Last week I was hospitalized.  We didn’t know if the condition would be changed by bed rest and fasting or if surgery was necessary.  Late in the afternoon of my first day, I was visited by our Area Conference Minister Kwame Osei Reed and one of my colleagues Rev. Anne Holmes.  While I was very tired and in much pain, their presence lifted my spirits.  They quietly listened to Suzy and me, expressed their concerns for us both and for some of our family members who are experiencing health issues.  They both then offered to pray.  At this moment, the technician came into take my “vitals”.  (I was very glad to have them to give!)  We asked if she could wait a moment, and she asked if she could pray too.  The prayer circle was therefore particularly complete, including me, the patient, my family through my wife, the Church through my colleagues and the staff of the hospital through the aide.  The circle of love and hope and healing was profoundly affecting.  I was moved, strengthened, supported, and most of all brought closer to the loving, healing and comforting spirit of God. In that circle you, the members of Cleveland Park Church, were present in the hands of Kwame and Anne.  Thank you.