Urgent Prayer Needed

I am sure many of you know or have heard of Pastor Rick Warren, most well-known by his book entitled, The Purpose Driven Life.  Pastor Rick leads a church out in California that my cousin's father attends.  

While Daniel was ill in early 2006, Pastor Rick sent Daniel a signed copy of the book along with some encouraging words of prayer.  It was so meaningful to Daniel and I to know that a church (and more importantly, a famous author) would be thinking about little 'ole us here in Virginia.  

Well, as you will read below, now it is our turn to repay the favor.  I am not a famous author and therefore have no fantastic books to send, but I am a child of God and I know He hears my prayers.  Please read what I have posted below from Pastor Rick and His family and please do lift them up in prayer as often as you can during the next few weeks and months.  As you will read, God is already working amidst their pain.

Thanks!

My life is a true testimony that prayer does work, especially amidst grieve and uncertainty.

Love to all!!!

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October 17, 2008
 
Kay and I, and our entire family are deeply grateful for your prayers for Jaime and her battle with a brain tumor. Below is a brief report of this past week along with the scripture verse I've focused on each day. Thanks for sharing this burden with us. You might want to save these verses for when YOU need them.
 
SATURDAY
Jaime was hospitalized for blurred vision, instability, and headaches. A CT Scan revealed a massive tumor at the base of her brain.
"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer."     Psalm 94:19 (Living) 
 
SUNDAY
My 25 year old daughter-in-law, Jaime, (Josh's wife) is facing her second life-threateninghealth crisis in less than two months.  Seven weeks ago, Jaime went into labor five weeks early. They discovered the baby was in the breech position and an emergency C-section was ordered because the baby's heart rate began to drop.  Cole was not breathing when he was born, and it took great skill from the medical personnel to resuscitate him.
 
MONDAY
A day for testing. The MRI revealed a very serious and complex vascular tumor and hydrocephalus. There is debate about the type of tumor and much concern about the best procedure to use.
"God will shield you with his wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don't need to be afraid of the dark any more, nor fear the dangers of the day; nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning."    Psalm 91:4-6 (Living) 
 
TUESDAY
After getting 3 professional opinions on the nature of the tumor, we've moved Jaime to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The UCLA chief of neurosurgery has taken Jaime's case because of its risk and complexity. An angiogram today provided more information but because of the tumor's location and connection to vital blood supply, doctors are unable to perform a procedure they hoped to do before the surgery. 
"The righteous do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly." Psalm 112:6-8 (NLT) 
 
WEDNESDAY 10 AM
Jaime was just rolled into the operating room for her 16 hour brain surgery. We now know the premature birth and emergency C-section of Cole likely saved Jaime's life. She could have died pushing in a normal delivery. What we often think is a problem (at that moment) isoften a protection.
"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you."  Deut. 31:8 (NLT) 
 
WEDNESDAY NIGHT 11 PM 
Hour 13 of Jaime's surgery. We are told the tumor is tangled with all of the nerves on the left side of her brain, pushing its way into the brain. We are praying that Jaime's life will be spared, the tumor will be successfully removed, and there will be no damage to her eyesight or permanent loss of movement.  
"The prayer that is said with faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will heal that person."    James 5:15 (NCV) 
 
THURSDAY 6 AM
After almost 20 hours, Jaime leaves the operating room. She'll now be in recovery for several hours. She may sleep for a couple of days due to the strong anesthesia given.
"When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) 
 
THURSDAY 10:30 AM
VERY BAD NEWS. A post-op CT Scan shows that Jaime is bleeding internally and building pressure on her brain. This is life-threatening, so doctors must go back to the operating room, reopen the wound, find the cause of the bleeding, and stop it. This will take another 4 ½ hours.
"We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." 2 Chron. 20:12 (NLT) 
 
THURSDAY 3 PM  
The second surgery stops two areas of internal bleeding. The doctor frankly discusses the possible long term damage.
"Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. Psalm 10:17 (NLT) 
 
THURSDAY 5 PM
Josh just got to see Jaime for the first time in 32 hours. It was only 30 seconds but she opened her eyes. She is on a breathing machine and can't speak but can move all four of her extremities. The next 24 hours will be extremely critical.  Our family is all worn out too.
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT) 
 
FRIDAY AM
Please pray that Jaime will have a full recovery, with no long-term complications. Pray that her life will be an example of the truth that God's purpose for our lives is greater than any problem we face. Pray the doctors and nurses will be touched by the witness of her life. 
 
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
 
"Pray that our Lord will make us strong and give us peace."  Psalm 29:11 
 
"Pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message." Colossians 4:3
 
"I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!"   Phil. 4:19
 
"As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you."  1 Samuel 12:23