This week's story is a follow-up or update from a story told here in August (see "Maybe I can be an example..."). Editor's update: Early in December, Luke Dahlke received a complete lung and heart transplant in San Francisco. We will print more on his progress as we learn it.
When 15-year-old Luke Dahlke of Hebron, Nebraska, chose his own memorial, he settled on missionary support for Frank and Donna Maurer in Nigeria. He had no way of knowing that Frank's time on earth would be shorter than his own.
Doctors had earlier declared Luke's condition as terminal. Everyone thought that Luke had very little time left. Frank and Donna, on the other hand, would serve in Africa for years. Then, suddenly, while preparing to go and serve, Frank learned he had lymphoma. By September, he had gone on to eternal life, but Luke is still living.
Luke is also still giving. He got back in touch with Gary Thies, Mission Counselor for LCMS Foundation in Iowa and Nebraska. He still wants to provide missionary support with his memorial, when the time comes. On Sunday, September 15, Gary introduced Luke to Jerry and Carol Loewe. The Loewes will serve God in His mission in Kenya.
Jerry and Carol are supposed to leave in January 2003, but on September 23 Jerry had his leg broken in an automobile accident. Satan seems to be working overtime to keep God's servants out of Africa.
But Satan hasn't discouraged the Loewes or Luke. Luke still intends to support the Loewes and they still intend to serve. Whatever Satan has planned next, God's plans will prevail.
Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpow'r us.
Did you know that you can now give a gift for missionary support online? Click here to give now!