Dr. John Watson

Relocation

2011-12-06T14:05:00.012-05:00

It has been a very difficult 17 months. My family and I have experienced a lot of loss - more then just the death of my husband. I have lost a lot of what I held dear and near to my heart.

The view from
my front porch.

I have relocated back to Texas within an hour or so of my home town. I am trying to rediscover who I am and what I am to be about doing.

My youngest is in college here in Texas. My other two children are still in Ohio and I miss them enormously.

I live on a hill that overlooks a lake which is peaceful.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone.

Sincerely,
Dr. Pat J. Watson
P.O. Box 832
Belton, Texas 76513

The Eagleman is Soaring with Jesus

2010-07-26T19:05:00.003-04:00

On Sunday July 25, my best friend, my lover, my companion, my husband, the father of our children and so much more soared to the highest of heights into the arms of Jesus. He is now worshipping in the presence of the King in the way we only dream about.

The arrangements for Dr. John Watson's calling hours and celebration service will be held at Marion Christian Center: 1550 Richland Rd, Marion, OH 43302. The calling hours are Wednesday, July 28th from 5-8 PM EST and Thursday, July 29th from 11-12, with the funeral following at 1 PM. A “John W. Watson Memorial Account” at any Fifth Third Bank has been set up in lieu of flowers.

Thank You!

2010-04-13T15:23:00.004-04:00

Thank you for your love and interest in my life of John Watson and our lives as the Watsons.

I have been on a sixteen year adventure of dealing with a disease called "prostate cancer." A prophetic word through my friend Chuck Pierce summarizes my focus "you will remain one step ahead of the disease until you walk away from it."

I restarted chemo treatments again almost three months ago. The results are successful with reductions in disease activity as measured by PSA and no pain level. PTL. My doctor asked "do you take three or four days off after chemo to regain your strength?" I said "no, I just go back to work after 3 1/2 hours of chemo." One of my nurses asked "do you ever miss work?" She had noticed my dress style. I said "no, I am active every day." I also receive "shots for three days a week which then require a total of four driving days to Columbus each week.

I say a geniune thank you to Jesus, to my medical team, to those who pray for me and us and to the research team who found chemos that work with minimum side effects. Thank you!
Sincere love, John Watson

2010-02-11T11:05:00.004-05:00

Thank you for your prayers, friendship and support! It makes a lot of difference. Monday, February 15, starts another step of "staying one step ahead of the disease until I walk away from it"-(word through Chuck Pierce). After three months without chemo treatment, I start again with chemo and follow up shots to stir my bone marrow. My PSA had gone up; therefore we are taking this step. Again, please believe for successful treatments. Thank you. John

John at Laguna Beach

2010-01-07T00:01:00.003-05:00

Family

2010-01-05T00:52:00.000-05:00

John Watson, Joyce Watson and Harry Watson

Happy New Year - 2010

2010-01-03T00:04:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-17T11:44:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your friendship, love and support. May 2010 be a year of health and joy in all you do!

Sincere love,
Pastors John & Pat Watson

Chemo had ended

2009-12-09T11:37:00.003-05:00

Chemo is over for now. The doctor wants to let John's body recuperate from all the treatment. He is gaining in strength and weight every day. Thanks for all the prayers!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Love, John & Pat

Dr. John to Florida

2009-11-06T18:50:00.004-05:00

John is scheduled to be in Florida next week teaching School of the Apostles - Pat will not be with him. Pray for extra strength and an ease in teaching.

Thank you

2009-10-08T06:54:00.002-04:00

I continue to give thanks to Jesus, caring prayer partners and our medical team. All my reports again this week were good. Hemoglobin stable; white corpusles up ten times; and PSA down now 88%. We had another "chemo" Tuesday. We continue on chemo since I am tolerating it very well and it is working. The next chemo is scheduled for October 27.

Latest News

2009-09-30T14:41:00.002-04:00

I sincerely thank you for your love and support. I continue to receive good physical reports. My hemogobin is again higher- almost normal. My white corpuscle count is up ten times higher. I had "chemo" yesterday. I have "four days of shots the first thing each day" each week to stir my bones. I continue to give Jesus the glory, thank you our partner partners and I thank my medical team for participating in miraculous work.

2009-09-22T15:13:00.002-04:00

Thank you again for your support and friendship. I am thankful to report that my white corpuscle count in today's lab report is up 60% I therefore was able to have healthy "chemo" today; also my hemoglobin is the highest in recent months. Thank you Jesus, friends and medical staff. I have many involvements; I trust for wisdom as we ponder Proverbs together for 31 days.

2009-09-15T14:13:00.002-04:00

Thank you for your interest and support. I completed my blood test again today. The results showed my white corpuscle count is 0.1 lower than my doctor likes to do "chemo" since chemo attacks. Therefore we will wait another week. We trust Jesus to work this "all for good."

2009-09-09T17:03:00.002-04:00

I am thankful for another good PSA report this afternoon. It went down another 25%. My white corpuscle count is slight low so chemo has been delayed until next week. I am very grateful for each that prays for and encourages me and us! Thank you! It makes a real difference.

Trust for a Good Report

2009-09-07T21:21:00.001-04:00

John sees the doctor again in the morning for the once a month visit. I pray it is a good report.

No Chemo or shots this week.

2009-08-31T10:10:00.000-04:00

Chemo again Today

2009-08-25T07:20:00.001-04:00

Pray for increase strength after this treatment.

Joy had a great visit to California!

2009-08-15T09:13:00.000-04:00

Praise Report!

2009-07-15T08:15:00.000-04:00

I am thankful for chemo Tuesday. My blood counts are good- white corp. above normal; my red rising. God is good.

Aunt Joyce is Coming to Visit

2009-07-14T10:35:00.000-04:00

Uncle Harry is Coming to Visit

2009-06-18T22:20:00.000-04:00

Pastor John Had a Great Weekend

2009-06-07T15:59:00.000-04:00

Update

2009-06-03T14:44:00.005-04:00

John was not able to have chemo on Tuesday. His white blood count is low .9 and red blood is 9.3. The doctor said he is not to shake hands with people because it the number one way germs are spread. He is to wash his hands frequently. He is susceptible to infection.

John trys to keep his regular schedule as much as he can. So pray he uses wisdom in what he does and where he goes.

The hives that I have are better I just need to learn how to deal with my stress better.

Pat's Birthday Today

2009-05-31T08:41:00.001-04:00

Pat is 49 today!

Pastor Pat is Feeling Better

2009-05-28T10:34:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - Pastor Pat is very sick!!! Please pray for quick healing for her and that Pastor John & Joy do not get the virus too!

Update Thursday, May 28, 2009 - I am doing much better. Thank you for all the prayers.

Update

2009-05-26T14:51:00.001-04:00

John had chemo today. His white blood count is at 1500 and his hemoglobin is at 9.3.
Please pray for continued strength and health.

Doctor Updates

2009-05-19T21:15:00.002-04:00

The doctor said John is responding well to the chemo. He will begin a different regiment of chemo next week – two weeks on and one week off. His white (1400) and red (9.0) blood counts are low so he is susceptible to infection and may get tired easily as a result. Pray his blood counts rise and that he will soon be able to be off the chemo.

Pat’s physical therapy is going well – regaining use of the foot and gaining stability.

Preaching Sunday Morning

2009-05-16T18:58:00.001-04:00

Pastor John is preaching Sunday morning on the AMAZING JESUS and the 7 Mountains!

Great Weekend for the Watson's

2009-05-10T14:01:00.019-04:00

This was a really good weekend for the Watson family.

On Friday we celebrated Joy’s 16th birthday by having a party with friends and family at Red Robin, Polaris and then going to a Sanctus Real concert.

Saturday was relaxing although it was a bit cold.

Today, Sunday and Mother’s Day, John, Joy & I simply had carry out at home – very relaxing. John preached a great message this morning. So good to hear him minister on Women of Faith.

Tonight I expect I will play ‘Farm Town’ game, John will watch golf and Joy will . . . want to be on the computer, too.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mom’s and Spiritual Mom’s!

Love, Pat

Chemo again on Tuesday

2009-05-02T18:52:00.000-04:00

Pray for strength.

Joy Turned 16 Years Old

2009-04-27T17:37:00.004-04:00

Joy had a birthday! She is Sweet 16 and a delight to her dad. We will celebrate with a party on May 8th with her friends by going to the Sanctus Real concert in Columbus. Some of you know we are personal friends with Dan Gartley, the bass guitar player. Dan grew up in our church. Of all the things she could have chosen this is what she wants to do. She is so looking forward to it.

John rested this weekend and is doing fairly well today. He has another round of chemo in the morning. This weekend he plans to teach class on Saturday at the church. Lord willing I will be preaching on Sunday.

Two Days Later

2009-04-23T09:49:00.003-04:00

We are now 2 days after the initial treatment and John is feeling weaker.

He is concerned for our children as he watches them struggle with dealing with the complications of life compounded with their concern for him and his heart breaks.

We have a family of cardinals living in our backyard which is so encouraging as many of you know what the cardinal represents to John. Four big blackbirds have also moved into our yard competing for the space. I have been so frustrated by the blackbirds chasing off the beautiful birds. To me the blackbirds represent the enemy who is trying so hard to destroy what so wonderful and beautiful in our lives. I have grown to hate the blackbirds and I have always hated the enemy. May the eagles arise and destroy the blackbirds!

I have asked for all of us to be aware of John’s bones being fragile. What I did not tell you and should have – is that he has cracked ribs and a cracked spine from a strong loving hug he received the week before. We discovered it last week after having the MRI and bone scan. We are all so full of love and adoration for him and we want to express it in the largest way possible - a strong hug, hard hand shake or a big hard high five. Just remember to be gentle his bone structure cannot handle it even though his heart of love can.

I realize I can do nothing – except trust Father and pray he activates His intercessors to intercede for us even when they do not know what is going on in the natural.

Sincere love, Pat

Please Hug Gently!!

2009-04-17T16:51:00.001-04:00

Please hug Pastor John very gently due to his bones being fragile and breaks occur easily.

Also, please avoid contact with him if you are ill, cold, flu, virus, or any contagious disease as his immunity is weak and he can become sick easily. Many germs are airborne and travel a good distance before dying.

We covet your continual prayers!
Love, Pat

Chemo to begin again on Tuesday

2009-04-14T19:10:00.001-04:00

We spent the last couple of days at the doctors having blood work, MRI and a bone scan. The doctor advised John to begin chemotherapy again next week, three weeks on and one week off. After much prayer, discussion and counsel with the oncologist he has decided this is the best direction to go due to the growth of cancer cells. Please pray for him and us. We believe He who began a good work is faithful to complete it!

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). "The LORD will perfect that which concerns me" (Psalm 138:8).

John's Birthday - 4/11/09

2009-04-11T00:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, John!

Saturday, April 11

Keep Praying for US!

2009-04-01T11:00:00.004-04:00

We are being strong and courageous! We are believing for health to be our portion! We are keeping our focus on Jesus not on fear or anything that could bring fear.

Immediate Prayer Needed!!!

2009-03-29T17:47:00.000-04:00

Feeling Better

2009-03-28T15:54:00.003-04:00

Pastor John has had two good days! He is having success eating by making an adjustment to his medication and your prayers.

Please don't stop praying! It works!

Prayer Needed

2009-03-24T16:54:00.001-04:00

John is having problems with food making him sick in one way or another. Please pray he will be able to eat and take on nourishment without becoming ill.

Please Pray

2009-03-17T23:50:00.002-04:00

Pastor John has been in a lot of pain today with his stomach. Please pray he sleeps well tonight and has a better day tomorrow.

Purple Cast

2009-03-11T19:07:00.010-04:00

Some of you may remember my (Pat) flight down the stairs in January.
I was getting better. But after my trip last week to Tennessee the condition has gotten much worse. Racing through the Atlanta airport did not do me good. Yes, I have been wearing my foot brace faithfully! (I have only skipped wearing it maybe one time because I wanted to wear dress shoes.)
The new test revealed a break or a fracture . . . sigh . . . I guess I do need a break, just not in my ankle.
Pray my trip to Texas next week does not make it even worse.

John is doing better. Healing just takes time. Thank you for your continued prayer support.

We Are Home!

2009-03-06T17:32:00.001-05:00

Today Is Our 22nd Anniversary

2009-03-05T09:43:00.004-05:00

Tennessee

2009-03-03T20:07:00.002-05:00

John & I are in Tennessee attending the CI retreat with Bishop & Mom Hamon and the rest of the Board of Governors. We had a great time of prayer this afternoon. It is good to see everyone here today. John is doing well. PTL!

Praise Report!

2009-02-27T14:29:00.001-05:00

Stephen will start work on Monday at CME Credit Union. Yes, it is the same place he use to work. Praise the Lord he will be working agin!
Thanks for all the prayers.

Recent Doctor Visit Report

2009-02-23T23:51:00.002-05:00

John & I were at the doctor's today and learned that it just takes time for the stomach to heal - maybe even 3 months before he is restored in the natural. Of course we are believing for a quicker recovery. The doctor said the symptoms he is having are normal for his diagnosis.
Thank you for your continued prayer support.

Stomach Diagnosis

2009-02-18T10:09:00.002-05:00

John had a scope on Friday that revealed he has three ulcers in the upper stomach body and gastric ulceration in the pylorus, pyloric canal and antrum (lower part of the stomach). He is still in a great deal of pain especially at night. The doctor has him on 3 different medications that have helped a little.

We are planning on staying close to home until the doctor (or Jesus or Dr. Jesus!) gets this under control.

Please, please, please declare healing to John’s body In Jesus Name!

I would have posted this sooner but I have also been sick with a very bad cold – I am getting better now.

Whose report you going to believe?

2009-02-11T16:31:00.001-05:00

Sometimes we get news from the doctor that discourages us greatly.
Today is one of those days. I (Pat) was the one who got the call this time. “Maintaining the pain and keeping him comfortable” is just not what I believe the Lord Jesus has for my beloved husband.
I will stand in faith and believe what King David said! In Jesus Name!

Psalm 103 - A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

New Prayer Request

2009-02-09T19:29:00.002-05:00

* Joy be healed of bronchitis.
* John have no more pain.
* John have complete healing of stomach lining from pain medication.
* Stephen find a job very soon - been out of work around six months.
* Pat's foot and knee be completely healed from falling down the stairs.

Prayer Request

2009-02-04T18:57:00.000-05:00

I know we have had this before but it is still a needed prayer.

Just a couple of request:

* Complete healing of stomach lining from pain medication.
* Stephen find a job very soon - been out of work around six months.

MCC Staff Pastors

2009-02-02T14:14:00.000-05:00

Snow Day

2009-01-28T13:45:00.015-05:00

Joy is

having fun.

Grace was

looking for a

"spot" and said

forget this.

Joy slid down the steps

- with a soft snow landing.

I Can Fly - or NOT

2009-01-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

My foot is healing after my unfortunate flight down the stairs. I am so thankful there were not any bones broken. I don’t think there is a hairline crack either – although it still hurts, just not as bad as it did. The swelling is going down and getting better. I am trying to stay off it somewhat.
Using the crutches or the cane is too much work to maneuver around with, although it does help ease the pain to use them.
I know I am almost the world worst when it comes to asking me questions about what I did to hurt myself (Oh to be invisible . . . sigh).
Thanks for all the prayers and love, Pat

Radiation is Over

2009-01-13T14:46:00.001-05:00

Radiation is over after three weeks. I look forward to not driving to Columbus on the snowy roads in the morning! The radiation did its job of getting rid of the pain. Now John just needs his stomach to completely heal from all the pain medication he had taken the five weeks before the treatment.
Thank you every one for standing with us in prayer.
(And thanks Jim E. for clearing our driveway so we could get out and go to treatments!)

Holiday Break Is Over

2009-01-04T23:41:00.002-05:00

John did well this weekend. He preached on Sunday.

Monday Joy goes back to school and our schedule goes back to normal, with the exception of the daily trips to Columbus for treatments.

I think Abigail goes back to class on Monday also.

Stephen needs a job ASAP - he has been out of work for several months now. So pray for God's grace on him to find one he likes.

And me . . . well I’m just me. I sure enjoyed hearing John preach this morning.
Continue to pray for him and us.

Our Refrigerator/Freezer Died and Now Lives!!!!

2009-01-01T11:31:00.011-05:00

Update!!! 3:49 PM
Thank you Debbie Bodine for referring us to Crum's Repair Service. He fixed it in no time and now it is purring like a kitten.

Happy New Year.

We woke up this morning to water all over the kitchen floor. Too much water for the dogs to make "by accident." We found our food thawed and a dead refrigerator. Of course it is New Years day and no repairman to be found - sigh. So John went and bought three large bags of ice and I packed the food to keep it cold - now we have a real ice box - lol. And I started cooking some of the perishable that will not keep. I told John we are just going to get all our "bad" over with the first day and have a great rest of the year (now if I could just believe that - maybe I'm beginning to believe it).

My plea is: if you know a good repairman who can/will come and repair our refrigerator without costing a million dollars on a holiday, please call our home. (His service was affordable, too)

I pray this is not a bad start to another bad year. Don't think I can take much more. The Lord is my strength!

Pat - a real person, who is encouraged again. PTL

Good Report

2008-12-30T16:52:00.002-05:00

John saw both of his doctors within the last 2 days. The pain in his hip and rib is much better. He is taking an over-the-counter medicine for his stomach and now the blood in his stool is clearing up. He will take the meds for 2 weeks. He will finish the radiation in two weeks also.
Thank you so much for the intensive prayers.
Please don’t let up – let’s see him through this.

Christmas Thank You

2008-12-28T22:53:00.004-05:00

Thank you for so many who have shared in this Christmas with gifts including food. You helped make this a special celebration time.
Thanks to everyone for praying. John is doing better at handling the pain. Monday morning brings the beginning of another week of treatment. Pray it does to job it is designed to do and nothing more.

A Little Humor Does Good Like a Medicine

2008-12-25T18:53:00.004-05:00

1. If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you may live in Ohio...
2. If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you may live in Ohio...

3. If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Ohio...
4. If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Ohio...
5. If 'Vacation' means going anywhere south of Columbus for the Weekend, you may live in Ohio...
6. If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Ohio...
7. If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Ohio...
8. If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, you may live in Ohio...
9. If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Ohio...
10. If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in Ohio...
11. If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Ohio...
12. If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Ohio...
13. If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph - you're going 80 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Ohio...
14. If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Ohio...
15. If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you may live in Ohio...
16. If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Ohio...
17. If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly', you may live in Ohio...

Dear Friend,

2008-12-24T16:34:00.003-05:00

Thank you for your care and prayers. It makes a lot of difference.
In the past two weeks I have had four MRI's or scans to seek to determine what is causing pain in my body - in particular my right hip. My doctors have decided the tumor or lesion in my right hip has grown plus a growth has happened on my right rib cage. The treatment plan is to do three weeks of radiation on both areas. Pray for grace and success.
A secondary problem which has caused more pain is the pain reliever I have been taking. Advil has been the one pill that has helped with the pain and enabled me to sleep at night. But it is causing now great (stomach) gas pain which complicates life. I need wisdom in dealing with the gas.
I have sought to maintain a normal life although these pains make it hard. Thank you for your love and prayers.
Sincere love,
John Watson

Please Pray

2008-12-23T20:37:00.001-05:00

Pastor John is going to write an update to be posted soon. In the meantime, please continue to pray for him. The pain is intense and he is having stomach pain reaction from taking so many Advil. He began radiation today. This is a difficult time.
We are believing for a good Christmas with the family here at home.

New Photo of John & Pat

2008-12-18T22:08:00.004-05:00

Taken Oct. 2008

More Test on Tuesday

2008-12-15T18:25:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your continued prayers. There are 3 more test scheduled on Tuesday to understand further what is happening and how to treat it.

Test this next week

2008-12-08T19:32:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your prayers an adjustment in the medications has made a major difference. I'll be having test over the next week to understand further what is happening.

Please Pray ASAP

2008-12-03T23:24:00.000-05:00

The pain in John's leg has intensified and is consistent. The doctor gave him pain meds that are not working for him. He is scheduled for three different test within the next two weeks to try to determine the cause and what course of treatment to take. He desperately needs relief.

Long, Long Road

2008-11-25T20:59:00.003-05:00

It has been a long road, but I believe we are finally coming to a "rest stop" so to speak.
Today we visited John’s surgeon. He said John is healing very well and now able to eat regular food. We learned a lot about why he has had so much difficulty these last five or so weeks. As it turn out his gall bladder had died and had turned into gangrene. He will have other test next month to make sure everything is doing great.
Keep praying for complete restoration.

Doing Great

2008-11-22T15:24:00.003-05:00

John is feeling so much better!! It has been 11 days since the surgery and he is getting stronger. He will be preaching Sunday morning. PTL!

Thanks for all the prayers.

Follow up from Dr. John

2008-11-17T21:16:00.005-05:00

Dear friend,
Thank you for your friendship! I am writing to update you on my physical recovery process.
You probably realize four weeks ago I had a serious gall bladder infection. My surgeon had me recover for two weeks; then he had our local doctor do a physical on me; and then I had my gall bladder surgically removed six days ago. His expectation is for ten days recovery.
I am recovering. The side effects have been harder than the surgery. Terms like impacted bowel and severe hip pain have new meaning as I spent a day in the ER with each. I still trust for healing in my right hip; this is the result of the wear and tear of life and laying on a hard hospital bed.
Thank you for your friendship in the various ways. The past five weeks in MCC our leaders have a great job preaching; I have led -just not preaching. I have led various classes and small groups.Our NCC meeting had an attendance of forty with a great spirit. There are a lot of Jesus' things going on. Praise the Lord!
I look forward to the future. Again thank you for your friendship and partnership. Thank you for many who expressed love in various ways. God bless you!
Sincere love,
Dr. John

Large Beautiful Snow Flakes

2008-11-15T22:01:00.002-05:00

The snow late this morning was beautiful. By the time we got home from the hospital at 9:45 PM it had all melted.
After calling the doctor early this afternoon and hearing his recommendation, we took a trip to Riverside to make sure there were no blood clots that had formed in his leg. We received a great report - no clots. PTL!
Again, thanks for the prayers.

Saturday update

2008-11-15T11:48:00.010-05:00

John has a lot of pain in his legs. He said the surgery is healing fine - but the pain is difficult in his legs, primary in his right leg. He ate some applesauce and took an Advil hoping to help the pain get better. Pray for the pain to stop. He is waiting for the Ohio State game to start.

I am more rested today, but my body aches all over from being so tense & stressed. I took an Advil and should feel relief soon. I am eating some yummy soup Ken & Louise prepared for us. And eating comfort food - a bread roll.

The dogs refuse to potty in the rain and have been holding it since last night - I just hope they do not decide to go on my furniture. I even took them out carrying an umbrella. (That is, I was carrying the umbrella - not the dogs! LOL) They had their coats on and they still refused to go - sigh. . . gonna get them a catheter and what ever the other bag is called (- lol, just joking). If Joy was here she'd tell me I am being "gross" oh well.

Joy is staying with the Yoders for a few more hours.

Thanks for caring and loving us!
Pat
11/15/08, 12:00 pm

Snapping Point

2008-11-14T12:41:00.004-05:00

Good afternoon.
I am thankful for the ones who do check this page.
I am at a snapping point, personally feeling totally overwhelmed. John has been extremely ill. It has taken all I have to give to try to take care of him.
I feel like we are getting attacked on every front and I am battle weary.
Everyone asks “how I am doing?” I am not good, just walking in faith – or at least trying to. Forgive me if I am too real – I am no super saint, no super spiritual person, I do not walk with my head in the clouds – I am just me, a real person dealing with real issues at a snapping point. And like always, I too will get through this and be ok. So if I snap at you or am too real, please forgive me and realize it is not personal – I am just walking on empty.
Pray for us.
Just Pat.
11/14/08 1:00 PM

UGH!!! Spent the Day in the ER

2008-11-13T20:52:00.004-05:00

Dr. John & Pat spent the day in the ER today. They are finally home this evening - John is doing somewhat better. Please pray his system settles down and the he gets to feeling better quickly.

Pastor John is home

2008-11-12T17:59:00.002-05:00

Dr. John arrived home this afternoon. He is resting.
Please continue to pray for him.

Riverside Hospital, Room 9008

2008-11-11T20:24:00.003-05:00

Dr. John is staying over night in the hospital in Columbus, Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was doing very well tonight when I left to come home around 7:00 pm. He had an all liquids supper and most likely will have a regular breakfast in the morning. We are trusting he gets to come home tomorrow.

Please pray he get good rest tonight and gains strength.

Out of Surgery

2008-11-11T11:13:00.006-05:00

Thank you for all the prayers.
The Doctor just stopped by and reported the surgery went very well. He was able to get the gallbladder and the bile duct out. The doctor said (and I quote) "Now, that's what I call divine intervention." He will have a drain for the next 3 days.

Please continue to pray for John's recovery.

Riverside

2008-11-11T08:28:00.002-05:00

Hi this is Joy this time. Dad is in surgery right now at Riverside. Keep praying. Thanks Joy

Surgery on Tuesday

2008-11-09T23:14:00.002-05:00

Pastor John is scheduled to have gallbladder surgery on Tuesday. Please remember to keep him in your prayers. Pastor Pat is flying home early Monday morning from Texas.

This Weekend's Events

2008-11-05T23:34:00.013-05:00

Dr. John is scheduled to teach in the "Schools" this weekend for ECC. Pastors Ernesto and Maria Velazco will be ministering during the Sunday morning service.
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Dr. John is scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday at Riverside Hospital. If all goes well, he will be released on Wednesday to come home.

Allen and Donna

P.Pat will be traveling to Texas this weekend to attend her sister, Donna’s wedding to Allen. Pat will be her Matron of Honor and will return on Monday afternoon.
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Please pray for John to stay strong through this upcoming busy weekend and have a successful procedure with no abnormalities and with a quick recovery with no adverse side effects.
Pray for Pat to have a safe trip. And for Joy to have peace in her heart that God is in control of all things, because we are giving control to Him!

On a side note: Evelyn Hamon is in great need of prayer following surgery in Chicago for knee replacement - she has been in kidney failure due to diabetes. Please pray for a miracle for her.

Pat is Home

2008-11-02T17:32:00.012-05:00

Pat had a very relaxing cruise with 31 others from Marion Christian Center. She went on a Nature Kayak Tour in Key West, Florida, a Clear Kayak Adventure in Nassau, Bahamas as well as SeaTrek Parasailing and SeaTrek Snorkeling in Cococay, Bahamas.

John had a good week with Stephen and various ones who came to visit him. He said Pat should go away more often so his friends would come visit more. Pat requested a large monthly travel allowance - he is reconsidering his offer ;-).

John is gaining strength and is scheduled to have surgery on November 11th.

Stephen Spending Week With His Dad

2008-10-24T18:30:00.003-04:00

This snap shot was taken this evening of John, Pat, Lucy and Grace. As you can see he is looking great after such a difficult week.

Dr. John will be having surgery in the next few weeks.

31 of our church people (including P.Pat) are schedule to go on a cruise to the Caribbean on 10/27 – 10/31. Stephen is scheduled to stay with Dr. John while she is away.

Please pray there will be no complication while she is gone.

Snap shot taken by Joy!! This is Joy and Dad.

Home from the Hospital

2008-10-22T17:22:00.002-04:00

Dr. John arrived home today on a restricted diet. Will be scheduled for surgery in the near future. Pray for increase in health.

Riverside Hospital

2008-10-20T00:17:00.000-04:00

Dr. John was admitted to Riverside Hospital in Columbus on Monday afternoon for a couple of days. He has an inflamed gallbladder. He is on an IV and taking antibiotics. He has not been able to eat since Friday and will not get to eat until the gallbladder in under control.
Please pray for a complete, quick recovery.

We Are Greatly Encouraged!

2008-10-14T15:54:00.000-04:00

John & I went to his doctor today and received a good report! He does not have to have any more chemo at this time. The doctor said John is doing very well with virtually no symptoms or pain and most likely will not have symptoms for a while. He only has to go back to see the doctor once every 6 weeks. We are greatly encouraged.
Continue to pray for complete health in his body.
On Sunday evening we will be heading to Florida for 22nd annual IGAP meeting, October 21-24, 2008 (http://www.igap2008.com/). We look forward to seeing everyone there.

2008-10-07T22:31:00.001-04:00

We are on Facebook

2008-09-30T16:52:00.003-04:00

Drs. John & Pat now have Facebook accounts. We would love to 'add you as friends.' www.facebook.com or follow the link at the bottom of this page.

Pastor John Home

2008-09-22T20:34:00.001-04:00

Pastor John and Stephen had a great trip ministering with Rayons in our sister church in St. Joseph, Michigan last weekend. It was a safe, relaxing and fruitful trip.

Carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...

2008-09-16T17:01:00.012-04:00

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil.

In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!!

Mom is back.

2008-09-15T21:40:00.002-04:00

Hey this is Joy. Mom is safely back home. She caught an early flight back. We all are very glad she made it back. Thank You all for your prayers.

Bright and Sunny today

2008-09-14T11:16:00.004-04:00

The weather has cleared and it is a very nice day here today in central Texas. We will finish lowering the storage building to its new spot later today.

I had a very nice reunion with about one third of my classmates attending - I believe there were around 55 there with spouses.

I fly out Monday morning and arrive in Marion in the evening. John says he storm should have cleared Ohio before I arrive.

Pray I have safe travel home. See you all when I get back.
Love, Pat

Hurrican Ike Update

2008-09-13T11:18:00.003-04:00

Hurrican Ike is headed right in my direction. Pray it weakens.

Update: The worst of it missed us here in the Hewitt area. We are just getting high winds and heavy rain. PTL!!!

Now just pray it is out of here and beyond Ohio before I fly home on Monday. Love and miss you all, Pat

Moving Storage Building

2008-09-09T23:46:00.003-04:00

My brother, Dave and I spent the day loading and moving a storage building. It was very hard work but I enjoy spending time with my brother. After many hours and one major crash that almost got us both, we were successful in getting the building on the trailer.

Bull Riding on Day Five

2008-09-04T16:18:00.011-04:00

Today we had lots of fun hanging out in downtown San Antonio. We went to the Tower of the Americas and rode a boat around the Riverwalk. The weather was great, and we got to ride a bull!

Day Four

2008-09-03T22:47:00.017-04:00

We are staying in a very nice room right on the riverwalk.

Today we had a relaxing day in San Antonio. We walked the Riverwalk and visited the Alamo.

Day Three

2008-09-02T16:46:00.024-04:00

Today we visited Abigail's friends from Lifeway, shopped and then traveled west to San Antonio.

Next, we stopped in Sealy to visit Aunt Maggie and see the schools named after her. We had a great visit.

Finally, we arrived at the bed and breakfast by the Riverwalk very late ready to get a good night's sleep.

Day Two

2008-09-01T22:41:00.005-04:00

We made it through another successful and fun day! We basically spent the whole day in the car driving from Waco to the Houston area, but the traffic wasn't bad for the most part and the rain held off. Now we are in a new hotel on the northern edge of Houston, and thankfully, it looks like the hurricane is going to miss us. We got a few sprinkles here and there, but the weather is turning out to be great! Bye for now! ~Abigail

We made it!

2008-08-31T23:54:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

Mom and I made it to Texas safely and had a very enjoyable first day. After we got some great food at Olive Garden, we headed over to the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery to see my grandfather's grave. Military cemeteries are an amazing sight to see, sad, but amazing nevertheless.

From there we continued on to West were Mom grew up and toured the city to see how has changed and stopped by the "Westfest" which is a lot like a smaller version of the Popcorn Festival. We saw some Czech and Ukranian dancers- they were awesome! It is cool to see that their heritage continues to be passed through the generations. It was a beautiful day, and we were able to enjoy our first Texas sunset. We then headed to the hotel to rest after our loooooonnnnng day of travel and fun.

God Bless!
Abigail

Travel to Texas

2008-08-27T21:46:00.012-04:00

Abigail and P.Pat will be traveling to Texas beginning August 31. They will be in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Waco and West. It is P.Pat’s 30th High School reunion from West High School. Abigail wants to visit her Grandma Betty.
Believe with them for a safe, relaxing and "fun" trip.

Dr. John and Joy will not traveling with them this time.
Dr. John is the speaker at the School of the Holy Spirit on September 5th He will be teaching in the schools (SOP) on September 6th. Believe for fruitful and refreshing meetings for him.

Soaring in Faith

2008-08-22T23:46:00.002-04:00

We continue to walk in faith believing our strength is being renewed.

Normal Side Effects

2008-08-21T12:11:00.007-04:00

John is doing well after his last treatment with normal side effects.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
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