September prayer update

What’s Happening

A study found that men speak an average of 20,000 words per day, while women speak 30,000. Since August 5th, except for two days, I have likely spoken a total of about 50 words, all unintentionally. This isn't a spiritual practice, though I am learning many spiritual lessons. Instead, I am trying to recover my voice by resting it. After preaching at a church in Salem, I lost my voice while leading a two-hour grief seminar that afternoon. The following Sunday, I preached again and had a long phone conversation the next day, causing my voice to go out once more. This has never happened before.

I have had stretches of four to five days without talking. It's nearly impossible not to say a quick hello to someone who greets me or an 'ouch' when my bicycle handlebar hits me in the face while loading it onto a car rack. So, most days, a few words slip out. Currently, I am attempting to go 13 consecutive days without speaking, as prescribed by my ENT doctor, who fortunately found no permanent damage to my vocal cords.

One lesson I am learning is that the ability to speak is a major blessing that connects us with others. It is something to be very thankful for. Going without words is isolating and makes communication very challenging.

I’m also learning that I am a vulnerable clay pot (2 Corinthians 4:7) and that is OK. I need to accept that I cannot be perfectly responsible and fulfill all of my speaking commitments during this season. So far, I’ve had to cancel four sermons, five Teen Challenge chapels, a grief training for a school staff and performing my daughter’s small family wedding ceremony. There is freedom in accepting my limitations as a human which leads to greater dependence on God and on others. 

I’m also practicing honest expressions to God about my feelings such as sorrow, anger, fear and loneliness as I navigate this, as opposed to telling myself: “You shouldn’t feel that way.”

My hope is that on Wednesday, September 3 when I test my voice for the first time after 13 days without speaking, it will be restored, and I will return to my normal ministries and family interactions. Thank you for your prayers.

GENERAL PRAYER

Pastor Ed covets your prayers. You can use the acronym OAR to pray for his speaking ministry. 

O—Open doors of ministry

A—Anointing

R—Responsive audiences

Pray also for wisdom as he mentors Adult and Teen Challenge students, open doors and open hearts for sharing the gospel on the street and fruitful ministry as he connects with pastors and ministry leaders in Lebanon and throughout the region.