We are happy to report that Roger is now home from the hospital and recovering well from his recent stay in CCU. The angiogram showed a 95% blockage in his right coronary artery. Normal blood flow returned immediately after insertion of the stent. He is resting at home and gradually resuming normal activities, although experiencing some aching in his chest. We covet your continued prayers. Thank you so much.
Gwen Smets
Roger was admitted to the hospital in Redding Monday evening with severe chest pains. His cardiologist performed an angiogram Tuesday afternoon and found an almost completely blocked artery. He inserted another stent, and Roger is now resting and being taken care of in Cardiac Care for a few days. We would appreciate your prayers for a rapid and full recovery. We are so thankful that he did not have a heart attack and the blockage was found before any heart damage was done. He is looking forward to getting back to preaching the Word and ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I want to sincerely thank all those who prayed for me during and after my hip surgery. Thank you for all the wonderful cards and phone calls, words of encouragement, and scriptures to hold on to. The experience was made more difficult because of the allergic reaction to the antibiotic, but I truly felt strengthened by your prayers. I can walk without the pain I suffered for the last few years, and am so grateful for renewed strength. We can’t always avoid the trials in life, but we can always trust Jesus to see us through!
Gwen Smets
“THROUGH THE COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES WE MIGHT HAVE HOPE” (Rom. 15:4b)
In recent services I have been declaring the awesome truth that “Through the comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4b) So many people are hurting and desperately need the comfort of the Scriptures. That is why in our meetings I take ample time to pray the promises of God’s Word with many people. No matter what our need may be, there is a Scripture promise that always brings hope for every situation. If we are lonely, the comfort of Hebrews 13:5 assures us that “He will never leave us nor forsake us”. If you are brokenhearted, the comfort of Luke 4:18 declares the blessed and comforting truth that Jesus has come to “heal the brokenhearted”. If we feel we are in trouble, the comfort of Psalms 27:5 says that “In times of trouble, He will Hide us His pavilion and in the secret of His tabernacle shall he hide us.” The list of comforting Scriptures seems endless throughout God’s Word. Praise God for the “hope” that we have because of the “Comfort of the Scriptures”.
GWEN’S RECOVERY UPDATE:
We are glad to report that Gwen is recovering well from her recent total hip replacement surgery. She is having Physical Therapy 3 times a week and is relearning how to walk normally again. Her new titianium hip is working smoothly with no pain, praise God! We are so glad that the bad reaction that Gwen had to some of the meds she was given at the hospital has finally worn off. She no longer has any of the severe swelling that she had for over a week and her dry reddish skin has return to its normal color. Our thanks to many of you who have been praying for Gwen throughout this ordeal. The doctor says that she will be able to resume traveling with me in about 6 weeks time. Praise God for the comfort of Isiah 53:5, that “By His stripes, we are healed.”
Roger Smets
34TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY:
This Sunday, April 5th Gwen and I will celebrate our 34th Wedding Annivesary! We were married in Vancouver, B.C., Canada by the late Rev. Paul Hackett. Our ceremony was quite unique to say the least. It was not only a dedication of our lives together as husband and wife, but it was also a dedication and commitment of our lives together for the work of the ministry. We will never forget the powerful anointing that came upon us as Pastor Hackett prayed over us. The spirit of God was so strong that I got re-baptized in the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues right there at the altar. For 34 years we have remained faithful to one another and to the common call upon our lives to “do the work of an evangelist” . (II Tim. 2:5b)
GWEN’S RECOVERY UPDATE:
As mentioned in last week’s blog, Gwen is recovering from having had a total hip replacement on March 23rd. The surgery went well however she has suffered a very rare and painful rash over her entire body, accompanied by severe swelling of her torso, arms, legs and feet. The doctors don’t know but do believe it was apparently reaction to one or more of the medications she received in the hospital. There is no treatment for this condition except time and it does now appear to be passing. The swelling seems to be going down and the redness of her skin, returning to normal color. Our thanks to all who have been praying for her during this difficult season.
ROGER SMETS