It has been a while since we’ve blogged. Sorry. It has been a rough time lately, especially for Jodi. She has been sick for basically 3 months now, with a severe bladder infection that has not responded to 3 doctors, and 3 rounds of antibiotics. On top of that, the Dr. said yesterday it is likely that Jodi has more cysts on her ovaries. She also has Candida, which is a yeast overload in the body, so she is on a strict yeast-free diet and some strong anti-fungal medicine as well. She has been in a lot of pain, and has been unable to stay awake for an entire day. She is sick of feeling sick! Jodi has another appointment with a specialist on the 25th, so we should know more then.
It has been very stressful for both of us, as we’re not currently in Swaziland and feel guilty about now contributing there, because the need is great. But right now Jodi’s health is our top priority. Please pray with us that Jodi would be HEALTHY, and that this infection would be gone for good. We are currently in South Africa, and will be until she is fully recovered. Thank you for being gracious with us.
Much love,
Marius & Jodi
Jodi and Marius,
We have been keeping up with your health issues with your mom, Jodi, and know this has been a difficult season. I did not realize you had so many complications all at once. Marius, love on her, be patient for God’s healing, and cling to one another. Your health and relationship is more important at this time than your ministry. He will use you again when He does His work in both of you.
Diane Hale’s Morning Light devotional today is appropriate:
”He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” [John 15:5]
A few of her words say this: “The first nugget of abiding gold is to ‘know’ that Christ is in me and I am in Him. In the acceptance of being powerless He makes His presence known. This relational God once invited within ‘abides—dwells in us—no fickle friend, for He Himself has said, “…I will never leave nor forsake you…” [Hebrews 13:5b] We are prone to wander—but God is faithful, ever present and abiding in us.”
We love you both.
Bonnie and George
Marius and Jodi,
I am sorry to hear about Jodi’s health and I will pray for both of you and also inform the Orange Church Womens Missionary society. Please keep us inform and I appreciate hearing the news of your service to God!
Lord, give Jodi your strength and please touch her with your Presence and your healing power. Thank you that you’ve given her a loving and gentle husband to support her and care for her during this season of illness. I also pray against the stealth forces seeking to keep her down, that they would have no hold on her, that in Jesus’ name they would leave. They have no place here. Jesus, care for Jodi the way she cares for the orphans in Swaziland. Make her well so that through her You may bring healing to them. Amen.
Marius and Jodi,
Sorry to hear about Jodi’s current health status. I know that Jodi has had her share of bad health luck the past few years. I will keep you both in my prayers. Get well soon.
Joe Nacchia
Jodie and Marius,
Praying these infections will clear up soon as they respond to our prayers and the medications.Jsut rest in the Lord for this time and be patient, God is not through with you get…HE is working.
Hallo there
Sorry to hear about Jodi. Hope that she will get well soon. Our prayer’s are with you. Everything is going well with us.
All the best
Herman & Hester
Our Sisterhood group will be praying for you. We love you both.
Jodi’s health is priority. I pray her pain be relieved.
We’re praying for you guys! We’re so glad you are
together and taking the time to get Jodi well.
Hang on to each other and to Him. We love you!
Jodie and Marius,
We Are Praying For You And Praying That God Will Reach Down And Heal Jodi And Give Her A Renewed Strength Like Never Before.
We Will Keep Praying For You Both.
Love,
Dina & Emily Fowler
Jodi and Marius: You are both in my thoughts and prayers each day….take care of her Marius. I love you both. Dottie.
Jodi & Marius,
I was saddened to hear about Jodi’s health and pray fervently to God for His healing touch to come upon Jodi in the precious name of Jesus. If you decide that Jodi needs to come home, I will get you a pass on Delta ASAP. I know you do not want to leave, but if the Holy Spirit directs, you let me know..OK? Our Lord is with you no matter how tough it gets, so do not lose heart!
We love you guys and pray for a quick recovery and a return to those sweet children who need you so much.
Dave and Susan
Thanks for the update. You are both in our thoughts and prayers. We trust that Jodi will be well very soon and you will both be back with the people in Swaziland. God bless you.
Thank you for even contacting us at a time like these. We know how medical conditions can take a toll on normal daily routines. Please know that we will pray for you both as well as everyone who is missing you dearly here and in Swaziland.
Jodi& Marius, My family and myself are crying out to God for your healing with all our heart each day so this news really sadden our heart to think what you are going through.
You are not alone, Jodi. Hundreds of people who event not know you personally are praying in the world, in Japan.
I believe YOU WILL BE HEALED Completely in God’s timing because I believe who called you to Africa is the God of love and compassion, also your creator and most of all He loves you more than anything. He knows how you feel each moment and pain. I wish if I could be there with you and just praying for you beside you. Marius, thank you letting us know your news. It must be really painful to see your loved one is in pain. We will be keeping you two in our daily prayer.
With love,
Juli, Masaki & Haluto
Jodi & Marius,
You are both in my prayers and will continue to be. What affects one always affects the other! ((isn’t it the truth!?!)So, I pray, too, for comfort for you Marius as God goes about healing our precious Jodi. God does hear us….and He answeres! Be strong and continue to help each other. Keep us all posted and we hope to hear better reports soon.
Much love & prayer,
Cindy
Hey guys! I’m so sorry to hear about all of your ailments Jodi. We will continue to pray for you guys in hopes that God will heal you fully so that you can continue your passion. We are behind you guys 100%!
Love,
Chris and Becky
Jodi and Marius,
I’m so sorry to hear about everything. We just love you and think about you all the time. You’re in our prayers, girl!
Jodi and Marius,
You know that we all love you here and know that we fervently pray and lift you up to the Lord on High. Expect miracles Jodi, He says He holds us in the palm of his hand, put yourself there. Love and hugs,
Grace
Marius & Jodi
I am so sorry that you have been sick for so long.
I know that your heart is in Swaziland.
Our prays are with you both. May God Bless you
and heal your body so you can do the mission
that you have in your hearts.
With Love,Horace & Pamela Flowers
Marius & Jodi:
Our prayer and thoughts are with you. The devil has a way of attacking those people who are doing God’s great works and our prayers will include asking the lord to smite the devil from your presence so that you both may return to your mission. We are extremely proud of young people who take an active role in God’s work and will suport you through our prayers and financially.
Keep up the great works.
With Love and prayer,
Harry & Barbara Gates
Marius & Jodi,
So sorry to hear about Jodi’s illhealth. You are in our prayers for a complete recovery soon. Just remember that “this too shall pass”.
Burt and Joan Prater
Marius & Jodi,
We are in a Bible study with Cheryl and she has been keeping us informed about Jodi’s health challenges. We are praying for healing and also praying that your marriage will grow stronger through this hard time. We know that you are frustrated, but we hope that in the near future God will reveal the purpose of your suffering. You are both precious to us and to Him!
Lots of love,
Jay & Cindy
God be with you and heal you. Trust in the Lord and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. Don’t be afraid, just believe.
We haven’t stopped praying for you. We will start praying more ernestly for Jodi’s health, your ministry, and your perseverance.
God’s will be done.
love ya,
Jerry & Dee
Dearest Marius and Jodi,
Thank you Marius for the update and letting us know how dear Jodi is doing. Really appreciate that. We join the many who are praying. May the Lord Jesus defend you both from the lies of the enemy and may you see the deliverance and healing of the Lord.
love you both so much,
Anna
Hi Jodi and Marius,
God is good…all the time! Hold on to that in these times. He is faithful. This is not wasted time. God is not surprised by it at all. He is accomplishing His purposes right now – even though it may not be what you expected.
“Jesus, we ask that you would meet Jodi and Marius right where they are. Encourage their hearts, be the lifter of their heads and the healer of their bodies. May Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven!”
We love you guys!
J & J
Just wanted y’all to know that I’m praying for y’all tonight and will continue to pray in the days to come. I had no idea that Jodi was struggling physically.
Salani Kahle,
Elysa
Drop the guilt. You are no good to anyone, let alone a nation, if you are not able to give your undistracted best. Self-care is the prerequisite to caring for others. I think someone cleverer than you and me said, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
We are standing with you to get fully well.
P & A
Hi my name is Taylor Jodi was friends with my mother Wendy while she lived in Montana. She still stays in contact with my Grandma whom gave me this web page adress. I am sorry to hear about Jodi’s health conditions and hope she starts to do better. You are both in my prayers. I wanted to write to say how wonderful I think it is all of the missions you are doing. It is a great way to spread God’s word. I am getting ready to graduate from Job Corps and am interested in going on a mission. I was wondering how I would go about that and if I dont have any money if they’re free missions? Well please just let me know. Take care and God Bless.
Love, Yaylor
Praying here in Canada. My guess is that you get 24 hour prayer coverage from your different world-wide contacts. How cool is that??
Love you guys and miss you so much!!
If you get the chance to send me a postal address, I’ve got something here for you.
Peace/Erin
Wanted to let y’all know that I’m continuing to pray for you and seeking for others to pray as well.
Elysa
Hey guys…was great seeing you on Skype Easter Sunday…glad Jodi is feeling better. I did download Skype when I got home and I tried to find you guys in S. Africa. I found a marius deetlefs in Pretoria…balloon1001 was the nickname…is that you guys? My name on there is just greg.thomason…send me a message so we can chat on there sometime.
Love you guys and miss you LOTS!!!!
Greg
Just checking in to see if there was an update on Jodi. Continuing to pray.
Elysa
Marius and Jodi,
I am so sorry to hear of the health struggles with Jodi. May the LORD rain down healing and peace on both of you, to strengthen you both for the work He is doing in and through you in Swaziland.
We met in February, when I was there on the vision trip. I can’t wait to come back!
:peace:
Jen
Marius and Jodi,
I have been praying for you both. I know you must miss being at your mission, however, Jodi’s health id most important. Remember thgat I love you both.
Waddy