News February 8, 2024
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 30 Days to 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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