Dear Family,
Some time back, I wrote to you about two people: a young child named Maya with mitochondrial disease and my ex-husband who is battling cancer.

Maya went into the hospital Christmas day with staph infection and we received word today that Al has a tumor on his carotid artery that has grown and is inoperable.

I am asking you to pray with me for their healing; and, for God's intervention in their behalf.

I know that where two or more agree concerning anything on this earth, it will be done. And, I know that there are those who know firsthand the miraculous touch of our Lord. May God richly bless you as you join with me in prayer.

Father God, You know our every need. You have had Your hand upon Maya and Al since before they were in the womb. You knew their comings and goings; and, You are able to make them sound. Our Lord Jesus bore Himself our sicknesses and carried our diseases. He said we could ask anything in His Name, believing that we receive, and it would be done unto us that our joy may be full. We ask, O faithful God! We ask for their healing; for their wholeness; for Your Name to be glorified in their bodies. We ask believing that You cannot but answer; and, do all that You have promised. We stand in faith, boldly before Your throne, not merely hoping; but, believing in the power of Your Holy Name, in the Truth of Your Holy Word, and in the great love You showed for us when You sent Your Only Son Jesus to be our Saviour, our Deliverer and our Healer. Blessed be the Name of the Lord Who does all things well. Trustworthy is our God!

Soteria,

I stand in agreement with you and stand firm on God's Word regarding Maya's healing. I pray life into her body, and ask God to show himself mighty as we agree in His Name! Amen!

Donnie and I are praying!!!!
http://www.savingfacewithfaith.com

Family Ross is praying for Maya's healing.

Terri -

HI! I am sorry to hear of this news. Please know that I am praying and lifting these folks as well as yourself up in prayer.

I hope that you are doing well. There seems to be so many needs. I think that since my divorce and the subsequent loss of my mother my eyes and heart have to opened to a greater awareness of this. Before, I knew that there were needs, but after after experiencing such great loss myself I find my heart very tender to these needs and at times it become exasperating to me.

I encourage to keep your faith and know that God is in control and that He is faithful and just.

God Bless you Terri!

Howie

Dear Family, thank you so much for your prayers. Maya is home and coming along as well as can be given the nature of her overall illness. Seems the staph has been controlled/erradicated (hopefully).

As for Al; we found that the Univ. of Chicago has been dealing with recurrance of cancers for many years now; and, they gave us an appt. last Tuesday. My son and I took Al up and when we got there, the doctors and staff were incredible. They arranged for us to see all the doctors we would need to pursue treatment on that same day since we are from out of town; and, because they believe immediate response is necessary. We have a second appt. this Monday to map the tumor which has grown significantly in the past few months. They said they would be going for a cure; but, the treatment would involve more surgery, more chemo and more radiation. He is not sure he can go through it.

Last Thursday, the Lord woke me and told me to go anoint him and pray for him which I did. He has not ever had that done before and was a bit uncomfortable; but, allowed me to because he knew I felt it was important. I showed him James 5 and explained why it is done.

I will know more on Monday after the mapping; but, am believing our God to be faithful and merciful. I appreciate your prayers as I know beyond doubt that God responds to the prayers of His people.

To Howie, I hope you know I have prayed for you as you went through your divorce and after your loss. I am so sorry that this has been a part of your experience; but, am grateful for the encouragement you have offered as a result of it.

John, Sharon and Ross, thank you! And, to all who pray but don't write (as I often do), thank you. I know that God sees what we do in secret and honors us for our obedience and kindness.

You are all so appreciated...It is a great comfort to know we are not facing this alone.

Much love and gratitude, Terri

Monday was a nightmare. The tumor has grown so big, it has taken over his entire throat and is up into his soft palette (sp?) and down into the neck. We are waiting to hear what they feel we can do. We should know tomorrow. Please pray for Al. He does not yet know Christ, and my children are scared. Al is scared, too. Please pray for us. Terri

Hi Terri,
Have faith my sister. I know that you all are scared. But have faith. Remember He is a God of love and redemption. The best you can do for Al is to plant the seeds of salvation, for we can not save anyone, only Jesus can do that. Lift Al up and pray that the Holy Spirit will descend upon him and that his heart is ready to accept Christ as his Savior and Lord. The Father already knows who will accept Him and who will reject Him. We will continue to pray for Al and your family. God’s will, will be done and it will be done in His time. Have Faith! Lean on Him.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Terri -

Just wanted you to know that Al, you and the kids have been on my mind and in my prayers. I trust and believe that will provide Al with the opportunity to accept Him and am trusting that Al will accept that invitation with open arms.

I pray for a spirit of peace and strength for all of you at this time.

Also, if you think it would help, I would very much like to send Al a personal note and card to encourage him and let him know that he is not alone in this battle. If you want, send me a private message with his address and I will get a card off to him pronto.

Terri - Brian (hey BCasey, it is great to hear from you - you have been missed my friend!)gives good counsel in his post. Take comfort in the wisdom of his words.

Please keep us updated. We are praying and want to serve you in any way we can.

Be blessed and hope to hear from you soon.

Howie

Dear Family, We took Al to Univ. of Chicago yesterday for treatments. He will be there until Sunday. He is quite down; and, in a lot of pain. The doctors will help with the pain. Please pray that he finds Christ as he goes through this process; and, that he is strengthed and comforted. Howie, I'll email you contact info. Thank you for your kind offer. To all who are praying, please know, I cherish you and covet your prayers. Terri

We need a miracle. Al's strength is dissipating; and, he is in so much pain even the oxycodone is not helping. Please pray for him. I believe our God is able to intervene and willing to respond to our prayers. Thank you...Terri