Greetings, friends!
I am happy to report that we’re doing well these days, and we pray you can say the same! As you know, BJ is back to his studies and working hard, as always. I am so blessed to have such a dedicated and hard working husband! His plate is very full, with a full class schedule, Moody’s notorious homework load, part-time work, and part-time ministry. Phew! He is tired, but he presses on. I would really like you to let us believe that this really is an especially busy phase of life, and that it won’t always be this way. Shh… don’t tell me different. We don’t want to hear it right now!
Despite the craziness, we feel so thankful to be here, as G-d continues to provide for school. BJ especially enjoys his classes in Apologetics and Jewish Culture & Communication. He is recording the latter for me to listen to at home, and we’ve both already learned alot. If you are interested in learning more about Jewish culture for yourself, or to know better how to witness to a Jewish friend, we definitely recommend the main text book for this class, “You Bring the Bagels, I’ll Bring the Gospel,” by Barry Rubin.
Thank you all for praying for our time in Idaho for Lyme treatment. The doctor that we saw is a believer, and was very kind and encouraging. He was excited to hear about the work we are doing and our future ministry plans. We especially appreciated his understanding attitude and how he prayed over us before beginning treatment.
The treatment itself was very quick and painless. We saw Dr. Smith a total of six times while we were there, for testing, diagnosis and magnetic treatments. He diagnosed me with various molds & fungi, protozoa, parasites (worms), Borrelia (Lyme), Babesia (Lyme co-infection), Bartonella (Lyme co-infection), Lyme viruses A, B & C, two unidentified viruses, a neurotransmitter deficiency, multiple nutritional deficiencies and a methylation defect. Yes, that is a lot! It was bittersweet to hear him say that I am more sick than most patients he has seen, and that he was impressed that I am still walking around! G-d is so gracious to give both BJ and I the strength He has given us to press forward through all of this.
The most difficult part about our trip was the news that BJ has also been infected with Lyme disease. We really were not expecting that, but it does explain his continual fatigue and struggles with “brain fog,” memory and focus, which have been making work and homework much more difficult. After a good deal of prayer and consideration, we’ve decided to schedule BJ’s Lyme treatment and my check-up both at the end of the semester. To allow enough time for detox and healing, we will have to put off our trip to Israel until Summer 2016. It was a sad decision to make, but we trust that G-d’s timing is always perfect, and He has a purpose in all that He allows in our lives.
The last weeks since we’ve been back have gone relatively smoothly, and have definitely been easier than we expected. We both try to get a lot of rest, and as long as I don’t “over-do,” my pain and other symptoms are manageable. We have really been encouraged by the cards, some visits and even a couple meals from friends in the last few weeks, and we were especially thankful to have my mom, Karen Richards, visit and help us for a few days! What a blessing to have the supportive families that we have!
Please pray with us for strength, energy and perseverance for BJ in all that he has to do, and for healing for both of us. We would also appreciate your continued prayer for our finances, as we will need $1,800 for BJ’s Lyme treatment in addition to the remaining $600 due for this semester at Moody. We are so blessed by your continued prayers and support, and we are praying for you, as well.
With love for you all,
BJ and Carissa Kerstetter