Tragic events provide opportunities for God’s people to show Christ’s love in unexpected ways. The Coon family experienced that love recently after a house fire destroyed their home, cars, and other possessions.
“We stood on the curb at 8:30 in the morning, without shoes, watching our house in flames,” Denise Coon relates. “We heard our well-kept cars exploding—an indescribable feeling! We were totally numbed, just like we were watching a terrible movie.
“The night before, I was tired from housecleaning and considered skipping our daily worship, but instead, I picked up enough strength and called the children—Deborah, 23; Diane, 18; and Donna, 13—together. And as we each prayed, my husband came quietly and knelt down with us. He put his arms around the children, and we continued to pray. We shared with God our thanks and needs, including protection over us as we slept.
“And God did just as we asked. The next day we learned if the fire had occurred any earlier, none of us would have had a chance to survive. When we hold onto God's promises, we experience how true His promises are!"
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, For You are with me, Your rod and Your staff They comfort me ... (Psalm 23:4)
“After the fire, God touched the hearts of so many people, and we saw that the spiritual mission of Hinsdale Hospital is true and well practiced,” said Denise. Both Don and Denise have been Hinsdale Hospital employees for more than 25 years.
“Never would I have dreamt that there would be so many kind people from Hinsdale Hospital helping us out of such a tragedy! We would have had a very hard time picking up the pieces to go on otherwise. Our hearts are overwhelmed with what Hinsdale Hospital, Hinsdale Adventist Church, Joliet Adventist Church, my native church in Czechoslovakia, and our church, Downers Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church, have done for us,” relates Denise.
From CEO to central supply, people reached out and surrounded the family with love, hope, and necessities to start over. An account was set up at the Salt Creek Credit Union, and employee donations flowed in. The family received housewares, clothing, food, toiletries, a microwave, a television, a computer, and so much more.
“I was unpacking a set of silverware, and as I put it in the drawer, I wished for a tray to hold it. When I opened the next box of donated items, there was the tray I wished for. I realized, even before we asked, God supplied our needs,” said Denise.
“We felt like all heaven surrounded us. The hospital embraced us, and our church showered love on us. Thank you to all those many individuals who don't even know us, and yet they went out of their way to show us their compassion and care,” said Denise on behalf of her family.
Lynn Larson, Adventist Health System Midwest Region, Lake Union Herald correspondent
