Sunday, September 11, 2005

Hello, Family! We pray your Sunday morning services all found you drawing close to the feet of our Savior. Here at the hospital, we are doing the same as BJ's body fights to recover from the shock of going off ECMO.

BJ's fever is over 102 degrees this afternoon. The doctors aren't sure if he is fighting infection or if it just a reaction to the changes his body has undergone in the past 24 hours. They have sent in more cultures to see. Beej's heart rate is also up, which may also be his body readjusting. Due to this, his kidneys are not working well and they have had to turn the dialysis machine off. They hope his kidneys will begin working again soon, but most likely they will not improve until his heart rate normalizes. His lungs are also not used to the pressure being pumped into them by the ventilator. They are weaning him off of this machine, so his oxygen level is currently around 80%. They have also turned the nitric oxide down from 96% to 60%. Please pray that his body continues to strengthen, and that the doctors and nurses would be wise as they determine how much and when to support him and when to make his body work harder.

I know there have been questions of "Why?" among those following BJ's progess... I and my family would like to address this question with the one of the last things BJ wrote in his Peru journal this summer:

God glorifies us when we suffer.
To have glory, you must suffer.
To bring God glory, you will suffer.
To suffer brings God glory.


Rest assured that BJ is eager to do His Father's work by whatever means necessary. He suffers now for the glory of God, and we know he would not have it any other way. Before this ordeal began, BJ talked much of how he was learning to give up his life- his entire life- for God. On the ambulance ride to the hospital, he expressed to dad that he was at peace with whatever God chose to do with his life.

"Dad, I think God will deliver me from this. But if he doesn't, I'll be with Him, and that's okay with me."

Above all else, may our God be glorified- in this and in all things!

Love in Christ,
Lauren

If you are inclined to blog, please leave us your name, city, state or country so we can prepare a map for BJ of where all he has heard from...Thank you

58 Comments:

At 12:56 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey guys. its katie waddles. i just wanted to say that i love you all so very much. You all mean the world to me including BJ. My whole family is praying diligently for his quick recovery and we send our love! i love you all, please give BJ a kiss for me. Our prayers are with you!! i love you!!!
katie

 
At 12:57 PM, Blogger Nicia said...

Our Plea: Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieed me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

God's Answer: But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Hiimself.

Our Reaction: In peace iI will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O lord, does make make me dwell in safety.
Excerpts from Psalm 4

 
At 12:57 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We gave an update to the church at both services this morning and all agreed in prayer for B.J. and your family. We are standing with you and your precious son, B.J. Steve and Barbara Fazzini Youngstown, Ohio

 
At 1:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

God is in control. We're praying for BJ....

Concord Baptist Church
Jefferson City, MO

 
At 1:10 PM, Blogger Christina said...

Friends:

I am in awe of BJ's maturity. And to think he is an American teenager! I applaud you all for the wonderful job you did growing such a loving and giving young man. It is my prayer that my own children be as Godly as BJ is. He continues to inspire me as he fights for his life.

My husband and I are praying without ceasing!

In His love,

Christina

 
At 1:11 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i will pray 4 good news!thanks 4 the updates we really preisheate it i hope that he all will have strenth and be coraged i love u all i hope bj gets better soon!!!! i will pray 4 his recovery and 2 heal soon
Julie Meils
INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANA
46220
EMAIL CJPM9162@YAHOO.COM
JULIE MEILS

 
At 1:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep praying. Keep fighting BJ! We are always praying here. God bless you today....and always.

Linda Anderson
Willows, California

 
At 1:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just returned from church services,
BJ would have gotten a kick out of how many pink shirts were in the crowd and praise band! Continuing to pray for healing of the lungs/respiratory system and his kidneys. Praying the temp. is not from another infection. Also praying that his pressure sores are healing now that he is on a regular bed and can be treated. Praying that his body can regulate itself and stabilize. Also, praying for you, Brent & Deanna, and the girls. That you may get some much needed rest and peace.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers 24/7. We love you.

Love, Nancy

 
At 1:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Our Lord is faithful!
We did rejoice this morning in our service at First Baptist. Yesterday when I learned of how grave BJ's condition was, I along with countless others began a gut wrenching prayer session with the Lord.

It was so wonderful to hear the reports of his improvements over those hours and the amazement the doctors and nurses had. What a testament to the awesome power of our God.

This morning Pastor Larry talked about how in our unity we will attrack and draw others to our Lord. I think that is being seen so vividly with your situation. Those doctor's and nurses can't help but realize that God's hand is on BJ and working mightily!

Your family's stength and steadfastness is a shining example of what being a Christian is about. Through your actions and your words on this website you are touching people's lives. Thank you for that.

I am reminded of Psalm 139: 1-18:

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in -- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.



We love you guys! And our thoughts and prayers remain with you always.

Bruce and Celesta

 
At 1:58 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello family, I had to run by the shop and check the website between functions today--glad some things are steady in BJ's body, and we're still praying for the other issues.

You entire family is an inspiration to us all!!!

For the map for BJ: Quetzalli's family and the church in Tuxpan is praying (they sent a message a while back). Tuxpan is on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Veracruz, about halfway between the cities of Tampico and Veracruz. (Tuxpan PROBABLY won't be on a world map--Deer Park, either...)

Also, some customer friends of mine are also praying: in Houston, and also in Longview, Texas (northeast corner of Texas). A man was here yesterday, and I had forgotten that I had mentioned our nephew to him, and he asked, "Well, how's BJ?" It's kind of special when business relationships become personal friends and prayer warriors with you.

Well, gotta run! Hugs for all of you from all of us!

Love, Jolene

 
At 2:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying for all you. STAY STRONG.

IN HIM
Jonathan Haag
Carmel,Indiana

 
At 2:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everyone is praying sooo hard!!! we're gonna make it through, God is awesome!!

 
At 2:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Graciously Lord Jesus, please bring BJ's temperature down! Help him to fight this infection. Be his body. Please help his heartrate to go back to normal and help his kidneys to funcion correctly. Just please give the doctors wisdom in this balancing act.
Amen

 
At 2:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello again
We are at the mercy of the Lord, Please lift all the worries and pain from the family of BJ. We pray for strength from the Lord to help all of us through this time in need. We also pray for the Team of Doctors to do the best of their ability. In the name of our Lord help us all especially BJ, he is so loving of you.(GOD)
I am lost for words, but will keep my prayers coming whether on the web or in my heart. Love always and By His Grace
love from The Newkirks(Keith and Lynn) in Indianapolis, IN. The family with the over heated car.(we did make it though)
We will never foreget that night as we were all comforted in the name of the Lord.
God Bless always.
The Newkirks Indianapolis, IN

 
At 2:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lauren, Whitney, Brent and Deanna,

Bless you. I wish you could see the believers at Northside who are committed to keeping BJ lifted up in prayer as they greet each other in the hallways, etc. With a tear and a smile and a hug, so many of God's precious children are receiving blessings through joining together in prayer.

Several people commented this morning that they are blessed by the postings of others, and this keeps them even more diligent in their prayers.

There was an awesome video during service which focused us on praying for those hurt and who lost loved ones on 9/11/01; on praying for those lost and hurt by Hurricane Katrina; and BJ. It was both hard and encouraging seeing so many pictures of him on mission, with other youth, and even in the hospital. It seemed to touch many, many people.
Just another way the Lord is using your family to reach others for Christ.

Please also remember how very much you are loved by so many.

We are praying for you to literally feel Jesus' strong and gentle arms around you all day.

Still praying, and always on watch.......

Col.1: 9-14

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Isn't that what it's all about.

John, Jamie, Corrie and Ellie Fillio
Indianapolis

 
At 2:23 PM, Blogger . said...

We sang this in chuch at CWC today, so I thought of all of you and I've been singing it over to myself all afternoon....

Blessed Be Your Name - Matt & Beth Redman

Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name when I’m found in the
desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing You pour out I’ll turn back
to praise
And when the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name when the sun’s shining
down on me
When the world’s “all as it should be”
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name on the road marked
with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

**********

Still praying....

 
At 2:23 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have added BJ to several prayer chains that stretch world wide. He is in so many peoples prayers it is awesome. God works in mysterious ways and he has brought so many people to see him over the last few weeks. Deeann and Brent the two of you are an inspriation to me. My prayers are that God will love and take care of you both and Brent today as so many things change. May God also work through the nurses as they care for BJ. I know working in the hospital that the emotional roller coaster is unbelievable, but God is getting us all through it. Thank you for the updates i await them eagerly. Love in Christ, Melissa
Westfield, Indiana

 
At 2:24 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

my prayers are with you and your family.

Jill Casey
Chattanooga, TN
an awestar family member

 
At 2:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Family,
we continue to pray for you here at Baylor University and for BJ. May God's glory be magnified through BJ and all the Father chooses to do. His grace is sufficient! His power is immeasureable! His plans are for good! We love you in Christ and pray for you daily.

 
At 2:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We continue to pray much for BJ and for each of you too!!
"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion." (Ps 20)
Cheryl
Columbus, Ohio

 
At 2:47 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just want you to know that we are thankful for your dedication to Jesus Christ. Know that your lives are making a difference, even in this difficult crisis that you are in.

 
At 2:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying for you!!
Guy and Julie
Rockhill, SC

 
At 2:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You can mark the whole state of Ohio - we have people all over praying for BJ.

 
At 2:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

In the two services this morning at Concord Baptist, Jefferson City MO they put on the screen the website www.prayforbj.com. We told them the story of BJ and many of them are now joining your family each day in prayer.
Cathy and Walker Moore

(still in Jefferson City but heading to Springfield this evening.)

 
At 2:56 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

praying...praying...praying...always.

 
At 3:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I learned of your situaiton through the Mercy Me e-mail. I have been keeping updated and will contiunue to pray. Jamie Kingsport Tennessee

 
At 3:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We sang Blessed Be Your Name by The Redmans in church today too. I thought of all that BJ and family have been going through. Continuing to pray for his awesome comfort and power!
Cheryl
Woodward,IA

 
At 3:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep fighting the good fight, BJ!!!
There are many praying for you here.

Lee Stevenson
Toronto, Canada

 
At 3:22 PM, Blogger Ashley Reagan said...

Praying for you all today.

Ashley Dawn (peru 04)
Bixby, Oklahoma

 
At 3:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

B.J.
I don't know if you remember me...I came to highland lakes this summer and jumped on the BOLB thing with you, Brandon, and some other missionaries. My name is Sara Westafer and my family and I have been for you constanly. We are praying that the Lord's will be done in your life and that you and your family will be strengthened thru this. I am praying that your witness for the Lord will be enhanced thru this illness you are facing. May God be gloriyied thru you!!
-Your sister in Christ,
Sara Westafer ><>

 
At 3:24 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

With every new progress, we praise Him!! With every struggle we praise Him!! May the Lord our God understand the blessing of having a servant in BJ and allow him to further his kingdom -- however His will!! We LOVE you all and PRAY for strength in BJ's body and in all our faith.
Westfield, IN

 
At 3:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been worshipping the Lord with you and praising Him for what He has done in BJ's life over the past couple of days. I know BJ's won a battle, but the war isn't over yet. Just as Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands when he grew tired in the battle with the Amalekites (Ex. 17:12), so I too am lifting your hands through prayer as the battle continues to wage in the valley before you.

Last night I read the testimony of a young couple who graduated from KMBC a few years ago and who in recent days survived flood waters washing into the house they were in during Hurricane Katrina. It reminded me of a CD I had of the student singing group this couple was in when they were at KMBC seven years ago. I pulled the CD out and started listening to it today as I was working on my computer. Suddenly, I stopped as the words of a song captured my attention. Not only were the lyrics appropriate for this couple's current situation, but I also immediately thought of all of you and remembered the words of BJ's journal and his commitment to doing God's will no matter what the cost. The song is an old gospel song entitled "His Will," and the first verse and chorus go like this:

The night seems dark as tears flow freely;
Things are hard to understand--
The burden seems to be too heavy;
Battles come from every hand.
Look up in faith now and remember
The battle is not thine alone;
The God who made thee--
He will not forsake His own!

Chorus:
O, His will will never lead you
Where His grace cannot keep you;
He will not lay a burden on you
That's for you too much to bear.
He will give you strength to make it
Though the pressures sweep your soul--
He is God, and He is in control!

I'm praying for all of you today that you will sense the strength of God lifting you up as you continue to trust in Him. May BJ's body be strengthened and restored by the One who is in control!

Love,
Becky
Wilmore, KY

 
At 3:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sure none of you know me. My name's Mandy, I'm from the St.Paul/Minneapolis area of Minnesota. I heard about BJ from a girl named Sami, who's from Indiana, but I don't think she's met BJ, either. But I wanted you guys to know that I am praying for him as often as I can, and please tell him that. It's always encouraging to hear that strangers are praying for you. God bless!

In Christ,
Mandy Miller

e-mail: ojoshermosos@madrid.com

 
At 3:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Continuing to pray for BJ...
In Christ,
Rachel
Marion, Indiana (Sunnycrest Baptist Church)

 
At 3:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello:

I just found out about this site through some friends at HLG. I've been reading the site trying to catch up on the situation.

The message I heard in church today was out our God Given Talents....It looks like BJ was using his, to spread the word in other parts of the world. It's amazing that this would happen to such a strong young man of christ, but the thing that shows me that this young mans heart is in the correct place is that even thought this hardship he is still giving praise to God.

BJ's comment on today's post about....I hope that God delivers me fromt his, but if he doesnt, I'm ok with that. That takes a deep heart and understanding of the Lord. I will keep you in my prayers and may the Lord keep you by his side.

A brother in christ,
~Derek

 
At 3:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The strength your family has is tremondous. Each and every one of you, including BJ, have inspired me greatly. I think of your family often - and pray that Jesus continues to give the strength that BJ's body needs. I also pray for the medical team - that they make the correct decisions in treating your son. I pray for your family as well. You all are in my prayers. ~Carmel, IN

 
At 3:46 PM, Blogger phil4yahshua said...

Proverbs 3

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father [b] the son he delights in.

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her

Lauren, Whitney, Brent and Deanna,

perhaps it's because I am recovering from my spinal fusion and I have so much time on my hands, but I just can't stop thinking and praying for you. I feel so inadequate to encourage you so I pray the scripture speaks wisdon where I am not able. Like BJ...I have a call on my life and because of my illnesses I sense a bond with BJ not only as a brother in Christ but also as one who has suffered.............

Please continue to claim power and authority over satan.....
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.....you reamin in our thoughts and prayers 24/7 We love you with an everlasting love......Phil & Paula

 
At 3:52 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello, my name is Rebecca, I attend Hannibal LaGrange College and have been asked several times to pray for you B.J. Ever since I was asked to pray for you I have been doing so. Isn't it funny how thousands of people who don't know you are praying for you?? I hope that knowing there are a lot of us praying for you, that it would bring you and your family comfort.

I can never truly say that I know what you and your family are going through, but in a sense I do understand, my dad is disabled and my sister almost died a couple years ago from a disease and just to see how God worked in both of those situations amazed me so much.

Father God, I just intercede on behalf of BJ and his family. Father just the amazing faith that is seen in this family is something to be truly desired. Lord you are daily giving them strength and I just pray that you would continue to do so and that you would continue to embrace them in your love and comfort. Father as BJ longs to continue to serve you and do your will, I pray that even through His sickness you would be glorified and that He would be able to minister to people through the Faith and Hope that He finds in You our Savior. Lord you give us hope in every situation and as BJ looks to you He finds that hope and that strength. Thankyou father, for letting this young man set such a great example in Faith even though He is ill. Father comfort Him, relieve his pain, give him strength and just help his body to continually work the way that it should. I ask that you would give the doctors and nurses wisdom and insight as to how they can best help BJ. Lord, you are our ultimate physician and we know that only You can truly heal our bodies. Father I pray that you would help this family to see this as a time of ministry to minister to the doctors and nurses that are working with BJ and that through there Faith, Hope and Love in You that the nurses and doctors lives would be touched. Jesus our Savior, we praise you and thankyou for all of the suffering we have to go through to Glorify you. Lord you are with us each step of the way, guiding and directing us through every thing we encouter. Draw near to this family Lord Jesus and just fill them with your Holy Spirit. I ask and pray all of these things in your Amazing Name Yaweh. Amen

 
At 4:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

After a full day at church and out & about, we had to come home before an evening event to check how BJ is doing today. We think and talk about you all constantly, asking the Lord to heal BJ, but most of all that His will be done.

Still praying in Myersville, Maryland

Nigel, Bridget, Aaron, David & Joshua

 
At 4:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

oh man..thats so much like BJ. "its okay with me." oh man i love him! i'm praying!!!

kristin (peru 05)

 
At 4:24 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We will be fervently praying that the Lord will intervene and deliver our precious BJ from these new developments. May God give all of you peace and confidence.

Patricia
Fort Wayne, IN

 
At 4:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Something that I learned this summer in Panama and it is obvious that BJ alread knew is this: That God has all authority, over everything, including sickness. He will choose to use His authority based on which way will bring Him the most glory. Last night as I looked at all the comments, I was reminded of that as I saw people from all over the world uniting to pray for BJ. They are all lifting up your family and giving the glory to God when progress is made. Your family has been the true example of returning praise to God even in the difficult times. I just want to say thank you for being such an amazing example to all of us children of God around the world.
Thank you so much!!

April Cowan
Odessa, Tx

 
At 4:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been touched by your determination. I have and will continue to be praying for you!!

Rob Riley,
Lynn, Massachusetts

 
At 4:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have no words to express, only the Holy Spirit pouring forth tears of thankfulness for God giving such faith to such a humble servant of His. Inuutterable prayers.
Ann in Grenwood

 
At 4:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

BJ,
A guest speaker at our church this morning told us about you and the wonderful mission work you have done. That is always great to hear that so one so young is doing such impactful things. I'm praying for you and I will keep checking the website to see how you are doing. God is always with you, and will continue to work through you.

Concord Baptist Church
Jefferson City, MO

 
At 4:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

God bless you all!

We were given this website in an update from the music teacher who is covering for you at PVE. Just know that people in ZIonsville are praying for you.

Much love!

 
At 5:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I want to send my prayers and support to your family in this time of need.
Michelle Woolley
Concord Baptist church
Jefferson City Missouri

 
At 5:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Still praying for you in Asheboro, North Carolina!

 
At 5:10 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just checking in after church activities today...We continue to pray specifically for BJ's needs. The four "big" kids Sunday school classes all prayed for BJ today, he was added to the church prayer list and K-Love radio station's prayer list.

Pastor James MacDonald talked about peace in the middle of the storm. Those who have faith in Christ have a peace that is unexplainable & points right back to God - for His glory! That is SO true of your family!! The definition of peace Pastor MacDonald gave was "a sense of calm because God is in control & He is doing what is BEST". Only God gives us that...Praise the Lord, Jesus is our Prince of Peace, provider, and El Elyon; Sovereign God! The pastor then asked..."Why does God want us to have peace?!" For us to reveal in alone?! NO, so that we can glorify Him...the action of peace is ministry to the saved & unsaved!!!
(Romans 5:1 & 2)

We thank the Lord for His many miracles, for His peace and continued faithfulness in your life.

We love you,
The McMahans
Hudson, OH

 
At 5:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gerry has been preaching through the book of Acts since January. This morning brought us to Acts 16 when Paul & Silas are severely beaten and thrown in jail. Locked up, shackled, bruised and bleeding, "about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and sing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." (the Greek infers "listening intently")
One of his points was that when we suffer the world around us is watching closely...listening carefully to see if we live out what we say we believe.

Wow! BJ and your family have endured so many weeks of suffering...and the world has been watching and listening to see if your faith is true!
Your witness to us (and to the world) has been huge, loud and strong. When emotions would dictate despair, hopelessness and fear, you have chosen faith in our great God of hope! We are challenged in our faith!
Be sure you are all loved...and we continue to lift BJ and your family to our wonderful God of miracles and hope!

Wenda and Gerry Krupp
Mukwonago, Wisconsin

 
At 5:25 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was reading a friend's xanga page and saw a link to your blogspot last week. I have been reading your posts daily, and have been daily praying for BJ and for all of you. It is wonderful to see your family's faith in the Lord. What a testimony you are to Him! He is an amazing God!

Trusting Him,

Hannah Lane
Belvidere, NC

 
At 5:37 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Friends,

We only know you through the Kotesky's. But since BJ was here ministering in our neighboring country, we felt a burden to pray for him and your family. Praise God for your testimony of God's complete control in your lives. May his presence be felt every moment in these difficult days.

Blessings,
The Elliotts in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

 
At 7:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I sat in amazement as I listened to BJ's story in church Sunday. Our prayers go out to you and we know that God, in all His authority, will be glorified.

Ken & Katie
Concord Baptist Church
Jefferson City, Mo

 
At 2:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to each and everyone of you that is watching the one you love suffer. May GOD wrap his loving arms of comfort around you all!! You all (especially BJ's dad) have been an inspiration to me, and the faith you all have is incredible. I hope, if ever, I can be as strong in my faith during such trying times, as it is now when my life seems to be so good! May God place his healing hands on BJ and restore his health so he can get back out there to help Further God's kingdom!!

Your sister in Christ,
Debbie Schmidt
Florence, Kentucy!!

 
At 5:19 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying for BJ! i know i don't know you and haven't ever met BJ, but i stumbled upon this site, and i pray that this whole ordeal will only bring Glory to God

Anna, Westfield, In

 
At 10:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will pray for your wonderful son and for your family. Please stay strong. The pain and suffering you and BJ are going through will only make sense through our gracious Lord and Savior. Your friend through Brad. Vicki

 
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