JONI: Today is Memorial Day and, like you, I am thinking of so many brave soldiers in the Middle East who have not only made the ultimate sacrifice, but other soldiers who have experienced devastating disabilities. Remember earlier this year during our Heart for the Disabled week and I asked many of you to please write a note of encouragement to Andrew Robinson, a U.S. Marine who served in Iraq last year? He was working in interrogation and just beginning to learn Arabic when his vehicle was hit by an IED. The explosion broke both his legs… and he also broke his neck. This young man is now a quadriplegic. Andrew is just finishing up rehabilitation – it’s been a long, difficult process, but his faith in the Lord Jesus is standing the test. Well, I want you to know that of all the people over all the years that we’ve done Heart for the Disabled, you, friends, really responded to Andrew Robinson! This Marine received hundreds, hundreds of cards of encouragement… and some of you even sent gift cards, bless your hearts, which, of course, we passed right on to Andrew and his wife. I salute their family today and like you, Ken and I are spending a special time of prayer lifting the Robinson family and so many others up before the Lord.
You know, recently Joni and Friends donated thousands of my extra cards to be sent in gift packages to our troops overseas. We did that through an organization we partnered with before called Operation Gratitude. My cards – which have my story on the back of how I paint with my mouth – well, those cards, along with the other gift items included in the boxes, were sent to Iraq by Operation Gratitude and they really touched a cord with those brave men and women who are there fighting. I even heard back from many of them.
One Lance Corporal wrote to tell us, “Our cause here is for freedom no matter what the press is saying. We have built over 47 schools and I don’t know the count, but I just bet as many clinics and hospitals have been built.” Another Marine wrote to say, “We are willing to walk the streets of these towns at night because the people want to be safe. May God bless you as He blesses us.” And I could go on and on reading more.
So on this Memorial Day, find out how you can get involved – Operation Gratitude is doing a wonderful job and I salute them, too! Believe me, people like Marine Sergeant Andrew Robinson and those fine soldiers whose letters I just quoted… these men and women need to know we are praying for them and supporting their valiant efforts.
AL: If you want to know how you can get involved, just write us at Joni and Friends at Box 3333 Agoura Hills, California, 91376 and ask for the information on Operation Gratitude. But say, here’s an even better idea, why not call us right now so that you can have this information at your fingertips? Ask about Operation Gratitude, we’ll be delighted to send the information to you. Our toll-free number is 1-888-522-5664.And thank you for praying for our Wheels for the World team, now in India, soon to be heading for Poland. We appreciate your remembrance of these team members as they continue this intensive ministry. For more information go online to joniandfriends.org.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
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