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Multiple Sclerosis and Christ was started on June 21, 2001. A group of us who were participating on another multiple sclerosis support board, discovered we shared Christianity, and began praying for one another online. Several other members objected to this and we began to set up an e-mail prayer chain, which quite honestly, was pretty cumbersome. At the time my husband, Greg, and myself were new to  computers and knew nothing beyond the basics. At this point I like to say "We got an e-mail from God", in the guise of Yahoo on how to set up a free web site. We followed where we were led and were up and running in a matter of hours.
[Photo: Greg on my lap - one of my favorite photos!]
Multiple Sclerosis and Christ is frequently described by participants as being very unique. There is great joy in being able to openly share our love of Christ in conjunction with supporting one another on our journey with multiple sclerosis. First-time visitors are often put off by how close we seem to one another, feeling that they will never fit in. However, new members are quickly and warmly welcomed and I encourage you to introduce yourself and do not hesitate to ask questions or to make prayer requests. The web site is nondenominational and all are welcome.
Though in the beginning I did all the administration/moderating, and maintenance of the board, over time as we had need, others began to take on some of the responsibilities. Penny provided a place for us to begin building "a family photograph album", it helps to put a face to a name. Now you will see four different albums there, thanks to all the work Penny has done on them. But over time as issues related to our MS kept us from being here as much as we wanted to, Judy started maintaining the Albums. She will post photos for the members here - they just need to be sent to her via email in the .jpg format. It’s best if they have been reduced in size first, but if not she will do it for you.
Since my disease has progressed to the point that I am now a total quadriplegic, I have given over the reigns of the administration/moderation and maintenance of the board and all the connected boards to Judy. I feel like God brought her to us back in the beginning of 2002, because He knew the need would be here for someone with her web site experience. And at the same time He was training her and giving her a heart for the people on this board, and also for those who may be reading the board but not actually posting. Judy and I communicate daily for the most part, and we have come to realize that we think a lot a like and I believe she will maintain the "flavor" it has had since it's inception. She is always open to suggestions, and I know that she will prayerfully consider each new idea.
Prayer is an important part of this board and what makes it unique. Many times when someone asks for prayer someone will actually pray on the board, asking others to join with them in prayer for the person. Sometimes someone will even write a prayer of thanksgiving for all the ways he has blessed us and how he has answered so many of the specific prayers prayed on this board. I especially like to take part in these prayers instead of always focusing only on the challenges of my disease.
As the founder and original administrator/moderator, you should know that I have had multiple sclerosis since 1977 and because I am now severely disabled I use voice dictation software, which sometimes has a mind of its own, so if I ever say something strange, and I guarantee you it will happen, please ask for clarification. The errors have often been quite funny so be prepared!
I look forward to meeting you soon, on “the board”, which is what we call the message board.
God bless you,
Susan
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