This is from Kevin Avery, our Missionary in Residence. A fuller version, with pictures can be found on his Facebook page, Kevin Avery.

Prior to dealing with nerve damage from multiple sclerosis, I never dreamed I would become wheelchair bound. I certainly never dreamed I would become home bound, much less needing others to get me on and off the bed. When Dayna and I committed to join together as one that glorious day in 1997, we committed to stay side by side whether in sickness or in health. Still, we had no idea of what was to come. Likewise, our future is completely unknown.

Medically speaking, further decline with MS is likely; unless, of course, I receive miraculous healing, which would be absolutely wonderful. I know that the Lord could certainly heal me. He is the Lord God Almighty! But physical healing is not my main concern.

I am grateful—grateful for Jesus and grateful for my family. I am in awe that my mom would relocate from Houston to Tulsa for my sake, and any time I would apologize to Dayna for becoming such a burden, she was always quick to reframe my comment, telling me that she and other members of the family were joining me to help carry the burden I’m holding. “We are in this together.” Because I am blessed so much by family and friends, I am able to bless others. Thank you! It is such a joy to join others across the world in prayer. Through WhatsApp and Zoom, we pray for the nations and for each other. Such a joy!

I cannot say that I am thankful for dealing with multiple sclerosis, but I am thankful for what it has taught me. Prior to the nerve damage from this autoimmune disease, I often tried to do things in my own strength, even when trying to please the Lord. I now know how ridiculous that this self-reliance had been. These days, there is not a minute of the day when I forget how much I need the Lord and others. Much more than praying for physical healing, I want to communicate with the Lord, face to face, like Moses talking with God in the tent of meeting. Like what David said in Psalm 27:4, I want to dwell in the presence of the Lord all the days of my life.

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to enter the Holy of Holies by the blood of the Lamb. Thank you for empowering me to love the Lord with my whole heart and to love my neighbor as I love myself. May your peace and righteousness rain on us all this day and forever. Amen.

Kevin Avery

April 27, 2026

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