Update on Dad (Monday Afternoon)

Dad has opened his eyes! There is still limited response, but it has been encouraging to talk with him and see his eyes again. He even blinks when we ask him to! This is a great sign. He seems to be more responsive by the minute. We have been careful on the amount of information we have given him, but we have been able to tell him that Justin is okay, that things are good at church, and that all of you are praying for him. Please don’t stop! Prayer is really amazing, and I believe that it is working! God is good!

We have to take the good news with a grain of salt – surgery is scheduled for today. Dad has not gone back for surgery yet. It is not uncommon for these procedures to get bumped to a later time. We are hopeful that it will happen today so that he can begin recovery sooner. However, we are willing to wait and trust God for His perfect timing.

Dad needs God to continue to bring healing, so we ask you to continue to pray. Here are the prayer requests:
1. Dad has at least two blood clots (one in each arm). Pray that they would dissolve completely.
2. The doctors have Dad on antibiotics for infection and pneumonia. Please pray that he would be completely healed of the infection and pneumonia.
3. Please pray that the surgery would go well and would happen in perfect timing. Pray that Dad would recover quickly.
4. Pray against long term damage in his body (especially his brain and pelvis)


Doctors are so limited, but God is so able. Healing certainly comes from the Lord. Everything the doctors do is just to try to make Dad comfortable and healthy… they always tell us that it will take “time” for him to heal (aka God’s working hand and incredible design).

We have been reminded through this entire process that we are not the only ones who are suffering. There are so many people around us who are in pain. It is especially easy to remember that truth on this day (April 19). 15 years ago tragedy struck many families in our city. Our hearts and prayers are with those who are still affected by the 1995 OKC Bombing.

When tragedy strikes, there is not much to hold on to. The feeling of hopelessness can be overwhelming at times. God has certainly encouraged our hearts before this surgery by seeing Dad awake; however, there have been many days throughout this process that have brought feelings of grief, fear, sadness, and loneliness. I could not image facing these things without the hope of Jesus. I know that many people would say, “How can you believe in a God that would allow these things to happen?” I say to you – how can you not? God is so faithful. We trust God is bringing healing and restoration to my dad’s body. We trust Him for the outcome. He is our rock, our anchor, our hope, our security, our fortress, our mighty God… in Him we trust. Even if Dad does not live, we will still praise God. Why? Because Jesus Christ has paid the price for our eternal souls to live with God forever. Apart from God I would have no hope for life after death, but would spend eternity separated from God in hell. But because of God’s great love, I will see Dad again… whether he lives or dies. Because of Jesus sacrifice Dad will be healed… either in this earthly body or by receiving a new body that knows no suffering or pain. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord for the hope of eternity and life everlasting. No more tears, no more sorrow, no more pain. I love Jesus so much and I am so grateful for the hope and comfort He brings.

Do you know Jesus? Do you know that hope, peace, and love that comes from a relationship with Him? If you don’t know Him, it is not too late. Come to Jesus, He loves you.

(if you need to know more about how to know Jesus, call 405-634-1454 and ask to speak with a pastor)