CATHERINE'S HOPE

Our sister Catherine Lisa Schlueter is strong, convicted, and compassionate. She has the most beautiful, joy-filled smile and the unique gift for looking at each person as if they’re the only one in the world.

If you know Catherine, you know that she’s been battling a mysterious autoimmune disease for almost ten years. This has entailed severe food sensitivities, chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, and an endless list of other symptoms that come and go inexplicably.

It feels surreal to see that number, but those ten years have entailed so many doctors, so many tears, so many changes and sacrifices to support her health, and so many seasons of symptoms seemingly healed, only to come back again and again. So much silent suffering and prayers offered up for so many.

It has been so hard for us to watch our sister, so full of life, have to hold back on so many dreams God has placed in her heart due to this mysterious illness. All of us have been profoundly touched by how she has endured this with holiness.

It was so inspiring for Catherine to complete her first year at Hillsdale College (making Dean's List!) despite intense health challenges. As summer neared its end, she had to make the heart-wrenching decision to stay home and pursue healing instead of returning as a sophomore. Based upon the strong recommendations of many friends, she began seeing a functional specialist who confidently diagnosed her with severe mold toxicity. For the first time, we have confidence in a clear path that will hopefully result in healing!

With our parents, we continue to sacrifice and contribute what we can towards our sister's healing, but we are in need of $21,000 to fill in the gap (adjusting as financial needs are known). We are coming together to humbly ask for your continued prayers and contributions toward Catherine’s health and healing. We are so blessed by our generous, faith-filled community and the ways many have loved, prayed for, and supported her. Thank you so much for your prayers, consideration and support.

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RECENT JOURNAL ENTRY:

Here is me: tired to the bone after a not-uncommon rough night. Weak, broken, weary.

But I felt called to testify to His abundant goodness and love. And what a privilege it is to console His heart by carrying my cross and following Him. The mysteries I find when my body is so sick and broken that the spirit is given room to breathe and becomes magnified in a way that my sole focus is centered on Heaven. And I start living for eternity.

Some may wonder how I can smile and laugh and dance amidst intense pain. Many people have actually been surprised that I have health issues and often say to me after they find out: "you look really good!" It is because my spirit isn't constrained, it is free. And I am so held by Him that I can dance amidst the tears streaming down my face when they come. I cry-- a lot. But not so much out of discouragement or despair. My weakness cries out for His strength. And His consolation. And He shows up. I find my rest in Him, and He lights me up. I cannot contain the Light.

This song Come to Me by @jennjohnson20 awakens my heart every time I listen to it. It is a song for this season and my unceasing anthem.

"I am your anchor in the wind and the waves

I am your steadfast so don't be afraid

Though your heart and flesh may fail you I'm your faithful strength

I am with you wherever you go"

My prayer is to suffer heroically and that those who encounter me would encounter the weight of God's love for them. Because He suffers for us and His heart longs to be loved.