Comments on: Banished to Paradise

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 22:49:02 +0000

I’m still blushing. And tempted to reply, “Yes, but you don’t know about…” Instead, I accept this as a lovely and needed “grace note,” and thank you for offering it at a most propitious time. –Philip

By: Cyd Haynes

Cyd Haynes — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 01:23:56 +0000

Dear Philip , I am determined to thank the people who have greatly impacted my life. You are one of these. I have read all of your books, my favorites being Soul Survivor and The Question that Never Goes Away. I had a chance to meet you in San Diego at a church talk a few years ago . I have had a very difficult life (don’t worry I won’t go into it all ), and recently had the privilege of speaking at a Cancer Foundation event and also at some retreats. For my title I ‘borrowed’ your phrase , “pain, the gift that nobody wants” . I hope you don’t mind . I did give you credit for it =). Why do I appreciate you ? Your honesty , uniqueness, great writing style, but mostly because you’ve had a real encounter with Christ and are using the gift God has given you to influence our generation and many to come . Thank you , Philip !

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 01:27:06 +0000

In reply to julie christianson.

Dear Julie,
I’m so glad to hear of your concern. I was in Myanmar about 10 years ago, though I had no contact with leprosy patients then. What you say does not surprise me, as stigma of the disease continues to this day. Good for you for caring. I am leaving this week on an international trip, and do not really have access to the practical help you’re looking for. However, if you contact the American Leprosy Mission in Greenville, SC, I’m sure they will get back to you with some suggestions. Please use my name, as I have a good relationship with them. Drs. Paul and Margaret Brand were both on the board. Bless you, Julie. –Philip

By: julie christianson

julie christianson — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 19:30:28 +0000

I have ordered your book, The Gift of Pain, after being told about it by our Pastor during a recent board meeting for Love for Myanmar. (And also from a student in my Truth Project class recently) In 2014, we began working with a Christian Leprosy hospital in Malyamine, Myanmar. (Our organization has established multiple orphanages and other services for the past 6 yrs in the area.) I was astonished at the number of leprosy patients and uphauled by the number of family members ostracized and required to move into a leprosy community outside the hospital facility. We visit every year and this August, we will be taking a group that includes 9 young people (4 Texas A&M students, including my daughter.) The Leprosy hospital patients have been on her heart since our last visit. She has looked into medications that they need and we’ve found out they aren’t receiving all of the meds required to heal them from this disease. I don’t fully know what I am requesting of you. I only know these people need help, the disease can be cured, meds should be available and you have been an advocate and a voice for them in the past; as well as God has steered our journey into the realm of leprosy and the people of Myanmar thus far, recently leading us to your book. Any suggestions, advice, ways of making the public more aware, prayer, etc would be appreciated. Regardless, thank you for your diligent service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and your dedication to helping the least of these. Blessings.

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 02:44:46 +0000

In reply to Aster Dibaba.

Dear Aster,

You may not know that my father died of polio when I was barely one year old, after he and others believed he would be healed, and together they decided to forgo the iron lung. Your comment touches and inspires me. We’re the same age, by the way. I’ve often said that pain redeemed impresses me more than pain removed–and you’re a fine example. –Philip

By: Candice

Candice — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 14:49:18 +0000

In reply to Aster Dibaba. Saying a prayer for you today, Aster.

By: Aster Dibaba

Aster Dibaba — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 12:06:18 +0000

Hello Mr. Yancey:

Thank you for sharing about your experience in Hawaii. I am not surprised that you search for people that experienced pain and suffering. God has used you and Dr. Brandt to explain pain from many different angles. “Pain the gift nobody wants” was one of my favorite that I read and passed it on to people. I have a little cottage that I call Pinielle. Where I go and pour out to the Lord about my pain. I am 67 years old now when I was 18 I asked the Lord to heal me from my Polio because everybody thought I should be healed even in my innocent approach God did not heal me. At the time I did not understand why. “My grace is sufficient I will be honored through you.” was the message I got. I didn’t understand it then. Just a year ago in my little Pinelle I said to the Lord please touch my body and stop this pain. Again I got the same message that I got when I was 18. Looking back at these many years His grace has been more than sufficient and that He has blessed me to minister to others that are in worse shape than I am. The physical pain draws one to Christ. It is the hidden pain that nobody can see that robs our sights, our healing… So I do rejoice for my pain. I have learned not to waste my pain and suffering. All of us that have physical and other pain.

Thank you for putting your gift to encourage us all.

Aster

By: David Muhs

David Muhs — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 22:21:34 +0000

In reply to Dawn.

Dawn,
I find a great deal of pain in your reply.
I am not sure of the source of your pain with Dr. Brand. You felt compelled to write a response without explanation. It is my hope that your pain is resolving, although it is apparent there is still much present.
I am sorry, but hopefully you have been able to share with someone.

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 02:50:07 +0000

In reply to Carolyn Strafford.

I think the first bookstore signing I ever did was in Jeff’s store in Indiana. He’s come a long way since then–and a good way. –Philip

By: Lois waggoner

Lois waggoner — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 18:08:27 +0000

That was so good!! Lost contact with you both for awhile but often think of you and Janet. And Marshal. God Bless you! I loved Hawaii as missionaries from Philippines we would stop there with my parents and five of us children! In 50’s and 60’s . Not so commercial then.