*UPDATE FROM MELANIE HALL*
Mark is out of surgery. Everything went really well. Dr says textbook operation. Just like we prayed for. I told the doctor that he might possibly be the most prayed for Dr. on the planet today. He will be in recovery for a while. Thank you so much for your prayers.
So, #prayingforMark warriors, the time is now. Today is the day Mark is having his surgery. I truly believe that God has heard all of our prayers and that they have reached him and his family. I have been so encouraged and blessed by the outpouring of love shown to him, through this blog. It reminds me once again of who this blog truly belongs to and why it was started in the first place.
On their page, Mark’s wife Melanie posted an update. She included 4 specific prayer requests that they have at this time. If you could please join them in prayer for them, that would be awesome!
I’m completely humbled by the number of people that have expressed their love for us and are interceding in prayer. There are no words to express the gratitude in this wife’s heart. Thank you for praying for us. We have had friends and strangers from all over the world tell us they are praying–an orphan school in Kenya, neighbors we just met, long lost high school friends, Christian Music Artists from their concerts, schools, offices, pastors in South Africa, chaplains in the Army, churches, radio DJs, fans, missionaries in Brazil, and countless others I couldn’t begin to name. Thank you. Your prayers are felt.
Many of you have prayed that we would have peace in the midst of this storm. Let me tell you that God has honored that prayer. Mark and I have peace that we are where we are supposed to be and that God has allowed this in our lives for a reason. And He has assured us that He is using this to bring people to Him.
Mark is working hard at the church today to prepare for his recovery absence. I don’t think he is as anxious about the surgery as he is about being away from the students of our church for a month of recovery. Meanwhile he is working on an empty stomach (only clear liquids) today.
When you are praying for us tomorrow, I ask that as you pray you would also consider these few requests:
1. Please pray that God will watch over everything related to the surgery and that it goes well. Pray that we have favor with the hospital staff and doctors.
2. Please pray for complete healing and a quick recovery for Mark.
3. Please pray that God will give us opportunities and discernment to share Christ’s Love. And pray that we will have strength and courage to represent Him well on this journey.
4. Please also pray that God will give YOU an opportunity to share His love through this. Many of you have said that friends, family members and co-workers are asking you questions about God because of what is happening to Mark. Please please use these opportunities to point people to Jesus. It may even be one of the reasons God has allowed this.
“Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the Hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. . .” I Peter 3:14-15
We are trusting in our Father God who Loves ALL immeasurably, Forgives graciously, Redeems fully, and HEALS Completely.
Once again, we cherish your prayers and have been encouraged by your outpouring of love and support. Thank you for joining us in prayer for tomorrow and the coming days.
Trusting Him in this journey
Melanie