As we sit here this afternoon, BJ continues to fight an apparent bacterial infection. It appears to be to blame for the blood pressure issues. The doctor told us a little while ago that if this remains unchanged in the next couple of days, that despite his BP being stable with drugs, they will likely have to pull BJ off of the ECMO circuit a week earlier than they wanted (his body isn't ready to come off yet). The reason is the ECMO system reduces the effectiveness of the antibiotics, but the antibiotics are needed to eliminate the bacteria. His heart is pumping infected blood to his lungs, further complicating the lungs healing. They also believe he may have a fungal issue as he has some symptoms on his legs.
Body of Christ, the road has been long, Beej has fought hard, and so have you. The way you have stood in the Gap for him has been an incredible blessing. I don't mind telling you that though we want to bring glory to God, we are scared. We also know He is the God of peace, and can bring that in this situation. We know He is in control and is not surprised by this. We trust our God, we love our son/brother, and selfishly, we want healing. Please continue lifting him up. His body is tired.
Trusting in Him,
Beej's dad
posted by Pray for BJ @ 4:12 PM
56 comments
56 Comments:
Love y'all.... praying for y'all... don't give up hope...
We are continuing to earnestly pray with you. You're right God IS in control.
Please don't give up. God is still fighting this battle for you. Praying hard.
Ashley Dawn (peru 04)
Oh, please don't give up hope sweetie!! I know this is a hard time, and I know YOU are tired to. Keep trusting in Jesus and HIS perfect timing, as we all are! Whatever happens, I know you will use it for God's glory, and that your son will be in His arms, whether here or in Heaven, but keep on fighting the good fight! Remember, the Lord doesn't give us more than we can bear. I know that is hard to believe sometimes, and we as humans can't deal with it alone. Only Jesus can help us through. That is how we can bear it!! Jesus can come in and heal in an instant, or in time. Trust Him! You know that He is in that room with your son at all times, never leaving his side, and holding him and guiding him through this. And He is there for you too. May God bless and strengthen all of you and fill these precious doctors with wisdom!! Keep praying!! All our love and prayers are with you constantly and we are thinking of you and your family every moment!
Linda Anderson
Willows California
Isaiah 46:9-10
9 Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
God,
We are crying out to you now. Please, please, Lord, heal BJ from these infections. Give him the strength to fight through this. Be with his family, also give them strength. Also we ask that you would be with the doctors taking care of BJ. Help them to make wise decisions and keep your hand on them through this process. We know all things are possible through you. Please heal BJ's body. Amen.
We are praying for BJ. Our prayers are also with your family.
Love Jim and Brenda May
Our family is praying for BJ and the entire family so much. Please know that when you are too tired or too weak or too overwhelmed to cry out to God, others are doing it for you. Thank you for sharing BJ's incredible journey with us. I know that God is glorifying Himself through all of this. Hold on to hope for He IS our Hope!
Marti Pieper
Awe Star mom
Since we received the report from Drew concerning BJ we have been praying as has our small group at church.
It is such an enormous privilege to pray and such an ncredible blessing to hear your determination to glorify the Lord no matter what. But we pray for healing - absolute recovery.
Lisa Burlingame (Drew's mom)
"The Lord your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zeph 3:17
Father,
I just pray that as BJ continues to fight for his life that you will spare his life. I know that this must be hard for the family because I don't even know him, but everytime I read the updates with more bad news I cry because I feel like I have gotten to know him through this blog and through some of our mutual friends. I pray that his family will get to keep the son/brother that they have here on earth. I know from all I have heard about BJ though that he would want whatever would help win souls for your kingdom more. I just pray that you will give him strength even when the doctors are losing hope. Stop this bacteria and if the doctors feel that it is best to take him off of the ECMO then help his already weak body to be able to withstand the change and to be able to support itself. God I pray for this family and that you will give them strength and courage no matter what happens to him. It is hard enough to lose someone who has lived a long life, but BJ seems so young and like he had so much potential to help further your kingdom. Let us all not give up hope and help everyone that has been praying to pray more than ever for him and his family. Let our prays be continuous tonight for him that he will emerge from this an even better servant for you.
Heather
STAY STRONG. We are praying hard for you.
IN HIM
Jonathan Haag
"They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them." - Ps112:7
"I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!" Ps 116:1-2
I am continuing to pray for BJ and I think about him constantly -- especially during my quiet times.
I am praying for you BJ, and your family!!
sometimes you just don't have the words, but i know through my tears and fears, the Lord remains our constant.
God,
heal my brother, remove this infection, and the bacteria. God i dont understand this, but i know you do, and i know you will have all the glory, God, bring him to full self again. restore, heal, and bring Your holy peace.
michelle
You are so heavy on our hearts and minds. We are standing in the gap for your entire family. May the God of comfort touch each of you.
Youngstown,OH
Dear Family,
Don't fear, as you know and say yourselves our almighty God is in control and one thing that BJ taught me was greater is he that is me than he that is in the world, we know that although God can use this for his glory, it is not something that he wishes upon BJ. Stand firm in the knowledge that our God has all authority in heaven and on earth, and that he is in you, and Christ promised that, if we ask anything, believing, it will be given unto us. God is Faithful and is a loving and merciful God. Know that I am praying for you as well as the international body of Christ. know that we are all here for you and praying for strength, peace and wisdom on a daily basis.
We Love You all,
D.J.
God has a plan just hang in there..Gods got the upper hand...dont give up...praying for you all
Dear Ones,
As I search for words to be of encouragement, comfort,and strength, all I need to do is echo all the comments on this blog. What a priveledge for me to call you brothers, sisters, and friends. Our prayers, thoughts, and presence remain with you at all times.
Our hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
KPO
Elsie Jay
Jesus please touch this family. You are the God of HOPE! Fill them now with your hope! Give BJ rest and restore health to him. In Jesus' name. Amen
Lori Burkert
I wish I could just hug you all. I know you have to be so physically tired. Please let yourselves rest in the assurance the our Lord not only is aware of BJ's condition but He is also aware of his outcome. During my several illnesses and especially during this long recovery from spinal fusion I have been reminded simply to trust. Imagine that you are on a 747 and going through turbulence. Just like you wouldn't think of going to the cockpit to take over control of that giant airplane to get to calmer air, just know you have the BEST pilot in creation and He is flying your aircraft to a place of safety and a place of peace. So, buckle your seat belts, put your tray tables up and lock em. But know this, your Lord and my Lord will Himself deliver you and especially BJ to a place where he WILL renew his strength and bring healing to his body. Paula and I love you we are right there with you!! Feel our hugs cause here they come !!! The Ackermans
Dear,God
Can u Pleeeeeeeeas help bj get better
let them all have faith in u.make strenth 4 them all let bj get better
let whitney and loren have a good year in college. please let them be strong with good news and bad news please just let us hear good news can u make that an erly birthday present thats all i want ill do what ever it takes
your loving daughter Julie Meils
o and thanks 4 all the updates
Julie Meils
I'm praying hard and I'm telling my Bible study group tonight to be praying. God is going to receive the glory in this! God, bless the Higgins family today - I believe!
Deanna,
We just wanted you to know your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Guerin misses you everytime he has music class.
Lisa and Guerin Wagner
Higgins, we all love you and are praying for you all!
-Laura Floyd
I try to check in on BJ every day & I don't even know him or your family, but I can tell that he has a huge heart for the Lord. It's obvious that his love for the Lord began solidly with his family who so faithfully lift up our God even in times like this. It's hard to stay strong, but there are so many out there being strong for you, including myself. I try & share BJ's story with everyone I know, every prayer chain I can pass him to-as well as the other kids you have mentioned. No matter what the outcome, God has already been so glorified in the coming together of His people and the witness you folks have been to the hospital staff and even the Christians who are following his blog entries. May we all learn to have the faith your family and BJ have.
God bless!
As a former employee of St Vincent, I know BJ's in great medical hands, but most importantly BJ is in God's hands now. Your family spirit and love of God has been and is an inspiration to so many people.
The entire situation has been a witness to THOUSANDS of people across the world. God does work in mysterious ways which we are yet to see. I wish my faith were as strong as even one of your family members. Keeping your entire family in our prayers.
Continuing to pray for BJ. Grateful for your faith and strength.
The Andersons of Fort Wayne, IN
I haven't known BJ for very long. I actually just met him at a church retreat this past summer. He's a great person and I am praying for him and the rest of the family. I have faith that God will help BJ pull through. My prayers are with all of you.
Your sister in Christ,
Lauren Kalogeros
Lord God, Hear our prayer for your child, BJ. Make his body strong so that he can fight off the infection. Touch his body, Lord, right now so that he can continue his young life to serve you for many years to come.
And Lord, please give Brent and Deanna strength. I cannot imagine their weariness but I know that you can lift them up and carry them through the storm. Let them feel our prayers and our love for them and BJ.
I am asking for a good nights rest for the Higgins family.
Dear Higgins family,
I read this prayer by Elisabeth Elliot and thought of B.J. I hope that it encourages all of you to endure during this time.
Loving Lord and Heavenly Father,
I offer up today all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, and all that I suffer to be Yours today and Yours forever.
Give me grace, Lord, to do all that I know of Your holy will.
Purify my heart, sanctify my thinking, correct my desires.
Teach me, in all of today's work and trouble and joy, to respond with honest praise, simple trust, and instant obedience, that my life may be in truth a living sacrifice, by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Master and my all.
Amen
~Prayer by Elisabeth Elliot
His strength is sufficient to meet all of your needs! Through this struggle I pray that you and your family will rely on the grace our Lord provides daily. Remember to "respond with honest praise" even as you are hurting. We were not promised a life without suffering, but a life without defeat! Our Lord is the Victor!! Praise His name!
"Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." Psalm 27:3
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13
I've been praying for BJ for many days, and as I persevere at this, I am CONFIDENT that God will give him the strength to persevere, too.
In Christ,
Rachel
Sunnycrest Baptist Youth
I HEARD ABOUT HIS
HEALING,
OF HIS CLEANSING POW'R
REVEALING
HOW HE MADE THE LAME
TO WALK AGAIN
AND CAUSED THE
BLIND TO SEE
AND THEN I CRIED
"DEAR JESUS,
COME AND HEAL
MY BROKEN SPIRIT"
AND SOMEHOW JESUS
CAME AND BROUGHT
TO ME THE VICTORY
OH, VICTORY IN JESUS,
MY SAVIOUR FOREVER
we're not giving... continually praying for BJ!
love,
hannah
Dear Father,
Those who hope in you will renew their strength. Praise you for your faithfulness. We honor you for your power and your control. You are prepared to care for all the needs of the precious Higgins family. We thank you, we love you, we humbly ask for your divine healing on B.J.'s body and for strength and encouragement for all the family.
In the name of Christ in whose image we desire to live,
Amen
Love from Northside friend
I heard this song on the radio tonight by Third Day. Its called "cry out to Jesus." They had excerpts of the Hurricane victims speaking in it, but I chose a portion of the song to post here, because it made me think of BJ and your family. I hope it is encouraging....
And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right
There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
~Annie Cain
Dear Higgins Family,
I have never met BJ but I heard about what he has been going through from a friend. I went to Carmel High School with Whitney and I can't imagine what you all are going through.
I have no profound words of wisdom just a promise to be praying for your beloved brother and son. I am amazed as I have read all the postings and updates at the amount of people that have gathered beside you and BJ.
My prayer tonight is that God will bless you with His peace that passes all understanding.
Humbly,
Haley McCracken
Anderson University
Higgins Family,
I know this is a difficult time that no words can truly express. Your faith throughout BJ's illness has been astounding. Please know that Jordan and I are lifting you up in our prayers every day.
Jordan and Tiffany Dailey, Northside
This is Hannah Long and I went to school with BJ.All though I didnt talk to BJ he is still in my thoughts and prayers.Hang in there BJ.
Hannah
Hello, my name is Kelsey, age 13, and I am still praying for BJ. I will continue to update my blog entries and keep this family and BJ in my thoughts and prays!I know that the LORD will take this in his hands and do what is best!
God Bless BJ,
Kelsey
I truly admire bj. I find it so amazing that he goes through so many hard and scary times and he still remains unchanging in his faith in the Lord. I pray that he continues to be strong and and his body will heal.
To Beej's Dad and Mom:
I can "hear" the agony in your words of the struggles that BJ is now facing...still, again. I have been praying earnestly for his body to recover, should that be the will of our Father, and for strength and peace to be given unto you and your family. Our pastors and deacons are now praying for BJ and you all also. May you find the strength to handle whatever tomorrow brings from the only One who can and does provide it. Bless you all.
I forgot to include that I love hugs...a truly good hug can convey so much emotion...love, support, pain,frustration, empathy. I am sending the longest, deepest virtual hug to you all. And I am also sending you a God hug...I envision Jesus with His mighty arms wrapped around BJ and your whole family, with His peace flowing through you. My prayer is that you will feel that peace.
To B.J.'s family,
I am Drew Burlingame's aunt. Since my sister (Drew's Mom) called me Sun. and told me about B.J., we have been praying. I am sharing about him with others and asking them to pray too. I have such a heart for this obviously amazing young man! I will continue to pray fervently for him and for all of you.
Brent and Deanna,
As always, you are in my family's prayers and hearts, as you are in so very, very many others.
I just wanted to encourage you in maybe a little different way...you have been faithful and steadfast examples to your family and others in such a beautiful way! Not only is this part of your journey observed and an inspiration to a vast amount of people from all over the world, but your faithfulness is mirrored and reproduced by the spiritual maturity we see in your children.
As I observe BJ's comments to the devotional writings of some pretty deep guys, I feel so inadequate to serve the way he has already done! I am a mother who is obligated by a variety of responsibilities...however, I would have loved to have had the spiritual clarity and unencumbered heart and availability that BJ has already displayed!
A large portion of that goes to the two of you for providing the examples you have, and for providing a stable, encouraging, sold-out Christian home that you have.
Coming from a "challenging" family background, I can tell you that THAT is invaluable! But, beyond providing just "normalcy", you have set the bar even higher and then helped to boost your children up to that bar.
God will continue to bless you for your honoring Him through your lives...with your outreach to others, and in your investment in your children.
You have ALREADY accomplished so much for the Kingdom of God!
Continuing in prayer for the healing and restoration of BJ's mission on this earth.
In Him Always and Often
Hi, I'm so sad for you but I pray with all my heart for you to get better. I want to see you smile again like in your pictures. Trust in God BJ. I will have faith too. I'm from Perú.
Lupe Silva
Bj, you are so strong, you have over come this much, so don't lose faith...Keep hope. I love you all and I am still praying powerfully!
In Christ,
Liz Wiseman
I love you guys... I'm still praying for BJ! Let me know if you need anything!
***Lord you are good and your Mercy endureth forever...*** GOD please just be with the Higgins as they go through this tough time, which has been going on for so long. Allow comfort to come over them and as they know that you are in charge allow them to be able to feel comfortable with the fact that you are in control of their sons life. Lord, God Almighty, I lift BJ up to you as he has been struggling, He can make it through this Lord, with your assistance. Lord please help BJ through this tough time, allow him to be able to add this situation into his list of experiences that he will be able to use to help witness to people all around the world! Jesus, please just Be with the Higgins and of course with BJ.
In Your Name I pray,
AMEN
Dear Higgins family,
I will surely pray for BJ. He is such an incredible young man who loves Jesus. I believe that our Almighty God is doing great things through BJ's sufferings, as it says in Romans 8:28. His life is a wonderful testimony especially to our young people.
Our Heavenly Father, we come to Your throne of grace praising You for using BJ as a bright and shining vessel to honor and glorify You. Right now Lord, BJ
needs Your healing mercy, Your presence, Your Peace, to sustain him during this difficult time in His life. Lord Jesus, bless the hands of the health team who will attend to BJ. Bless the medications that he will be taking so they will help fight all those bacterias rummaging his young body. Help him breath better each
day LOrd, touch his weak lungs, as you have touched his spirit breathing life that shines ever so brightly for others to see You in him. Father, You promised that if we ask anything according to Your will, You will do it. May Your good will be done Lord Jesus. In
Your most precious name, AMEN!
God bless and regards,
Gloria
We will continue beseeching God for BJ's complete healing and peace and comfort for you.
For what it's worth, have the doctors tried Levaquin? It's normally for people over 18, but might be worth a try here. It once saved my life when I was going downhill fast from pneumonia and septicemia. Nothing else worked. It's very helpful against drug-resistant bacteria.
Praying for you.
continually BJ, your family and you, Dad, are in my prayers. Climb into our Father's lap and know His loving peace and security. You are loved completely and eternally.
Dear Family,
I love you all very dearly and your are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. You must know how much BJ means to me, he is truly one of the best friends that I've ever had. And I've been holding onto him soooo tightly through this situation...but God revealed something to me today. He showed me that I need to release BJ from the death grip that I had on him. I need to want the Lord's will be done in this situation...no matter the outcome. I want the Lord to heal BJ...I hope that is the Lord's will, but I want the Lord to do whatever brings the most glory to his name...and he will. I'm still praying, I love you all.
Lord, I surrender my death grip on BJ. I want your will to be done in this situation, whatever it is. Father, glorify your name.
Dear Friends:
I have added BJ to our home church's (in Alexandria, VA) prayer list. There are some real prayer warriors in that church and I am confident that they are already praying. My heart is heavy at the news of an infection and other set backs. Please don't give up! God is good and knows your sorrow! He is using you!
In His love,
Christina
You're in my thoughts and prayers, here's a few little thoughts to help you keep your chin up....
God has a plan for my life. But he does not always give me the details.
God delays an answer but he does not deny.
The kingdom of God moves further with you on your knees.
Things are never out of God's control.
Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith opens the door.
In every problem there is a blessing.
Love is strengthened by working through conflicts together.
To get through difficulty, one usually must go through it.
May you truly be blessed by these as I am every time I read them.
Prayers for you adn yours from KC, MO.
Brent, Deanna & Girls -
Every time I sit here to blog, I want to wrap my arms around you & never let you guys go. So each time you read our blogs, know that we are hugging you from here! Your entire family is so amazing to Todd & I; I don't know if you'll ever know how much you've impacted our lives. I am often reminded of a friend of mine who survived a plane crash in '99 when I think of BJ...after the crash, he wondered why God allowed him to survive. He came to the conclusion that God wanted him to have a story worth telling others about. BJ definitely has a story worth telling - and how amazing that the reaches of our entire earth are hearing about Jesus Christ through BJ Higgins.
We are in fervent prayer for you - for BJ's body to keep up the fight - God is faithful.
We love you. If you need ANYTHING, please let us know.
Jes, Todd & Andrew Y.
I am continually touched by BJ's story. I just read the excerpt that was published from his journal. BJ is strong in his faith and I know he wants us to stay strong in faith believing for his complete healing. I pray that God continue to strengthen BJ's physical body to fight the infection and do what it needs to do to continue to heal. I pray also that God strengthen you, his family and friends, to fight the fight of faith. Stay strong because as long as we all fight the fight of faith the devil loses. John 10:10 (amplified) says: "the thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came so they (BJ) may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)".
God bless
God is good - all the time. Your faithfulness to Him and to your son/brother/friend is a living testimony to many. Night and day God calls so many to our knees in prayer. Be encouraged. Friends far and near, known and unknown to you stand with you.
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