By: Ed Sywyk
Thank you, merci, gracias, dank je wel, when you say it in English, French, Spanish, Dutch or any other language, it never expresses the deep emotional gratitude we feel toward our Lord. There are not words to convey my gratitude, knowing Jesus died on that cross.
What I can say is reflected in Matthew 25:33-36, “He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” (NIV).
I know this church has sincere and compassionate members who are anxious to do His will. To everyone at Central, I want to express my humble appreciation for the countless ways you had shown toward our family. I will not list them because you know who you are and what you did for us, instead I will glorify Christ on your behalf.
When our family started to attend Central, just a few weeks after my accident, the timing could not have been better. I needed the church more than I realized. As soon as our family came inside, we were immediately greeted by a teddy bear of a man. His hug of love, set the stage for what was going to be the turning point in our lives. At that time, Sunday School classes were well attended. The class we went to was ‘Maranatha’. We benefited not just from the teaching of God’s Word, or praying for each other, but for the friendship that was developed within. Another perk was hearing and sharing stories about our children, and how different situations were handled. For an unbelieving family, this was honestly, a very exhilarating time for us.
One Sunday night, with the Holy Spirit reminding me why Jesus paid for my sins, and how clear His word was preached, I accepted Christ as my Savior. Then on that same night, Don (Vicky’s brother) led my wife to our Lord, right here in our kitchen. The angels were definitely singing in heaven that night, because through God’s providence, we both were now living for Jesus. After sharing our wonderful news to the church, two deacons came to our house weekly for a personal Bible study. What a great opportunity we had to ask questions and learned more about Jesus. As the weeks and months progressed, our faith grew stronger.
We continued to have more opportunities to grow. I remember going on a ‘Men’s Retreat, then sometime later, Vicky went on a ‘Women’s Retreat,’ and we absolutely loved the ‘Couples Retreat’ that took place in Niagara Falls. Over time, our children accepted Jesus in their hearts and also grew spiritually. Each Wednesday night, April and Michael participated in the AWANA (Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed) boys and girls club. Even our daughter had a blast when she went to ‘Snow Camp’.
My life is just like we read in Matthew 5:45, “that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (NIV). We were so happy to be part of the family of God, then tragedy struck again. I believe because of my accident, my eye started to tear away from its socket. (This is called a retina detachment). Unfortunately, this problem persisted. Not just once, but over and over, for a total of ten surgeries. Each time the doctors would repair it, my other eye would strain and eventually start detaching.
I required several trips to the Ivey-Eye Institute, (a hospital in London), for all those surgeries or follow-up appointments. Somehow, I was granted the opportunity to have an Ophthalmologist in Brantford monitor my progress. I am still extremely grateful for the different members of Central and their willingness to meet my needs, both in the past and in this present time. (Note: We still travel out of town, for a specific medication on a regular basis. See my article Memory Lane posted May 8, 2025).
I praise our Lord that my eyes are only weak and I am not completely blind. My right eye lid is medically and completely shut. The right eye has no vision. The muscle on my left eye lid is too weak to open completely. The left eye has approximately five percent of blurry vision.
My attitude comes from Philippians 4:12, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,” (NIV). Through the trials in my life, I have learned the secret of being content. From my heart, I say thank you Jesus for Easter.
