Jack Westerink has been a much-loved husband, father, elder, and Christian School Principal for many years. A few months ago, we were all shocked to hear that Jack had been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gherig’s disease), a disease of the nerve cells in the brain that results in gradual muscle weakening and wasting. However, he and his dear wife Lena have continued to testify to the loving faithfulness of God as they navigate this shadowy valley. Here’s a sample of their most recent email update (posted with permission).
Hello family,
Just to keep you all updated on how the Lord has marvelously provided for us again last week.
I received a call from a school parent that an elder from her church had decided to donate a motorized wheelchair to me. He died six weeks ago from ALS. Before he died, he and his wife decided that because God had really blessed their business they would not sell any of his equipment but give it away to someone else who needed it. When they heard that I had ALS, they decided to give it to me.
Last week the widow, her grand-daughter and some friends came over with a truck and trailer.They delivered the electric wheelchair, a lazy boy lift chair as well as various other assistive devices, probably worth over $18,000.00! After talking with us over a cup of iced tea about their difficult journey, she said that she had other things at home that would be useful and that we could also have them if we were interested, all for free. She would bring them over on another day. At the end of the visit she gave us both a big hug, her best wishes, and said she was praying for us. We had never even met this woman before!
We were not looking forward to all the hassle and red tape of filling out forms [to apply for wheelchair, etc], but we had them all laying ready on our desk, when this woman phoned for the first time. I hadn’t prayed about these details yet, to my shame, and I was wondering how were we ever going to be able to purchase such an expensive wheelchair and all the other equipment I would need and here it was delivered to our doorstep and without even filling out one form!!
It brought to mind the scripture: “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24)
Our covenant keeping God is so good, and true to His Word.