Port Angeles, WA
To Be A Blessing
by Tom Benzler (Ioway)
Ministry Staff
Each week my wife Cathy and I visit the elders and those in need in their homes on the Lower Elwha Reservation, near Port Angeles, Washington. Many of these people are house-bound and unable to get to a grocery store. We often take and give them fresh fruit, vegetables and other items that are necessary in their daily lives. The elders are always happy to see us and very grateful for the fresh produce.
One of our favorite elders just turned 100 this past May and still lives on her own. We were able to clean out her wood burning stove, chimney and other work around her house. Recently, when we took her some fresh fruit and vegetables, she said, “Oh wonderful, God just answered my prayers!” She was out of food and was longing for something fresh instead of canned. She is very mentally sound and has a good sense of humor and loves it when we come over and pray together. She is very thankful to the Lord for everything she has and everything the Lord has done for her.
Another family we visit on a regular basis is a semi-retired pastor, his wife and their disabled daughter who is confined to a wheel chair. The daughter is always very happy and excited when we visit and the smallest things make her joyful. This family lives in a very small house with hardly any room for the wheelchair. The mother broke three of her ribs and is now unable to lift her daughter in the bathroom. The father has many health problems and it is getting to be a hardship for him to lift their daughter as well. This is an older couple so we try to help out as we can.
We also visit an elder in her 90’s. She is a tribal historian, and is very skilled in the Klallam language. A linguist from out of town has been visiting with her to record and preserve the language. When we recently visited with her, her old refrigerator had quit working and had flooded her kitchen floor and all her food was lost. She was still in good spirits, while she was waiting for someone to bring her a used refrigerator from town.
While writing this article, our 100 year-old elder called us and asked us to pray for her son who suffered a stroke and was taken to the hospital in Seattle. Given her age, she is just overwhelmed at how many children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews she has had to bury and questions why God still has her here. (At this writing, 3 days later, her Son is responding to treatment and it looks like he is going to make it.) She called to thank us for all the prayers, support and encouragement.
Cathy and I feel very blessed to be invited into the homes of these special people. We thank the Lord and are grateful for your support which allows us to share the Gospel with so many on the Lower Elwha Reservation. Please keep these dear people in your prayers.