Hello everyone--
Last week in my sermon I talked about a woman who donated a kidney. I wondered why someone would give such a generous gift. Seems like a risky sacrifice to me. This week I had an email exchange with the woman who made this incredible gift. Why did she give away a kidney to a stranger? it? Here’s what she said:
"Well, that’s a good question. Originally I was going to give it to [a friend], but then she got one from someone who died-the day after we found out we were a match.
Then I didn’t think about it again until last year right around this time. I read a post from a friend who had reposted from someone who used to be her cousin by marriage. She was married to a man who had Parkinson’s and wanted to be able to take care of him. But she needed a kidney.
I had an extra one because we only need one!
Long story, but my results from Methodist went to Iowa City. [My husband] and the kids knew it was important to me and said they supported my decision. Then IC said we weren’t a perfect match and asked if I was OK with going on the National Kidney Registry. They would be able to find a better match for [the other person] and my kidney would go to someone else on the registry.
Then COVID put a halt to things until May. We both got a match and surgery was scheduled for both of us on June 3rd in Iowa City.
Through a Facebook group that I belong to, I learned that my match was a
lady in NC that had been waiting exactly a year. She must have been waiting for
me. I don’t know who she is, but her friend who contacted me said that I was
her miracle. It’s very humbling to know that someone thinks of you that way. It
was a decision that brought about a lot of conversations with God. In my sixty
years of life, it’s the single best decision I’ve ever made. Two months later I
was back to my old self. So very minimal effort on my part to hopefully enrich
someone else’s life for many years to come. Oh and we were part of a chain- not
sure how big - but many people gave and received a kidney to keep it going
since January 2020. The little things we do to change the world are awesome but
sometimes you get the chance to do something bigger 
."
And that’s her story—to be part of something bigger. Something big—like the kingdom of God. A life-giving sacrifice that makes the lives of others possible. I am in tears by the end of her story.
So now you know why she did it. This month at West Des Moines United Methodist Church our focus is Together for Joy. How much more together can one be than donating an organ? And how much joy there must have been in that hospital room when someone received a new opportunity for health. And how God must have laughed with delight.
Obviously, we cannot all give a kidney, but we can all read her story and be inspired to do what we can.
Thy kingdom come, God. That’s what we pray. Through our lives may your kingdom come.
Blessings, friends,
Pastor Cindy
Pastor Cindy Hickman
West Des Moines United Methodist Church
720 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines Iowa 50265
515-279-0826
We worship at 9:30 on Sunday morning on Facebook and all week long our website. Join in together for joy!
This week at WDMUMC!
Midge is celebrating her 100th Birthday and who doesn’t want to be part of that! A drive-by celebration, led by a vintage firetruck, will be held by her home Sunday, October 18, 2020, from 12:00-2:00 pm. Midge will be at her home, with her family, greeting everyone. Meet up in your car at Fair Meadows Elementary School parking lot, located at 807 23rd St in West Des Moines. And follow the parade. Decorate your car! And bring a greeting card to drop off as we go by. And did you know that Midge swam across the Mississippi River when she was a teenager!
Watch your mail for our Generosity Campaign! Your financial support strengthens our church and makes our kingdom work possible. Together with God, we change the world.
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