By the grace of God, Tante Elvier’s surgery on Tuesday went well. It was a difficult 8-hour long and tedious procedure. Now comes the recovery part which will take somewhere between 6 months to a year. Oom Tek Ho’s condition continues to deteriorate as he is now almost always disoriented to time, place, and people. Needless to say, it’s been a challenging time for Tante Foen who cares for him.

Tante Agnes’ health is improving, but as she is getting stronger, so is her will to leave the board and care she is now confined to. It has been a tough time for her, understandably so, because up to a year ago she was still driving and living independently. But now she can’t get around anymore and must depend on others. No wonder from time to time she pensively asks this question that perhaps we also ask, “In my old age, how come life takes a turn for the worse?”

We all wish to see a good and happy ending; we do not like a sad ending, especially that which raises more questions and confusion. However, old age does not promise us a good and happy ending. On the contrary what seems to be the norm is old age is replete with challenges—both physically and mentally. In the end we must come to terms with the fact that we ought to travel the same road. And it is on that road that our faith will find its biggest challenges.

For 16 years Mrs. Charles E. Cowman and her husband served the Lord in Japan but later had to return to the US when he got sick. For six years she took care of him till his death. Out of that harrowing experience she wrote a devotional, Streams in the Desert, followed by her second book, Springs in the Valley. Passing through old age is like travelling through a desert and a valley, but somewhere and somehow God provides us with streams and springs. So, hang on.

Pastor Paul