From rfepley at gol.com Sun Apr 12 20:46:05 2009 From: rfepley at gol.com (Russ and Flossie) Date: Sun Apr 12 20:46:23 2009 Subject: [Epley Update] April 12, 2009 Message-ID: <154bb5f5faf109ee5f9e5cf3fb740f57@gol.com> Joyful Easter greetings from Japan! This morning it was such a joy to witness the baptism of several Japanese friends. Nothing can compare to the joy of entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ. We long for all we know to share in this joy. It wasn't a mistake that every sentence so far has included the word, "joy." We celebrated Jesus' resurrection today with joy! May you too. Joyfully, Flossie From rfepley at gol.com Fri Apr 17 21:42:24 2009 From: rfepley at gol.com (Russ and Flossie) Date: Fri Apr 17 21:42:28 2009 Subject: [Epley Update] April 17, 2009 Message-ID: Today we had our annual Speech Festival for homeschoolers. It was very inspiring to hear the kids recite poetry, Bible passages, famous speeches, and their own original speeches. They all did a great job. Tomorrow Russ and I plan to attend a concert where we have been asked to give our testimonies. When Russ told the pastor who invited us that he wasn't sure he could do it because of his speech impairment, the pastor told him to just say, "Konnichiwa", end with "God bless you" and let me say all the words in between. So Russ is going to bed with no trepidation while I'm figuring out "all the words in between." Smile. Please pray that God will use the whole concert for His glory. Flossie "Konnichiwa" is a greeting. From rfepley at gol.com Sun Apr 19 09:46:46 2009 From: rfepley at gol.com (Russ and Flossie) Date: Sun Apr 19 09:46:50 2009 Subject: [Epley Update] April 19, 2009 Message-ID: <0b2ef6f9ae8b71a4818e4d1a2b47c688@gol.com> There were so many blessings at the concert yesterday! The professional musicians were outstanding, an abundance of flowers were exquisitely arranged, the Easter story was clearly presented, and the buffet was superbly prepared. Thank you for praying as we shared our testimony. Russ was able to walk to the front without mishap even though there were numerous cords to step over. He greeted the audience and did what he does so well these days?let Jesus' love and power flow through him as he smiled. As I prepared to speak, the thoughts just wouldn't gel. I wrote out Isaiah 41:10 in Japanese on an index card since that verse meant so much to me when Russ' life hung by a thread. I thought it would be a good verse to quote. Is. 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Even as I wrote it out I thought to myself, "Maybe this verse is for me right now because I'm feeling panicky that I can't figure out exactly what to say." The verse reassured me and when I got up to share, words flowed easily. I totally forgot to refer to the verse on the note card in my hand, but sensed that the Holy Spirit led me to say just what He wanted. Go God! Later in the program the pastor (who has the stage presence of a professional MC), asked if anyone else wanted to give a brief testimony. Everything else about the concert seemed so carefully orchestrated that this risk taking really surprised me. One lady took him up on his offer. With great enthusiasm she said (in Japanese of course), "When I came to this concert I had no idea the Epleys would be here today. I was one of those many people who prayed for them. I never heard the outcome and am so thrilled to see what God has done. To be honest, I used to be a little afraid of Mr. Epley. God has transformed him." With that she left the microphone and publicly gave us each hugs! Russ was a great guy before his stroke, but his serious manner at times could be a bit intimidating for some. God has worked in his life so that his sweet spirit is now obvious to everyone. We're a team. Russ exudes God's peace and I accompany it with words. Blessings, Flossie From rfepley at gol.com Sun Apr 26 21:45:05 2009 From: rfepley at gol.com (Russ and Flossie) Date: Wed May 6 14:21:01 2009 Subject: [Epley Update] April 26, 2009 Message-ID: <2e75fcdcd34e14471aca5e72c0dd2ba7@gol.com> As I look at the calendar I can hardly believe we only have six more weeks of school left. Though I continue working in my school office during the summer, the environment changes when students and coworkers are no longer there. I hope I'll be able to move mountains (of paperwork!) before graduation. Russ and I have wondered how we could visit our supporting churches since Russ doesn't feel able to travel anymore. We came up with a plan of my going to the US for a short trip once a year in order to visit two or three churches each visit. With eleven supporting churches I should be able to visit all in five years. God has provided a wonderful caretaker for Russ during my 10-day absence this coming June?our son Joel! His lack of employment has been a frustration, but it does free him to come. We were able to use frequent flyer miles for his ticket. I pray that the two of them will have a special time together. This summer will be my Michigan summer. I plan to be at Fremont Wesleyan Church in Fremont, Michigan on Sunday, June 14, and Vergennes United Methodist Church in Ada, Michigan on Sunday, June 21. If you're in the area and could visit one of those churches, I'd love to see you. After working on these arrangements, I received a phone call this past week that my mother (almost 85 years old) fell and broke her hip?a very painful ordeal. She had emergency surgery which went well. This weekend she was transferred to a nursing home with rehab facilities where she plans to be for four to six weeks. I hope to make a quick trip to Indiana to see my parents between church visits. I'd appreciate prayer for my mom, Edna Johnson, and for my father, Harold, as he cares for her. My brother-in-law, Ron, has been a big help through all this. Blessings, Flossie