Hey everyone, please pray for my dad. We are ready for him to wake up.
Also, please pray for my family. Tonight is the Wild Game Feast (the event my dad was preparing for). There are many men attending. My dad would be so happy and proud. The Lord has been giving him such a heart for people who don't know Jesus. Dad's accident is proof that you never know when it will be too late. Pleaes, if you haven't done so, invite Jesus into your heart right now.
My heart is heavy tonight as I think about my dad and about how much he would enjoy this event. Thanks for your prayers. We serve and awesome God!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Please, Everyone Pray
The doctor just came in to see us. He told us that he would like to
have seen Dad responding more at this point as they back off the
medications. They are going to do a few tests to see if they can learn
more.
have seen Dad responding more at this point as they back off the
medications. They are going to do a few tests to see if they can learn
more.
We want to call everyone to prayer. Please pray that Dad would wake up
and have no long term effects. Please pass this on to everyone you
know who will pray.
We will trust in the Lord and not fear. God is our helper. Let's ask
Him to raise Dad up by the power of His Spirit.
Sent from my iPhone
Thanks,
-Brandon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Update on Dad and Justin (Wednesday Night)
We had more encouraging news this evening. Dad had one tube in his left chest cavity and another tube in his right. In the past 24 hours, both tubes have been removed. This will reduce the change of infection. So far he has done well without the tubes. Please continue to pray for continued healing in his lungs.
The medical staff slowly weaned Dad off his sedatives today from 1.5 to 0.5 and now to 0. They are still administrating a higher level of pain medication through the IV. The goal is to wean him off the pain medication over the next several hours (or few days if needed). From what we understand, Dad needs to come off both the sedative and pain meds before they can remove the respirator. This evening (as Mom, Uncle Scott, and I were in ICU with Dad) Mom was talking to Dad and three times he moved his bottom lip like he was trying to respond! Visiting hours are over until morning, so we will look into his improvement tomorrow.
The doctors say that the process for weaning Dad off the medication and removing the respirator will need to be done cautiously and aggressively. Cautiously because you don’t want to move too soon and then have to backtrack. Aggressively because the longer he has tubes in his body the greater the risk for infection. They said it would take a while for him to wake up. Some patients wake up slow and others wake up very slow. We will just need to keep praying for Dad and showing patience.
Please pray:
1. For protection against infection and pneumonia
2. For peace as Dad starts to wake up (if you know him, you know he can tend to react at times)
3. For no long term effects
Justin was in some pain today, but overall had a good day. He was down in the waiting room when I left the hospital. He might get to leave tomorrow (if not tomorrow then soon).
I sleep well in hospitals, so I have stayed over three of the four nights. Uncle Scott said he would stay for me so I could come home with my family. I plan to get some much needed rest in my own bed tonight.
Jonathan and I sang and led a song of worship in the church meeting this evening. Brother Steve really helped us see the truth about Jesus Christ. If you missed it, you missed out. Let’s ALL get in on the mission and support the vision the Lord gave to Dad and to the church. Looking forward to seeing ALL you men at the Wild Game Feast tomorrow night at 6pm. Call 405-634-1454 to purchase a $5 ticket. We hope to see all of you this Sunday at 10am to hear Brother Steve share again.
May the name of Jesus Christ continue to be exalted among all the people. God is using this crisis to advance His kingdom. Look around; is there any other explanation for these blessings but that they are evidence of a Creator who is involved in His creation? If you don’t know Jesus, you need to meet Him. He will change your life.
Take healing for example. God is the great physician. God uses medical science to sustain life - He always has. I guess one reason might be that it is a way for people to help people and show love to each other. But the doctors can’t make Dad better. Even the doctors say that healing only comes with time. Why? Because God designed our bodies to heal. God brings the healing. Pretty cool thought.
Thank you, God, for how awesome you are. You love us so much, and You have given us so much. Please just show us how we can love you back. Thanks for loving my Dad. I know He loves You.
I know Dad would want you to know Jesus and His love, too. Would you believe in Him today?
If you want to talk to a pastor about Jesus, call 405-634-1454. Ask to speak with a pastor about getting to know Jesus personally. Know this, Jesus loves you.
The medical staff slowly weaned Dad off his sedatives today from 1.5 to 0.5 and now to 0. They are still administrating a higher level of pain medication through the IV. The goal is to wean him off the pain medication over the next several hours (or few days if needed). From what we understand, Dad needs to come off both the sedative and pain meds before they can remove the respirator. This evening (as Mom, Uncle Scott, and I were in ICU with Dad) Mom was talking to Dad and three times he moved his bottom lip like he was trying to respond! Visiting hours are over until morning, so we will look into his improvement tomorrow.
The doctors say that the process for weaning Dad off the medication and removing the respirator will need to be done cautiously and aggressively. Cautiously because you don’t want to move too soon and then have to backtrack. Aggressively because the longer he has tubes in his body the greater the risk for infection. They said it would take a while for him to wake up. Some patients wake up slow and others wake up very slow. We will just need to keep praying for Dad and showing patience.
Please pray:
1. For protection against infection and pneumonia
2. For peace as Dad starts to wake up (if you know him, you know he can tend to react at times)
3. For no long term effects
Justin was in some pain today, but overall had a good day. He was down in the waiting room when I left the hospital. He might get to leave tomorrow (if not tomorrow then soon).
I sleep well in hospitals, so I have stayed over three of the four nights. Uncle Scott said he would stay for me so I could come home with my family. I plan to get some much needed rest in my own bed tonight.
Jonathan and I sang and led a song of worship in the church meeting this evening. Brother Steve really helped us see the truth about Jesus Christ. If you missed it, you missed out. Let’s ALL get in on the mission and support the vision the Lord gave to Dad and to the church. Looking forward to seeing ALL you men at the Wild Game Feast tomorrow night at 6pm. Call 405-634-1454 to purchase a $5 ticket. We hope to see all of you this Sunday at 10am to hear Brother Steve share again.
May the name of Jesus Christ continue to be exalted among all the people. God is using this crisis to advance His kingdom. Look around; is there any other explanation for these blessings but that they are evidence of a Creator who is involved in His creation? If you don’t know Jesus, you need to meet Him. He will change your life.
Take healing for example. God is the great physician. God uses medical science to sustain life - He always has. I guess one reason might be that it is a way for people to help people and show love to each other. But the doctors can’t make Dad better. Even the doctors say that healing only comes with time. Why? Because God designed our bodies to heal. God brings the healing. Pretty cool thought.
Thank you, God, for how awesome you are. You love us so much, and You have given us so much. Please just show us how we can love you back. Thanks for loving my Dad. I know He loves You.
I know Dad would want you to know Jesus and His love, too. Would you believe in Him today?
If you want to talk to a pastor about Jesus, call 405-634-1454. Ask to speak with a pastor about getting to know Jesus personally. Know this, Jesus loves you.
Completing the Vision
Dear Family and Friends,
This is the message that is going out on the phone dialer today at our church (Western Hills Church). I wanted to make sure each of you received it, so I am posting it to the blog as well. Please call the church office at 405-634-1454 if you have any questions. Our family is hanging in there. Please continue to pray.
In Christ,
Brandon Werner
---------
First I want to give you a quick update on my dad. He is still in ICU but is stable. Everyday brings new challenges, but overall the reports have been good. He is not out of the woods yet so please continue to pray. You can visit http://brandonandrachael.blogspot.com for updates and additional details.
My dad was working whole heartedly on two major projects before his accident. One of those was Mission Month with Brother Steve Harris. These special services on Sunday morning and Wednesday night have been anointed by the Lord. Over 40 baptisms this month! Is it any wonder that we might receive resistance from satan? I know my dad wants us to continue the mission. Would you please follow the Lord and support our family by attending these special services this month and making them a high priority for your family? We will meet tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30pm. If things stay positive at the hospital, some of my family plans to be here tonight. We hope to see you then.
The other project dad was working on is the Wild Game Feast for men 12 and older that will be in the Family Center tomorrow night at 6pm. We are excited about the message that Brother Steve will share tomorrow, but it will all be for nothing if men do not attend. Would you please, for the sake of the lost, attend this special event and bring men who need Jesus? I cannot wait to give a report to my dad about how the church stepped in and supported this vision and saw it through. You are a critical part of the vision.
We would like to ask you to help us prepare for this Wild Game Feast as well. Dad would be working hard to make sure the building was ready to receive guests. We would like to ask all of our men and Glory Seals to stay after the service tonight to help us setup the Family Center. Many hands make light work, so please make it a priority to serve this evening.
We would also like to ask our Glory Seals to arrive at the church tomorrow two hours early for the game feast to help finish preparations and be available to serve. Glory Seals, please arrive at Western Hills Church tomorrow afternoon at 4pm.
If you have any questions please feel free to call the church office. Thank you for supporting our family during this time. But more importantly, thank you for remaining faithful to the Lord and to the call that God has placed on this church and your family. Let’s continue to work together and fulfill the mission that Jesus has set before us… to share the love of Jesus Christ with the lost. Who will you win in 2010? It is a joy to serve you.
This is the message that is going out on the phone dialer today at our church (Western Hills Church). I wanted to make sure each of you received it, so I am posting it to the blog as well. Please call the church office at 405-634-1454 if you have any questions. Our family is hanging in there. Please continue to pray.
In Christ,
Brandon Werner
---------
First I want to give you a quick update on my dad. He is still in ICU but is stable. Everyday brings new challenges, but overall the reports have been good. He is not out of the woods yet so please continue to pray. You can visit http://brandonandrachael.blogspot.com for updates and additional details.
My dad was working whole heartedly on two major projects before his accident. One of those was Mission Month with Brother Steve Harris. These special services on Sunday morning and Wednesday night have been anointed by the Lord. Over 40 baptisms this month! Is it any wonder that we might receive resistance from satan? I know my dad wants us to continue the mission. Would you please follow the Lord and support our family by attending these special services this month and making them a high priority for your family? We will meet tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30pm. If things stay positive at the hospital, some of my family plans to be here tonight. We hope to see you then.
The other project dad was working on is the Wild Game Feast for men 12 and older that will be in the Family Center tomorrow night at 6pm. We are excited about the message that Brother Steve will share tomorrow, but it will all be for nothing if men do not attend. Would you please, for the sake of the lost, attend this special event and bring men who need Jesus? I cannot wait to give a report to my dad about how the church stepped in and supported this vision and saw it through. You are a critical part of the vision.
We would like to ask you to help us prepare for this Wild Game Feast as well. Dad would be working hard to make sure the building was ready to receive guests. We would like to ask all of our men and Glory Seals to stay after the service tonight to help us setup the Family Center. Many hands make light work, so please make it a priority to serve this evening.
We would also like to ask our Glory Seals to arrive at the church tomorrow two hours early for the game feast to help finish preparations and be available to serve. Glory Seals, please arrive at Western Hills Church tomorrow afternoon at 4pm.
If you have any questions please feel free to call the church office. Thank you for supporting our family during this time. But more importantly, thank you for remaining faithful to the Lord and to the call that God has placed on this church and your family. Let’s continue to work together and fulfill the mission that Jesus has set before us… to share the love of Jesus Christ with the lost. Who will you win in 2010? It is a joy to serve you.
Quick Update on Dad
Dad is in about the same condition this morning. According to the
doctors and medical staff, he is stable and recovering at the rate
that they would expect someone to recover at considering his condition.
doctors and medical staff, he is stable and recovering at the rate
that they would expect someone to recover at considering his condition.
Please continue to pray against infection and lung damage. They will
continue to asses the situation and wean him off sedation and the
respirator as he is ready.
Justin is recovering well. The doctors say 4-6 weeks recovery for the
broken bones. Please continue to pray.
Thank you for your prayers.
Sent from my iPhone
Thanks,
-Brandon
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Update on Dad and Justin (Tuesday Evening)
ICU is closed to visitors for the night. We really enjoyed seeing Dad today. The doctor came by this evening to give us an update. Nothing is sure day to day, but the report this evening was good news and brought a temporary sigh of relief.
These are the facts about Dad’s condition. I would like to ask you again to please help our family avoid speculation. Refer to this blog for the facts. Here is a summary of the doctor’s report:
1. The doctor addressed Dad’s swelling. He said that although it may look bad, swelling is not a bad thing. It is the body’s way to protect the organs from obsessive amounts of fluid by storing the liquid in the tissue where it won’t cause damage. In about 3-7 days (give or take), they expect that his body will discharge most of the fluid, allowing the swelling to go down.
2. The doctors told us that Dad does have pneumonia, which is thought to be the reason for his slight fever. However, his pneumonia is expected because of the fluids, bruising in his lungs, cracked ribs, and lying on a bed for over 72 hours. The pneumonia is under control and is currently non-threatening (again, could change day to day). Please pray that the pneumonia would not affect his lungs adversly.
3. Dad is on antibiotics to help control the pneumonia and prevent infection. Please pray for protection for his body. He is in a weak state, but we know that God is able to sustain.
4. The doctors are beginning to wean Dad off the sedation and respirator. This will be a slow and careful process. We do not want to rush this, but we do want to be aggressive in removing tubes as they can present a greater risk for infection. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and for God to orchestrate this process in perfect timing.
5. Dad is still on the respirator, but all of his breathes are spontaneous (initiated by him). The respirator is helping him finish some (but not all) of his breathes. His breathing is improving and his lung is no longer collapsed. We hope to see continued strength in his breathing as he comes off the sedatives. Doctors will continue to lower the respirator setting as he improves.
These are the details from the doctor’s report. These details tell us that Dad is on a slow road to recovory. He will have ups and downs, but as long as he steadily improving it is a good sign. There are still a lot of unknowns, but we can rest in the truth... God is faithful.
More evidence of God’s mighty hand:
Justin came down in a wheelchair and got to visit us in the waiting room and see Dad. He is still in some pain and having breathing treatments every four hours; however, he is doing well and is resting now. He is a trooper.
Dad’s doctor from today is a believer. We told him that hundreds (if not thousands) of people are praying for Dad, for Justin, for our family, for this hospital, and for him and the medical staff. He was encouraged to hear about your prayers. Please continue to pray for us all.
We are so thankful to our Lord for this opportunity to walk with Him in this trial. The amazing thing about our God is that He is giving us a greater focus. We do not need to focus on suffering, pain, sadness, and grief. Instead, we can focus on the goodness of God and His soverign power and unending love. We are called to be His witnesses. God is working in our lives through this experience. We are looking forward to the day that we can fellowship with Dad again. Regardless of the outcome, we will trust in the Lord. He is our strong tower.
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord to give up, I’d be a fool
You are my all in all.
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name!
These are the facts about Dad’s condition. I would like to ask you again to please help our family avoid speculation. Refer to this blog for the facts. Here is a summary of the doctor’s report:
1. The doctor addressed Dad’s swelling. He said that although it may look bad, swelling is not a bad thing. It is the body’s way to protect the organs from obsessive amounts of fluid by storing the liquid in the tissue where it won’t cause damage. In about 3-7 days (give or take), they expect that his body will discharge most of the fluid, allowing the swelling to go down.
2. The doctors told us that Dad does have pneumonia, which is thought to be the reason for his slight fever. However, his pneumonia is expected because of the fluids, bruising in his lungs, cracked ribs, and lying on a bed for over 72 hours. The pneumonia is under control and is currently non-threatening (again, could change day to day). Please pray that the pneumonia would not affect his lungs adversly.
3. Dad is on antibiotics to help control the pneumonia and prevent infection. Please pray for protection for his body. He is in a weak state, but we know that God is able to sustain.
4. The doctors are beginning to wean Dad off the sedation and respirator. This will be a slow and careful process. We do not want to rush this, but we do want to be aggressive in removing tubes as they can present a greater risk for infection. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and for God to orchestrate this process in perfect timing.
5. Dad is still on the respirator, but all of his breathes are spontaneous (initiated by him). The respirator is helping him finish some (but not all) of his breathes. His breathing is improving and his lung is no longer collapsed. We hope to see continued strength in his breathing as he comes off the sedatives. Doctors will continue to lower the respirator setting as he improves.
These are the details from the doctor’s report. These details tell us that Dad is on a slow road to recovory. He will have ups and downs, but as long as he steadily improving it is a good sign. There are still a lot of unknowns, but we can rest in the truth... God is faithful.
More evidence of God’s mighty hand:
Justin came down in a wheelchair and got to visit us in the waiting room and see Dad. He is still in some pain and having breathing treatments every four hours; however, he is doing well and is resting now. He is a trooper.
Dad’s doctor from today is a believer. We told him that hundreds (if not thousands) of people are praying for Dad, for Justin, for our family, for this hospital, and for him and the medical staff. He was encouraged to hear about your prayers. Please continue to pray for us all.
We are so thankful to our Lord for this opportunity to walk with Him in this trial. The amazing thing about our God is that He is giving us a greater focus. We do not need to focus on suffering, pain, sadness, and grief. Instead, we can focus on the goodness of God and His soverign power and unending love. We are called to be His witnesses. God is working in our lives through this experience. We are looking forward to the day that we can fellowship with Dad again. Regardless of the outcome, we will trust in the Lord. He is our strong tower.
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord to give up, I’d be a fool
You are my all in all.
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name!
Urgent Prayer Request (Tuesday Afternoon)
Dad’s surgery went well and he is still in ICU for recovery. I know many of you are interested in knowing when he might wake up and when the respirator might come out. At this point, our primary concern is helping him get better. There is a fine balance in timing these next steps. The last thing we would ever want to do is rush something and then need to take steps backwards. We are relying on the doctor’s knowledge, Doc. Dellinger’s council, and the Holy Spirit to walk in God’s perfect timing and will.
After surgery, there is always a risk of common illnesses such as infection and pneumonia. Dad has been running a fever at about 101 degrees. They are doing some blood work and tests to make sure things are okay. We are waiting for the doctors to make their rounds so we can receive more details. In the mean time, please pray that Dad’s body would be protected against infection and illnesses.
They will leave Dad on the respirator and sedative until we know more. Please continue to pray often.
Justin is doing well. He is in some pain as he continues to recover. Please pray for the pain to let up and for opportunities to rest.
So many good reports, but so far to go. Certainly still a serious condition. Please pray, and find peace and rest in God as we trust Him together.
There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail.
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say, “It is well”.
Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed;
The victory is won, He is risen from the dead!
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle’s wings
Before my God, fall on my knees, and rise.
After surgery, there is always a risk of common illnesses such as infection and pneumonia. Dad has been running a fever at about 101 degrees. They are doing some blood work and tests to make sure things are okay. We are waiting for the doctors to make their rounds so we can receive more details. In the mean time, please pray that Dad’s body would be protected against infection and illnesses.
They will leave Dad on the respirator and sedative until we know more. Please continue to pray often.
Justin is doing well. He is in some pain as he continues to recover. Please pray for the pain to let up and for opportunities to rest.
So many good reports, but so far to go. Certainly still a serious condition. Please pray, and find peace and rest in God as we trust Him together.
There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail.
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say, “It is well”.
Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed;
The victory is won, He is risen from the dead!
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle’s wings
Before my God, fall on my knees, and rise.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Continuing the Mission for Jesus (and for Dad)
Justin is in a room and out of ICU. Since his surgery, he is experiencing quite a bit of pain. They are trying to control that with pain medication but tonight he reports his pain level at an 8 even with the meds. His shoulder has been causing a lot of pain too, so my mom asked the medical staff to take another look at the x-rays. It turns out that he has a small fracture. They have positioned his arm comfortably and given him pain meds so he can sleep.
Dad is in ICU and doing well tonight. He will get at least one more night of rest under sedation before his real trials begin. When he is awake, he will probably be in a significant amount of pain. This will bring a whole new set of challenges. It will be tough, but my dad has never been one to back down from any challenge.
My dad has a challenge for all of you men.
Dad has been a full time associate pastor at Western Hills Church for over five years. He has proven for many years that he is a man that never makes excuses, always rises to the occasion, and never backs down from a challenge.
The big project he was working on at church was the men’s Wild Game Feast (this Thursday, April 15 at 6pm). It is a special event design especially for men. The event includes a wild game meal, a car show, small door prize give-a-ways, and some big time give-a-ways (like a shotgun, fishing trip, etc.).
Steve Harris will be there to speak to them men and present them with a choice, “Is the message and story of Jesus true?” I listened to Steve share the message at a men’s meeting and I will certainly say that it is a message every man needs to hear before he makes up his mind about Jesus Christ.
The thing about this event is that it requires men to bring their friends. Dad has given hours and hours into preparing for this special event. He also has given dozens of personal and public challenges to men over the past several weeks to invite and bring their friends to the event. Dad was working with several men personally to invite them to come. If he could, he would be out of bed and inviting people to hear about Jesus.
Since he can't do it, will you help him get it done?
I want to ask you men, on behalf of my dad, to come to this event and invite men to come. Any man 12 and older can participate. Tickets are $5 each and available at Western Hills (405-634-1454). Invite the men in honor of my dad, but more importantly invite them for the sake of Christ and for the sake of their eternal future. Please, please, help us honor Dad by participating in this event. I can’t wait to tell Dad about the outcome and what God did in the hearts of the men in attendance. Please help us make this report an excellent one.
Again, this Thursday, April 15 at 6pm at Western Hills Church. Call 405-634-1454 for tickets. Invite men 12 and older to attend. Thank you for serving our family in this way. I know it will greatly encourage my dad.
More updates to come. Looking forward to watching God show his mighty, awesome power tomorrow. Please continue to pray.
Dad is in ICU and doing well tonight. He will get at least one more night of rest under sedation before his real trials begin. When he is awake, he will probably be in a significant amount of pain. This will bring a whole new set of challenges. It will be tough, but my dad has never been one to back down from any challenge.
My dad has a challenge for all of you men.
Dad has been a full time associate pastor at Western Hills Church for over five years. He has proven for many years that he is a man that never makes excuses, always rises to the occasion, and never backs down from a challenge.
The big project he was working on at church was the men’s Wild Game Feast (this Thursday, April 15 at 6pm). It is a special event design especially for men. The event includes a wild game meal, a car show, small door prize give-a-ways, and some big time give-a-ways (like a shotgun, fishing trip, etc.).
Steve Harris will be there to speak to them men and present them with a choice, “Is the message and story of Jesus true?” I listened to Steve share the message at a men’s meeting and I will certainly say that it is a message every man needs to hear before he makes up his mind about Jesus Christ.
The thing about this event is that it requires men to bring their friends. Dad has given hours and hours into preparing for this special event. He also has given dozens of personal and public challenges to men over the past several weeks to invite and bring their friends to the event. Dad was working with several men personally to invite them to come. If he could, he would be out of bed and inviting people to hear about Jesus.
Since he can't do it, will you help him get it done?
I want to ask you men, on behalf of my dad, to come to this event and invite men to come. Any man 12 and older can participate. Tickets are $5 each and available at Western Hills (405-634-1454). Invite the men in honor of my dad, but more importantly invite them for the sake of Christ and for the sake of their eternal future. Please, please, help us honor Dad by participating in this event. I can’t wait to tell Dad about the outcome and what God did in the hearts of the men in attendance. Please help us make this report an excellent one.
Again, this Thursday, April 15 at 6pm at Western Hills Church. Call 405-634-1454 for tickets. Invite men 12 and older to attend. Thank you for serving our family in this way. I know it will greatly encourage my dad.
More updates to come. Looking forward to watching God show his mighty, awesome power tomorrow. Please continue to pray.
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