Help us Build Bunker Better!

For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Derek and I entered an unexpected season in our lives a few years ago. Since 2023, Derek’s been dealing with a progressive, autoimmune disorder called CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy). Basically, his immune system has mistakenly attacked both muscle tissue and the myelin sheath that insulates nerves. Consequently, he’s experienced muscle wasting in both legs and forearms along with deteriorating skeletal muscle control (due to the dying nerves). He can no longer walk without aid. We use a transport chair on trips to the doctors (lots of them) and even inside the house. This is safer and reduces stress on his respiratory system.

You see, in addition to the mobility problems, the diaphragm of his left lung is permanently stuck in the ‘up’ position, which makes it impossible for the lower lobe to expand. More recently, the lowest lobe of his right lung is also underperforming, which leads to major respiratory difficulties. The diagnosis is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Just walking a few feet leaves Derek winded and requiring a rescue inhaler. He now sleeps with a special wedge pillow to keep his lungs expanded while sleeping. 

Despite all these issues, Derek’s attitude is filled with gratitude. He just wants to serve the Lord every day. We know many of you already pray for Derek’s full restoration to health, and we so appreciate each and every petition to the Lord. Until God provides that healing, we continue to seek the best medical advice while providing a safe environment for Derek to move and work in — which brings us to the need to Build the Bunker Better. We had thought to sell our house and move to a small house with wheelchair friendly facilities, but we’ve decided to stay in our current house. That’s why we took it off the market. But staying here, means we need to find ways to make the home safer for Derek.

The Bunker, as you know, is just a name for wherever Derek works. Recently, your generosity helped us to renovate our ‘Barn’ into a beautiful studio space, but it’s not safe for Derek to use it now. We’ve been talking with several contractor friends who speciallize in ADA renovations, but the cost is much more than we can afford. And so, we’re placing this fleece before the Lord, praying HE will provide the funding through the kindness of friends like you. No, let me put that another way. Through FAMILY like you, because each one of you is a family member — a brother or sister in the LORD. 

Our immediate goal right now is to raise at least $50,000 to cover the following changes to our property. 

  1. Convert the bathtub in our guest back to a roll-in shower
  2. Once the guest shower is available, we hope to replace the shower in our bedroom with a roll-in option
  3. Add grab bars near the toilets and showers — perhaps alter toilets as needed
  4. Replace the old bedroom carpets with laminate surfaces to reduce dust and allergen proliferation to protect Derek’s damaged lungs
  5. Add asphalt along the front of the Barn, leading up to our garage, so Derek’s wheelchair can easily and safely roll him into the Barn Studio, so he can work. Alternately, we could construct a concrete walkway from the garage to the Barn.
  6. Possibly, add a wheelchair ramp inside the garage (currently, Derek has to use a set of stairs that lead from the house into the garage, and stairs are getting more challenging with each passing day.

It’s a lot, but with these changes, Derek could get back to doing what he loves most: Serving the Lord by providing daily insights on the news and deep-dive teachings on the Bible. 

For those who have a bit extra, we’d so appreciate your donation. We welcome and need all your prayers. Neither of us foresaw this season of our lives, but the Father has always known it would happen; and so, we look to HIM for wherever this journey leads.

Thank you for reading and sharing. We love you all so very much. God bless you!

— Sharon

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P.O. Box 78
Crane, MO 65633

Thank you! We truly appreciate your prayers and support.

* Please note: Gilbert House Ministries is not a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so your gifts are not tax-deductible.