2010 CHALLENGE 15: WHEN THE STRONG BECOME WEAK???

Over the years, I have been blessed to know many strong christian men. Each of them has a story to tell. They have weathered many storms as they have walked the walk and talked the talk of The Fellowship of Suffering. I have on my mind two such men who God is using to teach so many. Both men went to a small christian college in York, Nebraska at different times. They went to York College, in part, because of their love for their LORD. I believe that they would both tell you that GIGATTAATTGIG. My connection to their story? Steve and I were both students at YC and then teachers in York in the 70's and then again in the 90's until 2002.STORY #1:

Dr. Rich Edwards was injured when the truck he was driving was overcome by a brush fire on February 11, 2006. He was unable to escape the burning vehicle. His arms, hands, back and face were severely burned leaving very little tissue left on both hands. He has had multiple reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts, but had very little hand function. He was unable to use prosthesis and required complete assistance with all activities of daily living. Last month, things began to change with a DOUBLE HAND TRANSPLANT! The incredible story of this christian brother from Edmond, Oklahoma is still ongoing. The links below will give you a glimpse into the recent part of Rich's journey as he is able to say GIGATTAATTGIG. (Be sure to at least link to the last one which is an interview with Richard and his doctor in September). There have been more surgeries in September, but the family is still hopeful. Please pray for Rich, his wife Cindy, and their extended family
.

http://handtransplant.com/ThePatients/RichardPRichEdwardsJrDC/tabid/170/Default.aspx

http://handtransplant.com/HandTransplants/tabid/62/Default.aspx

http://handtransplant.com/ThePatients/RichardPRichEdwardsJrDC/DoubleHandTransplantRecipientSeesHands/tabid/173/Default.aspx
.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39355799#39355799

.
STORY #2:

.

Chip Bloecher has been in a coma recently! He woke up yesterday! There has been much rejoicing as we continue to watch the hand of our LORD work through this. Here is a post that I wrote on another of my blogs last week:
.

.

Their names are Chip and Lisa Bloecher: COUPLE EXTRAORDINAIRE! CHRISTIAN WARRIORS COVERED IN HIS ARMOR!
.
Here is a very brief / simple synopsis of this salt of the earth / light of the world couple who I am so grateful for today:

• When we built our house in York, Nebraska, the back of our two acres met up with Lisa's parents' property.


• Lisa and Chip were students at York College... met... married... moved to KC, MO.
• Chip began his journey as a teacher... Lisa learned how to play the guitar... Together, they were heavily involved in ministry... especially to youth.


• As part of the planning committee of Youth In Action (YIA), Chip insisted that Steve be the main speaker for the guys and me for the girls for several years. Since it fell, each year, on the week between Christmas and New Year's, it usually included our anniversary (30th)... YIA took over the KC Airport Embassy Suites each year... Chip begged that if we would just do it, he would honor our marriage and anniversary... That he did! Upon arrival, much to our surprise, The Presidential Suite usually reserved for "dignitaries" had been reserved for us... we gave tours for the kids to see it... it was AMAZING!
• Tragedy came to Lisa's family twice... her dear daddy passed away... her sweet sister was watching a parade with her family in Lincoln, NE when a careening/out of control car came at the crowd and took Connie's life...


• Through the long process of healing, Lisa read her Bible, wrote in a prayer journal, and made music...


• Chip and Lisa remained deeply involved in ministry. Lisa's blog chronicles her journey and her music: http://www.lisabloecher.com/


• Eventually, they moved to Texas... Chip has been principal at Carrollton Christian Elementary School for four years... http://www.ccasaints.org/10141012692647493/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=52848


• They've had a little girl since moving to Texas.


• Lisa's musical reach expanded greatly when she cut a C.D. in November 2009 to share the Good News of the Kingdom to the people of Japan.


• Their ministry has continued to youth, the sick, downtrodden, homeless, orphaned....
• Their ministry includes several continents... the countries of: Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, and Japan.


• Below, I share photos of this family that so passionately and compassionately wears the name of JESUS...


• In every sense of the WORD, they are WARRIORS OF THE CROSS!


• Each day, Lisa updates her FB status with her SWORD (which Ephesians 6 says is the WORD OF GOD)... her scripture choices are most often just what I need for that time of the day... she deeply encourages me daily...


• Yesterday, about 5 p.m., Lisa posted this on her FB status: "...u all know I'm a prayer warrior, but it's so good to know I can take a break--go to bathroom, take rest, shower...and u all have my back. I luv u all dearly."
• Why did she post that? Because it's true... and tragedy has hit once again...
• Please enjoy the journal of pictures and then join me in STANDING FIRM, PUTTING ON GOD'S FULL ARMOR, and doing some WARRIOR PRAYING for Lisa and Chip...
  
  
  CHIP AND LISA = FAMILY PEOPLE

CHIP AND LISA =ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND MUSICIAN

CHIP AND LISA = LOCAL MINISTRY

CHIP AND LISA = WORLD WIDE MISSIONS:

.

CHIP BLOECHER IS A PRAYER WARRIOR WHO NEEDS PRAYER WARRIORS! Sunday afternoon Chip went with friends to the Cowboys/Bears football game in Dallas. He became ill and went to his truck. Later, he was found passed out inside his truck with no AC on. Police broke through the window and took him directly to ER. His body temperature was 107, For the next almost 24 hours, in a coma, Chip was on the brink of death. In the ICU he has been ice packed and covered in prayer. Yesterday afternoon, he was able to open his eyes and move all four limbs... although still somewhat unresponsive. Praise God in all things!

TEXT YOUR PRAYERS AND ENCOURAGEMENT WHETHER YOU KNOW THEM OR NOT: A special line has been set up to receive text messages. Your messages will signal to Lisa that someone is in prayer for her family, and especially her beloved, Chip.

You can send texts to 214-868-7133

.

If you are on FB, you can go to a group page that was set up on Sunday evening called: PRAY FOR CHIP BLOECHER.

.The above was originally written on 9/21/10. Today, we say:

Thank you, GOD! Chip woke up yesterday - 9/29/10! He's nodded "Yes!" and "No!" This morning, he chuckled! This afternoon, when his mom asked him who had an anniversary in December, he pointed to himself.

.

.

.

He and Lisa will now have a new story to tell of how GIGATTAATTGIG!

.

.

.

"But we see JESUS,

who was made a little lower than the angels,

now crowned with glory and honor

because He suffered death,

so that by the grace of God

He might taste death for everyone.
In bringing many sons to glory,

it was fitting that God,

for whom and through whom everything exists,

should make the Author of their salvation

perfect through suffering.

Both the One who makes men holy and

those who are made holy are of the same family.

So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

12 He says,

"I will declare your name to my brothers;

in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."
***

13 And again, "I will put my trust in Him."

Hebrews 2

.

.

Join others who put their trust in HIM @ Facebook Group: GIGATTAATTGIG

.