Irene and Dave,

What an AWESOME LORD we serve!!!  We are so full of praise to read this wonderful news!  We know the Lord’s timing is perfect and that He leaves nothing undone…we trust fully that He will continue His good work as you move through the process of kidney treatment/transplant.  We will continue to pray the nausea will be fully removed and that the Lord’s hand will be in every detail as you work through this new phase of nephrology treatment.

Praying you have a wonderful and restful weekend rejoicing in the wonders of God’s amazing work…Thank you for letting us be a part of witnessing it and for especially for your faithfulness, such a testimony of the truth that “the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well”!

In Love,

Steve and Sue Azevedo

Irene and Dave,

I have been praying for you, and getting updates from Neil, and I rejoice over your great news of Irene’s remission.  It is my 50th birthday today and I count this as one of the best gifts ever.  May the Lord continue to sustain you, heal you, and provide for all your needs.  What a testimony of faith and courage you have been to all.

I just read the good news.  Yipeee!!!!  I’m so glad Hugh was gone this evening so that no one but the Lord could see me whooping and dancing around from sheer joy at that beautiful word REMISSION.  I just told a friend who is going through some things about the book and encouraged her to get it.  I will call her and tell her the good news too.  Her kids went to MV and she also worked with me at the dental office for a while so she kind of knows Irene (our little rock star!!).  I will continue to pray as you face the kidney crisis.  God is Faithful. 

Much love,

Jean

Dear Dave & Irene,

I read the attached prophetic word today and instantly knew I had to forward it to you. Please know I read your updates daily and pray often for you. I am expecting a miracle for you Irene.

All my love in Christ,

Martha Silva

From the Desk of Steve Shultz:

For so long, we have received prophecy after prophecy concerning the intention of the LORD to increase HIS Presence on the earth. And yet, more prophecies have been posted, relating that we are about to Finally see a hugely significant manifestation of the healing of people’s bodies—including CANCER healings.

I’m here to tell you it has begun. And not only healings, but SPIRITUAL and EMOTIONAL healings. Even FINANCIAL healings. The “suddenlies of God” are upon us.

We have come through a very intense time period in the Body. Never before have I seen so many believers hurting—both physically and spiritually. But these times of crisis are being suddenly followed up with the Father’s “TIMES OF REFRESHING FROM THE LORD.”

We are now coming into times of REFRESHING. Not all warfare will stop of course, and some of you are just now experiencing some of that warfare. But all of it, be it refreshing or renewed warfare for many of us, it all is UNTO SOMETHING. It’s UNTO GREAT TIMES OF YET MORE REFRESHING.

The Lord gave me a picture concerning most MOVIES that are produced and most stories ever told. And that is this—in almost every story that is well told, just prior to a great breakthrough and resolution of UNSOLVABLE problems—we see that often-expected “darkest before dawn” circumstance come our way.

So is it DARK where you live, either literally or spiritually? Do you no longer feel qualified to minister because you are dry and not very spiritual? The answer is that every Christian must go through days like this. This means:

To the Christian, that means Dawn is close at hand, even at the door.

To Cancer, that means your days are numbered.

To Hopelessness, that means HOPE is on the way. Hold on.

To the downcast or to the brokenhearted, that means, “Lift up your head, because redemption draws nigh.”

To those who have fallen down Seven times, GET UP EIGHT! Your salvation from these many problems is nearer NOW than when you FIRST believed for God to fix them.

Dear Dave and Irene,

As our thoughts and prayers often rest with the two of you, we wanted to share this verse:

Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.
Psalm 33:22, NLT

He indeed is our HOPE, THE HOPE.

With much love, Debby and Sam Estes

Hi Dave:

I thank God for what He put in you for desire and purpose to write your book, and I’m grateful to be able to share one of many stories I’m sure will come your way on its impact — I truly believe your dropping the books off yesterday was God-breathed .... yesterday afternoon, Jackie on my team learned her sister-in-law Pam has only 1-3 months to live related to her cancer. Not completely unexpected, but greatly accelerated and much more grave than previously known. She’s only in her 30’s, with husband and kids .... Jackie’s husband John is having a real hard time, they are both strong Christians and most of their family is Christian, but obviously this is devastating. I learned of this minutes after getting your book from Donna’s desk, and God led me to lend your book to Jackie and John in hopes it will build their faith and give them peace in these difficult circumstances. I pray God will bless them as they read your stories, and that the impact of their reading will be contagious to others in building them up in Christ in these circumstances ....

Nancy Short

Hi Dave,

There’s a verse, “train up a child in the way they should go, and when they’re old they won’t depart from it.”  You and Irene have done that brother — the biggest blessing in reading your book is the deep and heartfelt response to the very difficult circumstances from your daughters .... worth more than gold.

You guys remain in our prayers friend.

Dave McQuade

What a joy it is to read daily from your websute.  The words of Laura Gschwend share my heart beat about Irene’s green thumb and the Kingdom.  I so appreciate those who have a wonderful use of the English language and can express it.

The other that I so appreciated was by Joni Eareckson Tada - this picture was so clear and that is how Irene showcases who Jesus Christ is. 

I pray today that you both do not grow weary in well doing for Jesus Christ.

Carolene

Hi Dave & Irene.

I had no idea. I can’t believe all of the things that you guys have been through. Kristi told me about your situation yesterday. I asked her to send me the link so I have been looking over the web site. Wow. I will be praying for you all.

Very good job on the web site. Very informative and does a great job of bringing glory to God.

Thanks

Don Sleeper

Hi Dave and Irene,

I have been on a recent journey in my devotional life where seeing God’s Glory in “the kingdom of God” as Jesus often referred is best seen in the weakness of all who call Jesus Lord.  The most common expression of God’s Glory is best seen within our weakness.  We often may attribute to someone that they have character in the way they handle themselves, or that they have great skills or giftings.  But who gets the glory?Weakness makes the best and clearest way to see us stripped of our veneers.  If we are weak yet look to be strong what other explanatation is there?  You both have come to mind often and I see God’s glory shining through your day to day challenges, the times of being weak.  Staying alive is not living, but living life each day we are given is to be alive.  I am seeing God’s Glory shinning through you.  Thanks for being a beacon that points me to our source of all things.  I will continue in our prayers for your current pursuit of medical procedures and feeling God’s immeasurable touch in the simple moments of the day to day.

I love the series Reed did on suffering and was excited to see it listed on your site.  Another wonderful form of God’s Glory!

Our Love,

Dave and Edie

My wife and I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to your family.  My wife, Deborah sue was diagnosed with Breast cancer on her 50th birthday Dec. 2002, in Aug 2003 she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on her eyelid.  She was treated with a lumpectomy for both and was due to be in remission for BC Mar of this year.  On thanksgiving of this year she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital which found a large pleural affusion in her chest.

Test results confirmed metastatic malignant melanom throughout her chest and lungs.  It has been a roller coaster ride ever since.  I can’t begin to tell you how blessed we are.  We have the same good days and bad days resulting from Biochemo therapy that many others experience as well.  Although her prognosis is grim, her spirit remains strong and our faith affords us the gift of clinging to each small victory with hope as opposed to dwelling on the overall crisis.  My wife, as is yours; is an inspiration to all who come in contact with her. She is also an example of the fragile nature of our lives.  In the end all that really matters is our faith, friends and families.  God bless you and your family we will be praying for you.  John Crouch

Hi Dave,

I visit Irene’s web site often. I am surprised that she didn’t make some of her famous “blueberry dessert” for your super bowl bash. What an awesome ministry and influence her web site accomplishes. It is interesting how life is so paradoxical; when we think that we are comforting and encouraging an individual, the truth of the matter is that they are a much greater encouragement to us. In 1 Thes. 3:7, the apostle Paul says that it was the steadfast faith and labor of the believers that gave him the comfort and encouragement to endure his afflictions; that our labor is not in vain. My mom ministered to me more in her affliction than I ever could have done for her. I had flown to California to visit her, planning my words carefully, preparing my emotions for the painful visit. When I opened her bedroom door, there she was, sitting on her bed dressed in her brightest dress, with a big smile on her face. I asked, “how are you doing, mom”? With a big smile, her face beaming, she replied, “I’m standing on the promises.” That took every bit of “Mr. tough” out of me. She demonstrated a faith, in her Lord, that I will remember always, and hope to attain.

I will be in prayer for you and Irene. You have blessed the multitudes.

Philippians 1:29 is an interesting verse. We have been granted a privilege.  I will let you read it. It is hard to fathom, at times. Keep striving.

Know that He is God.

Your friend,

Phil

Dave and Irene….

We continue to strongly support you both in our Prayers….One day at a time sweet Jesus…the old song goes…And its so true….Dave the thoughts and flow of the story journaling Irenes illness along with your giftedness will have eternal impact….We are grandparenting in NC until the 12th….Have a Blessed Lords day…Our love to all…Jack

Dave and Irene,

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the copies of “Irene’s Journey of Faith” we ordered when we returned from vacation this week.  We plan to give a copy each to several friends of ours who have prayed for Irene over the course of time.  Your updates are wonderful, inspiring, and sure help us know the best way to pray day to day.  We continue to lift up Irene each day, for the ultimate healing in the long term, but also for just what’s needed to get through each day. 

Isaiah 65:24 - “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking I will hear.”

With love,

Steve and Sue Azevedo

Hi Dave…
And actually, this is to Irene—I went on your website today at your suggestion; bless your heart, what an honor it is to know that my devotional book and other words of encouragement have been used of the Lord to strengthen your heart.  I just wanted to thank you, dear Irene, for going the extra mile and keeping your smile despite the tremendous physical challenges you are facing.  You have not let this disability “define” who Irene Dias is; but you have used this disability to showcase who Jesus Christ is.  That’s why your story is such a huge inspiration.  Give your husband a “head hug” for me and greet your children, too.  My prayer for you today is from Psalm 31:24, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

May hope and help, peace and grace be yours, dear Irene…

Joni