALS. Traveling this path together has taken us into Death’s Valley; a lonely and desolate place for any soul. In these shadowlands our footing at times has been unstable; the effort of each step has developed in us a deeper trust in God. In this barren land, we thirst, longing and desperately seeking for the refreshment of Living Water. In God’s unfailing compassion, He has made springs in our desert and has prepared a table in our wilderness. He is near; His Word revives and nourishes our souls. Exceeding great and precious promises are ours in Christ. Steadfastly we hold fast to our hope in the confession of our faith leaning upon our Beloved Savior for comfort.

This journey has required us to go beyond outward religious observances, performance or preconceived interpretations defining the ways of God. He does not take pleasure in being limited by unbelief but will not be restrained if we seek Him earnestly. As I look back since Scott’s ALS diagnosis in 1997, I can testify of our Father’s equipping provisions and wondrous works as He has lovingly kept us in His care. His Word has become more relevant and alive to us. Yes, God has had mercy on His afflicted giving Scott and I confidence to rest in His love by faith.

The following medical episode has become a significant memorial of God’s faithfulness in our lives. Related to several months of 2009 which became a crucible time of our faith, the specific account on the night of June 3^rd chronicles what I perceived to be medical abandonment allowing for Scott’s closest experience with death. It has taken me some time to process the limitation of Scott’s medical care in the Emergency Room that night. I have sought to gain perspective instead of the incredulity and utter helplessness I experienced while trying to advocate for my husband’s life.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”  Lam 3:22-23 (ESV)

Emergency Room- June 3^rd 9:30 pm

When Scott arrived to the hospital they ran a bunch of lab tests. They also did a trach exchange to replace the one that was ruptured. Once doing so, they inflated the cuff so the ventilator could more fully support his lungs and the air would not escape through Scott’s nose and mouth. I explained to the doctor that we had the test results from the recent sputum culture indicating heavy growth of pseudomonas bacteria (which can be extremely dangerous for people with poor lung health and weakened immune systems). I also informed the doctor of the ineffective tablet antibiotic Scott had just finished and a prescribed treatment of 2ml antibiotic aerosolized through a nebulizer (breathing the small dose of medicine) that he had begun that afternoon. I believed Scott needed something more immediate and powerful in his bloodstream to get him over the hump toward being able to manage this chronic infection by nebulization. The ER doctor acknowledged this approach. Scott has a P.O.L.S.T statement on file at this particular hospital indicating that he chooses all life sustaining measures (including antibiotics).[1] When the ER doctor telephoned the pulmonologist-on-call, he was advised that Scott should be sent home to continue the treatment he had begun with the aerosolized antibiotic. Without even seeing Scott, this pulmonologist maintained that with no other signs of infection from routine lab results, he only had a local lung infection.[2]

I asked the ER Doctor to please call the pulmonologist back to reaffirm this decision because I strongly believed Scott should receive intravenous antibiotics for expedient and thorough treatment. The ER doctor did as I asked but when he returned, he apologetically told us of his obligation to defer to the pulmonary specialist in this case and Scott would not be receiving I.V. antibiotics. He explained the concern of giving him the IV antibiotic that the bacteria could become more resistant to stronger antibiotics and eventually nothing would be left for Scott if he were to have Pneumonia in the future. I told him, I was more worried whether Scott could survive the night, not whether he would get a future pneumonia.

We were both stunned and in disbelief; trying to process the dismissal. We were helpless, in a desperate situation for survival, unable to appeal to other medical personnel in ER because the authoritative decision made (over the phone) by the specialist Doctor. Even though he was not present to ascertain Scott’s labored breathing while on the ventilator.

I could not comprehend that the hospital staff was restrained to help but instead were sending my husband home in this helpless state. I pleaded that Scott needed to stay. Seeing that I was distraught and attempting to console me, I was asked patronizing questions concerning my state of well being. Volunteering for me how exhausted I must be as the primary caregiver and inquiring whether or not I had additional help at home. I felt pitied and belittled since this had nothing to do with why I was so adamant that Scott receive healthcare. Scott was the one at the hospital for medical attention and he needed it urgently! When the ER doctor returned to the room I could sense that he had regret, he apparently was caught in the middle. He was the Doctor who had direct contact with us and could see that Scott was in a desperate state. He then suggested that he would place another call to the pulmonologist and that I could talk to him. I eagerly said I would surely speak on the phone to the pulmonologist, the ER Doctor left the room to place the call. He quickly returned in a change of manner and said abruptly; it had been decided; we were to leave and an ambulance was there to take us home. He then left the room.

The Charge Nurse came in to try to smooth over the situation explaining to me that the hospital was too full and that we wouldn’t be able to get into a room until morning anyway (it was already almost 3 am). He asked me persuasively if we wouldn’t “rather be home, wouldn’t that be what Scott would prefer”…had we not “already talked about Scott’s final wishes?….whether to be at home or ……?” His voice kind of trailed off, I think he read my face. He was trying to help but was making matters worse by implying Scott’s impending death. I was infuriated by his questions and told him that we had come to the hospital for help and Scott’s “final wishes” did not have anything to do with why we had come to have an infection treated. I knew then that the staff had given up on Scott.

Sent Home – June 4^th 3:30 am

The ambulance drove us home early Thursday morning; Scott returning without having received the antibiotic intervention we we were convinced he needed I was in the cab of the ambulance with tears of disbelief. I could not comprehend the Emergency Room sending Scott home as if he didn’t merit any further efforts from the physicians-these are the qualified practitioners we all go to for assistance in times of health crisis. This experience was my first introduction to what is considered futile care “the belief that in cases where there is no hope for improvement of an incapacitating condition, that no course of treatment is called for”. [1] Wikipedia®, updated 29 May 2010

God Made a Way

Thank God for His ministers and servants! I contacted our family physician out of desperation as soon her office opened Thursday morning, June 4^th. Dr. Paula was instrumentally used to dispatch a home infusion company to come out the following day. They accessed Scott’s port and began him on a 10 day course of IV antibiotics. I can’t begin to thank her and her staff for their empathy.

I administered Scott’s antibiotic every 8 hours around the clock for the following 10 days. Scott responded to treatment within the first few days and was able to get off the ventilator and out of bed. He was very unstable and weak at first, not too sure of his own abilities, so our daily routine went very slow. Scott didn’t get out of bed each day until 3-4 pm in the afternoon and could only manage to be off the ventilator for a few hours. Slowly, Scott began to recover in the following weeks. On Father’s day, June 21^st the kids were able to honor their dad. In our trouble, God was with us and delivered us (Ps 91:15). In our desperate search during the years of Scott’s affliction, God continues to reveal His providential care.

Reflection and Application

I’ve now had a few years to gain perspective looking back to the perilous months before and after Scott’s tracheotomy surgery in 2009.  All hell seemed to be closing in to extinguish Scott’s life, to prevent him from being a light to this world and share the Good News of the Gospel. Scott’s increasing dependence upon others has rendered him powerless to control even his own breath. As we identified with Jesus, we confronted our own “Gethsemane” experience to surrender to the Father; “Not my will but thine”. At times, we agonized in our prayers because God, for some reason, was silent choosing rather to hide Himself (Ps 42; 43; Luke 19:41-42).

“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” Jn 5:30 

I have watched God’s covering of protection see Scott through many close calls to praise the Lord another day. If the Lord had not intervened in mercy with deliverance and provision, Scott would not be alive today. At times we have felt as though we were drowning in our circumstance, floodwaters driving us beyond the borders of our capacity. God faithfully brings us through these waters too deep to cross (Ezek 47:3-6) taking us places we may not willingly go. His mighty river transforms death into Life by the flow of the Spirit carrying us the increasing current of the Lord; according to the will of God and not our own.

“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God” Psalms 46:4

Over the years, despite monumental opposition against the calling on Scott’s life, we have been compelled to walk ever closer to our Savior. As we incline our ears to hear His voice, we experience His Living Word, we are enlarged to grow and sow seeds of faith into the lives of others; walking as stewards of the manifold Grace of God.

“the things which happened to me have actuallyturned out for the furtherance of the gospel” Phil 1:12 

 

 

SCOTT BRODIE June 2009 Sent Home

Glennis tells of Scott being denied IV antibiotics and admittance to hospital

 

 

 

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Footnotes:                                                                                                                              

[1] Scott had stayed at this same hospital for his Tracheotomy surgery just 2 months prior; on file they had the documentation of Scott’s Advanced Directives, Power of Attorney and P.O.L.S.T statement (Physicians Order for Life Sustaining Treatment). A checkbox within this statement informs medical personnel NOT to refuse antibiotics if life can be prolonged; Scott consented to all interventions, those were his wishes. Considered “Full-Code” his POLST was signed the month prior, incidentally, by the pulmonologist on-call who gave the orders to send Scott home without antibiotic treatment.

[2] Pseudomonas can become systemic throughout the bloodstream and can become fatal. The Cystic Fibrous populations consistently have to be treated with antibiotics because of the persistent and colonizing character of pseudomonas and other forms of bacteria that can be life threatening.

[3] Wikipedia®, 29 May 2011

Why did Jesus ask the blind man, the lame man, and the leper what they wanted Him to do for them?

This was the same question Jesus asked me in the divine visitation I experienced while in Arizona thirteen years ago giving me a life changing intervention of hope, purpose and future!

Overwhelmed in Jesus’ intensive love I somehow managed to answer His question “what is it that you want?” speaking through thoughts, not audible words, I gave Him my plea… “I want to be healed” Jesus immediately responded “Your healing has already begun.”  Initially, I thought this meant instant physical healing but have come to the awareness of Jesus wanting to give me a complete, thorough healing rather than the instantaneous manifestation of healing I was seeking. He wanted to heal my body, soul, mind and spirit beginning with my inner man; transforming my outer man. I had committed my life to God 15 years earlier and was growing in His Word but this thorough healing I barely knew I was in desperate need of.  God knows His own purposes each of our lives and desires to glorify His Son in our heart and actions. I have always believed ultimate healing is found in heaven when we die and receive a new body. But healing reversals and deliverance does happen in the “now” while living on the earth. Praise the Lord, God is our healer!

We pray, believing that He is willing, in the communion of prayer, which includes listening, I must co operate with the voice of the Holy Spirit as He leads me. Those of us who have extended trials, are in good company with other biblical accounts such as Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Paul and other patriarchs & apostles. Countless other Christian disciples have waited with perseverance and endurance for their answer. We must not grow weary but need to keep our confidence, trusting God. He tells those who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him and He will give them rest for their souls (Mt 11:28). He describes himself in this passage as one meek and lowly. We often forget that our Savior God was a man of suffering acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53),  the chastisement of our PEACE was upon Him. We must strive to have the peace and rest of God; He calls us beside these still waters. For you who struggle, do you seek to know the Father’s heart and His thoughts toward you? He is touched by our feelings of infirmity. By sending His Son to reconcile the world to Himself, He has defeated the enemy and met the demands of His justice. We can come boldly to His Throne of Grace to find help in the time of need.

I continually sought God for relief from my circumstance. The enrollment in the school of patience and suffering began to materialize true substance of faith in my life. There was for me hidden manna for nourishment and sustenance feeding my spiritual hunger and living water to quench my thirst. God continues to provide for me a table in the wilderness where my needs are wonderfully supplied.  The Father’s ways are so completely different than our ways. Where we may have once depended on religious formulas or church doctrine; we now come to rely on our daily communion with Him. We learn to hear His voice saying “this is the way, walk ye in it” (Is 30:21). God is infinitely beyond our total comprehension, He deals with us uniquely, knowing His plans for us and the thoughts and intents of our heart. In our urgent and desperate need for answers during affliction and trials, we need to draw closer to hear His voice, not led about in confusion by every wind and doctrine. God will speak to our souls making His Word come alive, empowering us to many acts of faith.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” Heb 11:6

In my vision, I was also asked by Jesus if I had any additional requests. I answered that I only desired to serve Him. Jesus’ response has perplexed me ever since that day. He said “where?” I thought wherever you want me to Lord, you already know. He again said, “Where”? I thought wherever I can reach the most souls. He again said, “Where?” Because the Lord had to ask me the same question three times, my spirit grieved within me. Then suddenly I understood that Jesus was initiating and referring to a physical location. As soon as I had this revelation in my spirit then I responded to His question, “Phoenix, Arizona.” I do not know why I said Phoenix, Arizona, but He seemed happy with my answer and gave an expression of agreement. Since that time in 1998, my wife and I have been to Phoenix three times and Flagstaff twice for short ministry trips of 3-4 days. We have also expanded our small service business into the Phoenix area in the last 2 ½ years. I have not been able to put behind me nor forget the words of promise and assurance that saturated my soul. The experience gives me cause to believe that there is something yet unfilled for me to effect in Phoenix.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him”  2 Cor 2:9

My wife and I are praying, purposing and planning to go to Arizona again this year. This time, we are intending to stay for an extended period of time to see how God leads. We want to see God’s potential through our lives if we cooperate and fully trust Him. The persistent leading of the Holy Spirit does not let me ignore or deviate from this call. I sense His conditional proposal to step out with a heart to reach the lost, my response in faith is required. Although I cannot physically make anything happen by myself, Christ can open the doors and make the way.  Having exercised patience to wait for God’s timing, I believe  restraint has been lifted and it is the time act.  Time to cast off any fear of our welfare and trust the Lord with all our hearts, not leaning on our own insight or power (Prov. 3:5,6). Intensely conscious of our total dependence on God for everything, we are preparing to take hold of this personal promise because He has given us an expectation in His love.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” Jer 29:11

It was a real blessing to finally meet Retah McPherson from South Africa  last October.  I had been corresponding with Retah and her office manager, Judike, for over 3 years by e-mail. Retah graciously decided to forego a much-needed rest in between flights from Dallas to Canada and stop in Puyallup so she could visit and minister. Glennis and I picked Retah and her friend up at the airport where instantly Retah began ministering to me by wiping my face from excess saliva and leaning over to hear my words. I’m aware that many people shy away from me because of how I look and talk but not Retah McPherson! Retah shares her story on her webpage www.rethamcpherson.com

I was very inspired  after watching a series of recent video messages that Retah and her son Aldo did. What strikes me most about these videos is the interaction between Retah and Aldo. Retah  patiently waits for Aldo to complete speaking a word or sentence before she continues teaching the Word of God. Also she said, “I learn so much from you Aldo!” This is a beautiful illustration of how our Abba Father lovingly draws us out from the world and sets us apart to serve only Him. He is patient and gentle creating within us a capacity to draw near to Him.

 “I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love” Ho 11:4

We are born into this world and naturally attached to it. Not seeing our need for Christ or anything in Him worth coming for. God supernaturally attracts and draws us out of our present state and circumstance to look to Him. Not against our wills by force and compulsion nor by mere moral persuasion but by the invincible power of His grace; sweetly working in us and attracting us. He does this by revealing Christ to us, in the glories of his person and in the riches of his grace. Sweetly alluring us by His tender mercies, by engaging our soul’s need for Christ we commit ourselves to him and enter into His everlasting love.

 ^“No one is able to come to Me unless the Father who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me…” Jn 6:44

 

 

I have few words but save them for you my beloved! I remember telling you, “I would not be alive if not for you!” without hesitation you said it was God not you. Another time I said I cannot go on but you gave me Gods promise and told me Gods not done with us, we are a team! That has always been you, Giving God glory and never giving up. We are a team, faith and fight! I marvel at how selfless and giving you are. No matter the challenges you face whether it’s our kids, finances, needs of others or health you always find a way to pour yourself out and help someone else! You never seek recognition or honor but continually lay your life down and serve others. How blessed and undeserving I am to be called “your husband”. Not only on this earth but in the ages to come I hope I would be granted the privilege of washing your feet! I LOVE YOU! YOUR LOVING HUSBAND scott. 1/20/2011

Earlier this year, while on our trip to Arizona, we observed the 1^st Anniversary of my husband’s tracheotomy surgery April 1^st, 2009. How awesome to celebrate this milestone under a Big Tent Revival Meeting in the Phoenix area. Our pilgrimage to Arizona was to me, spiritually symbolic to adding a stone to the pillar of promise given Scott in 1998. God significantly impressed upon Scott to reach people in the Phoenix area. Over the years, we both have wrestled with God to understand the full meaning of the discourse during Scott’s personal divine encounter. He received a promise for his future, which has always kept him believing for healing and personal ministry in the face of the terminal diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Scott’s tenacity to hold to the initiation of faith that he received from God reminds me of Israel’s great patriarch, Jacob, who wrestled all night with God for a blessing; and was forever changed by his encounter. It was at that place and time that Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel”. From then on Jacob always walked with a limp; continually keeping him mindful of his experience at the place he named Peniel. Jacob later became the father to the 12 tribes of the nation of Israel. As we also, in this generation, realize the struggle we have in our circumstances many times reveals our struggle with God. We will find our Father in the place of cherished relationship when we receive His grace and equipping. He is the One who changes and prepares us to meet challenges in the face of conflict. Glory to God!

 “So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved ” Gen 32:30 (NKJV).

Last month June 12 (2010) I attended my daughter, Kylee’s High School graduation. Kylee is the youngest of our four children (our baby); she is a very patient, undemanding girl who has a very tender heart. Glennis and I are so very proud of her and the young lady she has become. Kylee will be continuing her education at Highline Community College where she was awarded a volleyball scholarship. This summer, she will be traveling for two weeks with her team to the  National Volleyball Training Center in Brazil. We are really excited for the new adventures before Kylee and for God’s direction in her future.

Hope against Hope
At the time of my diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1997, Kylee was only six years old. I was given the 2-5 year death sentence with no possibility of recovery. Our oldest, Justin, had just turned 15yrs and was to graduate in 2001. We grieved over what the medical professionals had told us. There was little hope that I would see Justin graduate from High School.

BUT GOD
I have always believed that God could heal me and that is exactly what I told the Neurologist who insisted that I needed to get my “affairs in order”. We realized that he was doing the hard part of his job; delivering a terminal diagnosis and having to make SURE that the family knows how serious it is. The information was sterile, cold, unwanted and heartbreaking. There was no comfort, no avenues for treatment, no ray of hope offered.

THE God of ALL HOPE
Praise the Lord; I attended Justin’s graduation 4 yrs later in 2001, followed by our other two daughters. Jessica graduated High School in 2003 (and college 2007) and Ashley graduated High School in 2005 (and college in 2009). Now, with Kylee’s graduation this year, I feel as though I have graduated from the regret I felt thinking that I possibly would not be at these big occasions for my kids. God has worked beyond what we could ask, think or imagine was possible given the gravity of my health challenges. Although our faith had been shaken, we have always had hope in the One who loves us.

God is a great and greatly to be praised! He strengthens the weak and encourages the downcast. Through His word God asked us to believe that ALL things are possible with Him (Mark 10:27).

There have been other milestones; the recent larger occasions have been to walk my oldest daughter down the aisle and to be involved in her wedding (2007), to rejoice in the arrival of our first grandchild (2008), to celebrate with my wife our Silver Anniversary (2009). Each Birthday, Anniversary, Thanksgiving and Christmas I am so grateful that we get to enjoy them together. Everyday is a gift; I am thankful that God has extended my years to cover my family in prayer and decision making. I love God and receive great joy reading His Word and encouraging others. I have been given much and am so thankful God still uses me for His service in the land of the living!

“Lord, thou dost show thy power by my frailty, so that the more feeble I am, the more fit to be used, for thou dost pitch a tent of grace in my weakness. Help me to rejoice in my infirmities and give thee praise, to acknowledge my deficiencies before others and not be discouraged by them, that they may see thy glory more clearly.”[1]

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[1] From The Valley of Vision,  a collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Banner of Truth Trust, 1975

In early January of this year, God compelled me to go and take a trip of faith to Arizona. A simple word “go” was all I heard; Oh what difficulty that one word would require of me to obey, My spirit was willing but my flesh is weak! There was much opposition to stop me from fulfilling the command that I heard very clearly in my spirit! At two different times in March, I had taken blood tests that indicated I had a low blood Hematocrit (red blood cell count). This situation had been causing me to be extremely fatigued. One week before our long road trip, I was at the hospital for X ray & Ultrasound exams for the severe pain and discomfort that I had been experiencing since the middle of February. We were happy to know that my organs were not the concern but I was suffering from a bleeding ulcer. How in the world could my body manage the call of God to visit Arizona the next week?? I could not do it! God would have to do it through me!

I tell my wife, “Lets go; Jesus is going to Arizona and he is taking this broken down body with him.” Glennis (after a confirming word in her spirit) says “yes, we will go by God’s Grace”! My wife is tireless and selfless with a fighting, determined Spirit of God within her. The others on this adventure were our kids; Justin, Jessica, Ashley and Kylee, son-in-law; Jerry, granddaughter; Korbyn, nephew; Austin and also our dear friends; Bob Nicholls and Terry & Susan Keller. All of these precious ones were used by God to either add or to make this faith mission possible. If they had not also heard God say to them to “go”; I would still be in my bedroom just dreaming about the trip to Arizona. By faith obedience we embarked on our venture March 26^th.

Our first night in town, our family had been invited for dinner at my Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Bill’s house in Sun City. Other relatives there were Aunt Pam and cousin’s, Bob and Jody. We had an enjoyable time catching up with one another since it had been several years. We appreciated their generosity for having all of us over for the evening. Although I personally could not eat food; I did enjoy the fellowship and was also looking forward to tasting spiritual food at the tent meetings.

May God bless evangelists Ken Dewey and his wife, Celeste, who shared my burden to reach souls in the Phoenix area and who inspired me, despite my health condition, to step out in faith obedience. They trusted God to hold a Tent Revival Meeting that would be sponsored by other churches to share the Gospel message. The Dewey’s left their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico and arrived in the Phoenix Metro Area March 18^th. Despite learning that the road to tent meetings is long and difficult within the city limits (because of rules and regulations, permits and expense) the Lord opened a door in Maricopa County just outside of Mesa City limits for the Church; New Life Worship Center to host the Tent Meetings. Pastor W. Graves welcomed the opportunity and was available to co-labor with Ken & Celeste Dewey. The Pastor and his congregation willingly permitted the tent to be set up on their property the following weekend; they also provided support of their worship team and other members. The Tent meetings began Monday, March 29th with a night of prayer and concluded Friday, April 2^nd. Ken did the majority of preaching and led souls to Christ. Glennis and others shared inspiring thoughts. I was filled with tears and only spoke a few words during the tent meetings because of the difficulty of my speech. “Come forward now!” “There’s more” and “The time is short” (I was compelled by God’s Spirit to urge people to come forward joining me in a surrendered life to Christ).

On Thursday afternoon, April 1st, we visited the Teen Challenge Men’s Center in Phoenix. Our friend, Susan Keller, through her previous contacts, was able to arrange a tour and introduction led by counselor, Scott Mosely, to the facility and Mission of the Center. Scott, a former student of Teen Challenge, is now a counselor for the Center. Teen Challenge operates Nation-wide with a Mission Statement to “To provide youth, adults and families with an effective and comprehensive Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems in order to become productive members of society. By applying biblical principles, Teen Challenge endeavors to help people become mentally-sound, emotionally-balanced, socially-adjusted, physically-well, and spiritually-alive”. We support and commend the work of this life transforming Ministry!

On April 2^nd, we traveled to Flagstaff (2 hours north) to visit Pastor Daniel Williamson, the boys at Teen Challenge’s New Horizon Christian Academy and also to attend The Lamb of God Church on Easter Sunday. Most of the hotels in Flagstaff could not accommodate our large group because they were already booked for the Easter weekend. Through our son-in-law, Jerry, we were able to make affordable arrangements for rooms at a four story nine bedroom Victorian Conference and Retreat Center (launched recently to the public to rent rooms and/or apartments in the adjoining cottages and Carriage house).  The kind owner, Wade, graciously permitted us to stay on the entire lower level with 5 beautifully furnished bedrooms (5+ bathrooms!). Wow! Glennis felt especially pampered; hours earlier we had no place to stay, and then out of no-where we find ourselves welcomed guests in this extravagant residence. Thank God for His unexpected, unmerited blessings! Once again we unpacked our luggage, medical equipment and supplies and settled in to our room. That evening, Glennis wanted me to see more of the house. There was accessibility to the second, main floor, so I would be able to go upstairs and explore the large, open “Great Room’ (with a Fireplace and Grand Piano). This living room had Office and Conference areas that branched off of it, in addition to the Commercial Kitchen, Dining Area and a Breakfast Nook with a beautiful view of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona (elevation of 12,637 ft) within the mountain range known as the San Francisco Peaks and also a view of the Community Park next door. 

After we had gotten familiar with second floor; we sat in nice, oversized armchairs. Wade came to join us to become better acquainted. He was very congenial, a well educated professional and a deep thinker. After spending a little more time visiting; Wade began to open up to us. He had been searching for answers that religious thought, philosophy, education, money and this world’s wisdom could not satisfy. He seemed empty and desperate for hope and answers for future direction and decision making. We recognized that he needed to come face to face with the Truth of The Person of Jesus Christ. He was called to have a living relationship with Christ who fills the void for significant purpose and meaning of life. Glennis and I were privileged to lead Wade to make an eternal decision to accept Jesus as his personal Savior. Hallelujah! We gave him a DVD copy of our interview recorded with Natalie Nichols from www.shadesofgrace.org; “The Scott Brodie Story”. He suggested we view it together the next night.

Wade opened his home for us to have the Director (Pastor Daniel), Staff: Shannon and Neil along the boys from New Horizons Christian Academy (Teen Challenge). Also Sabine, Senia, Richard, Barak, and Andra joined us that Saturday evening. There were 26 of us altogether that gathered to view the 32 minute testimonial DVD followed by a time of sharing. Our thanks to Wade for his hospitality and openness to provide this opportunity of eternal value. We are also grateful for the life transforming work of the leadership at New Horizon’s. Saturday night became a time of weeping, rejoicing, foot washing and sweet fellowship that centered on the Love of God. Glennis spoke a message on Galations 2:20, how a believer’s life can be walked out by faith in Christ who loves us, guides and strengthens us because He lives within our hearts. She went to each of the boys and prayed with them individually. I shared a word on Revelations 12:11 & John 16:33 about overcoming through Christ. Many of the young teens we met had come from difficult family situations and had begun to make decisions that were leading them down a path of destruction. We want to keep in mind and in our prayers, the lives of Dustin, Micah, Shane, Christian, Brandon, James and both ‘Zachs’.

During the 3 day drive (3600mi roundtrip) to return home to in Puyallup, Washington from our recent road trip to Phoenix & Flagstaff, Arizona (3/26-4/6); God spoke into my spirit “To obey is better than sacrifice” (the passage described below).

“Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1Sam 15:22).

Saul was told by the prophet of God, Samuel “Now go and smite Amalek and utterly destroy all they have; do not spare them” but Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. Instead of obeying God’s Word, Saul spared the best of the animals so he could make a sacrifice to God. Saul desired human approval for conquering the Amalekites; he wanted to be recognized for his efforts. In front of all of the people of Israel, Saul made a sacrifice the way he wanted to, not as God had instructed. The Sacrificial System had been instituted by God to Moses, so why wouldn’t this offering be good enough? Simply because God had not told him to sacrifice but to destroy everything! God was not pleased that Saul made a religious sacrifice rather than obeying His voice and command.

The best sacrificial offering we can bring to God is our broken and contrite heart (Ps 51:16-17). When we humbly approach His Throne, we can have full assurance of faith, from our acceptance of Christ, that God hears us. In our own efforts, we could make a thousand sacrifices to God; drive/fly thousands of miles for God’s service; or give thousands of dollars to His work. All of those sacrifices would mean nothing to God if there was not a surrendered heart that would simply trust Him by obeying his Word in faith.

 “But the just shall live by his faith”   ~  Habakkuk 2:4

Our son, Justin, recently made a comment to me after reading several posts on my website. He said, “I see a lot of blogs talking about your vision for Phoenix, Arizona to reach souls for Christ but not much progress”.  I agreed and determined to post an update about my vision to be in Phoenix.  Justin has overseen our family business, Brodie Upholstery, for the last several years. By God’s grace he has done an amazing job of operating, managing and expanding (to Arizona) our small family business. His selfless and sacrificial dedication along with his tireless work ethic contributes greatly to our family. I am blessed beyond measure with incredible children that know Jesus!

Here it is March, 2010, twelve years from my visitation with Jesus in Arizona. By God’s loving grace I am planning to make an 1800 mile road trip to Phoenix Arizona with my whole family, tomorrow!  Just last year at this time, I underwent my trachestomy surgery and was gasping for every breath I took. Taking a trip outside of my bedroom became enough of a challenge for me. How could I even imagine going to Phoenix?? But God works in the supernatural and is outside of  time as we know it. I told my wife “I throw myself at  Jesus’ feet”  “I cannot do anything without Him!” I am too weak and frail that only God’s strength can get me to Arizona. Jesus IS my Sustainer; Amen! He is the only way for me to get anywhere. Since my vision/visitation in 1998, I have been to Phoenix two times, once in 2001 where I ministered Christ in a Bible Study to a small group of believers and again in 2007 where I attended two churches and was prayed over for healing.

God has opened a door in the Phoenix Metro Area for Tent revival meetings March 28- April 3^rd on the corner of Crimson road and Akron Street in east Mesa, Arizona. Evangelist, Ken Dewey, has been directed by God to host these meetings for all to come including the hurting and those desperate for Jesus! Brother Ken has said to me, “I am very glad your family is excited about the meeting.  I know that this meeting will be a GREAT EVENT FOR GOD AND MANY PEOPLE.  It certainly will be one we will never forget nor stop talking about. Many WILL BE SAVED AND TOUCHED.  I guess you know Scott; WE ARE IN THE END TIME HARVEST……  SO GET READY THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT GOD WILL DO!  HE HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR HIS MIRACLES!”

Praise you Lord!! Nothing is impossible with our God who desires to use us for His eternal purposes. “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (Jn17:15-18).

Glennis and I are excited not only for the Tent Meetings but also to visit Teen Challenge in Phoenix Phoenix Men’s Center  and  New Horizon Christian Academy (azteenchallenge.org) in Flagstaff, AZ with our family and friends.

Please pray for us and for God to be Glorified mightily!

 

 

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