SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE

But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
1 Corinthians 16:8-9

Our friendship with Denny and Linda Brown began 40 years ago when we moved to Toledo, Ohio. Then in 1991, they moved to Fort Myers, and Denny started  serving at the Community Cooperative, Inc., an organization that serves thousands of individuals. He began driving two or three days a week for Meals on Wheels and performed security checks. Denny didn’t just drive; he secured other drivers and held fundraisers for the organization. When necessary, Denny delivered food and care products to those with pets. Soon, he became a member of the Community Cooperative Board and, in 2011, was honored as the “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year” for faithfully serving the organization for 24 years.

In 1 Corinthians 16:8-9, Paul states, “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” Unlike Paul, no one opposed Denny. But like Paul, he was always compelled to improve the conditions of those he served. It saddened him to think that many were receiving food items they did not like or enjoy. As a result, Denny introduced the Community Market to replace the impersonal brown bag of handout food items. Here recipients entered a well-laid-out marketplace to choose food items. It still exists today, preserving dignity for those in need rather than just standing in line for a handout.

In 1994 Denny’s mother, Margaret, had a massive stroke. A year of rehab and therapy did not bring improvement and Denny became her caretaker until her death on Easter Sunday in 2003. His father, Jim, also had significant medical issues. Though his needs did not require daily care, once he was alone, his well-being was on Denny’s mind. He passed shortly after Margaret and although his parents did not intentionally oppose him, as the years passed, their diminished health made it more and more challenging. We never saw one moment when Denny was discouraged or resentful in his care for them.

Denny’s missionary service ended seven years ago when he had a massive stroke—and shortly after, two more. He is now non-verbal and can only use his left arm and hand. However, Denny always greets us with a huge smile and guttural welcome sounds. His eyes sparkle, and he does not display self-pity. His dedication has passed on to his wife, Linda, who tirelessly provides and oversees the care he needs within their home.

Our friendship has grown over the years as we witness their love for each other and their love for serving others. This common thread has strengthened our friendship and encouraged us to love and serve others wholeheartedly.

by Jerry & Sharon Weisenauer