Body of Christ...
Right now BJ is at a very critical place. He has been on ECMO (taking his blood out of his body to oxygenate it, then pumping it back in) for 23 days, and the doctors have not seen the kind of improvements for which they had hoped. At this point, they feel that the ECMO is perpetuating problems in his body. They have not been able to turn down the ECMO pump so far because of his condition, but it has become crucial that they be able to wean him off of the ECMO circuit and onto the oscillating ventilator by tomorrow morning. This is his best, possibly only, shot right now.
The ECMO weaning has been delayed because the broncoscopy revealed an abnormality in his left lung. It is something the doctors have never seen before, and they do not know what it is. They plan to do a biopsy after BJ is off ECMO, so as not to complicate bleeding and clotting. They need to be able to diagnose this new concern so they are able to treat it.
Please pray that the timing of all of these important procedures goes well and are arranged in a way that gives BJ the best possible chance of survival.
Whitney began to sing this worship song at BJ's bedside. Its appropriateness struck me:
When I cannot feel
When my wounds don't heal
Lord, I humbly kneel hidden in You.
Lord, You are my life
So I don't mind to die
Just as long as I am hidden in you.
If I could just sit with you a while
If you could just hold me
Nothing could touch me though I'm wounded, though I've died.
If you could just sit with me a while
I need you to hold me,
Moment by moment til forever passes by.
-MercyMe
We once again come before our Savior's feet and beg for the life of this man so devoted to spreading Jesus's Truth.
Lauren
posted by Pray for BJ @ 6:13 PM
47 comments
47 Comments:
Crying out to God. Stay strong. He'll bring you through this.
continuely praying and not letting up
Still praying.May you be surrounded by His presence. Our God is able! Karen in NC
Still praying.
My soul is crying and yet is hopeful that the Lord will mend, strengthen and heal BJ. We must remain in Jesus, with Jesus and for Him.
still praying .. we love you
When I find that I cannot find words to voice my petition, I am reminded that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (Romans 8:26-27 NIV).
BJ has the most powerful One--the Holy Spirit himself--as his intercessor.
Brent, Deanna, Lauren, and Whitney, may you find peace in the anxious moments of this night knowing that you too are being lifted to the throne of grace by the Intercessor of our souls.
My heart and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Becky
continually praying for you. you will get through this ok. Mandy OK
To Brent, Deanna, Lauren, and Whitney--
I'm going to my room right now, where I can be alone and pray and meditate. I'm just going to be still before God and listen to what He is telling me to pray for. Our God is so able and so good, and I know BJ is in love with the Lord...but I can only imagine how painful this is for you, and I am lifting both you and BJ up.
"Lord, we don't know where all this is going,
Or how it all works out.
Lead us to peace that is past understanding,
A peace beyond all doubt.
O Lord you are the Author,
Redeeming what's been done,
You hold us in the present,
And all that is to come..."
-Newsboys
God has given us all the same spirit of prayer and crying out for BJ and for all of you. . .may He surround each of you with His continual care. . .and many, many "divine encounters."
Marti
Awe Star mom
"Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art- Thou my best thought by day or by night waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true Word; I ever with me and Thou with me Lord, Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; Thou in me dwelling. and I with The one.
Be Thou my battleshield, sword for the fight; Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight, Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower: Raise Thou me heavenward, O power of my power. Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O ruler of all."
A hymn of prayer for you all.
Praying with all our hearts and lifting you before His throne.
My church, my family, and my friends are all praying for BJ, his family and for all the doctors and nurses that help him everyday.
Evertime I think of BJ I think of Job, and remember in the end everything came out twice as good for Job and the same can and will happen for BJ.
Lots of love and prayer
I know as parents that is is such a hard time for you guys. We are praying that God will intervine and stop whatever is going on in his body. I have children and couln't imagine what you are going through right now. Please, please keep your faith alive. Remember, all of this is happening for a reason. BJ has touched so many of us and is spreading the word of Jesus from a hospital bed. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we wish you a peaceful rest of the night. In Chirst,
Laura
I don't know what else to say but we love you, we feel for you, we pray for you. I keep hearing this old gospel song that says:
"I don't feel no ways tired,
I've come too far from where I started from.
Nobody told me that the road would be easy,
I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me."
I'm sure you are tired and weary and heavy laden. Don't get down on yourselves because of that. How could you not be. But, He promised if you would come to Him, He would give you rest. Spend time in His arms. I don't believe He's brought you this far to leave you.
Father,
In the name of Jesus we take authority over this situation. We know that you are willing and able to heal B.J. and we ask right now that you not only heal his lung but that you would put everything back in perfect working condition. Satan we bind any and all work that you have tried to bring against this young man of God and his family. We demand that you take your hands off of his body and remove your designs off of his life. Father, we thank you that you have heard the cries of your children and we know that the effectual and fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much. We ask that You move with a mighty hand, abundant in power and miraculous in grace. Thank You for his life but most of all we thank You for your love which is the greatest miracle of all.
Amen
Your loving daughter
Brent and Deanna,
Keep believing God for the miracle that only He is able to perform
We love you and are continuing to hold you up.
Bless you all! Still praying.
Thank you for sharing. How beautiful you sisters are. Such love for your brother, I pray for your strength through such strenuous times.
Keep us posted as best you can and call if we can help you with anything else besides our prayers.
With a tremendous love from our family to yours We are praying for all
God Bless You
L. Gresh/Meils Family
Brent,Deanna,Lauren & Whitney-
Our thoughts and prayers will be with BJ and you all throughout the night! We will be praying fervently that BJ tolerates being weaned from ecmo and to the new vent. Our hearts go out to all of you, I know this has to be so exhausting and draining, both physically and mentally. I pray the Lord will continue to provide the strength you need to endure this long journey. I also pray that the medical staff will be able to identify the "abnormality" in his lung and be able to treat it. I hope you can feel all the outpouring of love and be strengthened by it. We will be with you in spirit throughout the night. Love you all.
Love, Nancy
God's still holding all of you
I am praying that Gods will will be done you all are in my prayers
"Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world." John 16:32b-33 God is with you stay strong! Love ya Sierra
Praying really hard. STAY STRONG.
IN HIM
Jonathan Haag
Still praying and waiting for a miracle,they are real!
I am a friend of the Koteskey's whom you met while little Shelby was in the hospital with BJ. They directed us to your website. I have been praying for BJ and for your family. I was amazed today as I was reading through these postings from people all over and realized they are often as frequent as one every minute or two. How awesome to know that BJ's name is being lifted before God ceaselessly! I pray that you will find peace and understanding in this difficult time. My heart aches for your family. Pray and do not give up.
I am a friend of the Koteskey's whom you met while little Shelby was in the hospital with BJ. They directed us to your website. I have been praying for BJ and for your family. I was amazed today as I was reading through these postings from people all over and realized they are often as frequent as one every minute or two. How awesome to know that BJ's name is being lifted before God ceaselessly! I pray that you will find peace and understanding in this difficult time. My heart aches for your family. Pray and do not give up.
I'm still praying in KC. God is faithful..and will continue to be. Hold on to that. His mercies are new EVERY morning. Praise the Lord. The Lord is with you..I've asked Him to be. To comfort you in a way that only He can. My prayers and heart are with you.
BJ and family, I am praying for you, for strength, for faith when things are so unexplainable, for God's grace at every turn. Jackie Reese
Our entire community is praying...it is the only thing we can do. Discipleship Walk
Praying with you again/still tonight....
I'll start praying on my knees now, it's all up to Him now
ISA 41:13
I,the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you "Fear not,I will help you."
We love you
Paula
It's so difficult to even say anything. I don't have any words to say here, but I just want everyone to know that I'm praying for you, especially BJ.
Much Love and Prayers,
Charissa
We love you all and we are praying.
Hang in there.
Philip.
Brent, Deanna,
Each day my family prays throughout the day for you and your family. I am not sure I recall a time in my life that I have prayed for one thing so often, as I have B.J. You all are such an awesome Family and It is a blessing to each of us that know you or that have been touched by you to know someone such as your family. I hold dear to my heart those who have a tendancy of changing my heart or my life, through God. You, without even knowing it, have done this. It is truly a shame that I do not tell those whom I care for (outside of my immediate family) that I do appreciate them and look up to them. Each day I check the Blog for updates and then update my family as quick as I find them on the Blog. I check it first thing in the morning, and then multiple times throughout each hour. My heart and thoughts are with each of you through each day, and night. I continue to pray for all that touches your lives each day. My daughters pray for you throughout the day, each meal and during their "moment of silence" at school each day. B.J.'s life has touched theirs, without him knowing it. They really look up to your children. God is such and Awesome God! Tomorrow morning I will going to a place that put's me closer with God, then anywhere I can really imagine.....I'm sure you will guess where that is (hahaha....it's part of my struggle in my journey), but It will be quiet, and it will ONLY be myself with God! He and I will be talking! He happens to be a great listener. I am praying now for B.J. and each of you, along with the Doctors and Nurses. Each of my family will be praying this evening for you all! We Love you all, and will be there when you need us, but until then we will be with you in prayer.
All things possible through prayer!
Love and Prayers,
Your Brother in Christ!
Matt Littell
Our flock group is praying for you. We lifted you up tonight before the Lord.
Bless you.
Dear Higgins Family,
Thank you for sharing these intimate details of BJ's progess, set backs, etc. As many have said, it helps those of us who haven't met you to know you better. I do pray for rest for each of you tonight as you face the new challenges of tomorrow. Hasn't our Father been faithful thus far? I choose to believe that tomorrow God's timing will be perfect and when it's time to switch off of ECMO and go to the oscilating vent that it will go smoothly.
Lord, we are praying confidently that you will once again, put your mighty hand on BJ. We pray that the transfer from one machine to the other will go smoothly. We pray Father that the doctor will be able to do the biopsy tomorrow and find out what else is going on inside Beej's body. We ask you to grant rest to this entire family as we, their brothers and sisters lift up their needs and concerns to you.
Lord we pray this in Jesus powerful name. Amen
Agreeing in prayer. . .and prayer. . .and prayer. . .
Pieper family in SC
Father God,
You and you alone know what tomorrow holds, and you and you alone will hold BJ until tomorrow. We trust in you-your strength, peace, and hope are sufficient. May Brent, Deanna, Whitney, Lauren, and BJ know it and feel it tonight.
Bowing before you,
Northside friend
Lord,
BJ needs you now. We need you now. Please be with all that are involved. Please be there, right next to BJ. We know that you only have to touch him and he'll be well. We ask that you touch him in a special way tonight. Heal his lung(s), his blood, and whatever else maybe wrong with him. Thank you for being in control of the situation. We love you Lord. We tust you.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Love you lots ~Kayla
We will be praying for all of you through the night.
The Daniel family in KC
Higgins Family,
Keep your eyes focused on the most high Lord God our healer.Lord give this family the strength that they need.
Father, you are the great physician and your healing hands are perfect. Please place you healing hands on my brother BJ tonight. Please heal him...help the procedures to go smoothly...give the doctors wisdom in all that they do...please show them a way to help BJ survive...please bring glory to your name right now! Keep Satan and his attacks on BJ far away from him right now. We know that you are so much greater and stronger than Satan and that you have already won. Please...win this battle! Let BJ's life be spared so that he can continue bringing the glory to your name that you deserve.
Amen
Brent, Deanna, Whitney & Lauren:
May God somehow get you all through this night. Praying for all of you and for BJ's weak body.
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." Ephesians 6:18
This is what I have learned through this time that your family has been going through with BJ. So many people are praying without ceasing for his health and ability to overcome so many challeneges that his fragile body has had to overcome- and we can all see that the Lord has been carrying him through every step of the way. You all are still in my prayers. God is in control!
My love goes out to your family.
In Him,
Erin
Hi Higgins family. This is Rachel Burkholder...I one of BJs leaders this summer. I just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for BJ and you all.
BJ was a great encouragement to me in Peru. I remember him coming up to me and telling me that, even as a young leader I was doing great and to let him know if there was ever anything he could do to help. It was great to know that even though we were so close in age he trusted me to be in charge. I just thought you guys would like to hear part of what he did in my life this summer.
My family and I will keep praying!
Rachel
Praying day and night.Althogh we do not know what will happen, we do know that God is in control. and that feeling is an amazing feeling. Praise God that BJ has such hope as that which comes from Christ. I will continue to pray for you all as things progress.
In Christ,
Ben Hackler
I will be praying for BJ all evening and through the night. Begging God to show us HIS glory and HIS POWER. Please Jesus, touch BJ in a mighty way, and extra special, mighty way. Bring complete healing. In the holy name of Jesus, Amen
I'm joining with you in prayer for BJ. God is still in control. May He fill you with comfort and peace. May He guide the drs. in their decisions and their timing. May He be the Healer that BJ desperately needs!
I am with your family tonight, caring and praying for your continued strength of spirit; of mind; and of physical nature as each long moment stretches to the next.
No words can even describe the sentiments I join in with you, and no amount of responses will let you know how many moments I am lifting you and BJ up to a fate greater than any of our control.
"Let Go and Let God"
When you’re troubled and worried and sick at heart
And your plans are upset and your world falls apart,
Remember God’s ready and waiting to share
The burdens you find much too heavy to bear---
So, with faith, let go; and let God lead the way
Into a brighter and less troubled day.
Linda Tollison Shaw
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