2010 CHALLENGE 15: UPDATE 2

TODAY'S MESSAGE FROM CHIP BLOECHER:
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Home. Not kinda, not at a rehab place, not in a temporary location waiting for my house to be accessible. Home. I am 100% back to pre-coma Chip. I am not saying I am normal, because that would be a stretch. I am, however, (other than some stamina issues) FULLY RESTORED, FULLY HEALED.
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THIS WEEK'S MEDIA ARTICLE AND VIDEO CLIP ABOUT RICH EDWARDS:
Doctors: Hand-Transplant Recipient Recovery 'Miraculous' - News Story - WLKY Louisville

2010 CHALLENGE 15: UPDATE 1

We continue to believe that GIGATTAATTGIG as we watch the journey of these two men:

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RICH EDWARDS:

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I shared Rich's story in our 2010 CHALLENGE 15 post - the post previous to this one. Here are Rich and his wife, Cindy, in an interview not long after his amazing double hand transplant in August.

In the past three weeks, 2 main arteries that supply the blood to the right hand were not supplying the necessary blood flow in that hand and it had started to look pretty bad. But then, miraculously, Rich's body developed a sub-artery that began to supply the blood to the hand. Then, smaller capillaries developed and have grown wider bringing more blood into the hand. Doctors have been amazed and have told Rich and Cindy that what is happening is "unprecedented". We continue to pray for complete healing for Rich AND that all may know that this healing comes from our Almighty God answering the prayers of His people!

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Yesterday, Rich went back into surgery on his transplanted hands. Doctors planned to do a deep tissue skin graft to his forearm, taking tissue from Rich's stomach, if the infection was completely gone from the forearm. Rich came out of surgery and is doing well. According to family, Rich's surgery yesterday was a success. They did an abridement and pinned fingers on R hand to prevent distortion. Doctor said there is no reason his right hand didn't die from the 2 clogged arteries. We remain so hopeful that Rich will have complete use of two transplanted hands! Rich's mother wrote this morning, "May God be glorified in every circumstance no matter what happens!" GIGATTAATTGIG

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Here is Rich before and after the TODAY SHOW on September 25 - with his doctor.





CHIP BLOECHER:
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Chip is a friend who I shared a lot about in the previous post. Chip was in a coma for 10 days in September after suffering a heat stroke at a Dallas Cowboys/Chicago Bears game. His body temperature rose to 107.
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Thousands have kept a prayer vigil for Chip. It has been a faith building experience beyond anything many involved have ever experienced. Here are some wonderful things that have happened in the last week. I share them via some of Chip's wife, Lisa's, status updates on FB:

• 9/29 - 11:45 a.m. - "Chip is awake!... Everyone will know this miracle is from You, LORD!"
• 9/29 - 7:45 p.m. - "I told Chip he gave me my bday present a week early, by waking up today. He smiled at me. Ah Lord...thank u."
• 9/29 - 7:47 p.m. - "Continue to pray for bloodclots in his lungs and the removal of the vent tube."
• 9/30 - 1:37 p.m. - "I feel very hopeful about Chip-his cognitive ability seems great. Now we just need his lungs to get stronger so we can get the tube out."
• 9/30 - 1:42 p.m.: "Chip's mom asked him whose anniv was Dec, he pointed to himself."
• 9/30 - 11:43 p.m. - "Chip cried 7 times today. Not in pain, not a reaction to meds... Just extremely humbled and overwhelmed with the outpouring of love. Thank you for loving us. Can't wait for you all to get one of those great big "Chip hugs".
• 10/1 - 11:00 p.m. - "Chip and I had a nice quiet, restful day together. I read the Word several times to him (Isaiah, again). And we listened over and over to my hymn CD. (Chip sings back-up on it). He "sings" along with it, practicing his breathing. Sweet quiet moments together. Thank you Lord. Forever, forever grateful..."
• 10/2 - 1:38 p.m. - "The tube is coming out!! no more vent. Thank you Lord!"
• 10/2 - 8:32 p.m. - "Thank you for praying for my husband, Chip. Forever grateful."
• 10/3 - 3:08 p.m. - "Chip is quite chatty today. He just called me 'Russell'. Yep, Chip is Chip!"
• 10/3 - 8:19 p.m. - "Chip and I had dinner together tonight. So sweet. Tomorrow...rehab begins. :)"
• 10/4 - last night - "Chip, Hope, and I had dinner tonight together. Oh, so sweet. Thank you Lord.
• SCRIPTURE POSTED BY LISA LAST NIGHT: "To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal? Some people pour out their silver and gold and hire a craftsman to make a god from it. Then they bow down and worship it! They carry it around on their shoulders, and when they set it down, it stays there. It can’t even move! And when someone prays to it, there is no answer.... It can’t rescue anyone from trouble...I am God, and there is no one else like Me." Isaiah 46:5-8

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There are video links in the previous post that will remind you that GIGATTAATTGIG!
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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
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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
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39355799#39355799

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STORY #2:

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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:
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Their names are Chip and Lisa Bloecher: COUPLE EXTRAORDINAIRE! CHRISTIAN WARRIORS COVERED IN HIS ARMOR!
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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:

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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

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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.

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

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

Hebrews 2

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

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