A Visit with Mr. W

About two weeks ago, on a Wednesday morning, I had the privilege of of accompanying my Dad on a visit to Mr. W.  He was the principal of the Christian school that I attended for grades 1 - 10.  Mr. W had to resign from his work at the school as he was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year.  For the first time since the school opened its doors in 1978, he is not a staff member.

Our visit was early in the morning, and brief.  Dad and I arrived before Mr. W returned home from driving his wife to work  (He has since given up driving, at the recommendation of his doctor).  Once he arrived, we were warmly welcomed and invited in.  Already the disease has progressed so that walking is difficult, although he could still manage stairs.  But gone was the ever-present bounce from his step and the former hearty handshake.  The disease is taking a toll on his physical body.  But the brightness of our Saviour's work in him shines brightly - and it was so beautiful to see!  God truly does give what his people need to endure, no, triumph through the path of life.

I don't trust my memory for how readily Mr W. shared his love for his Saviour from my highschool days.  At that time I preferred to tune out such talk, but I know that he. has loved and served our Saviour for many years.  By his own admission, this chapter of his life, the final chapter, is what he calls the most important.  "I don't have time for naps", he said, "I have to tell people about Jesus!"

Mr. W. taught at the school for over 30 years.  He estimated that he's taught over 1100 students.  That's 1100 lives he's touched.  And now?  God is still enabling him to touch many lives, just in a different way.  One way is through a blog; the hit count is steadily rising I'm told.  One isn't a teacher and principle of a local Christian school for over 30 years without becoming very well known in the broader Christian community.  I know for myself that my appreciation for Mr. W. is much closer now to what it should be than in my grade school/high school days (thanks be to God for that!) and I have no doubt I'm not the only one who feels this way.

God gave Mr. W. those 30 plus years as a foundation for now - a time when his body is failing, but his faith shines brightly - faith that is a gift from God.  A shining faith that testifies of God's goodness to him, and glorifies the Saviour.  Read his blog - there are many moving and powerful posts.   I know that it is the prayer of the W. family that through this disease God would be praised and many would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Mr. W. and his family have travelled a rough road this year and it isn't going to get any smoother.  But our great God has been faithful until now and He is the same forever - He will contine to provide - and be - the strength that they all need.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to visit and I'm even more thankful to see, to watch what God is doing and how God is providing, even as this horrid disease continues to progress.  The visit, the blog,  make me ache - ache for Mr. W himself, and for his family.  But, there is God.  Mr. W, you and your family are in my prayers.  May He continue to provide, to strengthen, to bless, to comfort and sustain - for our God is faithful.