Finances

As Brian's medical bills begin to be measured in the millions of dollars it is tempting to be overwhelmed - even with the prospect of medicaid assistance.

I spent some time yesterday talking with Pastor Walsh of the Church in the Wildwood about the situation. He assures me that some in the church are helping Jennifer with the maze of paperwork involved in getting Brian onto medicaid. It is evident at this point that Brian needs rehabilitation that will begin to restore his brain and muscle functions. St. Elias seems to be the best place for that but their refusal to take him in was at least in part because of Brian's financial state of limbo at this point. Some of the paperwork hinges on the court assigning guardianship and conservatorship to Jennifer.

We considered setting up a trust or special account so that private assistance toward Brian's bills doesn't become a tax liability to Jennifer. It looks like with the active engagement of Church in the Wildwood, the best way to help Brian financially is through their deacon's fund. Gifts will be tax deductible but it must be clear that to meet Federal standards they can't be specifically designated to Brian. The board of deacons is very aware of the Brian and Jennifer's situation and will and have been doing everything they can to help where most needed.

Gifts can be directed to Church in the Wildwood, Deacon's Benevolent Fund, 16832 Hanson Dr., Eagle River 99577.

As overwhelming as things can look from an individual perspective, let's not forget that God is great, and God is good, and He still knows how to work all these things together for Brian's good and His glory.

I was encouraged the other night from editing the text of Brian's Grandfather Peabody's autobiography. They were newly married in the 1920s and in the ministry and had their rent due the next day. It was $12 dollars. They had nothing. That night a visitor from the countryside stopped and gave them $10 at the prompting of the Lord. The next morning Great Grandfather Peabody (who lived next door) said he had two dollars to help with the rent and would deposit it for them and pay off the rent if they would give him the remaining ten. I think he was amazed when they were able to give it to him!