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A Story of Living Hope: John Spiro
18 CommentsThe video above is a testimony by John Spiro, given at Covenant Life Church on Sunday, August 8. John is a longtime member of Covenant Life who is suffering with ALS (often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”). Following John’s testimony, Joshua Harris and other members of the pastoral team gathered around to pray for John, his wife Kathy (who accompanies John in the video), and their family.
For more on the theme of suffering and the call for all Christians to persevere and rejoice in the midst of difficulty, see Joshua Harris’ message, “Fiery Trials.”
Thank you Spiro Family for so graciously giving our church family an example of how God is working in every aspect of our lives.
By Jody Belknap on 08/10/2010we are amazed at the way God has shown His love and provision to you amidst such trials. We want you to know that you have once again led us in worship to our God. We praise Him because of your testimony of His grace. May the abundant grace of God be with you along with His peace.
With love,
Joel and Debbie Swift
By joel and debbie swift on 08/10/2010We really appreciate your willingness to open up so deeply and give your testimony. Can’t stop thinking about you and praying for you!
By Nichole Batluck on 08/11/2010I am encouraged by your testimony John. It has given me courage to face tommorow without anxiety; trusting that God’s mercies are new every morning. He pours out what we need when we need it. The Vecchittos love and pray for you and your family.
By Mary Vecchitto on 08/11/2010I thank God for your following close after the Lord, even in such difficulty. It is an inspiration and challenge to me - so I can endure any difficulty that I may encounter.
By Bob on 08/11/2010I am so blessed for what God has done for you, your family and the whole church family.
God truly bless you!
John and Kathy,
Words are not adequate. Thank you for sharing your testimony and your experience of God’s nearness and kindness in the midst of overwhelming difficulty. John thank you for your faithful stewardship of the many gifts God has given you. I was always excited to see you play/sing. One day, my friend, oh how you will play and sing. Who knows what awaits us? In the meantime, Mr. Spurgeon said something I hope will encourage your heart: “Weakness and necessity win the regard of God.” With our love, John + Beverly Butler
By john butler on 08/11/2010John
For 16 years I have admired and been greatly blessed by your enthusiatic service to God in varying ways, whether playing the bass or guitar during main or children’s ministry worship, or teaching guitar during the summer music school, as well as Kathy’s bustling around every corner in children’s ministry.
My respect for you has only grown many fold after hearing this testimony of your steadfast faith, which God has used and will continue to use to encourage His church. May you continue to experience His steadfast love in new and increasing ways.
Solomon & Ope Aboagye
By Solomon Aboagye on 08/11/2010Thank you for your courageous testimony John.. I don’t know if you realize how you have impacted our family but by encouraging my son, Marshall, at one of the earlier outreaches many years ago he has told me the impact you made on his life.—-that of following Jesus Christ—Paul and I remember well also the way you touched peoples lives when we went to the Alpha retreat when we cochaired it with the Granges one year..We are praying for God’s grace upon you and your family.. In Him, Carol Ann and Paul
By Carol Ann and Paul Fahrner on 08/11/2010John, you mentioned in your testimony how you miss serving God in the form of the worship team, and youth ministries. God has given you a different way to minister, your testimony is now your way to minister. Keep the faith and God will use you. I will pray for you! Thank you
By Debra Miltimore on 08/11/2010We love you John and Kathy! You have given much to God’s people and even in this time of trial you continue to do so. We are honored to know you and are blessed by your example. Thank you for allowing so many into your lives by sharing so openly on Sunday. Thank you too for sharing, “What a friend we have in Jesus!” To Him be the Glory!
By Tom and Cindy Ryan on 08/11/2010John and Kathy,
By Rich and Susan Payne on 08/11/2010We thank God often for the witnesses you are of the grace of God. We remember your many years of service to the Lord and how you have blessed our family. You both continue to bless us through your continued devotion to the Lord even during this difficult trial. Your family shows hospitality toward the singles by inviting them into your home. We are praying that God will grant you both many more years to serve, healing of your body and peace for your souls.
With all our love.
Dear John and Kathy and Family,
We will continue to keep you in our prayers. We praise God for your steadfast faithfulness in trusting our risen Savior. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and He will continue to be your ALL IN ALL!! He is also the GREAT PHYSICIAN, JEHOVAH RAPHA! MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO USE YOU AS A CHANNEL OF BLESSING TO MANY!
By Jennifer and Nelson Niu on 08/12/2010John and Kathy, we deeply admire your faith and your commitment to honor God with your trust, even though your path right now is so dark and difficult. What a glorious demonstration of what it means to “walk in a manner worthy of our calling.” God has used your lives to bring many to know, love, and serve Him; He continues to do this mightily, even though you feel the weaker. 2 Cor: 12:9 says “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” May He bring healing, but meanwhile continue to both work through you mightily, and “strengthen you with all might in your inner being..” (Eph. 3:16) Also Rom. 16:25. Love. K&M
By Kevin and Maureen Hartnett on 08/13/2010John,
By Peter Giglio on 08/14/2010God has asked you to be a steward of suffering for reasons that might not be evident right now.
One thing that is evident is that your powerful testimony has strengthened the saints and made a statement to unbelievers that He has indeed risen from the grave and He lives in the hearts of His people. You have bolstered the truth that there is something else that we live for . Something not seen but powerful that gives us meaning and purpose beyond our abilities.
Brother, you don’t know how that helps us who are not suffering. You are in the deep end of the “fellowship of His sufferings” and you are shouting out to us “He is here with me and He will be there for you”. John, thank you for the big brother example you are setting for us.
In the meantime, your church will be praying for your healing because we know He can do that.
With love and respect,
Peter Giglio
I’m humbled. Thank you John.
By Steve Wilbur on 08/17/2010John -
As you were sharing Sunday I was having flashbacks of seeing you at Stockade events, early days of worship, homeschool activities, sweetheart banquets, and CG leaders meetings. When Josh shared said so succinctly - your service is deeply ingrained in this church - I realized there were many there who would be unaware. But there is one who is very aware, and very near - as you know better than I.
I was also aware as I listened to you Sunday, that this was a much different John than I knew. You spoke not just with the conviction of experience - but with a love for people and an urgency for the hour. Your words were compelling because your life is compelling. You had a platform because of your suffering - and you used it not for sympathy or comfort - but for presenting a clear declaration of the gospel. I will long remember and be affected by your strong exhortation to live for and trust in God.
Thank you john
By Stephen Wyzga on 08/19/2010John and Kathy,
Thank you for sharing your testimony and allowing it to be videoed so the church may benefit. Thank you for magnifying God’s grace and strength in your time of need and weakness. Thank you for seeking to bring God glory while being in the midst of a fiery trial, and for being a shining example for us to follow. We miss seeing you guys, and will be praying for you.
Bill and Cindy Boudouris
By Bill and Cindy Boudouris on 08/23/2010John—Thank you for your moving testimony. May God bless you and your family with comfort and peace.
By Larry Green on 09/03/2010Commenting for this entry is closed. We close commenting on all blog entries after 30 days to avoid spammers who try to exploit older blog posts.