“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Build Each Other Up
Encouragement is such a powerful thing. It can be so simple: a gentle smile, a quiet thank you, a word of appreciation or affirmation, a small token that says “I love you.” It doesn’t cost much for us to express it, but it can mean the world to the one on the receiving end. We are made in such a way that encouragement strengthens us, brings healing, and brightens our day.
August 3rd was Floyd’s 75th birthday. The years have flown by, and the last few years have been very different and difficult ones as we’ve walked along our unexpected journey. I would have loved to be with Floyd for his birthday, but, of course, that’s not allowed these days under our pandemic restrictions. I sent a video message to him that they played first thing in the morning—the therapist said he was very “vocal” and responsive. And the staff sang to him. I prayed for the Lord to comfort him and encourage his heart.
A few days ago I received news about “a boat named Floyd.” Some YWAMers in Amsterdam launched a small boat. They named it Floyd, and launched it with the prayer that Floyd would be healed. It’s parked at The Cleft which is very special. That’s where our family lived when we first moved into the red light district in Amsterdam. People have big ships named after them, but this little boat being named after Floyd because of the prayers being prayed for him couldn’t be more meaningful. I told Floyd all about it. This was such a sweet encouragement.
The hospital where Floyd is has been very busy. Something special happened with a temporary doctor that the hospital hired to help with their patient load. This doctor was assigned to Floyd. It just so “happens” that the doctor heard Floyd speak in the 1980s at the University of Stellenbosch. Floyd’s message had an impact on him. He thanked Floyd and said Floyd gave him a big grin.
That was a timely reminder to Floyd of what I’ve told him—he’s not forgotten. It’s amazing to me that the doctor remembered Floyd and his message from over 30 years ago. I don’t think I remember messages from that long ago. This was definitely an encouragement!
I received an email message on the morning of Floyd’s birthday from a man in the US. He was awakened two nights previously with Floyd’s name coming over and over to him. He didn’t know of Floyd, so he got up out of bed and looked him up. He read about his background, his ministry, his books, and learned that he’s been sick. Then he prayed for us. This certainly fits the bill as an encouragement… God waking someone up in the middle of the night to pray for him who doesn’t even know him!
Thank you for your love and prayers, too, for us on this journey. You have been with us each step of the way. Floyd had just celebrated his 70th birthday a few months before he became ill—and now here we are at his 75th. I am keenly aware that I couldn’t have made it all this time on my own. I frequently tell Floyd not to worry about me—that my weary hands are being upheld by friends from all over the world. You have definitely encouraged me.
Lord, thank You for the encouragers You put in our lives. Show us ways to encourage others.
❤️
This is very encouraging, thank you!!
Such sweet news! God is with us!
Awesome!
Thank you Sally for reminding me of encouraging others and to receive that from God.
Blessings to you and Floyd.
Dear Sally,
Your posts ALWAYS encourage me. Please know that the time and effort you put into writing is an encouragement to more people than you can imagine. The hardships you are enduring and sharing make others know that if you are able to endure, by the grace of God, so can they. It helps people feel that they are not alone and perhaps they feel strengthened to trust that God does have good purpose for what they are going through. Our trust in God’s higher purpose is so important. It motivates us to keep following even when the way is hard and the path uphill. Thank you so much for your encouragement!
God bless and keep you.
My heart is overflowing as I read your uplifting words and the confirmation of how important encouragement is and how God demonstrates this through His servants, the doctor and the faithful prayer warrior in the middle of the night, and most of all through your courage and faithfulness in ministering to all of us who benefit from your testimonies and writings. Prayers for you and Lloyd and may God continue to bless you both.