Hi, my name is Megan Stevens, and I'm fundraising for my dear friend, Jim Rotholz! The most amazing thing is how God brought us together to be good friends, but only a handful of months ago. My husband and I own a tiny house, and Jim responded to our ad for a new tenant. The tiny house wasn't a good fit for Jim's health, but Jim and I hit it off right away, and we both could tell that it was God who brought us together to be friends. With Abby about to give birth to her first child, Louise no longer around to care for Jim, and Jim living in a new city with no friendships like the ones he's built for a lifetime, God created this new friendship that would bless us both so much. I saw a man that was very feeble (often uses a wheelchair) but FULL of God's wisdom, joy and somehow still joie de vivre, despite everything.

 

For those of you who don’t know, Jim and Louise spent years in Nepal and Africa pursuing the work they felt God calling them to. In Ethiopia, Louise fell ill and never fully recovered, while Jim gradually lost his health and was later diagnosed with chronic Lyme Disease along with numerous co-infections. Together, we found Jim a doctor in Idaho whose treatment is gentle enough to protect Jim, but strong enough to eradicate the Lyme. Jim begins treatment the last day of May through the first few days of June, and then has follow-up appointments in September. After the June appointments, we both feel Jim would be better off to stay near friends in Washington State as he convalesces. The living situation he currently has in Eugene is not good for his health, and it's been very hard to find an alternative.

 

Today, we thank you for your interest in Jim's life! I know some of you know Jim through his incredible son, Jesse. I can tell you firsthand that Jim is a testimony to who his son came from: born of the Father, both of them. Jim's humility, desire to be molded by God, sense of humor and warmth are a pleasure and encouragement to be around. To new friends and old, we are asking you to support Jim's medical process over the next few months. He is using up his savings with this trip, but it's not enough. I am the one who suggested this means so he could pay for the Idaho treatment. Will you help us to meet this goal? The $10,000 will be used to pay for Jim's appointments now and in September, lodging during the 3-day procedure, rent while he's waiting for his final appointments and other living expenses between now and then.

 

We would love and appreciate your prayers, too! Jim's always seeking God's will and plan for his life, and we can see His care for Jim in so many ways! For one, He brought me out of nowhere to drive Jim to Idaho and to bless us both with this friendship! We'll post a few photos from our trip Northeast for those of you who'd like to hear how Jim's doing.

 

Thank you again so much for considering donating to Jim's life and strength! I know your donations will also encourage him emotionally. He feels he has asked too much of so many of you already in the past, but I know it is God who provides all our wealth, and he makes the burden light to share it with others. So please know Jim doesn't ask lightly. I pray God guides you to share and be blessed by it.

One final way you can help is by sharing this campaign with your friends on FB or elsewhere. Thank you!

If you'd like to read more about Jim's treatment, here is the facility we'll be traveling to at the end of the month: http://lymestop.com/about/