Thank you, anyone who has been praying for me.
I seem to be doing okay. I have been going through a lot and have a long way to go. So far the Lord has helped me "Run Through A Troop!"
Grace, Mercy, and Peace
GaryE
Your awesome Gary E,Continue to Stay Focused on Him at all times. May he fill your heart with Joy and Peace as you seek his face.
Our prayers are with you brother!
MC
im praying for you. no matter how long the road is... no matter how hard.. stay on it. as long as it leads to him. god bless you
Gary,So far the Lord has helped me "Run Through A Troop!"
It's just great to see you posting. :-)
I’ve been waiting to re-post about my condition until I could write a very positive post and say that everything is perfect health wise. It looks like it may be a couple years before I could write a post like that so I’ll just fill everyone in on where things are.
Currently, I’m 85 days past transplant. They look at 100 days post transplant as being an important milestone for stem cell transplants. The next milestone is at about 6 months and then 1 year. After the 1 year period, if there is no sign of leukemia, it is considered a 50% chance of being considered cured. After 2 years if there is no sign of leukemia, I would be considered probably cured. Of course that is if I live that long. I was told when I started that there was a 20% to 30% chance of mortality going into transplant.
At the current time, I’m on three drugs that hinder my immune system. These drugs supposedly keep me from rejecting the matching adult stem cells that have been transplanted into my body. Until, I can be weaned off these three drugs, I have to take a bunch of other pills to keep me from getting a fungus, bacterial, or virus infections. Other pills are used to keep my blood work balanced because some drugs take things like magnesium out of a person’s system. Normally, I don’t use any medication at all so this isn’t easy for me to do.
There is what is called a graft host disease that kills a lot of allogenic transplant recipients. This isn’t all bad news when it comes to leukemia though. It is the rejection of the donor’s cells to the recipient that causes this disease but it is the same rejection that kills the leukemia cells. The idea is to control the effect until the recipients body can adapt to the new cells and at the same time kill the leukemia off. Right now there is a rash at different places on my skin that itches and is painful from graft host. It is not that severe, but it needs to go away before much can be done to get me off of the medicines.
My current blood pressure fluctuates from a upper normal to high now. About 10 days ago I had a severe headache that lasted for 2 days. Often, I get dizzy when I stand up and my anemia level is quite low. That all may sound bad but compared to a few months ago it really isn’t. While in the hospital one day I woke up and my fingers were yellow. For a while back then there was blood in my urine and stools. It was almost a 2 week period that I didn’t eat and it got so bad I had to have a potty next to the bed to make it to the toilet. I was too weak and could hardly stand up for a while. Also there was a period of high fevers and hallucinations. One night I was in a lot of pain and I started to pray, “Lord take this pain away.” All of a sudden I realized I was praying wrong and I said to the Lord, “If I have to live like this the rest of my life in order to be broken and used by you, it’s ok.” That seemed to be a turning point though the pain didn’t go away right away. Romans 8:28
Praise God, I’m 30 pounds lighter. Also, now I can go into almost any church and fit in because my hair fell out. Instead of looking like Elijah I’ll fit in almost everywhere. With no beard, no mustache, and no long hair I can fit in almost anywhere if I wear the right cloths. It was a problem when I first looked into the mirror though. The guy in the mirror didn’t look like me until one day I smiled.
Carry that cross,
GaryE
Dear Gary,
What a great post!
I don't know whether to laugh or cry though. Right now I'm in the library, and I'm pretty much doing both!
Your understanding of what you're going through, is very lucid and encouraging. Thank you for sharing so much detail.
Thank you for your ministry to us all.Also, now I can go into almost any church and fit in because my hair fell out. Instead of looking like Elijah I’ll fit in almost everywhere. With no beard, no mustache, and no long hair I can fit in almost anywhere if I wear the right cloths. It was a problem when I first looked into the mirror though. The guy in the mirror didn’t look like me until one day I smiled.Carry that cross...
Gary ... Failing to find an adequate expression...
[i]...when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
The guy in the mirror didn’t look like me until one day I smiled.
What great faith. Praise God indeed Gary!
Hi Brother Gary...
Thank you so much for the encouragement! You are a shining star for the Kingdom of God (Philippians 2)! I knew a girl who was healed of Leukemia. She was a Category 5 patient -- and doctors had pretty much given up hope. It has been 13 years since she went into remission. She held her testimony during the treatment which turned many hearts toward the Lord. After she was healed, her testimony turned even more hearts toward the Lord. Today, she continues to sing of His great mercies.
I pray that you are encouraged today even more than you have encouraged us!
Matthew 5:8
Jeremiah 29:11-13
:-)
“If I have to live like this the rest of my life in order to be broken and used by you, it’s ok.”
Dear Brother Gary,
These are the words of a champion. You are an inspiration to me. God bless you, dear and precious brother. I'll see you one day in heavenly glory where pain is no more.
Brother Paul
God Bless you , Gary, and may He heal you more each day.
Your post is an encouragement to the Body of Christ.
Nellie
Dear Gary,Right now there is a rash at different places on my skin that itches and is painful from graft host. It is not that severe, but it needs to go away before much can be done to get me off of the medicines.
I'm wondering how you are doing right now, with regard to these side-effects? Are you continuing to make progress overall?
"be strong and of good courage"
I'll be praying as well !
The rash looks worse than it feels. Cortizone creme seems to keep it under control as far as itching and one of the anti-rejection drugs called tacrolimus has been able to be reduced in the last week. This could cause the rash to get worse but if I’m able to cope with lowering this medication it is a good thing. My hemoglobyn is likely to rise from getting off tacrolimus so I should have more endurance. I’ve been feeling fairly well over all though I must be carful not to take to many chances because of getting infections. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do though. It’s important to not be afraid to go outside because there might be a lion out there and it’s important to plow whether its cold or not. I must not take chances but I still have to hear the Lord when he says go if you know what I mean. Sometimes you have to go to Mark 16 and drink some water or something.
Last night I was at the chapel for a few minutes and a driver who I hadn’t seen for a couple of years was there. It is so good to be able to look in a brother or sisters eyes with tears in my eyes and say,”It is so good to see you,” I want to say the same thing right now to all of you that write on this forum. It is such a blessing to be reading the posts from the people on Sermon Index.
I have to go.
Hi Gary...
It is always good to hear from you! You are constantly in my prayers -- along with the prayers of many others in the family of God.
Well said! When I was in high school, my family moved to a very rural area in Tennessee. It was particularly difficult for me because I had only been saved for about a year, and I truly missed my brothers and sisters from the Church that I had been attending.Last night I was at the chapel for a few minutes and a driver who I hadn’t seen for a couple of years was there. It is so good to be able to look in a brother or sisters eyes with tears in my eyes and say,”It is so good to see you,” I want to say the same thing right now to all of you that write on this forum. It is such a blessing to be reading the posts from the people on Sermon Index.
Many of the guys in my former youth group would meet together daily for intimate prayer meetings. We would meet in various homes and remain praying until we had finished. We felt the liberty to be ourselves during those meetings -- and we would often cry out, weep, rejoice, etc... with great honesty and humility. We would also pray with one another concerning pressing needs. And there was hardly any adults present. It was simply the Lord moving in the hearts and lives of the young people that attended our Church.
When I moved to Tennessee, I really missed such intimate spiritual fellowship. I hardly knew any other young people (or even adults) that acted in the same sort of liberty, or that voiced the same passion for holiness and intimacy as I did. I remember thinking how often I had taken such liberty for granted before the move. Eventually, I found a group of elderly people in town that were a lot like my former group. They would tell tales about how God had moved in the past, and they truly hungered to experience such a move again. We began prayer meetings in the Church sanctuary, homes and even nursing homes. It was such a blessing to experience it once again!
I am going through yet another such transition again. I know a few such hungry brothers and sisters in the Lord, but it is difficult to find time to meet together (since most of them live far away). It will be wonderful to see you well and sharing more often in the near future, brother! You are truly a great blessing! Sometimes, we forget to let others know until something happens.
You are in the thoughts, prayers and hearts of many!
:-)
Gary's wife has requested prayer for him, from us all.
Here's what she shared in her email:
'[Gary] is back in the hospital as a patient. The same hospital he had the Stem Cell Transplant done. A set back has occurred and they are not certain what is going on for sure. He had a severe skin rash which looked like sunburn all over his whole body, head to toe. He is to have a platelet tranfusion today.'
Hi Dorcas...
Thank you for the update. We are praying. Please continue to update us.
-Chris
We are praying
Dear brethren,
I've had an email from Gary's wife.
[i][He] 'is in the hospital currently since September 22. His skin problem really became bad and they wanted to "aggressivly" treat him. Gary requests prayer...
Gary is feeling some better as of yesterday. He is still having troubles with his lower legs and feet. Requesting the prayers of the saints, from one in need of answers.'
His wife mentions in another place, that [b][i]Gary has pneumonia
Let's focus on his recovery from the pneumonia, as this is the first step to him being able to overcome everything else.
Also, let's pray he and his wife know the wisdom of the Lord in all the choices they may face, and decisions they may make in the coming days.
Thank you Dorcas,
Saints, our collective prayers are requested.
I will pray now.
Dear Bro. Gary
I will pray for strenght, joy, peace, love, contentment. For thankfulness, even if we don´t feel like being thankful at times.
Thank you for your encouragement!! May God bless you richly!
In Christ
Bea
Gary,
Bless you :)
"It is not enough for the believer to begin to pray, nor to pray correctly; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray. We must patiently, believingly continue in prayer until we obtain an answer. Further, we have not only to continue in prayer until the end, but we have also to believe that God does hear us and will answer our prayers. Most frequently we fail in not continuing in prayer until the blessing is obtained, and in not expecting the blessing. Those who are disciples of the Lord Jesus should labor with all their might in the work of God as if everything depended upon their own endeavors. Yet, having done so, they should not in the least trust in their labor and efforts, nor in the means that they use for the spread of the truth, but in God alone; and they should with all earnestness seek the blessing of God in persevering, patient, and believing prayer. Here is the great secret of success, my Christian reader: Work with all your might, but never trust in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing in God, but work at the same time with all diligence, with all patience, with all perseverance. Pray, then, and work. Work and pray. And still again pray, and then work. And so on, all the days of your life. The result will surely be abundant blessing. Whether you see much fruit or little fruit, such kind of service will be blessed."
– George Muller
Kevin
Hi Dorcas (and Gary & wife)...
Thank you for the update. Our local Church is praying fervently for Gary! In fact, we have asked people to pray throughout south Texas and Northern Mexico. If possible, could you let him know this?
:-)
Chris, thanks.
I certainly will.In fact, we have asked people to pray throughout south Texas and Northern Mexico. If possible, could you let him know this?
Could I also mention that Gary and his wife have been living on one income for more than five years now.
I have an address for them if anyone would like to send a card.....?
Hi Dorcas...!
Yes, that is a wonderful idea! Do you have an updated address? Thanks for the help!
:-)
Hello everyone at Sermon Index.
I want to thank everyone who has prayed for me over the last month about my physical condition. The Lord does answer prayer.
Yesterday, October 18th I got out of the hospital again after about 20 days. My physical condition had been slowly getting worse for weeks up to this point and it was becoming obvious to me that if it didn’t start to turn the other way that my residence would change permanently.
In the days before going into the hospital the rash was all over my body from graft-verses-host disease. Some of my skin had open sores that made it hard to sit or lay on them. My feet, ankles, and legs became swollen to the point that I could only shuffle around to walk. The feet started to leak water {puss} out of the tops of them. My hands became so cut open and sore from the graft-host-disease that I could hardly eat with metal spoons and forks. These were the things that I knew about, there were two bacterial infections going on in my blood that I didn’t know about.
There has been a big change in these conditions since entering the hospital. I’m weak but all the bad conditions have reversed. The graft-host-sores have gone away. Most of the red skin is now close to being my normal skin color. There is very little itch now. The swelling in my feet, ankles, and legs has almost all gone away. There are now no cuts on my hands and they are close to being normal.
As far as the bacterial infections in the blood. I will have to take 3 different IV’s at home for the next month to finish the antibacterial treatments and I am told that this will take care of the infections. Each of the IV’s will be multiple through the day and night so I will be quite busy with this the next month. I’m feeling much better.
Prayer works,
GaryE
:-)
Dear Gary,
[b]This is an absolutely awesome testimony!
I don't think I've ever seen anyone recover from the state of distress in which your body was when your wife asked for prayer again.
The only thing I've been able to pray for apart from for your pneumonia to resolve, is that any parts of the transplant which are causing a problem, should be dealt with by the Lord, so that the good parts which are working properly, can take over and do what they're supposed to.
I don't know how He's going to deal with my request, but I sure hope you feel [i]better
I will be praying the rest of this iv antibiotic therapy goes without hitch, and that your iv site stays healthy.
Thank you so much for this update. Please thank your wife for keeping in touch here.
Gary, how wonderful to hear your voice again!
Prayer works
:-)
PRAISE THE LORD!
Hi GaryE...!
This made my heart smile and leap for joy! Thank you for sharing. We will continue to hold you in prayer. Please continue to keep us updated on your progress!
"[i]To live is Christ and to die is gain
:-)
Gary's wife has contacted me again to ask us to pray, as he has been admitted to hospital again, just in time to save him from liver failure. The doctor said it was [i]very
His wife also asks for prayer, as she is tired after the years of his illness, and now the ups and downs of his convalescence since the transplant.
May the Lord bless them both in their deepest hearts, with His peace and grace.
Our Father,
We thank you for Gary's witness amongst us, to Your grace towards him throughout this long illness.
We thank you for his optimism and for the peace You are giving him in the face of much personal affliction.
We thank you for his example.
Please bless him tonight, with sleep and physical rest. And please bring him through this further trial of his faith, regardless of the physical outcome.
Nevertheless, we pray with him for his complete healing, according to your love and power, and we desire that whatever Your purpose in the path he must walk, that You will bring him into a deeper place of glorious rejoicing in Your will for him.
Amen.
Father in Heaven, hold dear Gary close and let Him feel you near.
Hello GaryE...
Be encouraged that we are praying. I've asked others to share in our brother and sister's burden. There are people of God in nations around the world interceding on behalf of your health and your family.
My girlfriend is from Mexico, and her family and Church are praying there. We are praying here in Texas. My family is praying in Tennessee, Virginia, California and Pennsylvania. Friends in the U.K., Canada, Finland, and even Iran and Iraq have assured me that they are praying as well.
Be encouraged, my brother! His eye is on the sparrow and the lilies. Are you not of not greater worth than they?
:-)
Hello. Gary's wife requests further prayers concerning his liver enzymes. He tested dangerously high today (I think) and they need God's divine intervention. Thanks.
I spoke to both Gary and his wife last night by phone, and want to explain something of which probably most of you are unaware.
That is, that Gary's wife has to work, even when he's in hospital. She had not seen him over the first ten days of his latest admission, which I think anyone would find extremely trying. They are trusting the Lord.
Gary is, counterintuitively, extremely positive, despite a pep-talk from the most senior doctor of the entourage who care for him, that this latest set-back is the most serious so far.
Gary also testifies that while he'd expected more opportunities to testify about the Lord during his earlier admissions, the way seems to be opening up spontaneously, this time, for him to talk easily of the Lord to both staff and patients.
He is able to get up for a short time, and walk short distances, but really, his condition makes him very tired.
Please, when you are reading your New Testament, take note of all the times one of the gospel writers mentions the amount of time Jesus spent healing multitudes...... healing each individual one..... and allow your faith to be stirred up to lay hold of God for Gary's restoration to complete health, as He is well able to do with just one Holy touch through His Spirit.
Bringing this thread back up -- for continued prayer on behalf of our brother GaryE.
Hi all.
I was able to spend some time with brother Gary this Saturday at the hospital here in Philadelphia. I spoke with him this evening and asked if he wanted me to relate anything to you all. He said he wanted you all to know we had a 'pleasant visit' together and that he was encouraged.
I am sure he appreciates all of your prayers very much.
Chris
Hi Chris,
Wonderful that you got to get together. How is he doing?
Brother Mike,
My impression was that he is doing pretty good, all things considered? We spent quite a bit of time down in the lobby talking about the things of God and his nurse had to come looking for him :-)
Hello,
The Bone Marrow Transplant people in Philadelphia had to rule out any combination of drugs and possible food allergies as causing the liver condition. A sample of the liver biopsy was sent to the Hutch in Seattle and they confirmed what was thought by Fox Chase in Philadelphia from what wasn’t a real easy biopsy to go on. It is decided that it is graft host of the liver. They had three options to go for and as we spoke about this I was told that one of the drugs had a study going on it also. I told them that I wasn’t against getting in a study though I didn’t know which one that would be. It turned out to be Pentostatin which is an approved drug for cll and lymphoma treatment. They will only continue the study if there is an improvement in the liver condition in a few weeks and if there isn’t they will have to take me off the study. The liver condition really hasn’t gotten any better than the day I was admitted, though at the time they are able to send me home since they are sure what the condition is and the drug treatments can be done at the house. I will have to go to the clinic twice a week for at least the next few weeks and maybe longer in order to keep a close watch on things by blood counts and chemical levels. This can be hard to do because of my time and Benita’s time with the distance taking about 5 to 6 hours one way if you stop to eat or go to the bathroom a couple of times.
This time in the hospital the Lord opened up many times to speak with patients about the Lord and also many of the nurses that I had spoken to earlier. One has a husband that has cll. I also had two visitors from Christian people from town, one who I never met before. One was a worker at the hospital at a different location and one was a person from Sermon Index who you all really want to meet some day, Chris J D. They were both very special visits but Chris J D is someone that you all will be blessed to meet if the Lord ever opens up the door for a visit.
Here are a couple of verses that the Lord had me write on the board in my room during my stay.
Psalm 57:1 To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa.m 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
I’m going to be very busy in the next few weeks. I’m not sure if I will be able to post much.
In the shadow of his wings,
GaryE
One was a worker at the hospital at a different location and one was a person from Sermon Index who you all really want to meet some day, Chris J D. They were both very special visits but Chris J D is someone that you all will be blessed to meet if the Lord ever opens up the door for a visit.
Psa.m 27:14 [i]Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Much lingering in these nearby Psalms brother;
Psa 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Psa 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Much love and ongoing prayers brother.
Dear Gary,They will only continue the study if there is an improvement in the liver condition in a few weeks and if there isn’t they will have to take me off the study. The liver condition really hasn’t gotten any better than the day I was admitted, though at the time they are able to send me home since they are sure what the condition is and the drug treatments can be done at the house. I will have to go to the clinic twice a week for at least the next few weeks and maybe longer in order to keep a close watch on things by blood counts and chemical levels. This can be hard to do because of my time and Benita’s time with the distance taking about 5 to 6 hours one way if you stop to eat or go to the bathroom a couple of times.
Thank you for all this detail which helps us to understand what you are going through, and pray constructively.
It seems to be a mixed blessing that you can be at home, in that it creates so much other work, but, I guess it is good for you and your wife to be together for more of the time. :-)
Hello everyone,
Yesterday, it was good news at the clinic. The bilirubin count which had continued to rise while I was admitted went down when I was tested to almost half of what it had been at its high of around 34. I’m thinking that is 34,000. It went to around 18. In a conference that they had on Friday when they were going over every patients condition, the somber doctors who had been looking at me so serious when they came into my room for a while now, were very happy about the counts that had came out about me. My personal doctor, who had looked so serious and told me he couldn’t sugar coat the seriousness of my condition the other day, is said to have pumped his arm when he heard the count at this meeting. I heard this when his younger daughter came in with a smile on her face and told me about the counts. Since the bilirubin is suppose to be 0.2 and 1.0 the counts of 18 is still very high and I will be in continued danger even though there seems to be a great improvement. The fact that it has lowered this much in a few days looks like the study I am on will continue.
Praise the Lord for this good report on bilirubin. This came on my 56th birthday and what a gift.
Grace, mercy, and peace
GaryE
Praise God Gary! It is always good to hear your voice here...
Happy Birthday brother...
Hi Gary!
How excellent! Thank you so much for the good report. It truly made my day! We will continue to pray!
His Name is Wonderful!
:-)
Bilirubin 18!
'His Name is Wonderful!'
Amen!
And Happy Birthday!
Would like to bring the needs of brother Gary to mind again. Thanks.
Over last weekend, Gary had a reaction to the chemo he'd had on Friday, having serious diarrhoea and losing ten pounds in weight.
When he went to the clinic on Tueday, they admitted him straight away, for more tests.
But, in terms of his blood counts' response to the new medication which he's receiving through the drug trial, the medics are pleased, and, his bilirubin has continued to fall right down to below 5. (It should be zero.)
Gary's wife is very tired, of course, but holding on to God with a fierceness which provokes pure hope. Please pray for them both.
When I visit the US in a few weeks, whether Gary is at home or in hospital, I intend to visit him, and Jeff (rookie) plans to come too. We will pray then, also. Please pray for us then.
ChrisJD,
I'm sure Gary would love to hear from you if you can?
Hi everyone.
Gary wanted me to pass along greetings to you all. He seems to be doing pretty good. We had a short time of prayer before I left and he prayed for you all.
I imagine your continued prayers mean alot to him.
Thank you all,
Chris
I am praying.
We are praying!
:-)
We will be uplifting Gary and his family in prayer.
Blessings
Yesterday (now), Jeff (rookie, who is my host right now), had generously taken a day off to drive Diane (roadsign) to the airport, and me to meet Gary and his wife. (Jeff's at work now.)
We had a precious time of just being together and acknowledging the Lord amongst us - singing - Gary has a great tenor voice - sharing scripture - and finally having the joy of praying right there and then for Gary's further healing; for his digestive system to begin to take over its normal function (since he has been weakened recently through reactions to his chemotherapy), and for him to know God keeping him one day at a time, while he regains physical strength. Jeff prayed much more than this, in a rich and gentle spirit of encouragement.
Last night (the night before our visit), Gary was feeling particularly low - probably more than at any time so far - because he is very physically weak. But, he is still on his feet when he can be, and brightened up during our visit.
His wife is also off work right now, partly with exhaustion, and other health issues. It would be good to keep her in prayer also, as she is quite isolated in her situation there, and is a life-line to Gary in many ways...... She drives the round trip to Philadelphia (of at least 8 hours) sometimes twice a week (to Gary's clinics), while being the main breadwinner by working a night job. This is a tough time for her.
It was a very memorable visit, which I am delighted to have made, and which brought us all closer to each other in truth.
This morning I had a sobering email from Gary's wife.
He has been in hospital again since 10th April, losing weight - about 10 pounds a week - because the thought of food makes him feel .... unable to face it.
On the evening before Jeff and I visited him, it was the first time he had begun to talk of going to be with the Lord, rather than living in hope of a full recovery. I believe the witness of the Spirit is that Gary can fully recover from the physical ailment. His transplant is a success and all but one of his current blood results is as it should be.
During our visit, I sensed there is a spiritual work to be done in Gary, which might make all the difference to his will to live, but, I don't claim to know how God wants to resolve this.
In bumping this thread again, I simply ask for us all to lay hold on God that Gary will find the strength he needs to please Him in this situation.
Perhaps he needs God's strength, rather than his own, and to say 'yes' to God on a matter that only he and God know.
May the Spirit guide our prayers.
Hello, I'm new to this wonderful site and so I have been reading the trials and tribulations of Gary. You sound like a wonderful person and have many wonderful caring loving friends too. I believe your in the refiner's fire, because of your desire to know Him more and be more Christlike and reveal Him to others. For true dedicated Christians, which I feel you are one, is to be an Ambassador for Christ. You and your friend's Christ likeness in this suffering is being shown in a tangible way to the unbelievers. They are watching. You can no doubt identify with Christ and His sufferings like Apostle Paul said in Phillipians 3:10. Brother may God's Will be done in your life and may He give you strength to endure this trial for the sake of gloritying Him. Daniel wasn't in the lion's den for doing wrong but for his devotion and worship and commitment to the One True God. My mother in law suffered sciatica for 40 years no Doctor could help, she too had prayer but in all honesty her faith was weak, she suddenly died a few weeks off her 70th birthday just before Christman,to a sudden heart attack. I cried before the Lord "I want her back I didn't want her to die, not now," and He said "If you knew how much pain she endured night and day you would not want to call her back, it would be out of your own selfishness." I knew what He meant by selfishness, not a evil way but a kind of possessive way, like your meant to be here in my time frame because I love you and if you go away I will be hurt, I will suffering, etc. He comforted me with those words and peace came, it's not to say I still don't have times of tears. God bless and I know your body is not your own but belongs to the Lord.
when Jesus comes again to rule and reign it is going to be so worth anything we face on this earth for His name sake. Be strong and of good cheer. I will be praying God's will for you. In Christ always.
Dorcas,
I can't thank you enough for bring up this thread again and again.
Even as I pray and pray again through the thread for Gary and his wife, I move on to the next post and find my prayers again answered.
So much endurance of so much struggle and pain.
It set's us who have lesser ill's to thanking God that our trials are so light, and to pray for Gary and his wife, for their strength, their comfort, their success in Christ whether in life or death.
Will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will enwrap them in love, for God, and for each other, that their witness may be an inspiration not only to those that see them walk this path of pain and sorrow, of success and Glory for God, but for all of us that are praying, and will continue to pray.
May God bless them, and lift them up in health, to His glory.
Blessings to all in the thread.
Forrest
Forgiven1 and UniqueWebRev, thank you for your responses. [i][b]I
Early this morning I spoke with Gary's wife. She had had a call from Gary's doctor, explaining what their latest tests have found.
Gary has a bowel perforation and needs surgery.
I understand he might have to have a colostomy. I'm not sure how permanent this would be, but it has put him off completely from agreeing to the operation. I'm sure many of us have sympathy... but, is it God's will that he dies? I hope not.
The mother of our Queen Elizabeth had a similar operation for cancer when she was a relatively young woman. I say 'young', as she lived to 102.
Let us pray Gary's heart is softened towards the opportunity to choose life.
Hello...!
I am continuing to pray for our brother Gary! He is a wonderful man of God and has had a great impact on many lives (including my own). I pray that he is able to "shake himself" of any sort of physical and spiritual ailments. He is certainly an asset and a light to this online community of faith and to this dark world.
I am going to spread word again to family and friends that I know around the world! God is able to do far more than we can even trust Him for. I know that the battle can get long, but that makes the ultimate victory even more special!
May the Lord strengthen you in every way, Brother Gary! May the fire of His presence encompass you even now!
Psalm 103:1-5
:-)
Hi Chris,
I spoke with Gary about an hour ago, and he was asking for you. I'll be sure to let him know what you've posted.
In fact, if you're reading this ChrisJD, maybe you could print ccchhhrrriiisss's post with any others you feel would bless Gary.
You are so right about the specialness of the victory.I know that the battle can get long, but that makes the ultimate victory even more special!May the Lord strengthen you in every way, Brother Gary! May the fire of His presence encompass you even now!
Since I prayed for Gary earlier today, I'm more inclined to believe God has healed his bowel without the need for an operation.
Gary had a blood transfusion on Tuesday when he was admitted - actually it was this past Tuesday, 17th April (not 10th, as I posted earlier) - and probably will begin to feel the benefit of it tomorrow.
I'll leave ChrisJD to post the latest after his visit.
Hi everyone. I was able to visit with Gary yesterday(Saturday, 21 April) for some time. I would rather not post any details about Gary's condition. Maybe his wife or someone else will be able to update you on that.
As I have been thinking about what I could share with you all, I've been reminded of some lyrics to a song that I took with me to read to Gary yesterday(he sang some hymns actually!). This song reminds me how much we need each other in our journey here on earth. Sometimes when we are weak, we need each other to be strong.
This is the last part of the lyrics to the song [i]The Breaking Of The Dawn
The sage and Joshua tree remind me
Of the miles to go,
the journey that we're on
In the still, sweet air of the desert
We will ride
through the breaking of the dawn
I spent some time with Gary today April 22.
I am musically ignorant so I brought an old hymn book so that I might sing along with Gary. Well, I left without my hymn book. Gary needed more...
Whenever he sings,,,the joy of the Lord becomes his strength. Pray that the Lord gives him a song each day to bring times of refreshing to this dear bother.
In Christ
Jeff
Hello!
As I prayed for Gary this morning, I was reminded of a beautiful song that I heard quite a long time ago. In the past, I've posted it in the "[i]Songs with a Message
[b]Be Still[i]by Scott Wesley Brown
I want to hear you speak to me
The words I’m longing for
‘Cause sitting here in silence
Makes me cry
I’m learning how to wait for you
And trust you with my life
Your answers come so slowly, Lord
Yet they always come on time.
‘Cause you hear me
Every breath I take
You see me
Every move I make
And you tell me to be still
And know that you are God
Sometimes my Lord I wish that I
Could look into your eyes
And feel you hold me in your arms
So tight.
‘Cause I am weary running for
The answers that I seek
I need the comfort of your love
The stillness of your peace
‘Cause you hear me
Every breath I take
You see me
Every move I make
And you tell me to be still
You tell me to be still
And know that you are God
:-)
Yesterday evening I spoke to Gary. He had had a 'good' day on Wednesday, and been well enough to start taking a little simple fluid by mouth.
But, he is still bleeding from the gut, and his red blood count is falling significantly each day. Also, his white blood cells are low.
He had been expecting a blood transfusion yesterday, but had not had it when we talked. I guess if all the white cells were in place, his red cells might also be holding up better.
Gary is now harbouring hopes of being able to attend the conference, but his experience of the last year is making him balance this with thoughts of going to heaven instead, which, (I think we can all understand), he finds appealing.
We all still need to hold on to the Lord for Him to heal everything that needs to be healed. I am finding it impossible to give up on this.
Still believing the victory over Gary's sick body. We have a Pastor who was diagnosed with bowel cancer it must be over 8 years ago and he went through the battle, they removed his bowel, Doctor's report said he would die, they called his family into hospital many times because the hospital staff by their senses thought he would die on each of those occasions. However, Pastor Phil never took his faith off the promise that God gave him in prayer when he was first diagnosed and that was "this sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God". It is a remarkable testimony but we serve a remarkable God. His battle was fierce he told us of one time a nun from the hospital popped in and Phil was as low as you can get and the nun was on the lines of death and in Phil's spirit he said No God get her out of here send me someone to revive me and she left and in walked the hospital chaplain who knew the Doctor's report of "He will die" and the next moment this man began to point his finger at Phil and boomed from his mouth "I am looking at a man who will not die but will surely live....." and Phil felt the Spirit in that room so strengthen him and today he and his wife minister to many and travel abroad for God's kingdom, fully dedicated, although they always had been even before this battle came. He since started up "ministry without walls". They have home churches each week and meet once a month together in a hall. So tell brother Gary if He has heard the promise for him from God Himself than the battle is worth the fight for God's glory, all Gary needs to do is rest in Him, believe on Him, and we your brothers and sisters in Christ will continue to lift you up in prayer.
God bless you and heal you and revive your weary body and may your Spirit man be fed by the living waters that flow from Jesus our Lord. :-D
I agree! Gary has been on my heart more than ever before. I pray for his encouragement in the Lord! I pray for his desire to see the Lord's face while still working for his Kingdom.
dorcas wrote:Gary is now harbouring hopes of being able to attend the conference, but his experience of the last year is making him balance this with thoughts of going to heaven instead, which, (I think we can all understand), he finds appealing.
We all still need to hold on to the Lord for Him to heal everything that needs to be healed.
[b]I am finding it impossible to give up on this.[/b]
I hope to see him at the conference! This would be a wonderful answer to prayer! In fact, it will be a joy to fellowship with many of our online family BEFORE we meet in Eternity.
Please let brother Gary know that I am praying for him, and there are men and women of God from around the world who are also praying.
:-)
Chris said
I will make sure this gets through again. Thank you.Please let brother Gary know that I am praying for him, and there are men and women of God from around the world who are also praying.
Forgiven1, thank you also for your exhortations.
Just a line to say to Gary your still in my prayers and standing with you in the battle. God bless and strengthen and restore you to good health. May the Lord be with you always. :-D
I read and prayed the thread again, wondering how anyone can need any witness but Gary's and Benita's, struggling through the worst of days and nights, suffering as only the damned should, in pain and weakness, in weariness and exhaustion, and still finding strength to try again one more day.
Am praying that the strength will grow, and the comfort be increased, from momemt to moment, until all is well.
Amen.
Forrest said
Thank you and to all who are praying.Am praying that the strength will grow
Yesterday I spoke to Gary again and he sounded stronger. We prayed again for more healing. He had a blood transfusion the day before. However, he had been very unwell on Monday and Tuesday, and has begun antibiotics for pneumonia detected at an early stage. He's on a lot of other medicines still.
Despite all this, he is trying to stay mobile, with a view to going home again... although the doctors have not suggested a date for this, yet.
Still praying! And yes, more and more strength to both Gary and Benita!
Blessings,
Forrest
Just wanting to bring this back to the front page. Please continue to pray for Brother GaryE!
:-)
Benita wrote to me today...5/7
Last week was bad. This week is good. The doctors believe that Gary is recovering from his problem with his digestive system. This is good news because he has been fed intraveniously for about 3 weeks now.
Pray that the Lord would bring song into his heart this week and that he be renewed in strength in the joy that can only come from the Lord.
In Christ
Jeff
Thank you Jeff.
You are so strong on my prayer list, a real urge from the Spirit of the Lord to keep praying for you Gary. Just for info only, but Dr. Colbert was on Benny Hinn TV with regards new research with regards,resveratrol, perhaps someone close to you can look it up on the net to look into it. Also Vitamin D very important 2000iu per day required, can get naturally through 15 to 20min sunlight but need to expose half the body or can take supplements. Lastly a glass of pommegranite juice with some added fibre daily can really help fight plaque in the arteries. Will keep praying that the Doctor's are given Godly wisdom for you specifically and may your body, soul and spirit be renewed by the working power of His mighty Spirit and may He put a new song in your heart. God bless. Love Lissa :-D
rookie said
This is wonderful news. I am soooo praising the Lord for His faithfulness to Gary, and to us who have prayed, for the hope He has given for a full recovery.Last week was bad. This week is good. The doctors believe that Gary is recovering from his problem with his digestive system.
May He continue to bind us together in love and perseverance.
Gary is still in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to the promise that God has given to you personally and do not be moved by your circumstances but in all your ways acknowledge Him. God is your strength. Love Lissa :-)
Hi Forgiven1...
I was going to bring this back to the front, but you beat me to it! Praise God -- great minds think (...or, are "led") alike!
I am praying this morning!
:-)
Gary has been in the hospital now for one month. Gary has had some bad days this week. He needs our prayers.
In Christ
jeff
Still thinking and praying to our Father for Gary. Bless all you that visit and encourage him. Love Lissa :-)
Continuing in prayer! The Lord is faithful and, in our darkest hours, God shines the brightest!
Be encouraged, Brother Gary!
:-)
Just wanting to bring this prayer request back to the front page. We are still praying fervantly for Gary!
:-)
Hi everyone! Thank you for your prayers.
I heard from Gary's wife today, that he had a very rough weekend at home, not managing to keep food down at all; so, was re-admitted on Tuesday.
This time, he has been referred to a nutrition specialist who is going to stabilise and send him home with intravenous feeding, to rest his digestive system for [i]three months
This has given Benita a lot of peace, as she has been carrying the worry of how to feed him, and yet not being able to fix him.
Please still pray, though, because intravenous [i]anything
Hi Dorcas...
I am praying and spreading word! Please tell Gary to be encouraged!
:-)
Actually, I am quite relieved that Gary will be resting at home for a time, getting built up.
Oddly, I had been paying for Gary to be able to go home, and for Benita to get some relief from the difficulties of commuting.
There may be different hazards here, so I have prayed that all will go well, and both Gary and Benita will be rested and strengthened,
Blessings,
Forrest
Hi everyone,
I thought you'd like to know it's Benita's birthday today. She's visiting Gary in hospital (I believe). (I don't think he is home yet.)
She looks at this thread from time to time, so I wonder if we can surprise her with some birthday greetings?
[size=large][color=CC0000][font=Impact]Happy Birthday, Benita![/font][/color][/size]
May God shine His face upon you during this special day! Our prayers are with your family!
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Matthew 5:8
Matthew 11:28-30
:-)
[b][size=medium][color=660066][font=Georgia]Happy Birthday, Benita![/font][/color][/size]
:-)
Hi Benita!
Happy birthday, sister!
:-D Lots of love!
Dear Benita,
HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY DAY FILLED WITH LOVE AND BEST WISHES! You and Gary still in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you both. :-D "This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it".
DearGary and Benita,
Still in my thoughts and prayers for you both in this time of need. Jesus came to destroy the works of satan and on the cross he yelled "It is finished". Jesus has given you something more precious, His life giving spirit. Stay strong in the Lord always may He deliver you out of all your troubles. God is your strength. Love Lissa
:-)
Thank you for bumping this Lissa. I've much to get caught back up on, but I just read these 10 pages and I can't even imagine the spiritual strength that Gary and Benita are allowing to control their lives through this all.
Gary and Benita, you're lives are a magnificently Powerful testimony.
I pray above all things, that His Presence will be a continual overshadowing for you both.
Talk about the perseverance of the Saints.
LORD Bless you both richly in His Glory.
With my prayers. annie
I've just received another short note from Benita. She is an amazing example of courage, to us all, in her hope and trust at this time.
Here is the important extract, so we can pray for Gary with intelligence. Still, we must also be ready to hear from God and pray according to His will, as He reveals it today.
Benita shared:
[color=0033CC]'Gary has been very sick right now. He is still in the hospital it has been about 1 1/2 months now.
For the past 2 weeks he has had fever, yesterday it was + 102. all day.
They have not been able to find the source .
They have been doing all sorts of testing and changing his meds around. He went for a scan of his head today because of visual changes and headache.
Gary is so tired and wants to go Home to Heaven.
Continue lifting Gary and myself up before the Father.
Still praying for God's perfect will to be done.'
[/color]
Amen.
Brother Gary...
We are praying! When I say, "WE," I mean people on nearly every continent! I have spread the word of this request to individuals around the globe on various prayer networks. I know that the desire to receive our heavenly "promotion" can be strong during times of pain or crisis. But remember the work that you could still accomplish here.
Your enduring love for God -- in spite of your current situation -- is a wonderful testimony that has served to strengthen my own faith. Be encouraged that your light is still shining ever-so-brightly!
Please continue to keep us updated. The Lord bless you and keep you.
:-)
Praying for Benita, for her courage and strength, and for Gary, that God should show His perfect will by either taking Gary home, or making him completely well.
In hope and sorrow,
Forrest
Hello Gary and Benita...
I was touched by the words of this song this morning. May the Lord bless you exceedingly!
[b]Anoint My Heart for Burial
by Dennis Jernigan
[i]Verse 1
The tree of myrrh is full of tears,
that only come forth when bruised.
But the fragrant life that wounding brings,
is born on the wings of Good News.
[i]Verse 2
Like myrrh when hardened must be crushed,
before the fragrance can rise.
My blinded heart must be made dust,
so Father open my eyes.
[i]Chorus
Anoint my heart for burial,
that I might walk in true life.
Anoint my heart for burial,
Release the fragrance of Christ.
Oh Lord, fill me with life let it pour!
Oh Lord then fill me with more.
Anoint me with oil.
[i]Verse 3
Lord take my wounded heart and make,
a fragrance out of the pain.
I give my life a sacrifice,
bring fruit from this harvest of grain.
[i]Chorus
Anoint my heart for burial,
that I might walk in true life.
Anoint my heart for burial,
Release the fragrance of Christ.
Oh Lord, fill me with life let it pour!
Oh Lord then fill me with more.
Anoint me with oil.
:-)
Hebrews 12:1-3
Hi everyone.
I saw Gary yesturday and asked if he wanted to pass along anything to you all and also if there were anythings in particular we could pray for.
He is having periods of nausea and is still having much difficulty eating. He also said that his liver counts were up slightly.
He also wanted me to mention to you that he would be spending much more time on-line when he gets better.
We've talked about this before and I think he would really like to be able to attend the confrence coming up, if he is well enough to attend.
Chris
Thank you ChrisJD, that is encouraging news.
Will persevere in prayer for Gary and dear wife.
Thank you again for going to see him, etc..
LORD Bless.
Brother Gary is having a hard time...
pray for him.
Hello...
I am praying for him. I'm in Tennessee visiting some family, but Brother Gary is in our prayers. Be encouraged!
:-)
Hello...
Has anyone heard any reports on Brother Gary? I've been on holiday in Tennessee and Dallas, and I haven't had the opportunity to check regularly. He and his family have been heavy in my prayers.
:-)
Hi everyone.
I saw Gary on Saturday. I was not able to stay long with him, but he is still sick and not able to eat much.
Peace be with you,
Chris
Chris,
Thank you for this word. I haven't tried to speak to Gary in a while and it is good to know you are representing us to him in person.
Thank you for this sacrifice of time and effort. I know you do it willingly and with love, and, both Gary and his wife are blessed.
Bumping this thread for continued prayer. Does anyone have any news from Brother Gary or his family? We are continuing to hold him up in prayer!
:-)
Amen Chris. Bumping again with prayer.
Greetings...
Benita, the wife of brother GaryE, sent me this message:
I request that our family here on SermonIndex might join in holding up Brother Gary and his family. This is a terrible time for this wonderful family in Pennsylvania. If you don't know, Brother Gary is a minister -- working with truckers.Dear Brother Chris,I am on S.I. sending you this note. Gary has been in the hospital about 3 months now. When I was to see him on Sunday I talked with his Dr. They have not been successful in bringing him out of liver failure. They have been trying everything they can. The Dr. told me that Gary needs a miracle. Well we all know the Miracle Maker! I am still praying for God's perfect will to be done.
Gary is praying for Jesus to take him home. He is so tired of being sick. I want Gary to go home only because I see how sick he is. It breaks my heart. I pray for peace and grace for Gary. He is in misery. I plan, Lord willing, to visit him tomorrow. Pray for safe traveling mercies, it is a 3 1/2- 4hour trip.
I will tell him you all are praying. You may share this note with the others. Bless you all!
- GaryE's wife Benita
While I don't pretend to know the Lord's mind in all of this, I do know that I would really love for a supernatural healing to occur. "[i]To live is Christ and to die is gain
I would ask that anyone who is able and willing to fast for Brother Gary. My wife and I are spreading word in various prayer chains around the world to pray for Brother Gary and his family. Please join us in this.
Longing to see His Face,
- Chris
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Matthew 5:8
Exodus 33:11
This is my first post to this site, I was reading over Gary's post, and I too am praying for him. I know first hand that God is the same God He was yesterday, and His miracles never cease!!!
Thank you!
:-)
Brother Gary is experiencing liver failure. He has been hospitalized for 3 months. He and Benita are considering leaving the hospital to return home.
Please pray...
Thank you for posting this Jeff.
This is probably their best decision. Benita and Gary should be together as much as possible and she can't keep driving that distance.
Being in the hospital is so depressing and when you can't see your loved ones that often, it's twice as horrible.
Will be continuing prayer for Benita's strength and if The Lord would perform a miracle for Gary or give them 'both' the peace somehow for him to go Home. Yet my heart goes out to Benita.
LORD have Mercy on them.
Here is a note from Benita (Gary's wife)...
PLEASE continue to pray! We know that God can make a way where there is no other way. I would love for Brother Gary to remain on Earth for quite a while longer. I understand and share the desire to "go home" -- and I am not in such pain. But I still pray for a miracle!I was just talking to Gary over the telephone. He is looking forward to coming home as soon as the plans come together from the Philly hospital. Because the BMT Physicians have been unable to provide the correct combinations of drugs to bring Gary out of liver failure. He is withdrawing from all treatment and as he say's, he is going "cold turkey" He will be under the care of the Hospice program. Maybe with all the toxic pills and chemo drugs stopped he will get better. God has the ability to heal. He is the Great I Am! Gary is ready for Jesus to take him home to heaven. But are still holding out for a miracle what ever God wants we want, may His perfect will be done. You may pass this info along to SI friends. GaryE's wife,
BenitaGary and I thank you for all the prayer support you have recruited. God has and continues to bless us every day with his presence. Praise His name!
Thank you for your prayers! But please continue to spread word for prayer.
In Christ Jesus,
-Chris
I'm bumping this thread for much needed prayer during this crucial time. Please pray for Brother GaryE, his wife Benita and their family(ies).
May the Lord bless them during this time with perfect peace.
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgements are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
Dear Gary and Benita,
With all the love that is in Christ Jesus.
With you in prayer
Thank you, brokenvessel.
Please continue to pray for Brother Gary, his wife Benita and the family.
I haven't heard anything from Benita for a few days. I feel inclined to bump this for prayer.
If you don't know, GaryE is a wonderful member of this community. He has been in the hospital for quite a while. He has been experiencing some unimaginable pain and suffering.
Please remember Gary, his wife Benita and his family in prayer.
May God able him see Christ glory in this trail
I am praying
charlene
Still Deeply in prayer for Gary and Benita.
Been there, doing that...my wife has pulmonary fibrosis is in need of a double lung transplant. We have been foiled at every turn to get her on the transplant list.
She had two years to live without the transplant in May '05; so every minute together is soooo precious...she is mighty woman of God & as it is God's will she is ready to go home... but our God is merciful and currently Suzi's doing OK.
They are in my prayers daily...
I bring glorious news from our sister Benita.
Our brother Gary went home to the Lord two days ago. Benita will send me her official obituary for him when she has written it, as there will be a memorial service in celebration of his life, on 5th August, 2007.
She wants you all to know that the Lord granted their desire to be together when he took his last breath, holding his hand, as he had been at home since last Friday.
There was a cd playing, which happened to have reached the track 'Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling...', which now has special significance for her, and has added to the happy memory of Gary finally being delivered from all pain.
He passed on at 1018am on Wednesday 25th July, and was cremated yesterday.
Glory to God in the highest!
There was a cd playing, which happened to have reached the track 'Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling...', which now has special significance for her, and has added to the happy memory of Gary finally being delivered from all pain.
".... and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
When I posted earlier, I wasn't sure whether to say it is [i]sad
But I am sad, because he was a chirpy soul with a heart for winning others to the Lord, who wrote beautiful even-spirited contributions on these forums, filled with spiritual truth and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Always a blessing.
The last time he and I prayed together on the phone - which was many weeks ago - all that he was seeking from the Lord, was His glory. Amen.
Although Gary was the one in actue discomfort, I was refreshed and encouraged in [i]my
In these last months, Benita has amazed me with her focus on Jesus, His will, His glory and her trust in His choices for both Gary and her. She has fought to stay in tune with Him and [u]always
Dear sister when you read this, you have been a great blessing. Thank you for lending Gary to us for a season. May all God's purposes in our mutual association through Gary's love for Jesus, come to fulfilment.
I'm in fervent prayer about this.
Krispy
Remembering GaryE
There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
Refrain
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.
Dear Lord, may You stamp eternity in our hearts.
Dear sis, Benita .... loving you in the Lord.
One night I was in a lot of pain and I started to pray, “Lord take this pain away.” All of a sudden I realized I was praying wrong and I said to the Lord, “If I have to live like this the rest of my life in order to be broken and used by you, it’s ok.” That seemed to be a turning point though the pain didn’t go away right away. Romans 8:28
Gary wrote that a year ago. I think the Lord has answered that prayer, Gary's faith is a source of encouragement for us all and a sobering reminder to redeem the time.
In Christ,
Ron
Thank you, Dorcas...
This is indeed "glorious" news. Gary and Benita's perseverance inspite of difficulties has been a great inspiration to my wife and I (and many of our friends). While I preferred to have had Gary remain with us a bit longer, "...to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Benita, you and your family are in our prayers.
:-)
Our brother Gary went home to the Lord two days ago.
One of own here ... Did not know of this until today (thank you Dorcas).
I have no words at the moment... Please do pray for Benita saints.
This is an excerpt from Gary, his second to last post here, from January of this year;
[i]This time in the hospital the Lord opened up many times to speak with patients about the Lord and also many of the nurses that I had spoken to earlier. One has a husband that has cll. I also had two visitors from Christian people from town, one who I never met before. One was a worker at the hospital at a different location and one was a person from Sermon Index who you all really want to meet some day, Chris J D. They were both very special visits but Chris J D is someone that you all will be blessed to meet if the Lord ever opens up the door for a visit.
Here are a couple of verses that the Lord had me write on the board in my room during my stay.
Psalm 57:1 To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa.m 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
I’m going to be very busy in the next few weeks. I’m not sure if I will be able to post much.
In the shadow of his wings,
GaryE
This hits hard and to find words is impossible, just that Benita you are in our prayers.
Lord help you and stay you at this time and until we all meet you & Gary together.
His Love will never fail.
Dear friends,
Have some sadness in hearing this news, but mixed with joy at the thought of Gary being embraced by His Saviour in the light and glory of Heaven. How sweet is that thought.
Gary was a blessing to me. He was always humble and gracious when we met, and always sought to not turn me away when I came to visit, even when he was in great pain.
I want to thank God for being able to meet him and spend time with him, expecially during these long months when I have not had any other Christian fellowship outside of my home. In his sickness, he ministered to me.
Thank you Gary. God's love be with you always Benita.
Chris
In his sickness, he ministered to me.
...
When we read the email about Gary, my wife and I wept. It is amazing that an individual across the country had such an immediate and lasting impact on our life. What a testament into the faith of a wonderful man of God!
We rejoice that Gary's journey and mission here on Earth is complete. We will certainly miss him. But in truth, we really long to be where he is now.
Our prayers, the prayers of our local Church and friends and family from around the world are with you, Benita. Be encouraged.
Matthew 6:25-34
:-)
I've heard from Benita today, to let me know that she tried to call Jeff on holiday, but he was just on his way home by then ...
She went on to say about the Memorial Service on this Sunday coming, that it will be at 3pm. And
[color=0033FF]'...I'd love it if either Chris JD or Jeff........someone from Sermon Index to be there...'[/color]
I'm wondering if there is anyone else in that area (within striking distance of the Lewisburg area) who would be able to go - as well - on behalf of us all?
Right at this moment, I don't know whether Jeff will be free.
Hi Linn,
We just got back from California today...I spoke with Benita and my family and I will be attending the service on Sunday...
Please pray for a blessing this weekend...
In Christ
Jeff
Hello Jeff,
Thank you for this news.
We will be praying for you all.
Benita has sent the newpaper announcement, which I will post below.
[image][img align=left]http://mi-cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/DailyItem/Photos/213001630_1.jpg
He was born Feb. 2, 1951, in Bellefonte, the adopted son of Harry and Ida Eckenroth.
He attended Bellefonte schools.
Gary was an over-the-road truck driver for Davidson Bros. Trucking of Bellefonte until his retirement in 2001 due to health problems.
For about 10 years, Gary assisted Chaplain Kris Tackitt at Little Grace Chapel, the truckers' chapel at Petro All American Truck Stop, at Exit 215, off Interstate 80, Milton.
He is survived by his wife of three years, Benita (Griffiths) Eckenroth, whom he married Dec. 6, 2003; one son, Daniel Eckenroth and his companion, Jennifer Shank; four grandchildren, Bryce, Damian, Caleb and Joshua; and his former wife, Candice Krebs King.
A memorial service celebrating Gary's change of residence will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Mifflinburg Church of the Nazarene, 12 E. Market St., Mifflinburg, with Pastor Melvin Weaver of Elizabethtown officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gary's memory to the Association of Christian Truckers Inc., P.O. Box 187, Brownstown, IL 62418, or to SUN Home Hospice, P.O. Box 232, Northumberland, PA 17857.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall.
[i]Published in The Daily Item from 7/26/2007 - 8/2/2007.
A memorial service celebrating Gary's change of residence
:-)
Wow! Thank you for including this, Dorcas!
Gary B. Eckenroth, 56, of Pine Valley Court, had his ultimate healing Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at his home with his wife Benita and best friend holding his hand. Gary entered into the presence of his Lord listening to the song, "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling."
Verse 1:
\tSoftly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
\tcalling for you and for me;
\tsee, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
\twatching for you and for me.
Refrain:
\tCome home, come home;
\tye who are weary come home;
\tearnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
\tcalling, O sinner, come home!
Verse 2:
\tWhy should we tary when Jesus is pleading,
\tpleading for you and for me?
\tWhy should we linger and heed not his mercies,
\tmercies for you and for me?
\t
(Refrain)
Verse 3:
\tTime is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
\tpassing from you and from me;
\tshadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
\tcoming for you and for me.
\t
(Refrain)
Verse 4:
\tO for the wonderful love he has promised,
\tpromised for you and for me!
\tThough we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
\tpardon for you and for me.
\t
(Refrain)What a wonderful song by which we can "change our residence!" Oh -- to have such a wonderful passing!
:-)
My prayers go out to Benita, his family and his close friends. It was sad to hear the news, it is earth's loss but heaven's gain on receiving back Gary to the Father's house. I give praise to the Father for giving us His only begotten Son Jesus Christ so that Gary will rise again into eternal life, where sickness, suffering and death will be no more. May God be with you all at this sad passing of a shining light in the world. Thankyou dorcas for posting picture and background on Gary for us who had never met him but at the same time felt one in the spirit for him and his family whilst praying for them.
This is such a precious thread. Gary's in heaven now.
I don't have much else to say, in soon time we'll all meet up with Gary and the rest of the Saints. It's sad when any Saint goes, but he's in a much better place. I've been in prayer for Benita, who we all need to hold up together.
Jordan
Today, I've received this picture from Benita.
On the left is ChrisJD.
On the right, Chaplain Kris who ran the ministry to truckers for thirty years after her husband died, whom Gary helped often, after he met the Lord. Chaplain Kris is in a nursing home (now).
Benita is beside Gary.
[image][img align=left]http://emausmk.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/Chris%2CGary%2CBenitaandChaplainKris.jpg
The Memorial service is in progress right now, if you are able to turn your thoughts and prayers to join in thanks for Gary's life.
I just got back from the memorial service. It was wonderful, especially the testimonies of people that knew Gary. He really knew Jesus.
Jordan
Gary's memorial service was wonderful. Truck drivers and and an old mother of the church testified of Gary's impact in their lives. It was refreshing to hear brothers and sisters share their love for Gary because of the abundance of grace that was poured out by God in Gary's life. Not much theology, just a simple powerful love.
Jesus was glorified in Mifflinburg last Sunday afternoon.
In Christ
Jeff
For some reason the picture wasn't showing up the other day but now it's clear ...
Something far beyond words here.
[i]We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
2Th 1:3
I agree, Mike. When I first viewed this photo last night, I "[i]wished myself among them
My prayers are continually with Benita and their families.
:-)
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