Restoring the Body to Health

21 October 2025

Brian and I feel so loved and so cherished. What other words could be used to describe all the prayers, encouragement, gifts, and giving we have received?

Most of you know I memorize books of the Bible. After I memorized Second Timothy in late spring and early summer, I felt led to memorize Psalms 67-89. Shortly after starting to write these Psalms on my heart, I received the diagnosis of cancer. How precious to be pondering on verses with deep emotions that reflect a cry out to the Lord, a worship of what he has done and will do, and a reminder that he is with us through each storm. 

This week, I began to apply the book of Ezra (an Old Testament book) to my heart and mind. It’s a book about restoring the temple in Jerusalem after a time of captivity. Many people ignore the genealogies and numbered lists even while reading the Bible, let alone memorizing. But each time I read or memorize, I find encouragement in these long lists. So, I’m tackling the lists in Ezra.

Ezra 2 lists out the number of people who came back from exile, whether per father, clan, family, region of Israel, etc. This list not only includes those who were released from captivity, but according to chapter one, the list also reflects those who gave articles of silver and gold, goods and livestock, and freewill offerings to rebuild the temple.

If you have a few minutes, I’d like to share with you how this list in Ezra may apply to you, and I hope you will find encouragement, as I have. First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

If my body is a temple (according to the verse above), then all the people who have and are praying, sending gifts and encouragement, and giving money for treatment have a role in my restoration from cancer, which I believe will be completed soon. 

So, here is a list in Ezra-style that shows the breadth of those who have gifted to the GiveSendGo fundraiser as of today. (Can you believe it is nearly funded?) Brian and I are so blown away by the generosity of the people whom the Lord has surrounded us with:

• Of the descendants of Mork: 3

• Of Jamison and their associates: 8

• Of Toastmasters: 3

• Of Logos members (former Sunday school): 8

• Of church community group (from 25 years ago): 2

• Of mission trip participants: 6

• Of ministry partners (including host homes): 5

• Of BMW (Bible Memory Women): 9

• Of CCC (Christian Communicators): 1

• Of neighbors: 2

• Of Pinnacle Men (a Bible study): 2

• Of former co-workers and their families: 2

• Of prayer partners: 2

• Of pastors: 2

• Of international friends: 2

• Of Fort Lauderdale friends: 2

• Of friends who simply love the Lord: 4 

• And a man in Chains: 1

No wonder God includes the list in Ezra 2. To me, it is a way for God to honor those who came out of captivity and donated gifts to build his temple. This list is not just a list of names, but it is a list full of those who gave from their means and from their heart.

In days to come, I hope to add to the list the number who have been praying, encouraging, and sending other types of gifts as well. For each is part of restoring my body to good health.

Written by Tammy Lea Fabian

Edited by Mia Atteberry