It’s 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday, and it’s been a very rough day for Irene.  She has experienced the worst bout of nausea over the last 24 hours than I have seen her experience since her hospitalization on April 30th.  X 4 days, she’s been in the hospital since then!  They finally gave her the right combination of medicine and she’s finally REALLY resting. 

Irene is very tired, but her stamina and determination is inspiring.  I know it’s because of the many who are praying for her!!!

Thank you soooo much!!!!

Let me tell you of a very personal experience that Irene and I shared together last week.  It was evening hours and only the two of us were in her hospital room.  Irene said, “Dave, as your wife, I am under your authority.  You are our family priest.  You represent the spiritual leadership in our home.  Will you anoint me with oil and pray for my healing as the elders would do”?  Talk about feeling the moral weight of our family spiritual leadership!!! 

So, I did exactly as Irene requested.  I anointed her with oil on her forehead, heart and kidney areas and we prayed in agreement, asking HIM for her healing.  We also worshiped together and thanked God for the gift of life.  We rejoiced in who Jesus Christ is in our lives!  It was a special time that I will remember for the rest of my life.  We continue to ask in faith for her complete healing and restoration.

By way of additional background information, about two weeks earlier our friend and Pastor Dave Gshwend had prayed over Irene and had given me the anointing oil and vile he used.  I used the same vile of oil.  I am very grateful for Dave’s prayer over Irene and that he gave me the oil vile which is now on my key ring as a reminder of His Holiness.

I share the above story with you because we have hope in a risen Savior.  We have asked in prayer, which is what we’re supposed to do as followers of Christ.  It is God’s decision, in his sovereignty, whether or not He decides to heal Irene or not.  We trust Him… whatever decision He ultimately makes.  I will tell you, however, that we are trusting him at new levels and new heights....because we are desperately dependent upon the Lord’s favor. 

Thanks for caring,
Dave

Dave, Irene & kids,
Your family is a true example of strength during what we can only imagine as a challenging time.  Irene, Dave is so great in sharing his love and devotion for you with those of us in Seattle.  We are praying for you here and will continue to lift up praise for you all.  Since hearing of this, Cindy and I have been led to Heb 4:16 - “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” We are believing in the truth and power of His word.  Love & Blessings, Buzz & Cindy Leonard

Dear Irene and Dave,

AC & I send all our prayers and the MANY other prayers from the people here in this community ... they’ve gotcha covered along with all the literally millions of others throughout the world.  Just a note to thank you both for being light and salt as you’ve lived your lives publically in so many ways.  You both continue to be encouraging witnesses for Jesus Christ as you walk this out.  I remember and have experienced, as you know, being like the ten lepers who were “healed as they went.” Just keep walking.  We’re there with many others to keep your arms up when they’re weary.

We love you both MUCH !! 

UB & AC

It’s Wednesday, at 1.30 p.m., and Irene is undergoing kidney dialysis at this time.  She is scheduled on the machine for two hours today and the plan is for her to have dialysis for the next several days.  Her kidneys levels continue to deteriorate… thus the radical treatment.  The purpose of the dialysis is to stabilize the kidneys in light of the forthcoming stem cell harvest and chemotherapy, all in prepartion for the stem cell transplant.

She’s now been moved to a shared room with another patient.
Irene is tired but her spirits are good.  She’s a real trooper!!
As always, thanks for your continued support!!

By faith,
Dave

Irene and Family,

Though I have never met any of you, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jocelyn sends me updates through emails at work… and it saddens me to hear how such a thing could happen to someone who seems like such an amazing woman. It’s during times like these that we need to remember that everything God does is done for a reason - He has a plan for everyone and he will never give you more than you can handle.

I will continue keeping you and your family in my prayers. With love… Katie Harper

Dave and Irene:  It is obvious that you both have touched many lives and have tremendous support through family and friends.  I just wanted to add that I am thinking about Irene and your family and will continue to pray for you all.

Greg Clauser

Hi Irene,

I just wanted to let you know you are continuously on in my prayers.  I am praying for complete restoration of your health.  I know that although your body is sick your spirit is doing great.  You are an inspiration to me as you face this journey head on with enormous faith.  Many are lifting you up in love and prayer. 

I love you and greatly value our friendship.  May God’s blessings pour out on you abundantly today.

Much Love, Jean Chalmers

Dave and Irene:

Know we love you and are praying for you. Theresa and I shared with Annie at supper what you are facing as a family and we are standing with you all.

Chip and Theresa - Isaiah 40:28-31

Irene,

Debbie and I continue to pray for your speediest recovery. We truly enjoyed the time we were able to spend with you in April and look forward to getting together again. With all the love and prayers you and Dave are both receiving from all over the world you recovery can’t help but be speedy and successful. We love you.

Ron and Debbie

Dave and Irene, It is so encouraging to hear about the progress you are making! We pray for you as a family every morning as we take the girls to school. The girls are particularly faithful prayers and always anxious to hear updates. We will look forward to offering our praises in the morning for your recent progress and our prayers for your strength and deep encouragement.

Irene and Dave:  I put you on a prayer chain in the Trinity Alps Community and one of my sister’s in Christ sent me this: 

I don’t know you physically, yet if you love the Lord, we know each other through the love of Christ........be assured of my prayers!  oxxoxo Mary Jean Yancy

It touched my heart and I felt I needed to forward it to you.  May God continue to heal and streghten you.  Patty xox

Dear Brother,

Psalm 139 was a source of comfort for me during my cancer treatment and Anna’s pancreatitas . It speaks to Gods sovereignty over the lives of His children and the security we have in the Blessed Hope. Will continue to daily intercede on behalf of the family .

God Bless Dear Friend ,

Jim

Dave,

I am sitting here kinda shocked. My my my. God has tossed you a huge test and He is standing next to you and your bride and will support you all the way.

“Lord, keep Dave and Irene flying close to the white hot flame of your constant and unchanging love. Keep them so close to you that your voice will be constant and knowable and keep washing Irene’s body with your healing even right now. May you show them in the journey that life on earth is indeed a dot and eternity with you is a forever line … an experience where Dave and Irene will be together forever and forever and forever with your presence in that eternity. I pray her illness would magnify you as hundreds intersect her life and Dave’s and their family and I pray that you would comfort them moment by moment. We claim your promise that you will never leave Irene nor forsake her. AMEN!”

Greg Leith

GET WELL SOON MOM! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She is clothed with strength & dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom & faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches ovr the affairs of her household & does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her: many women do noble things, but u surpass them all.  Pv 31:25-29