September didn’t exactly go as I had planned. I was excited about bringing some new ministry ideas to life, helping out at the KidzMatter Conference, and leading a breakout session on leading with clarity. I was also looking forward to catching up with my KidMin friends (most of whom I only see once a year) and meeting new people, coming away with fresh ideas for ministry.

But here I am, writing this while Mike is resting in his new recliner after having double bypass surgery. It’s been just over a week since he got home, and he’s slowly getting used to the new "normal" of taking it easy, resting more, and listening to others—which, let’s be honest, isn’t easy for either of us!

This whole experience has taught us a lot, and we’re thankful that the issue was caught before anything serious like a heart attack happened. Here are a few things we’ve learned:

1. Know your family history. Mike is one of eight known family members with a heart issue and only the second to survive a heart condition.

2. Listen to your body. For about two months, Mike had been feeling tired and dealing with neck pain, but it didn’t seem worse than usual (he’s had neck issues before). Then, he started needing naps in the middle of the day, completely wiped out from sitting at his desk. Something was off.

3. Have someone in your corner. Mike went to see his primary doctor, and even though his labs showed normal results, she kept digging. Because of his family history, she ordered a calcium score test to measure calcium in the arteries. That test literally saved his life! His score was the highest the cardiologists had ever seen, and they moved quickly to schedule more tests and get him the surgery he needed—before a heart attack.

I can’t help but think about how Jesus is woven into this whole situation:

• Family history is important. Just like Jesus' lineage. His genealogy matters because it shows how He fulfilled the prophecies in the Old Testament, connecting Him to key figures like Abraham and David. It reminds us that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine, sent to redeem us all.

• Pay attention to your body. Even Jesus took time to rest and recharge. He would often go off to pray, getting away from the crowds to take care of His spiritual, emotional, and physical health. He knew the importance of balance, and that’s something we need to remember too.

• Have an advocate. Just like Mike’s doctor was an advocate for his health, Jesus is our advocate with God. He stands in for us, pleading our case and defending us. Because of His sacrifice, we’re forgiven, and He continues to show us grace and mercy.

There will be other chances to serve, speak, and connect. But for now, I’m so thankful for our family, friends, doctors, nurses, and everyone who’s supported us through this. It’s also made me realize where I need to be better prepared, like reevaluating a backup plan for when I can’t be at church. And it’s reminded me how amazing the team I work with really is, both staff and volunteers.

I can’t wait to see the photos and hear all about what’s happening at the conference this week. Even though I’m missing out, I know God had a different plan for me this month—to slow down, rest, and let others take the lead for a bit!

Amy Bates has been dedicated to KidMin for over 30 years. She has been happily married to Mike for 32 years, and they have two grown sons who are pursuing their passions and careers in different states. As empty-nesters, they found themselves reevaluating their lives about 18 months ago. After much prayer and consultation, they decided it was time to say goodbye to their life in Pennsylvania and hello to Grace Heartland Church in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. It has been quite a journey, and they are adjusting and loving their new life. One thing that amazes Amy is how God places the right people at the right time in her life!

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