Dean P. Demos

Last evening, I participated in the Trinity Christian School 2014 graduation.  56 seniors crossed the stage as I read their names.  It was a beautiful occasion even with the annoying wind gusts that created the low “growling” sound in the stage mics.  Because it was held outside at our new football stadium, the normal concern for germ exposure was less threatening.  Fist bumps instead of handshakes further reduced the possibility of threats to my still weak immunity system. 

For me, it was a graduation of sorts … I am venturing out more in public.  For instance, today I will also join Patty to watch our grandson Luke’s last indoor flag football game.  I have gone into a few sparse restaurants, and even visited my office wearing an air-filtering face mask.  It is nice to make a move toward a more normal, yet germ filled environment.

It’s a similar step for our senior class.  They leave the protection of a Christian home and school to attend universities where the enemy of our soul will try to snare them.  If they join the armed services, they likewise will be facing new and greater challenges to their spiritual health.

Withdrawal isn’t the answer.  As I guard myself from health threats, they must guard their spirits from besetting sin.  As countless friends in Christ prayed for my successful encounter with Myeloma and a stem cell transplant, so we all pray for these young missionaries as they take the next step in their life journey.

Lord Jesus, keep and protect the TCS seniors from all evil, lead them away from temptation, and use them for Your purposes.  We commit them to You, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  In Your name, Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

Here I am just 74 days out from my transplant and I am feeling GREAT!  In looking back, I really cannot say I had any suffering or monumental pain.  I am grateful for the volume of prayer that has been offered for me.

I heard of so many others who have had a difficult time.  Don’t get me wrong … I’m the guy who has been through a total knee replacement and two hip replacements.  I KNOW pain.

The Bible says “Count it all joy” when you do suffering.  I know I am at a new place in capacity for understanding and empathy for others who suffer and have diseases.  Your heart just “knows” how others feel.  I greatly value that.

Nevertheless, I’m just very grateful to have the opportunity to be of service to my fellow man.  Life is an opportunity to serve others.