Praying for Bill, Ralph, a new publisher, and succession planning
In a recent conversation with board member Bill Snyder, he said, “Wow, you guys are really getting slammed! So many who are leaders in ministry are also getting slammed these days.” Then he named a Catholic speaker we know whose husband suddenly died last week.
And then, a few days later, it was my own husband who passed away unexpectedly.
It’s the times we’re in: So much evil has been loosened in our world that those of us who are on the front lines are getting hit harder. Of course, God will be glorified through all of it, and it unites us more closely to Jesus, and Ralph is now in a much better place where there is no evil — but for us who are left behind, it’s a years-long Good Friday. I envy Ralph.
As you may know, my husband and GNM co-founder Ralph had major surgery a couple of weeks ago. His colon was removed and he was recovering in a rehab facility. Sadly, on Monday February 5, his kidneys shut down and his heart stopped. They tried multiple times to revive him but could not.
Meanwhile I must continue with my own healing journey, recovering from two and a half years of stress from being caregiver for my mother, my own health issues, watching my husband grow increasingly weak, and now becoming a widow (not to mention other lesser but still difficult trials). Praise God for Graciela and the rest of our wonderful staff who keeps GNM running smoothly even when I’m off-line.
Amidst all that, another challenge has required my attention. Charis Books, publisher of my two newest books (My Soul Shall Be Healed and The Father’s Heart — see gnm.org/books-by-terry-modica), is quitting the business. Now I have to find a new way to get my books out to people. And I’d like to find a publisher within the Catholic family.
At the end of the month, I’ll turn 69 surrounded by friends but no darling Ralph. I’ve been thinking about succession planning. As long as God makes me able, I’ll produce faith-building content and serve as Executive Director of Good News Ministries. But when I join Ralph at Home to the Lord or if I become incapacitated someday, we all want GNM to continue. At the moment, I don’t know who will take over this ministry. Nor does GNM have funding yet to hire a trainee. God will provide when the time is right.
It’s absolutely necessary that I keep listening closely to the Holy Spirit for guidance on how to weave my way through everything. Your prayers for all of the above and for Good News Ministries are very much needed and appreciated.
Re-cast video podcast in memory of Ralph
Blessings in Disguise
Mark 7:14-23 tells us: Do not worry! Here’s how to let God be in control of your life instead of worry and fear. We constantly have bad things hitting us from the outside, and it’s how we react to them that matters. You have Christ in you. In this episode from 2018, Ralph shares his wisdom about how to rely on Jesus when you feel like worrying! You will find blessings disguised as problems.
Watch the video @ gnm-media.org/blessings-in-disguise.
Good News Prayer Room:
Use our collection of Catholic prayers designed with your needs in mind. They will give you hope and a stronger connection to God’s love and support. What do you need prayers for today?
Visit gnm.org/prayers.
Post your prayer requests @ gnm.org/post-a-prayer.
Good News WordBytes:
WANT MORE FAITH and HOPE in TROUBLED TIMES? WE’RE HERE for YOU! Choose from a variety of topics on our website of Catholic Faith-building articles. What do you need today?
Visit wordbytes.org.
God bless you!
Every morning, I lift up in prayer everyone who helps Good News Ministries in any way (donors, volunteers, prayer supporters, etc.) and all the prayer requests posted on our site. What can I cover in prayer for you? Post your prayer request.
How else can the team and I serve you today? Visit our homepage.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Your servant in Christ,
Terry Modica, Executive Director
Good News Ministries
gnm.org
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How to Win Victories in Spiritual Warfare
Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well
Lessons from the Blessed Mother
Daily Prayers with the Saints
Terry, so sad to hear about the passing of your husband , Ralph. May he rest in peace with his Lord. Please know that he and you and your family are in my prayers. Your GNM is a blessing and it touches many lives daily. May God Bless you and strengthen you and always provide the resources as you continue your ministry. “How beautiful (and blessed) are the feet of those who bring the Good News” Isaiah 57:7
Thank you for all you do for God’s children, Terry.
Love and prayers,
Joel
Eternal rest grant unto Ralph O! Lord, May light perpetual continue to shine on him and May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.
O! Holy Spirit, you are the COMFORTER, and it is your job to comfort Terry at this crucial moment. Please perfect your work on her. You are a God of perfection, please perfect Terry’s health and strength beyond human comprehension, In Jesus mighty name. Amen
Terry,
I am so very sorry to hear off the passing of your beloved husband Ralph. The ministry you both began has had a tremendous postive impact on my life. I am grateful to you both for what it has done for me in my daily life . So grateful to have found good news ministries so many years ago. May God comfort you in this difficult time . With sympathy Ann