A Prayer Motivator
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     Sometimes we get so focused on our own desires, that we forget the needs of others. 
Please remember the many children around the world who need the healing love of Jesus.  Pray for them daily. 
And as you do, please pray for my son, Michael.  The following photos sort of chronicle his past 13 surgeries, up to his current artwork in 2007. 
He will still need another significant heart surgery as he approaches adulthood. 
 
                    

 

      
                    
The wall climbing picture was taken March 6, 2001 at a Mall in Birmingham after receiving good news from his cardiac check up. 
This man-made mountain was about 30-40 feet tall, and Michael begged to climb it. 
He's very grateful to Drs. Pacifico, Colvin, and Stopa for all of the work they've done for him over the years!

 

       

Mike's Artwork (2007)

 

 

    Good News Update!  Even though we recently found out that our family's medical insurance premiums will incrementally increase over the next couple of years to nearly $1,000 per month, we also received wonderful news about our son Michael's heart condition.  He is doing much better and might not have to have another major procedure for many years.  So that means that our out of pocket medical expenses, beyond the $12,000 per year in premiums, won't necessarily be as high as we had anticipated.   

     Michael was born with severe heart defects (tetrology) and has so far endured six heart surgeries, one eye surgery, and one hernia surgery.  He is now a believer in Jesus as His Boss and Savior.  Through his physical heart struggles, the whole family is learning precious truths about the needs of our spiritual hearts, and God's sufficient counsel.  We are deeply committed to training all of our six children to walk in biblical wisdom with pure heart motives.  And in spite of us, God and His Biblical Counsel are able to overcome. Please choose the same commitment, and invest your time personally in each one of your little sheep. 

     In November, '98, the Southern Medical Association regional continuing education conference was held in New Orleans.  They asked me to lead the prayer breakfast, and my message was:
"When the Patient Says, 'Why Me?'" It stems from Michael's question to me a couple of months ago, when he asked, "Dad, why did God choose me to have all of these heart surgeries?".

     Also you will be encouraged by what we call Michael's Medicine for the Soul. He comes out with profound statements that obviously result from the years of thinking about his personal struggle from a Biblical perspective: Michael's Medicine for the Soul

Update on Michael January 2000
          We just returned from Birmingham where we go to Univ. of Alabama Hospital for Michael's surgeries and check-ups.  Michael had his sixth heart surgery in May, had a battle with post-surgical pericarditis for a number of weeks, but is now doing very well. His medications are reduced and he is stronger than ever. The team at UAB Hosptial (Dr. Pacifico and Dr. Colvin and all the nurses have been wonderful. And of course the staff in New Orleans at Children's Hospital (Dr. Stopa) have also been a blessing from the Lord. We are grateful to God for all that He has allowed, especially the opportunities to minister to others.