BJ had another stable night...praise Jesus! His numbers remain good.
The ecmo Dr. met with us this morning to discuss his condition. She stated that while he has a much better chance of survival (originally 40-50%, now because of your prayers, greater), he is at risk for infections. His body cannot fight infections as the ecmo machine tends to destroy white blood cells. Please pray against infections of all kinds.
If he survives, he will have to have a tracheotomy...at least for a few months. This is hard news to hear. We are reminded of Paul's words in Galations 6:17- "Finally, let noone cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." (Why are cosmetic issues so important to us?) BJ will use it for God's glory-if given the chance, I have no doubt.
We are taking things moment by moment, and you have been such an encouragement. In my lifetime, I have never seen such unity in the body of Christ. We are so humbled that it has come at such a crucial time...in the fight for BJ's life. We claim no credit, but only give thanks to our God, and His Son Jesus Christ.
We are moved at how many of you are preparing flyers and t-shirts to get the word out. I believe the Lord will bless these efforts as many of you have, and will continue to have opportunities to share Jesus and His love with a lost and dying world.
The doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other medical staff are being ministered to, by the significance of the outpouring of your love.
I cannot say enough, How thankful we are!
Be blessed,
BJ's dad
posted by Pray for BJ @ 11:55 AM
28 comments
28 Comments:
We are praying for you all!!
God is a BIG GOD who can do more
then we can ever hope or imagine.
Our prayers are with you continuously.
John and Cindy Limbert
(friends of Lisa and Jack)
I just want u to know that bj is in my mind all the time
BJ you are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!
You all know that BJ and the whole family are constantly in the prayers of the Donahue family. I am so overwhelmed and touched by this site and all the posted messages and prayers. I have not seen BJ much in the last couple of years but I think back on his years with Kaleb and the other guys at TCA and at the years at Crosswinds. I'll never forget the year their Sunday School class did their interpretation of the hand motions to the "Walk through the Old Testament" (would 'overdramatic' be an appropriate term?). To see now the effect BJ and his testimony is having on a much larger scale is very humbling and inspiring. What a heart for Christ! Always know that you all are loved!
Kim Donahue
Thanks for the privilege to pray for you and for your hard work in missions this summer. God bless you and be with you through all this and your continued recovery!
Mike Banks - (missionary in Bolivia)
PS: Sorry South America was hard on ya...but we sure appreciate all your help in His work!
As a mom, I understand that funny little thing that wants your kids "perfect" and unscarred. But from what I've learned about BJ here, I have no doubt he'll use the scar as an opportunity to witness!
I have a friend, Deb, who had a tracheotomy when she wasn't much older than BJ and was fighting for her life and wasn't expected to make it. In the 20-some years since then, she's made the concious decision to NOT have cosmetic surgery to remove the scar. She sees it as an outward sign that is a constant reminder of God's grace in her life!
As you indicated, just another chance to bring up the subject of God!
Just a note to let you know that we have added BJ to our prayers. We pray for his speedy recovery and that there'll be no more complications hinder his progress. We heard of BJ from our friends the Koteskeys and we are thankful that God has led you both together in this trying time. Dear Shelby is a fighter like your BJ and we are glad that you all have opened your hearts to our friends. We can't be there for support, we're glad that you all are. God Bless,
The Andersons of Fort Wayne
I am still praying for you all the time Bj.
Suzanne Roberts
Dear BJ and Family,
We will be praying today and tomorrow when we go to church.
There is NOTHING that our Heavenly Father can not do.
Stay strong and keep your faith.
God Bless all of you.
In Christ's precious name!
The Ferko Family
Columbus,Ohio
We are friends of The Renfroe's in NC and just wanted you to know that there are prayers for BJ everyday in our household as well as our "prayer warrior" fiends. God's abundance will surround your family during this time and we pray that you fill his hands upon you continuously.
The Byerly's NC
It is nice to hear about another stable night. Hopefully, that will be the pattern from now on.
If BJ does go home with a trach, I would be happy to help out. As a RN, I have had plenty of experience. That will be a good day- when he goes home. Will continue to pray, especially for avoiding infections of any kind and for continued improvement with his lungs. Hang in there, hope you can feel the love and support of everyone. You are on our minds all day long. We love you guys.
Nancy
We got your site from our son Joshua, who also goes on AweStar trips. Je just returned from Thailand. You could have been our son. Of course we are praying for your recovery, for your ministry wherever God puts you, and for peace for you and your family. I am also spreading the prayaer requests whenever possible. God is Good All the Time! - AweStar Mom
Contiuing to pray BJ!
Dear Higgins Family,
My name is Lee and I'm the boyfriend of one of the nurses who is currently looking after BJ. Tomorrow I will ask my church here in Toronto, Canada to include BJ in our prayers. Soon a thousand more prayers will come your way!!
God bless BJ and your whole family.
Lee Stevenson
Toronto, Canada
Just wanted to let y'all know how many times throughout the day and even waking up in the middle of the night God puts BJ in my thoughts and I instantly start to pray for him and your family. Praying for an extra dose of strenghth and comfort for y'all today.
Becasue of HIM,
A Sister in Christ from Alaska
We just wanted to let you know that the Moms in Touch Prayer Group for Pleasant View Elementary will be faithfully praying for BJ until God fully delivers him from this physical trial. We will also be praying for the rest of his family, as your struggle is not easier nor secondary to his. I have just taken over the PVE MIT group, and we have not even had our first meeting, but I will contact the praying moms of whom I'm aware and pass this on. After that, we'll meet officially ever other Tuesday starting 9/6 and your family will be on our list. Just wanted you to know - and I'll be in contact with you after you return to school.
In Christ,
Andra
Just another guy praying for ya. I'm Tim Shepherd I'm the cousin of a girl that went to peru last year with BJ. It's gonna be awesome to see what God does through him when he recovers. Just push it through the therapy. Never give up.
In Christ,
Tim
I encourage you to take a look at Psalm chapter 34! For the theme of this chapter mine Bible says "God pays attention to those who call on him. Whether God offers escape from trouble of help in times of trouble, we can be certain that he always hears and acts on behalf of those who love him." The whole chapter is a good one, but the one that a friend of mine had put on her husbands stone after he defeated his battle with cancer at the age of 38 by joining our Lord in heaven was verse 19 "The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one." Jumping back was a verse that also stuck out as I read it today is vs 17 "The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles." Again I encourage you to take a look at the entire chapter! It was a great encouragement to me! Praying for you!
Ashley
Song that comes to mind "Call on Jesus" Particularly the chorus "When I call on Jesus all things are possible I can mount on wings of eagles and soar! When I call on Jesus mountains are gonna fall cuz He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue you when you call!"
Higgins Family,
I am continually amazed at the breadth and depth of love and concern believers are showing you. Sometimes I think we need a "cause" that will unite us and help us seek God's hand at work. BJ is that cause right now. I am so thankful that The Healer is making BJ stronger. Like so many others have stated, your family comes into my thoughts many times throughout the day and night and I pray for all of you. How awesome that Mercy Me has used their site to encourage others to pray. I know we will continue to see mighty things done to the glory of our Lord. Brent and Deanna, you comments are so encouraging.
Dear BJ,
I hope that you get better soon! I have been praying for you!
Love,
Nathan
Dear Higgins Family,
14 months ago, I sat in that same PICU; I walked those same hallways; I looked at those same walls; and I trusted those same doctors and nurses. I know how the doors echo when they open and close in the middle of the night and how the linen cart vibrates the floor as it is pushed down the hallway. I know that the cafeteria serves chicken strips on Wednesdays. I have been where you are physically, emotionally, and mentally.
14 months ago, we were faced with making the decision to remove my son from a ventilator knowing that he might not draw the next breath. I know how the cold floor feels when you're down on your knees praying for healing, and I know how your sobs echo off the tiled bathroom walls. Many times, I had only enough strength to utter one word prayers--usually, "Please!" and "Why?"
14 months ago, I wrenched my heart, beared my soul and surrendered all control of my child to the Lord. And, do you know what HE did? He said, "Good. NOW GET OUT OF MY WAY AND LET ME WORK HERE!" 14 months later, my little guy is still right here serving the Lord as always, and he has ever missed a breath! (Mention my Sammy's name to those PICU doctors, and I'm sure you'll see a reaction from a few of them!)
Just like my Sammy, your BJ is in a marathon now. There will be days when he will be running in the middle of the pack; other days, he will sprint ahead; and other days, he will fall behind. The important thing is that he's still running, and you're still right there cheering him on each and every step of the way.
Begin each day with, "I trust You today, Lord". "I trust You this hour, Lord." Trust in Him; He is in control, and He knows what He's doing.
I continue to lift up your entire family in prayer.
Leslie Harley, mom to Sam Harley
2 Cor. 4:7-12 -
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Still Praying for you Brother. Stay strong.
Your Friend
Jonathan Haag
Dear BJ, Ephesians 3:20 says: God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Sprirt deeply and gently within us. (MSG) Prayer for you, with you, and by you will be heard by the Lord Jesus Himself.
Hey, Higgins...we are rejoicing with you in the good news over the past few days, and still praying that God is preparing a miracle for BJ...to bring glory to His Name...to strengthen and deepen our faith...to draw lost people to the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Also wanted you to know that Therese and I both spoke to our parents about BJ's situation today. Both said that they'd put BJ on their church's prayer lists. Berean Baptist in Greenfield and First Baptist in Hope (both in Indiana). Love you all.
Hey B.J. and family!
We are all praying for you! On my site, and on my friend's site we have mentioned you! My friend's friend is going to ask her pastor to pray for you! And so are my other friends, put Washington state on a list of states praying for you! B.J.'s family, this must be really hard for all of you! But God will get ya'll through it! God is a awsome God!!!!!!!
Are people selling pray for B.J. shirts? I would like one!
Thank you!
God Bless! B.J. GOD IS THERE!!!
Love your sister in Christ,
Emmy
My wife and I were CC's for the Thailand trip this past summer. We pray for BJ every day. We know BJ has been and will continue to be a great tool in the hands of God.
Keep on my friends, there are many with you!
Psalm 91:14-16
BJ and family,
As I am in prayer for strength and healing for all of you this morning, I certainly can't help but offer thanks and praise to our Almighty God who has raised up such an able disciple in such a young man. God is blessing us all through BJ's testimony of His love and power.
God Bless,
Deb Krupowicz
this is reece and taylor students of mrs. may we just want to let you know that yall are in our prayers sorry to hear that he died but it was God's will he was a real blessing
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