Dearest loved ones,

I am praying for you this very moment. I am learning myself how to rejoice in the good as well as the bad. Sometimes I feel like the Lord is saying “Way to go”. Other times, I feel he is saying “tomorrow is a new day my child”. Each day is so different. We are rallying around you and know that God does hears each prayer.

The Eckhardt’s

Dear Dave:

It was a pleasure to meet you by phone this week as I represent Belhaven College.  Little did I know when we first spoke that I would be enriched by a man of great faith with a wonderful love and support for his wife during her illness.

Thank you for your Christian testimony.  Please know that I join you, your wife and so many others as we pray to God in behalf of your wife’s healing.  May you take heart in the reading of Romans 15:13 where it assures us that God is a God of hope.  May His hope surround you and Irene and give you courage, strength and that eternal hope. 

May you and Irene be blessed as you bless others,

Jay P. Chance
Belhaven College
Jackson. Mississippi

Dear Irene and David,
Christine and I have been out of town and just got back on my e-mail. What glorious news to hear that Irene’s Amyloid is in remission. Praise God. Your daily reports have become part of our devotion each day. You two bring such encouragement to God’s faithfulness in your journey with this illness.

Our prayers are with you.
Love from Christine and Tom Kobayashi

Hi Dave and Irene,

I have tears in my eyes at such joyous news. Thank you for continuing to keep us updated. We look forward to the day when Irene has improved kidney function and no nausea!!! We are so happy for you and your family. Take care. We send our love. 

Ron and Debbie Richards

Dear Dave, Irene and family,

Ever since we heard the GOOD NEWS we have been celebrating:  We celebrate YOU, we celebrate LIFE, we celebrate JESUS!! As we see EASTER SUNDAY coming it is so like JESUS to give us this great news at just the right time. All we can say or sing is: ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!!

LORD WE PRAISE YOU….

His mercies really are new every morning .... GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS.

We Love You,

Phyllis and Jack

Dearest Irene and Dave,

I am amazed by you guys and your journey. Your faithfulness to our Heavenly Father goes beyond measure. The certainty and hope we have in him gives us new breath each day. I am thankful for this hope. Today is a new day and each day is a gift unmeasured. We continue to lift you and your family up in prayer. Thank you for your example to me on living life bearing the torch of Jesus.

Veronica

for the inspiration of your smile, which reveals your peace and perseverance in Jesus through your suffering.  I have thought of you so many times, particularly after I saw you and Dave at Long’s in Aptos.  I had so wanted to say hello but was side-tracked by a woman who wanted to complain to me about trivial things, and I felt so sad when I turned to see you had gone. 

I had surgery in January this year and have been on medical leave since.  Recovery is slow, and added to some personal stresses, it has been a difficult road, but nothing compared to what you have been through this past year.  Sometimes it’s hard to trust and rest in Jesus, but you have reminded me that God is bigger than my struggles and fears. 

In His Grace,  Carrie Thompson

Hi Dave,

After I submitted my post on Irene’s site this morning, I was inspired to finish this photo in light of Irene’s good news.  I’ve had the photo, but I did not know what scripture or sentiment to use until this morning.  The fireworks image, Irene’s joyful singing, and God’s faithfulness are the inspiration behind this photo paired with this verse ....

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11

Hope you both have a great day !!

Hosanna

Dave and Irene,

We are thrilled to hear that the amyloid is in remission!! We are so grateful that our awesome God has strengthened Irene’s health to give you this victory!!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11

Rejoicing with you!
Celebrating God’s faithfulness with you!

Julian and Hosanna Loh

Dear Dave and Irene,

After I opened up your e-mail, I sat “glued” to the computer and all the wonderful news about you, Irene, and just cried out of thankfulness for your GOOD NEWS. I sent it on to Leah, my daughter in Sacramento as she has followed all of your progress. You have both been such a blessing to me and to everyone at Monte Vista.  Your friendship is very dear to me. I especially was blessed by Joanna’s writing in this e-mail.

Your book was wonderful and what an encouragement it has been to me.  I visited Jim Smiley, the MV librarian, at the hospital last week and your book was lying on his bed.  He pointed to it and said how helpful and encouraging it was to him.  He is home from the hospital now but is so weak that he can hardly stand up. He wants to come back for several hours a day.  What a Godly, loving man he is.  He loves these students and in the past, he never missed an athletic game here.

I am so glad you wrote the book.  You must be very proud of both of your girls for they wrote a lot of it too.

Much love and prayers of thankfulness,

Martha Price

Dear Dave and Irene,

What wonderful news to hear that Irene’s amyloid is in remission!  We have been praying throughout her illness and keeping up with news via the website and Phyllis & Jack & Marilyn Miller.  We are so happy for you.  We will keep praying that God will continue to heal Irene’s body.  God bless you both. 

Walt & Lynnette Maynes

Dear Dave and Irene,

Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is FAITHFUL to provide and meet our needs in ALL things.  You both are examples of faith and trust.

Love and hugs to you both.  You remain in my prayers as always.

Susan

Mr. and Mrs. Dias:

My dad called and encouraged me to check your website for an update.  I am overjoyed for your family — and have had tears of gratitude for Mrs. Dias’ remission.  May our God keep healing and strengthening, as he forms in you the lovely image of his beloved Son.  Thank you for the grace and trust that you consistently reflect from our Lord.

Rich blessings to your family.  Your girls must be so thrilled.

Raija

We too can understand Irene’s emotions as she entered that wing of the hospital.  We experienced the same flooding of emotions when we revisited our doctor at UCSF.  We also are advocates of UCSF and the wonderful medical staff there. They saved my life .... Thank God for the wonderful news.  We will continue to pray for the other challenges Irene is faced with.

Jim and Anna Maynard

I just heard the wonderful news about remmission. Praise the Lord!