May 25th, 2010
Dear St. George’s Family,
It has been days since my last update. Although Rhonda has drifted more and more into longer and longer stretches of unresponsiveness, the days have been spotted with moments of love and tender exchanges. Again, I have not left my wife’s side. The slightest hand squeeze or gesture vindicates the hours I spend waiting.
Rhonda is not in any pain, and for this I am immensely grateful. I, on the other hand, am hurting deeply. At times like these words fail to capture the depth. Today is our ninth day in hospital. I sit beside her bed, lie in the bed holding her, hold her hand, recount memories of happier times and read her the comforting words of scripture.
Please continue to pray. Pray for Rhonda. Pray as the Spirit leads you. Close your eyes and begin by asking the Father how to pray. He will give you the words. Some of you are praying that Rhonda would be healed. This is faithful and good. Lazarus was in the tomb 4 days when Jesus raised him. Others are praying for a peaceful passing. This, too, is a faithful prayer.
How we live is important. Loving one another, following the way of Jesus and living with a keen awareness of our own mortality prevents us from wasting our lives. But I have been moved in the past few weeks to realize that how we die is of supreme importance. Our professed faith in Jesus is proved concrete when we stare cold death in the eye and see only Him – He who conquered death and paved the way to eternal life.
Let us pray, while we live in health, that we may glorify God in our end. Let us leave it to God to choose the where, and when, and how, and all the manner of our departing. Let us only ask that it may “glorify God.” He is a wise man who takes John Bunyan‘s advice, and keeps his last hour continually in mind, and makes it his company-keeper. It was a weighty saying of John Wesley, when one found fault with the doctrines and practices of the Methodists – “At any rate, our people die well.” J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John. pp. 513-514.
Don’t waste your life. Don’t waste your suffering. Don’t waste your death.
Whether living joyfully, suffering or dying let your life show forth the reality of a living God who redeemed His people and has given life with meaning and life beyond the grave. Christians ought to live their lives in such a way that it would make no sense unless God were real.
God may heal Rhonda or her healing may lie on the other side. Either way rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks for all things and don’t quench the Spirit. God is a merciful Father who will sovereignly care for His beloved child Rhonda as He deems best.
And so I continue to sit by Rhonda’s bedside. My love for her is as deep as my trust in our Saviour and in His unshakable goodness. My love for you all grows deeper with each passing day, every email, facebook, text message and post to http://www.stgeorgesonline.com.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14
Waiting on Him,
RD
Dear Ray David. This hymn keeps going through my mind this a.m. May it help you too.
“My Hope is built on nothing less. Than Jesus blood and rightousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Our love and prayers are with you.
we love you all so much!
Love you all. Pastor thank you for your “light” which shines as hope for all of us. In your deep pain both you & Matthew are a true blessing to us who are praying for you. Your love for CHRIST & your trust in Him encourages us to always turn to JESUS in all life’s situations for He will never leave us or forsake us.
Thank you & I’m lifting you & your family up to our Heavenly Father in Prayer.
WIth Love, Prayers & Hugs to all of you, Kelly
Your faith, Ray David is worth more than gold and is tested through suffering. The Lord Jesus Christ gave me the verse from Hebrews 13: ” No suffering seems easy at the time but afterward produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness for those that have been trained by it.” I know how you’re feeling and I am excited with the deep faith that your showing for our Saviour Jesus Christ. Like the three boys in the fire I will serve Him whether he rescues us from the fire or not. About this time 4 years ago my son of 12 years old was battling for his life on earth with a brain tumour. He loves Jesus. That is on his tombstone. Christians in North America often forget that “Those that want to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will face persecution”. There are many types of persecution that we don’t see with our naked eye like Job experienced. It is a battle between Satan and God to see if you remain faithful to your Saviour. There are great rewards for all eternity if you remain faithful. I am sincerely saddened that Rhonda and your family have to go through this, but your faith that you exhibited in your last letter is indeed stirring and exciting. Onward Christian soldiers…
Praying for a miracle,
Kathy
Ray David…God’s light is shining so brightly through you during this time and through these posts. Your faith and wisdom is an inspiration. I’m praying for Rhonda, you and Matthew.
I walked this same path several years ago when my husband was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. God chose to heal him by taking him home and what a joy to know that he no longer lived in a world of confusion, inability to do even simple things and partial paralysis. We do not always understand but we know that God doeth all things well and your family is a great example of those whose trust in God is firm and steadfast.
A portion of scripture that became very real to me was Habakkuk 3:17-19. I still cling to those verses.
I remain in prayer for your family, Elaine
Your faith is like the saints of old and those we read in Hebrews 11. Oh that we all have learned to trust our Lord with such confidence. Blessings ….. and Praying!
Ray David…I will take your words and ask God how to pray for Rhonda. Praying for you all!!
God Bless you and keep you!
Hey Ray David,
I have never stopped hoping for Rhonda’s healing!!! I am missing hearing her voice, but not half as much as you are!!! I put one of her pics., on my desktop, to remind me to continue to pray!!! She is never far from my mind in a 24 hour day!!! My love to all of you, in thhis difficult time!!!
Ray David, You are truly a man of GOD. My family and I will not give up on PRAY
Ray David,
You are a true example of man of God. Through your words and your example, you call me to be better – to face turmoil with unwaivering, unfailing trust in God -to quit wasting time questioning Him and spending more time submitting to His will. Thank you for taking time to write here. It ministers to my heart – and to so many.
I pray for you all daily. May God cover you and Matthew in his wings today.
Rhonda &family,whatever God permits is for our ultimate good in us or in others. Even though we shed many tears & our hearts are breaking, WE ARE IN HIS HANDS! He sees our distress & in HIS time will repay us with good. There is a promise coming down that dusty road.From Holy hands, healing virtue flows. He holds the key to what we need, death and hell he will defeat. There’s a promise coming down this dusty road for you. We must keep trusting Him in ALL circumstances. It’s ALL about HIM.
How awesome is the faith of a godly family. May HIS Love and the Love of those praying continue to surround you. We are united in love and prayer across Canada and in many parts of the world through your faithfulness
Thinking of you and your family at this time,Believing God to heal Rhonda,His will be done,Praying for strength for YOu Rev Glenn & for Matthew.Blessings
Dear Ray David: I am writting from Sask. I so VERY much enjoyed Rhonda when she was on 100 Huntley Street. I was sad to see her leave the program. The hymm- Jesus Will Walk With Me- was so comforting to us when we lost a newborn baby & many other times. The chorus-” Jesus will walk with me, He will talk to me, He will walk with me, In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow, I know He will walk with me.” Praying for peace & comfort in whatever God allows in your lives!
Dear Rhonda and Ray David and Matthew,
Always, always, in our prayers.
With our love,
John and Judy
I am in constant prayer and I cant shake the deep sense to believe for a miracle here on ‘this’ side. The Lord keeps directing me in this way.. to believe for a miracle of complete healing for Rhonda. I will continue to keep seeking God on how to pray…but this is what I keep getting. Thank you Ray David, for taking the time to keep us updated…you, Matthew and Rhonda are constantly being lifted up in prayer. God is faithful.
I am so sorry for the worry and pain you are all going through. This is a very difficult time. May our prayers and caring be a comfort to all of you, knowing we care so much. We are hoping and praying for a miracle. God will be glorified no matter what the outcome. He always has his way, but most of all you are such a wonderful testimony to the world, of your love , faith, and trust in our Holy God. May you no his presence in this hour in such a powerful way. Love Connie
Hello Ray David (& Matthew too),
The Anchor Holds : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0qkH8N_hA8
Two years ago I rushed my husband to hospital where he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. After two weeks in an induced coma, his organs started to shut down and I was told he would not make it and would die within 48 hours.
I was horrified, shocked, and heartbroken. We had been married for 42 years. I just assumed we would be together until we were in our 80s. I did not have a formal prayer time as usual, although God was always in my thoughts. But God worked on the hearts of many, many people to pray for us both. Their faithful prayers sustained me.
My husband recovered. He spent 4 weeks in ICU hovering between life and death and then he slowly started to recover. Two months later he was discharged from hospital. Today he is doing very well. But everyone agrees that a miracle occurred. Even the nurses called him their miracle patient.
We don’t know why God spares some people and takes others to be with Himself. But He knows. He has a plan and nothing takes Him by surprise.
There were a number of coincidences that happened during the 4 weeks my husband was in ICU. And I learned many things about My Redeemer and His care for me and my four grownup children and their spouses.
I am praying for a miracle for Rhonda, that God will let her continue in health here with you both.
Rhonda, Ray David, Matthew and all your family.
Our hearts and prayers are constantly with you. Your strength and faith is ever encouraging and a blessing.
I pray oh Lord give us the strength to release Rhonda to you, for your most perfect will be done, Lord we are so grateful that Rhonda is comfortable and has no pain, Oh Lord please minister to the pain in the hearts of all the family, comfort them and keep them in your peace as they wait by her side.We ask this in the blessed name above all names, Jesus our Lord and Savior.Amen
ray david thank you for your update on rhonda.it is so touching to hear your love for her and that you are constantly at her side.your faith and love for GOD AND YOUR WIFE ARE SETTING THE EXAMPLE THAT SO MANY NEED TO HEAR.i am lifting you all up in prayer.i will ask God how i should pray.my mind and heart are with you all.praying to God for a miracal for rhonda,strength for you and matthew.hugs to you all.eileen
Having gone through a painful season ourselves has only helped us to empathize in a small way, the difficulty and pain you must be feeling now. Our hearts are touched by your comments. Our lives are too short to fill with anger, bitterness, selfishness or indifference.
We believe for the best, Rhonda’s healing on this side, but know that we may need to prepare for the worst. No matter what, the God of all comfort is closer to you during this difficult time, than at any other time in your life.
Much love,
Dick and Joan
I wish i could take Rhonda’s place I am older and have lived a full life. It is so sad when someone so young has this happen. You have such a wonderful marriage and love for one another…it is so not fair that your family should have to go through this journey! My husband and I are praying for all of you and our hearts are with you …
as this unfolds….
The update was as beautiful as your fith in God! I pray for Rhonda several times a day and I know that God hears all prayers! Stay strong and kiss Rhonda and Mattew for me!
Love always,
Zoltan-Shani
Ray David
my heart is absolutely breaking for you. Job comes to mind. Such deep sorrow. I haven’t been where you are but have definately been at death’s door in despair upon losing so many loved ones.
Still I continue to pray for a miracle my friend.
You are safe in Abba’s arms. Do not allow the enemy to allow you to think for one second that you are alone. You are surrounded by a cloud of prayers, angels and God’s presence. He loves you.
I am continuing to pray.
Our family continues to pray for each of you. We read your letter at the dinner table just now and our hearts were heavy during the reading. The faith in Him you have shown us both inspires and points us to Him. We continue to pray for Rhonda, Matthew and you, RD.
Thanks for the reminder, Jill, that all of this, RD’s updates and every response points us to Him. What a glorious time this is!
Ray David:
You don’t know me but I want to say that your little family has been in my daily prayers. The news about Rhonda shocked me. I loved watching her on 100 Huntley Street and Rhonda London Live. I hope and pray that the Lord’s will is to heal her. As an ICU nurse the news doesn’t sound so promising BUT the Lord can turn what is impossible to possible. God Bless
Ray David;
Thank you for your candor in sharing your pain so transparently and articulately. It really shows that you have a pastor’s heart. Even as you suffer yourself, you are ministering to all of us who are praying for Rhonda, for you and for Matthew. At some point, many of us have gone, or will go, through difficult circumstances, and you are providing such an inspiring example of how to walk that road in faith. Somehow it makes me feel less fearful about the future. It’s like this: ” If I ever had to do this, I’d know how, a bit better than I would have; someone else has been there before me, and clearly lit the path. ” But, having said that, I would give anything for Rhonda, you and Matthew not to be going through this at all. For all the good that God might possibly work in these circumstances, a tumor is an ugly intrusion into God’s perfect plan.
I don’t think you’d remember us, but we were at your wedding as friends of Rhonda’s family from the Kanata church, and we celebrated with you at that joyful time. Now, we support you in prayer in the worst of times. I just keep lifting Rhonda up, over and over again, allowing the Spirit to make intercession. The only thing I know for sure is that our Lord Jesus is very close to her and loves you all so very much. As Rhonda herself said, she is His child, what can possibly happen to her? My prayers extend to Rhonda’s family: especially her dear mother Vivian, her sister and brother, brother in-law and her nephews. May they experience God’s hand on them, and know His perfect peace, even as their hearts are being torn apart. We love you all.
Hi Ray David
I am praying for you, Rhonda and Matthew.
Thanks for keeping us updated even during these difficult days. When you said…
the days have been spotted with moments of love and tender exchanges. Again, I have not left my wife’s side. The slightest hand squeeze or gesture vindicates the hours I spend waiting.
I know you wouldn’t leave her side, but I would still like to thank you for being there for Rhonda when she really needs you.
I have also been praying for your family, and for Rhonda’s mom and family.
Dan
My heart is deeply moved by your words of faith. I will continue to pray for Rhonda and your family but especially for His peace that passes understanding and for His strength to be manifested in you at this difficult time. Bless you for your courage and your obvious faith in Jesus.
One of the more profound moments of the last year was sitting and holding onto a dear friend’s hand. All the while allowing the peacefulness of the moment to be felt and knowingly resting with her.
I am thankful you can know rest in holding her hand.
RD, your demonstration of love for your wife is an example to all husbands. Your faithfulness to God in this time of trials is an example to all Christians.
God bless you.
Ray David
Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us
What you said today (May 25) is something that I needed to hear
I will keep lifting you all in my prayers
God Bless
Wendy
Thank you R.D. for your update on Rhonda. I will keep you both in prayer also for that precious child Matthew. God bless.
Dear RD,Matthew & family,
I lift you up frequently before our Heavenly FATHER who will never leave or forsake you, especially at this time
when our dear Rhonda is totally dependant on her L-RD’S
grace & mercy.
Much love,
Florence F.
My heart is heavier than it has been in a very long time. I would love nothing more than for Rhonda to recuperate fully and continue on in a vibrant life with Matthew and you. My trust in Jesus has been magnified by the strong man of God that you are, RD, and by the fact that you are trusting fully in Jesus. I still implore at the Throne of Grace for you all. I also pray for God’s will. I am asking that His presence would be felt more now than ever in your life. “Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God my Father.”
i do pray for this family every night candywhite
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ray David, Matthew and especially Rhonda. We think of you often.
Heather, Dave Tanner and Jack
Always in our thoughts and prayers. God is doing a mighty work through Rhonda and you too. This is evident to all. Praise God for this peace that passes understanding. Bless you all
Esther
We continue to hold you up in prayer. Your ‘attitude’ throughout this difficult time is amazing. Underneath are His everlasting arms.
My heart is filled with praise to our Father who pours his grace upon you so that you can relay your feelings in writing. I pray for momentary strength and grace as you walk this journey not knowing one minute from the next. You are literally living “we walk by faith”…grace and peace to you all.
Dear Ray David, Rhonda and Matthew,
Thank You Ray David (Glenn) for the words of encouragement. May You also be Strengthened, Comforted and Encouraged By The Holy Spirit as well as Rhonda and Matthew. My Heart and Prayers are with all of you and especially with Rhonda. Matthew 6: 9-13
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name…..
Love in Christ, Kathy:)
Dear Ray David, So deeply moved by your words of May 25th. I’ve been in Cambodia and now Vietnam for over 3 weeks, and through Gloria back home have followed Rhonda’s condition. Yes, He is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24), and He is good (Psalm 100:5), and there I know you rest. Because Rhonda and I worked together on her program, “Rhonda London Live” there is a special closeness and prayer for His touch. Praying strength for you and Matthew. Much love,
Paul (and Gloria) Willoughby
Dear Ray David, Rhonda and Matthew:
What a beautiful shepherd you must be to your darling family and to your congregation Ray David; your love letter above reassures us that in Christ we have no need to gaze anywhere else.
As we come before The Lord, our Jesus holds every one of our prayerful intercessions for your dear Rhonda, little Matthew and yourself Ray David in the Palm of His Hand.
God Bless You,
Barb.
Dear Ray David,
Very touching update, almost speechless with emotion. I first knew Rhonda through 100 Huntley Street, I never had the honor and blessing of meeting her in person. Just know that I am praying for you three: Rhonda, that God’s Will be done in her life, and that you and Matthew will have peace throughout this trial. I am hopeful (while there is life, there is hope) that Jesus will reach out His Hand, and completely restore her to you and Matthew, that you both may rejoice in His Mercy. I hope that my husband would be as loving and faithful to me if I was ever in a similar situation, I’m inspired by your faith in Our Savior, Blessings,
Kerri Wickhorst.
Thank you Ray David for sharing your heart with us. You are a faithful husband and faithful son to the Father. God Bless you.
Ray David, even though we have never met, I love you from the bottom of my heart. I love your spirit. Even when we do not know how to pray as we ought, we yield ourselves to the intercessions of the Holy Spirit within us who prays according to the will of God with groanings too deep for words. Each groan is a letting go and a letting God so that He can work every detail of our lives according to His infinitely wise plan and purpose.
Thank you for this update regarding Rhonda’s present state. I hear your heart, and it is so dear and loving….a husband who loves his wife deeply. I never knew Rhonda, except through Huntley Street. When I heard of her illness, I immediately added her to my prayer list, and will continue to pray for her until her healing comes…either here or in heaven.
May God continue to sustain and strengthen you and your son as you walk this journey with your wife and mother. May He be the cushion you fall into when you can no longer stand on your own, and the Rock you cling to.
He is a Faithful and Loving Friend…
Waiting prayerfully, hopefully and patiently for your updates.
Thank you,
We continue to think of Rhonda continuously and will continue to pray and hope.
God please heal Rhonda, if only for Mathew. Dear precious Mathew needs a mother.
Thank you Jesus.
Standing with you all.Praying that only God’s plans will be accomplished in this trial. Crying out for God’s mercy and compassion on your family. Thank you for sharing your pain so we can carry you in prayer. Sue
Waking up in the morning thnking of Rhonda. we continue to pray for a miracle Ray David and Mathew.We love you and pray for the extended family as well. May God continue to uphold you, and bring Rhonda back.
My prayers and thoughts are with Rhonda most hours of each day. Sometimes it’s so difficult to understand why things happen the way they do. That is why we must trust in the Lord with all of our hearts. Someday we’ll understand. May the Lord give you strength and comfort Ray David, and to your precious son Matthew.
Those of us in the Prayer Centre at 100 Huntley Street are continually bringing you, Rhonda and your Matthew to the Lord in prayer. Truly, your words from May 25th are a testimony to your faith in a God that you cannot see. We certainly do not know God’s overall plan, but we know we can trust Him overall. Underneath are His everlasting arms. May the Lord be your portion continually.
May you continue to find strength and faith during this most difficult test… a test to which your response speaks volumes about Rhonda and you. May God bless and watch over your family.
Richard
At times like this when the river of ugly cirumstances is in spate and you reach through the waters and find in the middle of the roaring stream a solid rock. May the peace and strength of our risen Redeemer be with you, Rhonda and Matthew. The peace of God be ever with you!
In christ,
++Aaron
Dear Ray David,
What a testimony of a loving husband, Rhonda is so blessed by your response to God’s calling as a husband and father. I continue to pray for healing and peace that surpasses all understanding as you continue to walk this trial. God’s blessing on you, Matthew and Rhonda and her Mother and siblings. Please know that there are many lifting you up in prayer.
We are indeed greatful that you are sharing these moments with us. Now that we hear Rhonda is no longer in pain, our suffering is lessened as well. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Rhonda, than to be a great example of grace and God’s love, even as she journeys closer to death. She has always been an inspirational person!
Your friends & neighbours,
Stephanie & Jeff
Peace
I am absolutely overcome with emotion when I think about all of three of you…words cannot express how much I praise God for the strength and faith that I read in your words Ray David. I know it probably doesn’t feel like it, but you are truly living and breathing proof that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Glenn and I are praying for you constantly, joining our hearts with yours.
Your brother and sister in Christ, Glenn and Colleen
A testimony:
Last July, my husband was admitted to Toronto General with severe chest pain.His situation was critical enough for surgery on the third day.The surgeon prepared me for widowhood the night before the surgery.He saw no hope since two major arteries were 100% blocked and the third one 90% blocked. There was no knowing how many heart attacks he had,had which would leave the muscles calci-fied and unable to pump. Plavex which had just been ministered would thin the blood so much that he could bleed to death on the table.He was given 5% chance of survival.
In Jesus name, I rebuked death and claimed life for him and the mighty resurrection victory of Jesus over death.
Claimed the mighty touch of Christ’s healing and His healing stripes against any chance of bleeding to death.
and that He touch and heal and make any scar soft and functional. A multitude of friends and prayer warriors lifted him up in powerful prayer.
His short surgery and swift recovery surprised the
surgeon.
I cannot see this warrior of God being called home now.
While submitting to God’s will and thankful for the covering of our God’s amazing grace and consolation and faith upon you, I am persuaded that “while there is life there is hope”.
Since, we returned from overseas about a week ago and seeing this situation, you have been greatly in our hearts and in our prayers. You are both much loved.
In Him is life,
With our prayers and Christian love,
Maya
Dear Ray David (and Matthew):
Your site was made known to me by a dear mutual friend, Stacey Hazzard. Your postings have deeply touched me.
For several years now, I have been praying for Rhonda because the Lord deeply put her on my heart, but for what exact reason I did not know why. It came as quite a shock a few days ago when I learned what you have all been going through as a family.
Exactly three years ago this week, I first met Rhonda myself. It was an unusual encounter, in a regular venue for her. She walked in early in the morning while I was in the makeup room at Crossroads, getting ready for her to interview me live on a weekday broadcast of 100 Huntley Street. We had had a few email exchanges prior to that day, in preparation for making the most of the interview.
Something a little unusual happened when we met. By the time we gathered some time later with everyone else for prayer before going on the set, Rhonda was quite stirred and emotional… quietly so. As she choked back tears, by way of explanation, she whispered to me that she was quite unprepared for how meeting me and seeing the photos I had brought along would affect her.
Nine o’clock came, and the program began to be aired. Eventually my turn came, to be seated across from her and interviewed.
We had planned in advance and in quite a bit of detail how we would proceed, to make the most of the time allotted to us. She had her notes before her, and I was a bit nervous but ready to follow her lead. There was so much to share. I had been asked to tell some of the story, both physical and spiritual, of my beautiful daughter Emily who had been everything anyone would have ever wanted in a young girl… and then was suddenly diagnosed at the age of ten with a horrifying terminal neuro-degenerative disease which quickly ate away her functions one by one, leaving her dependent on artificial feedings and confined to bed, considered quite palliative in medical terms. Emily was then fourteen, and had almost passed away a number of times. The hand of the Lord on her journey, though, was – and continues to be – extraordinarily powerful, in very unexpected ways.
Again, even on the set, being face to face with me, caused Rhonda to well up with emotion, largely unexplained emotion. She could not read her notes. She even had difficulty talking. I recognized that something deep was taking place, did not jump in to push “the plan” we had come up with… but just let the Holy Spirit conduct and permeate that interview in an entirely different way that we had foreseen it would unfold. The photos, one by one on the screen, of Emily over the years, told the story all too well, without words.
After the segment was over, we walked together off the set, a group of people came around me to talk… but I noticed Rhonda, completely overcome by emotion. I went over to her, and before I knew it, her arms were around me, holding on for a long time, and she just sobbed and sobbed. “This has never happened to me before!” she literally apologized. “I have conducted thousands of interviews and heard thousands of people’s stories! But this one got to me in a new way. I am so sorry.” I wasn’t sorry; in my books, I guess I was a bit surprised the way things had turned out, but I figured early on that there was something much more important occurring under the surface that I should not humanly interfere with, by imposing any agenda.
Then she told me: it was my complete calmness and clarity which had totally disarmed her… how the Lord was giving me so much strength and courage when I had been and was living such a nightmare. Then she shared some personal heartaches which, in contrast, she felt were own undoing her at that time, causing her great anguish and struggles, especially the strong desire to give birth to another child. She longed for something of “my” peace and composure, in her circumstances.
This is all very personal, but I felt I should not keep it to myself. For what happened that day, between the two of us, has never left me. She has been on my heart and in my deep prayers ever since that time… never left, because I felt that something vitally important was transpiring within her, in process.
You yourself are in a position now which I have been in many times with my daughter at Sick Kids Hospital. I am aching right along with you, as you are stretched to the max with the tensions of being grateful yet advocating responsibly for what she needs, in the acute situation. Uttering the “nevertheless not my will but Thine be done, to the glory of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Being there for Matthew. (I have two other kids and my dear husband, as well).
I urge you fully to accept what you truly can accept… but that if a strong sense comes over you that things are not right and need a change, that Rhonda needs tending in some way or measure that is being overlooked, trust that Divine Compunction within you, amass people to pray, and don’t be afraid to follow through with seeking out help or waiting for it to come, as you are led. I could tell you stories that would make your hair curl about how the Lord has intervened again and again to bring back and restore Emily’s life in the seemingly most impossible of circumstances… because HE had HIS timing, and that timing had not yet arrived to take her home.
My prayer is that the love of the Lord will be shown to Rhonda, on that bed, and to you, and to Matthew, during these fragile days and nights… giving you all His “bread” for the day, the moment and the hour.
PEACE BE WITH YOU,
Lindsey
With deepest sympathy and loving prayerfulness,
Ray David, Matthew & family there are now words to say
that you do not already know at this time of Rhonda’s
passing. I pray that the Peace of God which surpasses all
understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ
Jesus Our Lord & Blessed Saviour! The Words of Life, I
audibily heard, when suddenly loosing my Beloved Husband,
were “TRUST ME”, I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU! In the midst
of your most precious loss, the reason we have been given
the days the Lord has accounted unto us, is to Glorify
Him, in life and departure, Rhonda did that so well, I
know the Lord is saying,’Well done, my good and faithful
servant to her right now!’ None of us knows, WHY, but
we know He is faithful. She has ascended, we all aspire!
Thank you, for letting the family of God be such a part of
your personal lives, God uses everything for His Glory &
Purposes, and in my grief I know how to touch the heart
of God who comforts all who mourn, you are being lifted
up before ‘His Throne of Grace & Mercy’ take hold of His
Hand, He will never let go! We have this Blessed Hope.
A sister in Christ,
Jo Naylor
With deepest sympathy and loving prayerfulness,
Ray David, Matthew & family there are now words to say
that you do not already know at this time of Rhonda’s
passing. I pray that the Peace of God which surpasses all
understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ
Jesus Our Lord & Blessed Saviour! The Words of Life, I
audibily heard, when suddenly loosing my Beloved Husband,
were “TRUST ME”, I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU! In the midst
of your most precious loss, the reason we have been given
the days the Lord has accounted unto us, is to Glorify
Him, in life and departure, Rhonda did that so well, I
know the Lord is saying,’Well done, my good and faithful
servant to her right now!’ None of us knows, WHY, but
we know He is faithful. She has ascended, we all aspire!
Thank you, for letting the family of God be such a part of
your personal lives, God uses everything for His Glory &
Purposes, and in my grief I know how to touch the heart
of God who comforts all who mourn, you are being lifted
up before ‘His Throne of Grace & Mercy’ take hold of His
Hand, He will never let go! We have this Blessed Hope.
A sister in Christ,
Jo Naylor
3:30 pm, May 26
Ray David, Matthew …. & Rhonda
Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are. May you find peace. May the prayers of all those who love you, comfort you and uphold you at this difficult hour.
R
Ray David-i came online to get an update on Rhonda and my heart is breaking for you and little Matthew. You`ve been a tower of stength through all of this, i am encouraged by your response especially your letter yesterday. i am a 100 huntley street viewer and first learnt about rhonda`s illness there. This is one of those cases when we ask a lot of why`s but God is sovereign and we have to trust Him. We know she`s now with her Saviour and in this you can take comfort. I will continue to pray for you, Matthew and the extended family. I`d been watching Rhonda since she did her call in programme on CTS many years ago. i feel as if i know her personally. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. May the peace and love of
God comfort you during this time. God Bless you
Sharon
We all are in pain with you Ray David and Matthew, we Loved Her So Much To! We shared so many stories and laughs in the makeup room at CTS over the years. We will always remember Rhonda as she was, Alive with the Spirit of God in her and how she shared that with everyone always!
With Tears in our eyes, Faith in our Hearts, and Joy knowing Rhonda is with our Heavenly Father!
In Blessed Prayer,
Amen!
Brandy Gowling
Rhonda is such a beautiful person and has touched so many lives in positive ways.
Our prayers and thoughts continue on for her, and for all her family — God’s Blessings to you all!
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I watched Rhonda on 100 Huntley Street and grew to appreciate her so much. Even though we never met, I felt like she was a friend. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. You could see how much she loved you and your son Matthew in her eyes when she would speak of you. I am so sorry and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
May the arms of our Lord hold you close during this difficult transitional time. Know that you are loved by many and that God has carefully chosen the people around you as He knew that you would at this time need what they can offer you. I will remember your family in my prayers.
Dear Ray David & Family: The news of Rhonda’s death has touched it like she was “family”. For years we watched her on 100 Huntley Street nightly and grew, like thousands of others, to love her and her love of the Lord. May it help to know that we will keep all of you in our hearts and prayers. God is good all the time.
Blessings and love, in Jesus.
Elaine & Ray Witts
Pickering, ON
Yes. God is not threatened by our whys. But we can also/must not get stuck at why. We must find a way forward, trusting God and expecting Him to be there. In our whys God seeks to reveal Himself. We can open ourselves up to the possibility of what God can do in our lives. He is faithfully trustworthy, trustworthily faithful.
Rhonda will be missed. Her earthly journey has ended; ours has just begun.
God bless those who weep.
My deepest sympathy at your loss. I had the good fortune to be interviewed by Rhonda in the past. I was inspired then, as I am today in reviewing her tributes, of her generosity, kindness, warmth and deep faith. I pray that God conforts you and raises up your family at this time of mourning. God Bless, Paul
Ray David. I am so saddened by the news of Ronda’s passing, but happy to know that she is no longer in pain,
she has gone to be with the Lord. I remember chatting with her at church,when you and her attended Queensway Cathedral, she was a sweet person and I feel very lucky to have associated with her. God Bless.