“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Dear Supporters,
It is with tremendous agony and joy that I announce
the transition into glory of our founder and my husband, Tom Strohm on
January 23rd. It was an eventful and full year in 2021. Tom was
determined that COVID would not stop the ministry from reaching out. We
began with an E.Q.U.I.P. conference in January of 2021. Mentoring,
counseling, zoom classes, and discipleship continued in full swing
throughout the year. Our partnerships with Logan from Hope in Christ and
Liz from Freedom House continued to bear some beautiful fruit. Elpis
was launched in Iraq. Bella was able to go fully supported and see God
do Matthew 6: 33 for her! We had some individuals interning and training
this year, and then all came to a screeching halt with Tom’s
hospitalization with COVID pneumonia on December 25th.
The battle was intense for a month, as our hearts were
battered with the ups and downs of this unpredictable and vicious
disease. Everyone fought hard to see him raised up from his sickbed.
Outpourings of gift cards, flowers, meals, blessings for the nurses and
constant vigils were beyond what we could ever imagine. We all hoped he
would come home. We cannot deny God’s amazing provisions as we prayed
Matthew 6:33 for him each day of this journey. The Lord supplied
compassionate doctors who allowed us to wait for a miracle before taking
him off life support. Nurses graced his room praying for him and
remarking about the presence of God’s glory. We lifted them up as they
sometimes came in with bloodshot eyes grieved over all that they were
experiencing with COVID deaths. They felt great peace in his room. They
cared for him as if he was their own dad, brother, or father. My
son-in-law set up a trailer on the premises. For three weeks, the
hospital allowed me to stay. They did not say a thing to me or make me
leave. I could not bear to be far away from him. He has been my partner
for over 50 years. (Thirteen when I met him and 14 when we started
dating.) We have served together in ministry for 40 years. Click HERE to read his obituary.
I expect God’s amazing guidance to
continue in Jesus Cares Ministries. I expect God’s work to continue and even increase among those
that we have invested in over the years. We are seeing grace multiplied.
We are grateful for those of you who supported the family and ministry during this difficult trial. Click below to view Tom's memorial:
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