 Ben Weatherston - MissionIndia2009 | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 8th July 2009 Amy | SAFE RETURN - From: I am praying for a safe return for all of you. God bless and what amazing work you did! --Amy |
| 7th July 2009 Rodney Robinson | Quite the Mission... - From: Coming Home...with Phil! You are all incredibly brave and faithful to go on a mission trip so far away from home, and to see all that you have accomplished is simply incredible. Phil is my Hero, the way that he never lets down for even a moment, always faithful and with the greatest of spirtual fervor. Thank you all for a job well done! You are in our prayers, and have a safe trip home. Rodney |
| 7th July 2009 Melvin & Barbara | Final Posting - From: Last Post From India Thank you mission team for your encouraging messages and especially Phil's perseverance! I believe that God intends for the hammer blows of life to make us stronger, this is not always easy to do. The apostle Paul knew about this. He wrote "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain: (Phil.1:21). Our destiny is the pursuit of God's presence and become more like Jesus Christ. Mission team you are a great example of this pursuit and we are not only encouraged by your perseverance but the perseverance of the disciples in India. Melvin and I thank you for you loving example of faith and pray for your safe travel back home to your families and that Phil will be strengthened. Love Y.S.I.C |
| 7th July 2009 Mike Dishaw | Inspired - From: Coming Home...with Phil! Dear Ben and the rest of the mission team: You continue to be in our prayers constantly. You all have been an incredible inspiration to all of us! Thank you for your love and devotion to living out the gospel. We are praying for safe travel home for you all. Your Sister and Brother in Christ, Mike and Michelle Dishaw |
| 7th July 2009 Beth | We love you guys! - From: Last Post From India Hello there! We are really looking forward to having you guys home & getting a chance to hear more about your trip :) I just wanted to thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts for taking such great care of Phil. I know that the last week has been crazy, but I am so grateful that you were all there and were able to do all that you did. Thank you for all the texts and time you spent on the phone with us :) We love all of you very much! See you soon! |
| 7th July 2009 wendy sherrill | hurry home - From: Coming Home...with Phil! We are all anxiously awaiting your arrival at home in detroit. You all have been amazing in your care and devotion for my father and I wanted to express my personal gratitude and again on behalf of my entire family. We love the way you have all been "like Jesus" on this amazing mission trip. You will have stories to share and many "God moments" to retell. I know that India has been blessed by your presence and all who have participated in the blog have been touched by the journey. I know you probably feel a great sense of relief that dad is going to make the trip home with you even if aprehensively. We are so grateful to Dr Ashok and to Dr Bruce for escorting dad to assure a medically safe trip home. We are also grateful to Ron and Hal from the GR church who made it possible for dad and Dr Bruce to ride in 1st class for most of the journey home. The out pouring of love and support and prayers from all over the world has been inspiring and we as a family feel very indebted to you all. God Bless and Keep you on your journey home. Love Wendy on behalf of the entire Phil and Pat Morr family |
| 7th July 2009 Becky Guthrie | Hi Phil! - From: Leaving for Cochin Just wanted to let you know that Brad and I are praying for you to quickly recover from the seizures that you have been experiencing. Sounds like you have been well taken care of by the doctors and by the awesome Mission India team. I just thought I would share a scripture to encourage you: "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Right now I think that you are the strongest of all of us. You have been strong in so many ways for all of these years leading the church. You have inspired us in so many great ways, all the way up to this trip that you are making to India at the cost of your own health. Now is the time that you are showing God's strength, and that is a double dose of inspiration! |
| 6th July 2009 Grant Askew | Praise God for answering our prayers - From: Coming Home...with Phil! I am so happy that Phil is O.K.! I was really sad that Phil might be going to heaven before I got the chance to tell him how much I love and appreciate him. I am so fired up that He is coming home. Thank You so much, God, for answering our prayers! |
| 6th July 2009 Christy & Kevin | Encouragement - From: Coming Home...with Phil! Ben, I'm so grateful there is more clarity with Phil's medical condition. I'm so grateful how you and the rest of the team is lifting up his spirit. You all are inspiring us to rely on God and not our health and also to rely on each other sacrficially. Christy |
| 6th July 2009 Tonia Sullivan | Phil coming home - From: Coming Home...with Phil! This is such good news. We will be praying for everyone's safe trip, and for Phil's strength during his travels. We love Mr. Phil and are so thankful he has great brothers and sisters taking care of him! Love, Frank,Tonia Sullivan and girls |
| 6th July 2009 Mark | AMEN! - From: Coming Home...with Phil! So incredibly happy to hear that news! We will all be excited to welcome the team home! |
| 6th July 2009 Cherians | God provides - From: Coming Home...with Phil! Great news. God has provided a way. We will keep on praying. I like the analogy of 'heart monitors being like Paul's chains'. Wishing Phil a speedy recovery and safe journey home. |
| 6th July 2009 HAL | Thank you Ben - From: Coming Home...with Phil! The desiples in GR are all thankful to you in supporting and chearing up our brother. You and the mission team are true desiples. Safr trip home -- God be with you Hal |
| 6th July 2009 chris | - From: Coming Home...with Phil! That is amazing! I will see you all very soon, travel safe! |
| 6th July 2009 Ramayan | Glory to God for answered prayer! - From: Coming Home...with Phil! This proverb rings truer than ever in these times. "Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." - Proverbs25:25 Love & Godspeed RS |
| 6th July 2009 anonymous | - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil praying for all of you. |
| 6th July 2009 Praveen Cherian | Trying Times - From: We're in Cochin We never quite understand how God works and why things happen and when they happen - but - we can be rest assured that they happen for the good of those who love and serve the Lord. which hospital is phil at. I have family in Eranakulam North and also one of my friends wife is a doctor at Licy Hospital. Anxiously and prayerfully await news about Phil's recovery. He is G'pa or Chief to all our us in Michigan. |
| 6th July 2009 Shawn | prayers - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil Hello Fam Bam, I wanted to let you all know we are praying for you all.. today Tomm had us pray as a congregation during service for Phil's health and we prayed after church (near the courts) as well. I am very encoruaged at all of your post and I share them with my kids..it's become sort of a family time for us which is kinda cool. I also have been sharing on my prayer page with other disciples in california about the "Mission India".. and I got a message from a ssiter name Melissa Schmidt who use to lead my sector. Melissa and her husband Jay have worked for HOPE and want to travel there and possibly open up children homes. I am so fried up!. I gave her Brian P's e-mail as well as Ben's to get more info. I also sent her the link to the travel blog. I just wanted to share that through it all.. as always God is working and doing great things.. We love and miss you all.. and will continue to hold you up in prayer.. |
| 5th July 2009 Dana | Please be encouraged. - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil "How good it is to rest in Thee." I pray that you all experience powerful authentic rest. May meditation, prayer and contemplation soothe your spirits and renew your strengths. I encourage you to meet all experiences with the skillful means of respect, patience and an open heart; see the power of our Father God at work. Try to think of it as a kinda of "Bring your son/daughter to work day." Our Father has mad multi-tasking skills. :-) You all are so loved and many prayers of your protection are the attention focus of us here back home. Inwardly feel the warmth of our arms enfolding you until you can tangibly feel them when you get home. Just imagine all that love, yet it can't even come close to the depths of love that ouf Father expresses. You are an inspiration! |
| 5th July 2009 chris | - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil Hey All-We pulled some people together after church today and prayed for all of you! I am confident that God hears all the prayers, see your faith being lived out & will act in the only way he can. in LOVE! I really miss all of you guys, escpecially you Deb, no offense. I'm gonna need one of those Mitch hugs when i see you guys! My prayers are with Paul, I mean Phil. Pretty much the same life for those two, truly inspired by you Phil. Cant wait to hear about your experience directly from you. Ben, you are a great inspiration in the way you live your life for God. It is obvious through your family, kids, leadership & heart. Deb, your character is gonna be even more beautiful when you get back. Cant wait to see how God has molded you to be more AWESOMER(thats a real word!). I know just your presence has inspired the people around, let alone the words you have shared. You will do awesome at the Hope shelter tmrw:) Cant wait to serve God by your side when you get back! M & L, you guys rock. You two are one of those couples that are so important in the church. We need you and are so blessed to have you in our fellowship. I am so blessed to have you in MY life, if I may be so selfish. Love you all with a bond that grows deeper as the days go by! C U soon! |
| 5th July 2009 talo | Always praying - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil We were at Julie's yesterday for a BBQ. When we heard the new developments we dropped to our knees in prayer. There was a decent size group. You are all in our prayers and we love you so much. It's times like this in which God is perfecting you as long as you are obedient. You are such and inspiration to me and so many others. Keep your head up and you spirit fiery in these last days in India. I love you all . chad |
| 5th July 2009 Melvin & Barbara | Prayers for Phil - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil Please know you are in our prayers, with a special prayer for Phil. It is our prayer that you guys get back home safely. God is in control! |
| 5th July 2009 Allan Aubert | Pushing through! - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil Dear Ben, Deb, Mitch, Laurel etc... Thanks for pushing through the fears and tiredness to continue to minister to Phil and the brothers and sisters there. It is a Christ-like example of selflessness. I am very inspired by you all, and praying for your safe return. Love Allan Aubert |
| 5th July 2009 Christy & Kevin | Encouragement - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil I wanted to encourage all of you with this scripture: Psalm 23:4 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Please remember that God is totally in control and God will help all of you get through this time. God is faithful to us. Love, Christy K |
| 5th July 2009 Cherians | We keep on praying and singing songs of praise to God - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil Our prayers for Phil and the rest of you continue. I read the following verse this morning and thought of you - "James 5: 13 Are any among you suffering? They should keep on praying about it. And those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord" (NLT). It's so true of our life, the need to continually pray and to be thankful with songs of praise for God. We prayed for you as a congregation this morning. You are on our hearts. We pray that Phil is well enough to get on a flight home...that God provides a way. Keep up the good fight. Much love, The Cherians. |
| 5th July 2009 Tina Groat | - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil We will keep Phil in our prayers. I hope he can get home to the USA ASAP. |
| 5th July 2009 Mark & Sarah | In Prayer all night - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil Hi F5, After catching up on the blogging late last night, I couldn't get much sleep as I went to bed in prayer and woke up in prayer this morning. First thing I did was check for developments when I woke up. PHIL - we will continue to pray for you. You are so amazing, and never slow down. Your life is inspiring and worth imitating in so many ways! |
| 5th July 2009 Le | - From: Please Keep Praying For Phil Gang, My prayers are with you guys, especially Phil. Luv, Le |
| 5th July 2009 Mark D | Prayer - From: We're in Cochin Hey There Fantastic Five! Due to some dicey internet connections this week (I am sure you can relate), I just caught up on the last few days of your mission trip. Praise God that the last entry is the first to appear when I log On! Seems like I always log on when someone is writing something like..."Everythings OK now..." and I am left wondering, well what happened? It sends me into a quick search of previous posts to find the cause of the final statement. This time, it brought me to my knees in prayer. Phil, we love you! hope you find fast recovery! and the rest of your travels are safe and UN-eventful (medically speaking that is) . I have just completed John Elderedge book "The Way of the Wild at Heart" so many references in that book caused me to think of you. Especially considering the SAGE. I love our times together, and I am looking forward to visiting you and Pat this summer once you return home! Ben, tremendous thanks for keep us all updated back at home! I know this is a lot of work for you there when you are arranging travel plans, taking care of one of your crew, meeting and encouraging the brothers & sisters in the churches, and planning lessons...I am not sure how you keep up with it all... (Is there Starbucks in Cochin?) Debbie, I was just thinking how amazing God is that you are there. I was thinking about being introduced to you 9 years ago by Ben & Jen, before they were married. And now... Wow God does things everyone least expects... Mitch & Laurel... we miss you guys! Can't wait to hear all your stories! Mitch, I was blown away to get your call this morning! Utterly amazed that you called me, or were even thinking of us. Your love never ceases to amaze me buddy! I tried to call you tonight, I am not sure when you'll get that message. I spoke with Diane. Though she went out of town to visit family for the 4th, she said everything was going fine at the house. Sarah and I are going to take a peek in on things tomorrow after church. We'll pray for all of you! Love, MARK |
| 4th July 2009 Tonia Sullivan | Phil - From: Phil is Okay We are so grateful for the updates and will be praying for Phil, Pat and family. This must be such a difficult wait. Love to all the family! Love, Frank, Tonia, and girls |
| 4th July 2009 Todd Kissel | Phil's nehpew - From: We're in Cochin Could you please pass on to Uncle Phil my best wishes. I read through your blogs and sounds like he is making great progress. Thank you Todd |
| 4th July 2009 Melvin & Barbara | Phil is Okay - From: Phil is Okay Ben we are very glad to heard that Phil is okay and we will send up a special pray (double dose) for Phil's safe recovery and trip back home. Of course we continue to pray for the entire mission team and your safe return back home. Phil is such a great encouragement and never focus on himself but continues to focus on he needs of others. Love Barbara and Melvin |
| 4th July 2009 Charlie Smith | Message for Phil - From: We're in Cochin Just wanted to drop a note to say how much we are praying for Dad do get better. I know that no mater what, he will still be doing God's work...even if it is from his bed! Dad, you remind me of the energizer bunny. No mater what happens, you keep pressing forward. I am so proud of you and what you are still doing in the Kingdom. I hope and pray that the medicine will continue to do its job and help to bring you home sooner. Love ya, Charlie |
| 4th July 2009 Bethany Smtih | HI G'pa - From: We're in Cochin I miss you ! And I am glad feeling better. I wish you could come home. I thinking about you and praying for you all the time. I love you Bethany! |
| 4th July 2009 Christy & Kevin | Loyalty and Sacrifice - From: Leaving for Cochin Hey guys, I just wanted to tell you that you all remind me of the scripture in John 13:34-35 - John 13:34-35 34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!! Christy Krawczyk |
| 4th July 2009 Christy & Kevin | Plain INSPIRATION - From: We're in Cochin Ben, God's timing is perfect! God totally knows what he is doing! God is working in all of your hearts (folks on the mission team, brothers and sisters in the India churches, and the lost that surround). All of you will walk away from your India trip much closer to God, to each other, and the brothers and sisters in India. The challenges you are facing on your trip are 'REAL LIFE CHALLENGES' not just a hug, smile, or house visit. Continue to rely on God's strength (Psalms 46). Love, Christy |
| 4th July 2009 Donna & Ken Kissel | We are praying for you - From: We're in Cochin Glad to hear you are safely in Cochin Phil. We have been keeping track of you and looking forward to reading the blog every morning to get the up date. You have visited Ken in the hospital so many times but India??? We can only send our love and hugs through this blog but know that more importantly you are being prayed for. Ken has been traveling with you on the satellite. Please stay safe and return to us. We love you. Donna & Ken |
| 4th July 2009 chris | God Rock! Like Pop Rocks, but better! - From: We're in Cochin I have nothing more to say. Only that God ia awesome! I have been following your progress ever since you left. Reading the past few days, I tear up over each entry. Overwhelmed with joy, releif, the workings of God, your hearts, the fact that I get to see my girl friend soon. I love you guys! Living proof that God is amazing, shine like stars! the dude. |
| 3rd July 2009 Carolyn | Wonderful! - From: Leaving for Cochin What good news! God is good...I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. |
| 3rd July 2009 Darren Gauthier | Chicago is Praying for Phil - From: Leaving for Cochin We just heard the news about Phil's stroke. What a mighty God we serve, that Phil is already doing better! We will certainly be praying for Phil, Pat and the whole family. We had a great time fellowshipping with them at the Midwest Leaders meeting in May. We are continually inspired by Phil and Pat's faith, love, perseverance and devotion to God and God's kingdom. Please let Phil know that the Chicago church will be praying for him! |
| 3rd July 2009 Shawn | prayers - From: Leaving for Cochin Family!, We have been in prayer for Phil's health as well as all of you!. I sent messages out to many disciples from Africa, San Francisco, German and Manila that have sent well wishes and prayers!. We just want to let you all know you're missed and we are encouraged and looking forward to your return. In Unity & Love, Shawn |
| 3rd July 2009 Shirley Rojas | Hey GUYS! (a sister from the South Florida Church of Christ) - From: Leaving for Cochin It is awesome to see you all with the brothers and sisters in India/ PNG, and how God is showing himself through you guys and the churches where you have visited! I wanted to let you guys know that I am praying for you guys and enjoy the pictures and posts you guys have written on this mission trip. I pray you can continue growing closer to God through this adventure, share your faith, and come back safely and in good health. Even though I am not in the Detroit Church, I know how much you all are missed, but at the same time many find it a joy to have you guys across the globe encouraging the disciples out there. You all and the disciples in India make me think of Philipians 2:3-4. When I see some of the pictures Ben has posted I think of Matthew 5:3-10, which I feel you all are reminded of daily. I wish I could be in MI when you all come back to hear your accounts in person! Best wishes! |
| 3rd July 2009 talo | Phil is a a Wild Man! - From: Leaving for Cochin WOW! I'm so convicted by all of your hearts of perseverance and especially Phil's heart. It's such the heart of a missionary to keep moving. Many Times Paul was near death and then kept moving. I love you all so much and it's been inspiring to watch God work through each of you. |
| 3rd July 2009 Cynthia | Praying for all of you - From: Phil is even better! Ben and Mitch thank you for the details of all that has happened. It's encouraging to hear that Phil is doing better. But it's even more refreshing to hear that the Team is striving to complete the work that was started. I'll continue to pray for all of you. Phil, take care of yourself. See you in Grand Rapids. |
| 3rd July 2009 The Cherians | - From: Phil is Okay We are praying for you all and a speedy recovery for Phil. God has you in the palm of his hands. You are all an inspiration to us here and around the world. May God continue to encourage and strengthen you at this time. |
| 3rd July 2009 Ericka Sailor | AMEN... - From: Phil is even better! I knew that God would answer our prayers, esp. the prayers of the Indian disciples! In my experience, they just seem to "live as if God is who He says He is and apply His divine nature to whatever they're going through" (author and disciple, Robin Weidner phrased it best). Amen that God answers our sometimes mustard seed of faith, too. Wow, did God actually take His breath from Phil (when turning blue) then bring him back to life? If that's not experiencing the power of HIS resurrection, then I don't know what is! Phil 3:10-11 |
| 3rd July 2009 chris stranad | Chief! - From: Phil is even better! I think Satan forgot who he was messing with! You cant stop the Chief!! I am so encouraged by the strength that God gave you guys to handle such a trial. I cant say that I could have done what any one of you did to help our brother. You are all very courageous! God is amazing, and it is a true testament to the power of prayer. I couldn't sleep after hearing the news and was in deep prayer through the night. I am also praying that the rest of you guys are recovering from such an emotional test. It has been a true test for me also, being a control freak, to not be able to help in person. It is a good thing, I am learning more and more that God can do so much more than I & to truely rely on Him. Thank you guys for loving God! Love you all! Chris. PS-Deb, you are AMAZING! Such a caring, sacrificial heart God is so proud to call you His daughter! |
| 3rd July 2009 Ramayan | Some Words From Your Sponsor (God, not me;-) - From: Phil is even better! Dear Ben, Deb, Mitch, Laurel, and Phil, When I read of the victories and trials you all are experiencing on the mission field, these words from one of the greatest missionaries resonate in my mind and seem a fitting depiction of what God has made you to those whom you have touched at home and abroad. “But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ, and spreads through us in every place the scent of knowing Him. But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him… by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the message of truth, by the power of God; through weapons of righteousness on the right hand and the left, through glory and dishonor, through slander and good report; as deceivers yet true; as unknown yet recognized; as dying and look—we live; as being chastened yet not killed; as grieving yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing yet possessing everything. Therefore we do not give up; even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor 2:14; Rom 10:14-15; 2 Cor 5:9; 6:6-10; 4:16-18) Love & Godspeed! YBIC, Ramayan |
| 2nd July 2009 Brian Perkins | - From: Phil is even better! Praise God!!! Ben, thank you so much for keeping your head. I feel so bad I could not be there to help you but You had God--more than enough. Please continue to encourage the team and let everyone know we love them dearly. Love YBIC, Brian P. |
| 2nd July 2009 Brian Perkins | Keep Heart - From: Phil is Okay Ben, Thank you so much for keeping us all informed with what is happening there in India. I want to say kudos to all the team. Phil is a hero to me for many reasons, but above all of them he knows that the mission is greater than any off us. We know that going overseas can be hazzardous, but praise God you where somewhere where medical attention was available. I will be praying for Phil and for all of you. God is your security. Love Brian P. |