In 24 hours, everything changed for the Dean family. One day, Daniel was a lively four-year-old celebrating his birthday. The next, he was curled up on the sofa, sick with an apparent infection. Tests revealed the worst news parents could get: Daniel had Burkitt’s Lymphoma, an explosive form of leukemia. Worried about the aggressive treatment regimen and astronomical medical bills, the Deans turned to family for support–their family of faith. “In John 13, Jesus said ‘all will know my disciples by their love for each other,’” said Rev. Curt Dean. “People loved us with the Mother’s Day Offering.”
The Deans are thankful: for Daniel’s health, cancer-free since April 2012, and for the support of the Mother’s Day Offering. “We’re called to be ministers to each other,” concludes Rev. Dean. “This is a way we can live out the gospel and love and bless one another as Christ has compelled us to do.”
“Everyone will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
–John 13:34-35
“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.”
–John 15:9
“Let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
–1 John 4:7