Prayer Requests

I'd like to take a moment this afternoon to ask your prayers for two dear family members. They are both so very special to us -- we love them dearly and desire so much for them to make it through this difficult time in their lives. If you feel led to pray for them, I ask that you pray that God would heal their bodies. However, I would also ask you to pray that they would feel God's presence in their lives in a very special and very real way. A way in which they could never deny His presence and His love for them. I so want them to feel God's presence in such a way that they could do nothing but want to feel that presence with them each and every day.

My father-in-law has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, this is not his first time to go down this road. Shortly after I met Jeff about 15 years ago, his father was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. Several years later it was liver cancer, followed by colin cancer, and lung cancer. Each time he has gone thru rounds of chemotherapy and each time made a full recovery. Almost two years ago he passed that magical three year timeframe where they declared him cancer free. However, about 6 weeks ago they found a tumor on his spine that was determined to be cancer. Last week he started radiation treatments that will last about 8 weeks. Neither my father-in-law or mother-in-law speaks of their feelings much in times like this, but I know it wears heavy on them and they could BOTH use our prayers.

My uncle is also in need of prayers this afternoon. Last week he was diagnosed and treated for a bleeding ulcer. While it was very serious for a period of time, the doctors were able to treat him he was back home after a brief hospital stay. However, yesterday he collapsed at home and was rushed back to the hospital. Early this morning, my aunt was called to the hospital as things had become quite serious... so much so that she had a police escort to get her there quickly. The ulcer had begun bleeding into his small intestine and, at that time, they had been unable to stop the bleeding. Since then, he has been through surgery where they were able to bring a stop to the bleeding. However, while in surgery the doctor felt it necessary to do a biopsy for pancreatic cancer. At this time, we are waiting to see how he recovers from the surgery and awaiting the biopsy results. Also, this has been incredibly difficult for my aunt (as one would expect) and she is so fearful that he will not make it through this. I know she could use prayers during this time, as well.

In closing, I would also ask that you say a prayer for my parents as they are traveling today from Minnesota to Arkansas to be with my aunt (this is my mom's younger sister). It is a long drive for them and, of course, they are worried as they travel. They are keeping in touch with all of us (my aunt and also updates to my sisters and I and other family members) via cell phone as they travel.


I thank you in advance for any prayers you may say for my family. I feel so privileged to know that I can ask this of any of you that read here regularly and know you will bring these requests before the Lord.

I love you all and will keep you updated.