Mission Accomplished
by Matthew Ellison
Several months ago we sent out an EUnleashed newsletter entitled, “We’ve Got Your Back” following is an excerpt:

Seven years ago my mother was diagnosed with Pick’s disease, a rare and aggressive form of dementia. In fact, prior to her diagnosis, one of the indicators that something was not right with my mom were the thank you notes she had written. I remember my dad saying, “Matthew we can’t send your mom’s notes any more, they just don’t make sense.” I insisted that we continue to send them as long as mom was able to write them…perhaps you were a recipient of one of those beautiful cards? Eventually, they stopped coming in and my dad’s main ministry became caring for my mom as she surrendered to the ravages of dementia. Though the Sixteen:Fifteen family has done our best to keep that prayer ministry alive, to be frank, it has never been the same since my parents stepped aside.
My sweet mother flew to Jesus just over two months ago, bringing my father’s ministry to her to conclusion. My siblings and I have encouraged my dad to pick up the prayer ministry that he and my mother had started. We explained, not only would this be an amazing way to honor mom, but turning his attention to God and to others would be a balm for his wounded heart.
Yesterday was my dad’s first day back at Sixteen:Fifteen in seven years. We prayed for our partners and I wrote cards on his behalf because of his failing vision. My dad’s first prayer deeply touched me and I know that it moved God, he prayed, “Father, I hardly know how to pray anymore and I don’t even know what to say…,” he then proceeded to intercede for our churches and partners. I know that God was moved and I know that He was near…”

My dad’s petitions have ceased and no longer will he offer up intercessions on behalf of others. Petitions and intercessions are means of grace that God grants to His children while they are on earth, but when they enter into His presence these aspects of prayer will cease. In John 16:23 Jesus tells us, “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing.” When we are in the presence of Christ, we will no longer ask of Him, because He will so completely satisfy our souls that we will not want or need. Nor will we ask of Him on behalf of others, for the spiritual work He allots to us while we are on earth must be done on earth. However, thanksgiving will be eternal. We will never cease to give thanks for what He has done. We will never cease to thank Him for being who He is.

‘Til all have heard,
Matthew Ellison
President and Church Missions Coach
I want to thank the many ministry partners that have reached out to my family during this time of grief. Please download the Featured Podcast, In Everything Give Thanks to hear more about how God has enabled me to give Him thanks during times of loss.