Rick McPherson May Newsletter, 2024

After several painful weeks of waiting for the appointment, we were on our way down the Interstate to the specialists’ office. Typical to the late winter, early spring, the weather mimicked our moods, grey and ominous. But, following the Sunday afternoon visit to the ER, several weeks before, and the diagnosis of a pinched nerve in the L 4 vertebrae of Charlote’s back, we were determined to conclude the narcotic pain medicine that had brought a semblance of relief every few hours. The promised injection of an anti-inflammatory steroid into her spinal cord was offered with the possibility of relief in a couple of weeks.

After an agonizing SUV ride and wheel-chair experience through the building and up the elevator, we arrived. I was dismissed and was half-way through a bran muffin and medium latte in the lobby when my name was called and the procedure was done. “The doctor had trouble with the first attempt,” the nurse explained. “She struck some sort of mass, possibly arthritic, and had to use a secondary site to reach the L 4 location. But she was successful!”

We have since learned the L 4 – L 5 spinal motion segment, which also includes the intervertebral disc, joints, nerves and soft tissues, is located at the belt line. This segment is responsible for many functions, including, supporting the upper body, allowing the trunk motion in multiple directions, providing flexibility to the low back and is responsible for 95% of bending and twisting motions involving the waist. And, when it’s pinched, in lay terms, “It hurts, like crazy!”

Now, several months after the incident and medical procedure, Charlote is on the mend and doing much better. No more pain killers. No more narcotics. No more tears. Thank God! In a real sense we’ve experienced a RESTORATION in her body.

She’s not younger, but she is getting stronger and better and of course, more beautiful, every day!

In light of the fact that we launched this new ministry of RESTORATION as a sub-set of Pacific NW Outreach, Inc., it comes as no surprise that it would be challenged by the Adversary. We are committed to improving lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness, the very opposite of the Enemy’s determination to kill, steal and destroy, you and your kids. Therefore the opposition to the new ministry is expected and true to His nature He fights dirty and attacks us and the people closest to us. Interestingly, since the launch of the Podcast, available weekly on Spotify, the program has been picked up by iHeart radio and we are very encouraged. Additionally, the Facebook videos, also a weekly feature, continue to draw responses, literally from around the world!

You know the, “push”, in my heart to start this ministry came from the narrative that instructed the original disciples, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria and, even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Your support of this outreach, with prayers and finances, is vitally important. Thank you for standing with us and joining me in this ministry. It’s my voice that is heard on evert Podcast and Facebook video, but you help make it possible and as long as I have breath, and He enables me with the power of His Holy Spirit, I will be His witness … confidently, contentedly and invitationally!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have half a bran muffin to finish.