Bertsch Tales

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

A little about Zion: Preschool Questionnare from 4-5-13

What is your favorite color? Orange
What is your favorite food? Candy
Where is your favorite place to go? Mason's house
What makes you scared? Nothing
Who is your best friend? Jesus
What is your favorite toy? Swords
Who loves you the most? Jesus
What is your favorite part about preschool? Playing with Swords

Monday, April 22, 2013

Poem

I found this poem in one of my Bibles today. I remember writing it as I processed my Aunt Alice's death from cancer in November of 1999. This message is similar to what Zach is sharing with his visitors as he prepares to meet his Savior.

I am going to Heaven so Happy and free.
I am going to Heaven my Savior to see.
No more sorrows, no more tears.
No more sin and no more fears.
The Lord is waiting for me there.
Love and joy and peace to share.
I will be waiting in Heaven for you.
Dear friend won't you follow Him too.
He will share your sorrows
And guide your tomorrows.
So you can come to heaven with me.

-Jenny Bertsch (02-04-2000)

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Rufener Family

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Zach's Devotion from April 4th

I have entered the stage of cancer where I am actively dying. It could be weeks but we don't know for sure. My body hurts all over and I long to go home. Yet, I still long to give Jesus praise and glory with my last days on this earth. I have been dwelling on the love of Jesus all the time. If we understand His love, we can love Him in return with all of our hearts. This is the ultimate motivation - to give your life to Him because Christ gave His life for you and to love Him as He loves you.

"Is what you're living for, worth CHRIST'S dying for?"

Monday, April 15, 2013

March 30th Facebook Post:
Zach and I met with his doctors at IU Health yesterday. The pain specialist was able to change his pain pump medications, so it will hopefully give better pain relief. Zach's Oncologist shared with us that Zach most likely has less than two months to live. He will hopefully be starting Hospice services within the next week. Zach is peaceful about going Home and we both continue to put our trust in Jesus. We are so thankful for the love and support of our family and friends. I was humbled and so blessed by the many cards and gifts I received for my birthday this week.

April 10th Facebook Post:

Our family feels so blessed by the support of our family and friends. Zach continues to spend most of each day in bed, but we are thankful that his pain pump is working to make him comfortable most of the time (He still has moments of intense pain). He is signed up with Hospice and we are thankful that they are able to care for most of his medical needs. His body is weak but I am thankful that he is still able to enjoy conversations with visitors. We continue to rejoice in the work God has done through the Cancer Redemption Project. It is such a blessing to see God using Zach's suffering for His glory. Zach is finding a lot of peace in thinking about Jesus and looking forward to his Heavenly Home. We have been reading books about Heaven to the kids at night, trying to help them understand the Home that their daddy talks about. My prayer is that they will find passion to serve Jesus all the days of their lives.

Today's Facebook Post:

Our family enjoyed a wonderful wedding weekend. I am looking forward to seeing how God will use Aaron Gerber and Cassie Bertsch to further His Kingdom. Zach was able to attend many of the wedding events because of the wonderful accommodations that the event hosts made for him. His time at the reception was short and he enjoyed visiting the people who came up to him while he was there. We kept today pretty slow since Zach is tired from the weekend.

Hard to believe that a year ago today (March 15, 2012) Zach and I were on our way to Haiti to place children in the first two CRP Homes of Hope. So many wonderful memories.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

February Review

February started with the reality that Zach's cancer had grown and that something had to be done about his increased pain (pain that was making it difficult for Zach to sit or stand). We made almost weekly visits to IU Health in Indianapolis to determine treatment options (see last post). My parents and Jason visited us February 7-10th. Some friends blessed Zach and I by babysitting our kids and giving us a gift card to eat At TW Fable for Valentine's Day. We went to a hotel in Fort Wayne with the Bertsch family the weekend of February 15-17th. The kids loved swimming and playing in the big jungle gym. Zach spoke to the Bluffton men at Finding Freedom on the 16th ( to listed on -line go to http://www.blufftonnorth.com/PreviousSermons.asp- March 16th). We enjoyed having dinner with Jon and Jennifer Isch on the 17th. Zach and I had a double date with Mick and Brooke Gerber on the 22nd. My mom, Josie (Adalyn and Weston), Julie, and Jacob and Beth (Malachi and Melea) all came to visit us the weekend of Feb 22nd-24th. I enjoyed a night out with other ladies on the 25th. Christa, Jack, and Willis and Anna and Coy came for a play date on the 28th.