It was a lovely Friday evening in October of 1997. My husband's bicycle was parked in the courtyard of our parsonage. He was waiting for me to finish readying myself for a trip to the bus station. I had been invited to hold a family life seminar in the nearby Kaitem.ba SDA Church, and he had to bicycle me to the station so I could catch a bus.
Upon arrival at my destination, I was greeted by members of the church. I was invited to preach during the Divine Service on Sabbath morning. My husband had told me I probably would be asked to preach, so I was prepared. I eagerly accepted the invitation
The church was packed. People had come to see their District leader's wife, and many were anxious to see and listen to the preaching and teaching of a woman. Also, they had not had a family life seminar in quite awhile, so they were looking forward to the message.
As I talked to the rural and humble children of God something unique began happening to me. My heart started beating extraordinarily fast. I began sweating. (This was not caused by nervousness; I was used to talking before large audiences.) now know I was experiencing the genesis of a health problem.
I managed to end the sermon normally and on time. No one noticed the symptoms I was experiencing. At the end of the sermon I made the following announcement, "Dear Church Members, I believe that you are aware of the family life seminar that begins today at 3:00 p.m. Please make sure you get back to the church on time."
Hugging and greetings seemed endless in the courtyard that day. I finally managed to slip away with the Headmaster's wife. She had invited me to lunch.
As we neared her house, my heart began to race faster. I was dripping with sweat. She and her husband supported me until we reached their home. I removed my Sabbath clothes in the hope that I would cool down. I drank cold drinks, but still the problem did not go away. Finally my hosts sent for medical personnel. An hour later, a doctor arrived and began ministering to my needs. I did not regain my health for two days.
Meanwhile, church and community members had gathered to hear my family life seminar. Unfortunately, they were told the meeting had been canceled due to the district leader's wife's illness. Oh, the humiliation I felt! I was scheduled to talk about health and I was too sick to give the seminar!
Still, as I look back at that embarrassing incident, I realize that we have no control over some things. We can berate ourselves and wish things were different but what good does that do? We must accept that we cannot govern everything. All I can do is thank God for watching over me during my medical crises. Though my heart attack aborted my family life seminar, my heart still clings to the knowledge that God watches over me.