BTAG Prayer

Nancy Williams

2012-01-12T19:09:00.001-08:00

Please pray for Nancy Williams and her family because her husband passed away in his sleep. They are mourning a great loss.

2011-12-26T09:25:00.001-08:00

Continue to pray for Robert. He was hit by an automobile and has been hospitalized. Pray for wisdom for the doctors and he recovery.

2011-12-26T09:24:00.001-08:00

Miss Susan's nephew Edward has had a massive heart attack. Please pray for his recovery.

2011-12-26T09:23:00.001-08:00

Please pray for Sister Joyce's daughter Rochelle. She fell out of an attic and has injured her tailbone. She has seen the doctors and is on bed rest and still in a great deal of pain and unable to walk.

Kari update

2011-09-09T07:10:00.001-07:00

Good Morning!
     "Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." I Chronicles 6:10
     Hope everyone is doing well. I know that it's been a while since the last update, and I do apologize, but I have been feeling a bet swept up by things that I have had to do lately. Kari is still doing well, still improving and healing. Her vision continues to improve as does her physical strength; of course, she doesn't realize it, but we rejoice with her.
I know that I have said it before, but I am just so much more appreciative of the gift of life and God's sovereignty. God knows what we need, what we need to experience and what we need to witness. I am thankful for this experience - whether it is vicariously through Kari or not God has chosen to remove blinders from my eyes so that I can move and have my being in Him, like never before.
     My prayer is that whatever is hindering Kari from seeing the miraculous work that God is doing in her body will be removed! I also pray that she will not be frustrated with "living with people," which she has said is her biggest frustration lately. I had to laugh when she told me that, I told her I didn't think that we were that bad, she actually meant, not have all the freedom that she use to have, as far as, driving, being able to walk without crutches, not taking so long to do task, making all her own choices. I think I would also add in there being able to really enjoy life! She is taking it one day at a time though, which I love!
   Going with the theme of taking it one day at a time Kari will be turn 29 on September 22! I can't believe my baby sister is getting sooooo old!
We are planning to through her a surprise party Sunday, September 18, after the Sunday A.M. Service. If anyone is in the area, or not too far away we would love for you to come and celebrate her LIFE!
Please call or email, or contact us in some manner if you would be interested in attending. I am so sorry about the short notice!
Have a wonderful rest of your day!
Be blessed
Kaziah

2011-08-18T08:55:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Robert and Kim whose baby dead at birth. They are grieving and need the Holy Spirit's Comfort.

Pastor Pearson

2011-08-08T18:23:00.001-07:00

Few weeks ago i asked prayer for pastor steve pearson in natchez, ms. he has been battling cancer for years now. sunday evening pastor pearson went to be with the lord. he is now in a remarkable place where he is not suffering. please continue to pray with me for his family, friends, and congregation. thanks so much!

May you be blessed by the Lord this blessful day!

Jessica

Minnich Family

2011-07-20T12:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you for all of your prayers and support over the last week and a half. God is healing our family and we truly covet your prayers. As Sunshine draws nearer to rejoining us during our worship service our one request to everyone is to not ask her how she is doing as at this point this only brings up negative feelings. Instead we ask that you tell her that you are glad to see her and that you are continueing to pray. We are blessed to have a support system that cares about our family and is agreeing with us in prayer. Thank you all!

Travis

Kari Update

2011-07-11T20:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much for this update. I was wondering last week and I am so happy that you have sent this note. Please know that Kari, as well as your entire family, remain in my prayers and thoughts. Take care of all of you. God truly is wonderful.

Yvonne

From: Kaziah Williams [mailto:kaziah.williams@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 5:43 PM
To: Alicia; Amy Vasquez; Megan Miller; Michelle Seitzer; Julie Wicklund; Jubi Williams; Patricia Ocasio; DORIS B. MANZANO; Broome, Marcell; DEBBER; Sherrie; Kim; carusoc@arcadia.edu; Heather Walters;Jareem.dowling@sprint.blackberry.net; Cathleen Petrucci; Valeria; Krista B; Aimee Vozenilek; Kimmy; Amanda Taylor; Karen Taylor; Baronsky, Lynn; Lucie Hale; Charis Steffel; Eunique Lawrence; Ashleigh Seccurro; LEAH M. MACKIE; James Taylor; Steve Lee; omoik1@lsu.edu; Roslyn;vmoore2763@verizon.net; Genie Vafakos; Lauren Lazzopina; Jennifer MacCauley;roobella@aol.com; Carrie Drake; Raven H; Linda Maun; Christina Feil; Mike Feil; Helena Rice; Erica Benardo; Coach Lewit; Kristi Rivera; Pastor Ben; Pastor Petrucci; Bower, Teresa; lizbroadway@gmail.com; Eva Martin; Kristal H; Angela Williamson; Taylor, Beth (MED US); Grace Shores; Leslie & Antionette; pwv57@comcast.net; Juanita Martin; Nicole Green; lcotton@ccps.org; Monique Ireland; Brian Nick; Tanisha Sem; Jackie Dobzon Lanzi; Sandra Lane; Renee Kutys; Kathryn Mingoia; Mike Polito; Jason Seville; Rosemary Keys; Aracely Cain; Stormy Johnson; Tappi Waggenspack; Yvonne Balentine; Christine Courtney; Dylan Schultz; Faith Draine; Sally Steffel; Cathy Myers; Thurman Bell; christi brownell; Charlene Vafakos; Carolyn Fletcher; Steven Singleton
Subject: 6/17/11-7/11/11

Good evening!
     Hope you're all doing well. During VBS at church the first day's theme was "Superstar," the verse that went along with the them was.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14 God created us all to be superstars, whether we realize it or not. We are all so complex, and the organ that seems the most complex...at least to me at this time is the brain.
     Kari was very much her old self during the visit from the team from Delaware. She was silly, cracking jokes and making them laugh. Many of them mentioned that they didn't know what to expect, as far as Kari and what she would be like, but in the end they said they aren't sure if they would have know that anything was wrong if she didn't have the crutches, her hair being shorter, and the patch. I say Praise God for that, because she has come a looooooonnnnnngggggg way!
     This morning Kari had a CT-scan and then another follow up with the surgeon that did her surgeries. While we waited for him to come in we talked about the evaluation that she had at SAGE on Thursday. I asked how it went and she said good, and even smiled. I asked what happened, what she had to do and she said she had to answer some questions, at the end she had to walk with her forearm crutches and then without them with some assistance. I asked if that was all, and then she said they also tested her strength and then said, "then they said the normal things like, your so amazing...awesome...stuff like that." We both laughed, but I thought that that is so true! She's been fearfully and wonderfully made, and we just get the opportunity to see her become the superstar she's always been.
     The doctor came in and made a remark about her walking in rather than being in the wheelchair. He also reminded her how "lucky" she was, but we know that that is not luck, but God's grace and mercy. He also said that her head is healing up nicely, and the only concerns that he had last time have been cleared up courtesy of the CT-scan, and she'll not have to have anymore surgeries as far as he is concerned. He told her to continue to work hard in therapy so when she comes in 6months from now she'll be walking on her own.
   Kari's eye doctor has been pushed back a couple times, but it is now tomorrow. Her eyes do look better, but she still says that she can't tell the difference. Dr. Soleau said that the part of the brain that she had the bleed in controls her eye movement, and we've learned over the last months that it also controls her balance as well, so that is why she has having some difficulty in those areas. It can be a little frustrating to her and to us, because that part of the brain kinda controls everything, but this is also what makes me pause and stand in awe of the Master Creator!
   I pray that just like Kari, you'll remember how much of a superstar you are because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. I praise God for you all and I appreciate you continuing to keep Kari in your prayer!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-07-01T06:38:00.001-07:00

Hi Ya'll,
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer. Sometimes I realize that I get so hung up on what I am doing that I don't enjoy the journey, even the struggle. I know that everything that we go through can help us learn, grow and mature if we choose to.

"5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ~ 1Peter 1:5-7

Kari right now is struggling with enjoying the journey, but I guess if I had major brain surgery and things weren't how they "should be" I'd be having issues, especially since I tend to have issues now, from time to time. Kari went to the PA from the Rehab hospital that she was in and she told Kari that she is doing well. She also commented on Kari's lack of smiling, as did a random guy in target last week, he told her, "It's gonna to be alright." That in turn made her tear up. I asked if she understood why people keep saying things to her and she said, "BECAUSE THEY'RE ANNOYING!" I know she knew that wasn't why and I reminder her she has plenty she can smile about. I can't remember exactly what I said, but by the time we were out to the car she was smiling and laughing.

Kari's therapist wants her to start using her forearm crutches more. In an effort to encourage her to do that we reminded her that her wheelchair had to go back at the end of July. To that Kari replies, "Well, me might as well get our money's worth." She is doing really well on the crutches, she still struggles with her balance, but she is getting stronger. I can even see muscles starting to develop in her calves. Of course she still can't see or at least struggles to admit improvement.

Kari currently goes to therapy at two different Rehab centers. As of last Friday she was told that she can be in the day treatment program, at SAGE, where she has her speech therapy. This rehab center specialized in brain injury. She'll attend 3 days a week for at least 3 hours. This is what we have been praying for. She has been on the waiting list since she was at the Neuro Medical Center, but they didn't have an opening until now. She actually said that she is happy about it because she doesn't have to go back and forth and they will break the therapy up into 30min sessions. I think the last fact was what she is most thankful for.

We're currently getting ready at the house and church for a group of lovelies to come down from Delaware to help out with VBS and some service projects. We have been talking to Kari about it for a while and I am excited for her to interact with youth and leaders that she had a chance to influence over the years. I am so excited to see what funny things might transpire over those 9 days.

Thank you for continuing to lift Kari up in prayer. Her follow up eye-doctors appointment was moved to next Thursday so I'll let you all know how that goes. (Her eyes are looking much better though! Praise God)
Be blessed
Kaziah

2011-06-29T15:28:00.001-07:00

Pray for Barbra whose potassium is very low and she is very week. Thank you

Kari Update

2011-06-16T20:16:00.001-07:00

Good Afternoon!
     I hope that you have all been well.
     My mom just ask Kari if she was alright, she shook her head yes, and then said, "I need some Cain's, (This is a fast food restaurant, for all who don't know it, and they're all about chicken, chicken, chicken...and this awesome Cain's sauce.) That's what her personality and humor are like these days, a bit unexpected and fun.
      Two Mondays ago, Kari went for a followup with the neurosurgeon who initially did her surgery and then the final surgery. He was the one that told us that he was just doing this surgery to save her life, he didn't even know if she would make it through that night. When he saw Kari he said "Hey I like that Pirate look you got going on, with the patch. I know that things seem really crummy right now, but I didn't think that you would live. You are doing really well and everything that you are going through it's normal. Considering everything you're doing great you look great." Praise God! She has to go back there in about 2 weeks to do a CAT scan to make sure that everything is healing like it should.
     Kari has still been going to all three therapies three times a week. She's doing really well in each, she always complains of being tired, but she still does what is asked of her. I believe that they keep adding things to challenge her. Her speech therapist has given her a number of word games/puzzles and things to try to tiger memories and thought processes. In Occupations Therapy she is also being challenged by doing Word Searches. In Physical therapy Kari has been using forearm crutches. She seems to really be doing well with them and seems to like the idea of independence that it gives her. We are currently trying to get her a pair that she can use at home.
     Kari's eyes seem to be doing much better, and she told me the other day that she isn't dizzy anymore. She's not hearing the sound that she seemed to associate with her dizziness, but she is hearing a white noise. She'll be going to the eye doctor again for a field test that tests her peripheral vision. She'll also have a check up with the rehabilitation doctor soon to check on her progress. Things really feel slow, but as I look back over the past week and a half, she's really progressing and improving. It's awesome to take time and count my blessings and Kari's
      "And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." ~ Exodus 33:19
Never has this verse stuck out to me as now. God sees what we are going through, knows what we are going through and goes ahead of us to meet each need. We just have to trust that that is so. How good He is! Thank you for praying for Kari and my family!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Butch

2011-06-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Bro Butch who just recently had heart surrey. His blood pressure is very high and he is very week. He has an appointment with the doctor tomorrow.

Christen

2011-06-08T10:51:00.001-07:00

Please pain for Christen who is a young lady with Brittle Bones Disease. She is in the hospital after braking both ankles.

Kaitlyn Ordoyne

2011-06-08T08:15:00.001-07:00

Please pray for this 16 year old girl who is having emergency heart.

Kaitlyn Ordoyne

2011-06-07T18:25:00.001-07:00

Please pray for this 16 year old girl who is having emergency heart surgery tomorrow.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Kari Update

2011-06-03T12:55:00.001-07:00

Hi All,
I know it's been a while, but here's the update!
The beauty of following Jesus is that He, "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;" ~Isaiah 35:3
    Kari has had some great days and some great moments, but she has also had days and moments that have taken a great deal of patience and grace to get through. She is still a bit tired and wants to rest quite a lot, but the effort that she is giving while at therapy has been great. She has therapy at least 4 days a week.
   She was able to attend church last Sunday, Praise God! She has tried since she's been home, but something has always happened, she's too tired. She said she plans on going this Sunday.
   Kari went to the eye doctor this week and the doctor told my mom and Kari that her eye's aren't bad enough to need glasses, which is awesome, and she needs to continue wearing her patch. Her eyes and vision look and seem so much better! She's watching t.v. with us more, but she'll use her vision as an excuse not to read and to do anything she doesn't want to do, so it a bit interesting!
   She continues to get stronger each day and it's exciting to see. She still has difficulty seeing the improvement, growth and strength, so we have continued to encourage her and I have shown her pictures of when she was in ICU.
At night, sometimes, she is so on it's ridiculous! She's cracking jokes, laughing, and really having a good time.She has one one her good friends visiting this weekend, and I am excited to see what happens, especially with her personality. She seems to come alive with people she really enjoys.
Thank you for continuing to pray for Kari and the family!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-05-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!
     I hope that everything is going well with you all. Kari came home on Tuesday, even earlier in the day that we thought. I think that she was a bit overwhelmed by the transition. I think she and the rest of the family had different expectations. I think Kari maybe thought that once she was home we would leaver her alone. As soon as I got home on Tuesday I went to get her out of bed to eat with me, she didn't want to get up, I had to fight with her a bit...and then she said, "Where's the hospital?" I was a bit confused and she said, "Cuz you keep messing with me." She was so wrong for that! Anyway, we've all moved on and she's really adjusting pretty well.
     My mom finally had a good nights sleep last night, the first time since Kari has been home. Praise God! Kari has had all her evaluations for all her therapies as of this morning, and she actually begins speech this afternoon at 2. My mom and I have been dealing with a bit of anxiety and feeling overwhelmed to say the least, but God is so faithful and has been so good. All we can do is just stay in Him, get out of His way. He continues to give us grace for each moment. As the week as gone on things have gotten much smoother! Thank you for praying for Kari and us.
She is still having issues with her sight. Her dizziness has decreased, Hallelujah! She was also taken off of her anti-seizure medication, keppra, because of some side affects - the doctor thinks that that medicine might have been what was causing her white blood cells to drop as welll as some other interesting side-affects of her feeling like bugs were crawling on her. Since she has been off she hasn't had any issues, but we must be prayerful that she won't have any seizures. We are believing that God will complete what he began.
Have a great weekend!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Brown Recluse Spider

2011-05-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Joyce's son Robert Jr. who was bitten by a Brown Recluce Spider.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Kari Update

2011-05-14T19:58:00.001-07:00

Good Afternoon!
"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever." ~1 Chronicles16:34
     My family is giving thanks for all the Lord has done. It's been so exciting to spend so many nights on a lovely little bed near my sister, my mom more than I, but those days are soon coming to an end, at least for a bit. We found out yesterday morning that Kari will not be going to Texas, at least not right away, so she will be coming home. I think she is SO ready to be home; I am too, and I haven't had to stay in the hospital or rehab center everyday since March 9th. She'll be discharged on Tuesday sometime.
     Kari has been asking for the dog quite a bit, so I think it will be good for her to get slobbered on by Ming. I do think that being at home will be interesting for her. I think it will be an eye opening experience, because she will realize how different everything, really is. Please pray for her and us, that she'll let us help her and that she won't be too frustrated and that we will be patient and empathetic. I am also praying that she will realize that she is getting better, but still needs to work hard in therapy. She will have outpatient care at two different facilities in the area. We don't know much about the scheduling or anything, but I think it will be great that Kari has to go out of the house.
    Lately she has had some interesting days, as far as what she is remembering and saying, we are praying that it is just her body trying to used to new medication. She is still struggling with her dizziness and double vision, but is just moving along with it. Please also pray that whatever Kari needs, what will be best for her will happen and that God will continue to move, heal and go with us. Thank you for continuing to pray! God Bless ya.
Be blessed
Kaziah

Caroline

2011-05-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Caroline. She has been admitted back into the hospital for kidney problem and this is her only kidney.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Kari Update

2011-05-11T06:26:00.001-07:00

Hello!
But I trust in you, LORD; I say, "You are my God." ~Psalm 31:14
    What a beautiful verse! No matter what I'm feeling or the things that are going on in my head or all around me, "in real life", I know that I can trust in the Lord, He is my God!
    This evening Kari's social worker came and met with us. She met with the whole team of therapist and doctors today and they said that Kari is still making slow improvements. She's having more good days than bad, but is still making improvements. She should be leaving on the 17th of this month.
   Kari's endurance is getting better, but she is still wanting to sleep whenever anyone will let her. My mom did say that she was up all day today though. I am so glad that her stamina is improving, slowly, but surely. Her doctor was a bit disappointed that she is still wanting to stay in bed all day, so he has started her on something that should help her have a bit more energy. We haven't quite seen the affects of this medication, but hopefully we'll be able to notice a change soon. He might try to up the dosage, just to see if it'll help.
We still aren't sure what's going on with Texas, but we continue to pray that whatever, wherever is best for her, God will make it happen. Wherever she goes, if it's inpatient seems like its about a month stay, which is totally doable. We have a few concerns because not everyplace accepts her coverage, but we know that God will work it out.
   A few highlight from the past few days: Kari bit her OT therapist today in checkers; Kari has been doing things for the family, not because she want to, but because we enjoy those things; She is laughing and smiling a bit more. She was able to spend time outside with a visit from our crazy dog, Ming, on Sat.; she's been remembering things much more; her stability has great improved.
   Thank you guys for continuing to pray for Kari and the family. She is still having issues with her vision and dizziness, but is still wearing the patch, Praise God! My mom is trying to finish all paper work to help with Kari's bill's so, please pray that everything gets approved.
   Have a wonderful rest of your day!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-05-04T15:13:00.001-07:00

Hi Ya'll,
     Hope everyone has been well. Since I last wrote my mom celebrated her birthday, you'll have to ask her how old she is, because I'm not telling - only because I can never remember how old she is. I think the highlight of her birthday wasn't the pair of new Birkenstocks or the books or watch but that Kari signed her own name her birthday card. We we're sure if she could write, but she did like she's been doing it this whole time, Praise God!
     I am pretty sure that I mentioned that Kari was put on Lexapro and then taken off because of the numbness in her hands moving up her arms and then the numbness in her feet moving up her legs. The tested her blood and found that her white blood cells were down to 2.3, we're not sure what her original white blood cells count was, but for most people it stays about 4. As of yesterday at dinner time we found out that her count was up to 3.5 and she was free to leave her room again. The whole time the count was down Kari felt fine, but couldn't leave her room.
   I was a little discouraged when she was taken off the Lexapro because it really seemed to be making a difference and she hadn't even been on it for 7 days yet. She was less anxious and really seemed like "my Kari." As I was worshiping on Sunday God reminded me that He didn't need no stinkin' Lexapro! He reminded me that He's got this! He told His people the same thing in Exodus!
God said to Moses, "I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, 'I-AM sent me to you.'" ~Exodus 3:14
I know that this is also what Kari will say as well when she able to give her testimony, when she is healed to being better than she was!!! She'll say "I'm here to tell you what The great "I Am" has done for me!
    Kari is continuing to get stronger. Just 3 days ago when she would push herself up to standing it was like she was diving into someone's arms, but yesterday when she pushed herself up she was in complete control and just stood up, no diving, leaning or wobbling! Here therapist has had her working on her core...and I guess those muscles remember what they are supposed to do.
    She's doing okay with her food and beverage intake. She did tell us on Monday, when we were trying to make her eat a little more of her red beans and rice and she said, "it's all rice...this is what you feed the dog," then she started to laugh. I am not sure why it hurt her to laugh, but it's so great when she says something funny and laughs. It helps us to know that her sense of humor is still there, but she doesn't laugh as much as she normally does.
     Everyday she becomes more and more aware, I know I've said this before, but it blows me away. She knows that this is her reality, but she has told me repeatedly that she's just ready to move on. Today she had a social worker that came from Touchtone Neurorecovery Center, in Conroe, Texas, 35 miles north of Houston, to evaluate Kari. He said she would fit in well there, but they only take one person with her financial issues; currently they has no one, but there enrollment is down, so their staff is down. We are just praying that whatever is best for her with happen. If that's Texas, great, if not possibly a day treatment place her called SAGE. We are just praying that whatever she needs to facilitate the continued healing, that it'll be done.
     Thanks so much for continuing to pray. Kari is still having double vision, but is willing to wear a patch which really helps. She is still feeling dizzy and is saying it's like a sound in her head. She is currently walking with one person support, which is awesome, and her endurance is up! She stays awake longer than she has been! We are just thankful for all the God is doing, whether it is sending complete strangers coming up to my mom and sister encouraging them, to every card or email or for the healing and visual reminders of it, It's all Awesome!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Joel

2011-05-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Jamie Greenlee's friend Joel has been diagnosed with cancer. The cancer is one that is in his blood but is attacking his skeletol system. Joel is 30 years old with a wife and kids. They are asking not only for prayer for the sickness but also for a financial miracle as they have many bills accumulating and he is trying to secure a trailor for his family to live in. Please pray for God's provision and healing in this situation.

Flooding

2011-05-03T21:53:00.001-07:00

Can you please add natchez, ms and vidalia, la to the prayer request. vidalia is experciencing some flooding from the mississippi river rising. some homes have been flooded already. several friends and family members are packing the most important belongings and getting out. pray the rising does not get to high, everyone safety also.
thanks!

May you be blessed by the Lord this blessful day!

Jessica

Kari Update

2011-04-29T20:27:00.001-07:00

Happy End of the Week!
     Hope everyone has been doing well. This week has had some great highs and a few disappointments, but overall it really has been a monumental week. This week Kari was started on Lexapro to help stimulate the parts of her brain that had been injured, my mom shared about what God is doing in Kari's life at the woman's rally, Kari was able to do activities in therapy that she couldn't do two weeks ago and finally, she was approved for Medicaid. All these things are an answer to prayer.
     We have been praying that Kari would be more consistent as far as being her normal self and with the new medication it has balanced that little brain out. The only thing about that is that last night her arm on the left side was numb. they order blood work this morning and they realized that her white blood cells were low. Taking that into account she has to go off the Lexapro, they'll redo the test and if the white blood cells go back up then they will completely discontinue it. But...its been so nice to have my Kari back, she sounds like herself and her thought processes seems to be like it was before.
     My mom having the opportunity to share last night just increased the prayer base and hopefully encouraged others in their faith and even in their understanding . It was so nice the lady who spoke after my mom, right before she spoke, stopped and prayed for Kari.
     Kari being in therapy, working hard has been such a blessing, even on the days she has been more tired and ended early, except for yesterday, she has been able to do new skills or is more balanced. It's been great to see her therapist encouraged. Speech is still a bit of a struggle because of the e-stim therapy on her throat, but she is getting through it - she isn't being given any other options though.
     Since moving down here Kari and I have both been on the hunt for jobs so we could have a purpose, provide for ourselves and have benefits. Some of you know already that when Kari went into the ER she didn't have a job with benefits, so when we realized how serious this condition was we were a little concerned. My parents after the first week of her being the hospital meet with a representative from the hospital and they suggested that they try to apply for medicaid. So we've been praying and waiting to hear back and yesterday, before my mom made it to go speak the social worker for the rehab center told her that Kari had been approved. How awesome is that. We knew that God was working it out, but we just didn't know what way He was going to move.
    Thank you again for remembering all of us in your prayers. Kari is still struggling with her vision and her endurance. Also please just pray that those white blood cells will go back up and that the medical staff that works with Kari will have the wisdom to know how to best help her. Have a wonderful weekend!
Be blessed
Kaziah

2011-04-28T10:17:00.001-07:00

Please, also help in prayer for both the family and church family (Time Square Church) of Rev David Wilkerson whom we learnt went to be with the lord yesterday through an auto crash in Texas. Pray for the wife who was also injured in the crash. Rev Wilkerson was a great man of God that we all loved for the many souls he won into the kingdom of God.

Thanks and God's blessings.

Bro Ogad.

Preston/Philidelphia Mississippi

2011-04-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

My brother in law is the pastor of Preston Assembly of God and his area was hit by a Tornado this afternoon. My brother in law and that area need prayer, he is currently helping dig through debris to find missing persons.

Steven

Kari Update

2011-04-25T18:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Belated Easter,
Hope you all had a beautiful Resurrection Day! I know that my family and I did. Just to be able to focus on the beauty of the Gospel has been wonderful! We were blessed by some of the church family coming over yesterday so that we could all worship together, since that hasn't happened in more than a month. That was such a special gift and blessing!(Thank you all of you Bethel family who were able to come over for that time, God Bless you!) Easter really is such a great time to focus on all the gifts and the one that was truly life changing for me.
It makes me think of my sister as well. There was a split second that I felt like Martha...but God saw fit to move...He resurrected her! More than that though He continues to resurrect so many things in my life because of the belief I have in Him!

"Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" ~ John 11:24-46

I know I might have made some people a little nervous that I didn't write, but I had the opportunity to go with the youth to Convention this weekend to have some God moments and get to know them a little better. Kari is actually showing some great improvements. I asked her Saturday, point blank, are you depressed and she said, "No, I just need to do what I got to do." She seems to completely understand what's going on, there is still a bit of frustration, but PRAISE THE JESUS she is not depressed! She is walking more, back and forth to the bathroom and doing more things independently. (My mom wanted me to make sure to tell you she's not walking walking, she's walking with support and is still quite wobbly. She's still having some spacial issues and is still quite dizzy.) Each day God sees fit to allow us to see more improvement!

Today she had a rough day, very tired. She struggled in all three of her therapies, but she did somethings she hadn't done, so that's a praise! We are so thankful, still, for your prayers, words of encouragement and love! I probably will not be writing quite so frequently, I don't want to tire you guys out, but I also don't want to be writing the same things. So...if you don't hear from me it's nothing bad, it just means that the healing process is slow and study.

Please continue praying for her eyes, her spacial issues, the dizziness, balance and coordination. Also, please pray for her endurance and ability to push on through the dizziness. Finally, please pray that she will not only understand what she needs to do and tell us what she needs to do but do and work at it will all her might!

Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-20T15:01:00.001-07:00

Hi Gang!
"The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." ~ Exodus 15:2
     Hope you all have had an amazing day today. A co-worker told me today that she was feeling sorry for herself last night and then she remembered Kari. I think that that is what happens to me daily. I want to complain about something and I think of Kari. I am so thankful for all that God is doing through this situation. Do we everyday just say thank you that I can move my arms, or blink, or even drink? How much I normally take for granted. It's such a blessing to function "normally" whatever that means.
     This week, because it's a short one as far as the holiday Kari has had 3 sessions for about 11/2 everyday. I think that it's wearing her out. It's crazy, but I think it's really good for her, whether she can see that or not. We talk to Kari about all the progress she's been making through God's healing hand and she said that she can't tell. We were talking about the patch that she should be wearing to help her re-train her eyes, I asked her if she wanted me to make her something different or put a patch on the patch and she told us it has nothing to do with how she looks with it on. She actually asked my mom, "Mom are you embarrassed of me because you have a handicap daughter?" My mom just replied, "No! I'm just happy to have DAUGHTERS!" We all told her how proud of her we are and how we are just so thankful that God has seen fit to move in this way. We told her how much we have all learned and are growing from this experience. We just pray that this will become more evident to her.
    Everyday I notice that she is remembering more and more, but she is a bit flustered that she can't really remember what she does in therapy. I told her that's alright. She did admit that she remembers some of the things that she does, only pieces of what she does. i told her that's great. I think all of it is so mentally exhausting for her that she just doesn't know what to do with herself.
   Thank you guys for praying for Kari and for the rest of the family. We know that your prayers are the reason that we have received enough - everything for this moment. Please continue to pray for her vision - the double vision, blurriness and her spacial issues, her balance and her drive. Her swallowing is getting better, but her test revealed that she is still aspirating, so she still need God's hand in that area. Have a great rest of your day!

Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-18T21:52:00.001-07:00

Hi All,
Kari had a really hard day in therapy. I heard that all her therapist worked her hard, so as usual she is tired, but she seems to very with it. With this week being a short week because of Easter they want to make sure that she is in a good place with the longer break. I reminder Kari that all this is for her good! "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." ~Proverbs 14:23. I also read to her what Peter had said about himself to her, but I think that bits of it are very appropriate for her right now, me too! "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." ~ 1Corinthians 15:10 I feel like he was talking about t being able to have a testimony after all the things he had done, and I think this is such a great one for Kari because she is working her way to have such a great testimony for our Jesus!
Everyday she is becoming more aware, which gives cause to want to Praise God, but also be a bit concerned because we're not sure how we would handle it if we completely understood that life as of right now is nothing like it was. We are just really praying against any forms of depression or negativity. We pray instead for a drive and desire to really want to get stronger and get over this mountain. We also are continuing to pray for her vision, her eyes themselves everyday look like they are getting better, but she is still complaining of dizziness and double vision. She also needs more endurance and a drive to complete all the task put before her. He scar is also starting to hurt her, it's very tender as it heals on the inside, the outside looks great though. This is the first time she's really complained of pain. She has also said that her hands are numb lately, but we're not sure if they are just going asleep or if something is going on - I asked her to try to distinguish, but she really couldn't.
Thank you guys for praying and for all the encouragement! I pray that you guys have an amazing rest of your day!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-17T21:10:00.001-07:00

Good Evening and for others Good Day,
      I over heard my mom speaking to Pastor Dylan tonight, after service, about something she had recently realized about Kari. She said that Kari, on the Glasgow Coma Scale, I know how ironic that the name of the scale is the same as the high school Kari and I both attended, had been given a 3 rating which means deep coma or death. Only one percent of the people who experience what Kari has experienced live. Whoa! If that doesn't make you want to make up a song and pretend like your on Glee or any musical of your choice I'm not sure what does. I love that God every day gives me something to make a little ditty to. That's just what He says He likes to do in His word as well, "Sing to God a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders! He rolled up his sleeves, He set things right." ~Psalm 98:1 By setting things right He creates within us a desire to sing to Him and others about the wonders He performs. Awesome!
    Kari is still doing well with her therapies and is tolerating the e-stem therapy better. I think that she knows that she is improving, but I think she is longing for the old Kari even more that I am. Today when the doctor was on call was doing her rounds I asked Kari after she left if that was her normal doctor and if she has seen her before and she said that the first time she has seen her was yesterday.   I told her that was great and pointed out that she is remembering things and she said, "yeah, but it's just not the same as before." I told her not to worry about it and that she would get back to that place. I also told her to only focus on what she can do. Oh how I was preaching to myself, just typing it make me realize how much I tend to focus on what I can't do or on things for the past that I can't change.
   Yesterday Kari had a fall. She didn't hurt herself, but I feel so bad, I feel like it was my fault. I had a hair appointment and my parents where stuck in traffic. They suggested that I take Kari to the bathroom before I left, but I thought she would be fine since I had already taken her 3 times that morning. As I left I told the tech that was bringing her lunch in that I had to leave and that my parents should be here shortly. There was no one at the nurses' station, which is not normal, and I didn't try to find anyone. When my parents got to Kari's room, maybe 5-10 minutes after I left, she was on the floor just kinda laying flat on her back. I guess she got over the rail and walked a bit, maybe tried to grab onto something and just slid down. My mom said all she said when they got there was, "It's not Kaziah fault!" Praise God she didn't injure herself, but I feel horrible, my hair looks great, but I still feel bad, but things happen. We keep telling Kari if we aren't in the room she's got to call the nurse's station. So, last night when I told her to the bathroom before bed she was telling me that she couldn't go because she had to call for someone to help her, someone else, not me. She was a bit mixed up, but she's got it all straight, at least I think now. I don't think that we will let her out of or sight for a bit now.
     After church today I went home and brought the dog so they could see each other, since its been quite awhile. They were both excited to see each other, but after a bit Kari said, "Ming's gotta get down," because we had her on the bench with us and Ming was all over the place. My mom asked Kari is Ming was being annoying and she said yes. So the visit was pretty short, but it was the longest that Kari has stayed outside since the trip to the hospital.
     Thank you for continuing to pray. Please pray for these specific things Kari's vision, feelings of dizziness, appetite and thirst, continued decrease of impulsiveness, better balance and mobility, continued increase in awareness, continued improvement in short term memory and increased endurance. Thank you again. Have a wonderful rest of your day!

Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-15T18:58:00.001-07:00

Hi all,
     How are you guys? Hope all is well. I am currently sitting in Kari's room trying to get her taxes done! Praise God I figured out how to log onto her account so it's so much easier than I thought it might be!!! Kari had another good day today. "The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." ~Exodus 15:2
      When I got here this afternoon I asked Kari how her day was and she said, "pretty good." I asked her what she did and she said, "Uh...I don't remember, but I think I told Mom, didn't I Mom, you tell her." My mom said that in PT they have Kari walking with a table walker, and then she'll walk with a normal walker. So that's so awesome. They also have her catching balloons and balls, when I asked Kari about that she said, "it's not fun it feel like I dying." When I asked her what she meant she said that it was difficult because she had no idea what she would have to do, I guess it's suspenseful for her. I thought that was cute.
      After diner we went outside for a bit and then came back inside because she was feeling uncomfortable because of her eyes. Right now she is knocked-out, which is so great! There is no restlessness and no attempts to escape, Praise God. I am so thankful for the little reminders of what God is continuing to do in Kari's body. Thank you for praying. Please continue to remember her in your prayers - specifically her balance, her strength, her vision, her short term memory, endurance and her ability to find the correct words to express herself.
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-14T21:23:00.001-07:00

Kari Update

2011-04-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

Good Evening,
         I hope that all of you have had an amazing week so far! I know that I can really truly say that I realize that I am blessed, but I am a bit tired. Kari still continues to improve...and as many of you have said it's slow baby steps, but we will take that. I know that God is moving and as I have said before it's really neat to be able to go through this process. I feel like I am learning to have more compassion and understanding of what it means to be a believer and to stand in the gap for someone. Now, even when someone I don't even know is going through something I am going to be even more moved to intercede for them and the ones they love.
         Kari is doing well in therapy, she's being more compliant and doing what is being asked of her, at least in OT and PT. I think in speech she is having some adverse feeling about this new treatment they are trying to for her throat and the swallowing issues she has been having. I believe that once she sees/ that it is helping her she will begin to tolerate it more and more. Her liquids right now have to be thickened, but I have already seen that they don't need to be as thick as they use to be because she isn't coughing on them. She is doing better with her eating and drinking. The drinking is a little more forced, but she will do it when we break it down by the sips.
         Kari's personality has always been shining through this whole time, but more of it is continuing to show consistently. I love being able to hang out with her and I miss being able to do things; I miss my sister. The place that she is now is right next to a very cute and trendy little planned community with restaurants and shops that I want to be able to enjoy it with her, so it keeps messing with my head a bit. I want to be able to enjoy those things, but with her. I know that her healing is happening and I just need to let God be God.
        God knows when I need a long road and when I need a short one and I will except every turn of this journey with a grateful heart. On the night that she got sick I was reading in the book of Exodus, right before my dad called to tell me how serious everything was. The verse that I had just read was Exodus 13:17 ~ " When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'" When I think about that verse it really makes me think about all the circumstances surrounding over the past few months. God knew that I needed the LONG road so that I would be ready to fight. He knew that Kari needed to be where she is in order to fight, not somewhere else with the "dream" job that she has been desiring. Things have been planned out since her birth. I just can't help but think about the goodness of God, that He would allow this to happen, but that He would already have a plan! How awesome is that? One day Kari will be able to say as Joseph said to his brothers, "Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people" ~Genesis 50:20 (Message)
Thank you for continuing to pray, we know that because of all of your intercession God is moving mightily!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Brother Butch Update

2011-04-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Brother Butch underwent a five hour heart surgery today and the doctor said everything went very well. The family is very thankful to the Lord for His hand upon his life and the Lord's people for there continued prayers for his recovery.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Kari Update

2011-04-11T21:02:00.001-07:00

Good Evening,
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." ~Colossians 3:15
Kari had a good day in therapy. She was asked to sit up in her wheelchair and not go back to bed in between her therapies, and I was told she did a good job other than trying to take the seat belt off. Every day Kari seems to be more aware of herself and what she is feeling. Today was the first day that I heard her acknowledge her scar that she has, it runs from about halfway up her head to her neck. When she was sitting up today she said, "look at this!" I told her I knew about it and it's okay, its just proof that she is a miracle child. I am not sure she completely understands that, or maybe she just doesn't feel like thinking about it, but I know that it is very tender right now and is causing her pain. This is really the first time she has talked about much discomfort at all. She is still really tired, yesterday's alertness didn't completely continue into today, but she also didn't have any therapy yesterday and I had her drinking quite a bit of fluids yesterday. Her power when she stands up seems to be greatly improving and when she stood today she stood right up without much wobbling. I am very encouraged by the things that God is continuing to do! Thank you for continuing to pray. Please pray specifically for improvements with her eyes, a desire and drive to work hard to strengthen her little body, a greater appetite and more willingness to drink. Finally, as Kari is continuing to become more aware of things as her brain is healing, that she won't be too frustrated and that she won't dwell on all the things she can't do, but rather where God has brought her from. Have an amazing rest of your day!
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." ~Colossians 3:115
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon,
I hope you are all having a beautiful afternoon. Where we are is extremely sunny and beautiful out. Where Kari's room is I can see Palm Trees blowing in the wind, just so wonderful what God's creation does, whether it was planned or not. Yesterday Kari had a short session of therapy and the tech said she walked. I asked how far she had walked and Kari said, "far enough." This afternoon after church I read to the following verses...
^"Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing." ~Philippians 2:14-16
She understood that word, accepted and remembered that she has to work hard in therapy, not complain about having to get up, having to eat and drink. After I was done talking she said that she wanted to pray and I just prayed for everything that I have noticed she has been frustrated with. One of the things I noticed she was frustrated with today is not being able to find the right word. Sometimes she gets stuck on certain words, like "toilet paper" or "bathroom" for everything. Kari has been less impulsive lately, which makes many things so much easier, whether it is being able to sleep all night when it's our shift, or trying to make her drink or eat. She also doesn't just blurt stuff out. Even though the blurting stuff was fun, because that's so not her, I am glad to see that God has helped that filter come back a bit!!! She is improving everyday, she seems to be getting stronger. She still has her upper body strength, but her little legs have atrophied a bit. Every time i pray for her I touch her skinny little legs. Thank you for remembering to pray for Kari, I know that God is honoring those prayers. Please continuing to pray for her vision, strength in her legs, better balance and the ability to find the words and things she is trying to say. Thank you, thank you! I pray that you all have a beautiful rest of your day!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Good Evening!
         Kari had a good day today. She did all her therapy today and slept well last night. When she and I were eating tonight I quickly got up to go get her diner tray and she said, "How'd you do that?" She was talking about me getting up with no effort, I told her it was through doing hard work, but it really made me think again about how much we take for granted. God sees fit to allow the majority of people to have the ability to walk without wobbling and to do things without thinking about them on a daily basis. It makes me just so thankful not only for every breath, but for every slight movement with in my little toe to the firing off of messages in my nerves.
       "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by      human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and    breath and everything else." ~Acts 17:24-25
      Another thing Kari asked me today was, "What am I going to do with myself?" I am not exactly sure if she knew what she was saying, but I think it was one way of voicing a bit of her frustration, but what a great question. I told her to just keep working hard and just do her best. She seemed satisfied by that answer, but I think her question was just a great life question..."what am I going to do with myself?" I know that I want to live a life poured out, but what am I doing with myself to honor that desire that God has placed on my heart? May we all do the hard stuff to honor the Lord!
      Oh how we have so much to be thankful for. I am so grateful for all you guys who continue to be faithful to pray for Kari and my family! I pray that God continues to bless you for your faithfulness!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-07T18:48:00.001-07:00

Hi Ya'll,
      Kari had a pretty good day today. They said that she did a great job in PT. They broke it up into two 30 minute sessions, and she did well. When I asked her about it she said, "they're trying to kill me," my dad replied, "they're just trying to breathe life into you...build up your endurance, help you."
      Today was the first day that I could step back and say WOW as far as the improvement with her movements and is showing more control. She is doing a good job of eating and drinking and her eyes seem to slowly be improving, Praise God! She is sleeping through the night pretty well, without aide of any medication. She has a doctor that evaluated her today and he said that she was frustrated enough to need medication which is so awesome.
     Kari had a group of really cute visitors yesterday, her "Stars Club," Wed. nightBible Study, 3rd-6th grade girls. She was able to stay awake and the girls were able to talk to her and tell her what they had been up to. She also had visitors all day to day and she seemed to appreciate the visits and said that it was nice to see them all.
    Kari is still complaining of being tired and at this moment is extremely restless, she just can't seem to find the right position, but she sure is trying. I am just so blessed by the fact that I am able to see some physical signs, but I know that they are nothing compared to whats happening in the spiritual. Thank you for continue to pray and believe for Kari's complete and total healing. Specific things to remember to pray about, are continued healing and improvement in her vision, endurance, short-term memory and recalling facts when she's tired, and problem solving/safety decisions. Lately, no matter what goes on with me, I might start to complain and then I remember how good God is and how He just continues to honor praises. I feel a bit like David in Psalm 21:1-7     For the director of music. A psalm of David.
"The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the victories you give! You have granted him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken."
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!
"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." ~Corrie Ten Boom quote
How true is that statement. This is such a great reminder for me that only God knows what He's up too, and I can trust Him because He's Omniscient. "God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet." ~ Psalm 103:6
Kari decided to take an unsupervised walk today and fell out of her wheelchair. Not to worry, her ego was the only thing bruised. Praise God for people who could act as hand to put Kari right back on her rear.
Please continue to pray for Kari to get and appetite and to be willing to try harder in her therapy. God is doing a work in her. Each day Kari becomes more and more aware of her limitations and her personality is still there. What has become increasingly difficult to discern is if she is aware of some of her negativity and lack of effort or if this is completely associated with the parts of the brain that were injured due to the bleed. Thank you for continuing to pray for her. Please remember to pray specifically for her vision, her safety, her problem solving ability, as well as an overall increase in her endurance. Thanks again!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari Update

2011-04-05T23:50:00.001-07:00

Hi all,
My parents and Kari spoke with the social worker today, and she was saying the therapist and doctors feel like she will need to be in Rehab there for 6 more weeks and then after that she might need to be in a post rehab facility. She didn't inform them of this to be cruel, but its what they see as of now. This could be so discouraging, but look how far and how quickly the Lord has moved in Kari's life. Just looking at where she is now, that is the report, just looking on the surface, and not being able to see how God is moving, that is the report. But...my God says something else. I know that He has been and is working a miracle in her little body! For God's report is never quite the same as ours. "Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?" ~Isaiah 53:1
I don't want to limit God and I don't want to rush Him in the work that He is doing, because He always does things right, actually way better than right, He's The Overachiever, He sets the tone. I am trusting that the word that He has spoken to me, my family, and others will come to fruition. As the Lord said to Joshua in Joshua 1:5 "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you," this is what I am believing not only for Kari, but in my life and all who trust in the Lord.
Thank you for praying for us and Kari. Please continue to pray for her vision, her willingness to do whatever task is put before her, her appetite, her impulsiveness/problem solving ability and her compliance. Thank you for being with us on this journey and for blessing us throughout this whole adventure. It is so nice to know that we have others believing with us!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Bro Butch

2011-04-05T16:54:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Bro Butch who is resting because of weakness and dizziness. He will have a heart a operation later this month. The weakness and dizziness are symptoms of his current condition. There is some danger of stroke before the surgery. Pray with us against that and for healing and favor.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Kari update

2011-04-05T00:54:00.001-07:00

Hi all,
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " ~ James 1:1-4
Kari has had some good days of having all three therapies. In some ways she seems to be getting stronger and improving, but then in some areas there are still some frustrations. She is still having some issues with her vision, which in attention to her being tired, doesn't make it easy for her to want to keep her eyes open. I also know that she is frustrated because she doesn't remember things, she's still having difficulty finding the correct words for certain things. She's also frustrated that she can't do things on her own. She told me today that she's tired of eating. I understand that feeling, because if I am not doing much, say on vacation, to eat when I am supposed to eat is difficult. She's still fighting us about eating and drinking, but she is tolerating more before she shuts down, which is a great thing. She's still on nectar thick liquids and soft foods because she wouldn't cooperate for the study today, so please pray that for the next one she will be more willing, mentally and physically. She is also still really exhausted, so please pray that she will have more endurance each and every day! Pure joy, that's what we are trying to remind ourselves, and Kari and you guys. I'm really looking to that maturity, how about you guys?
Have a wonderful rest of your day!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Addison Bankstom

2011-04-04T09:08:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Addison Bankston who is 3yrs Old and has been unconscious after a head injury.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Kari

2011-04-01T19:20:00.001-07:00

Hello all,
    I can't believe that it is already April! How much has change for my family in less than a year, it's crazy! I never would have thought I would have had the opportunity to get to see God move in such an awesome way! Whoa! I went on a field trip today with a with the lower grades today and on the way to the strawberry patch my mom text me and said that Kari would be going to The NeuroMedical Center Rehabilitation Hospital in two hours. So here I am, writing to you from a lovely, spacious room that is overlooking a beautiful view, a courtyard in Perkins Rowe. God has truly been faithful. Kari unsolicited told my parents, "I like it here!" What a wonderful thing!
    Last Night Kari and I has a slumber party, with no real slumbering from either one of us until about 3am, whether it was her being restless, trying to get out of the bed or nurses and aides coming in to take vitals or help us get her to the bathroom...the sleep was slow in coming. I wouldn't have traded that experience for anything, though this morning when I went to get coffee someone said, "would you like an extra shot of espresso," and I said "YES! I could really use that." The lady next to me said, "Yea you do look a little tired." That's how my beautiful day got started! I'm not being sarcastic either, it was and still is such a lovely day!
Her new room is 605 at the center and her new, direct number is 225-906-4605. Her new visiting hours are 12-1 pm and 4-8pm Monday - Friday; 12-8pm on Saturdays and anytime on Sunday, except for this Sunday, because she's new and her therapist will be on this weekend. There are still no age limits !
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan. ~ Romans 8:28
The nurse that checked Kari in today, said that she had never seen anyone with Kari's initial prognosis come in so quickly, in all her 12 year. I think that this has been the sentiment of all involved in Kari's treatment...and I say Yes Lord! This good work in Kari is still being recognized as a miracle and to God be the Glory!
Thank you guys for continuing to pray and believe with us in her total healing! Kari and I will have another slumber party tonight, I know that she will be more rested tonight, and even if she is restless, the bed's railings here are more secure, so I am more confident that she won't easily get out of bed.
Have a wonderful rest of your day, I know I will.
Be blessed
Kaziah

2011-03-31T19:23:00.001-07:00

Good evening!
      I hope that you all had a great day today. Today was a pretty good day for Kari. She had some fun visitors, her first kids that came to see her. (I was reading this aloud and she said said, that is fun, "the Schultz kids are fun!") Also one of her nurses from SICU popped in to see her too, and that was nice. Today we received such a great gift in the mail today, the picture that Praise, our church in Delaware sent us. That was such a wonderful encouragement as well as some cute cards that some of the kids made. She had a couple blast from the past, really from the present, but she met them while working at Cecil College in Maryland when we were living in Delaware, come and and spend time with her yesterday, and I think that that was awesome for her, because she was good ole Kari! I was really fun to see. She had a number of phone calls which she said she really enjoyed talking to them. Thanks for calling!
      A clinical liaison came from one of the possible rehabilitation hospitals and said that Kari is a great candidate for the inpatient program there. The rehab is in Baton Rouge a little closer than the hospital that she's at is, which is such a positive answer to so many of our prayers. Praise God! From what we understand Kari will actually be moving to the Center sooner than we thought, Praise The Jesus!
      She walked a little today, but complained about being tired. She had speech therapy and did alright with that. My mom said that she kind of poops out with that as well. But she ate well at breakfast and dinner and we eve brought her cupcakes which she ate!!!
Kari is having some issues with her vision right now, she's saying somethings are blurred or are double, so this is something she could really use prayer for. The short term memory seems to be slowly, very slowly be improving, but we'll take it and praise God all the way! We are a bit concern about her drive to do things...sometimes she'll say things...which are normal, but then when it comes to doing what she says she'll do that doesn't always happen. We want her to want to fight to get better, but she's not right now. When we encourage her she agrees and says the same thing, but when it comes to the action she has a hard time. She is having a hard time communicating what she needs and then gets frustrated because she seems to be more aware of what's going on, but connecting what is going on and why she needs help is really difficult for her. I feel frustrated for her, but as her favorite verse says,
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
I am so thankful for all God's promises and goodness. He is awesome in power and strength and might. I am trusting Him to bring everything together! Thank you for much for praying for this little girl, it's such a blessing to know that we are not alone in this fight!
I have to get ready to have my slumber party with Kari, so God bless ya and good night!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari

2011-03-30T21:18:00.001-07:00

"But I beg of you, fear God and worship him honestly and heartily. You've seen how greatly he has worked among you!" ~ 1 Samuel 12:24

         I am so in awe of the wonderful things God has done. There are times I lose heart, but God helps me focus on the work He has done and how greatly He has worked in me, my parents and most of all my sister. My sister is in a room now!!!! Someone has to be with Kari all the time in the room, but she's in a room, room 2271!!! (The number225-374-2271)
      They took out the last stitches and staples as well. How wonderful God is. She walked today, a little further this time so that's a great thing. The CAT scan showed that every was the same and that the sleepiness isn't the result of anything being wrong, Hallelujah! She's allowed to eat pretty much whatever she'd like to order.
      We were able to speak to someone about rehab...and she was able to answer some of the questions we had. She said that once Kari can tolerate 3 hours of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy she will be released from the hospital and then she'll be in an inpatient facility for about 3-4 weeks and then she'll have outpatient treatment. Those are the next steps as far we know. Thank you for praying with us for God's complete and continued healing!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari

2011-03-28T15:01:00.001-07:00

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Okay the procedure is over, Praise God! The doctor said he didn't find any residual AVM left halulujah! I am so thankful because I know God was handling it! They put a clamp on the site where they had to go in through her groin because she is still an active young lady.
I forgot to tell you guys in the previous email that after she was Houdini and slipped her hands out of the restraints they never put her back into them. She seems so happy and content to be free she doesn't always seem to know what do do with herself. It's funny all the things we take for granted! Praise God for all your body functions people! Seriously...God is so good and I know that He will continue to complete the good work in Kari!
Thank you for praying!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari

2011-03-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

"Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty;
      our land responds with Bounty and Blessing."
                                                         ~ Psalm 85:12

     Last night I had such a wonderful opportunity to go and worship at a prison. What a blessing that was, the worship was awesome and God was in the place. I was able to give Kari's testimony, according to my perspective of course, but what a blessing to be reminded of what could have been and how God is my Solid Rock! I am believing that God is doing great things, because He has inmates praying for her. I know that they know how it feels to be unable to do the things that you are used to!
She is finally have having her angiogram, we just got word that that it has actually begun. They said that it should only take a hour and it isn't supposed to be as invasive as the procedure before, Praise God.
      She has really had some great days lately. Yesterday evening she fed herself, with a little difficulty, but she actually tried and my mom feels she ate a little more than she would have if we had tried to feed her. Today she actually walked more than she had, a bit wobbly, but she walked about 25 feet this morning and reached up to grab a few things. My mom got to witness it all...she said that she was so tired from the walk that she tried to fuss about having to grab something and tried to manipulate my mom to get it instead. We are encouraging her now to try to do everything like she had to do for gymnastics.
      She was actually sitting a chair when I came in at 1pm to see her, she was so proud of herself and tried to show my dad that she could pull the lever to sit upright. He told her he didn't need to see, because he didn't know what might happen next and she said, "Oh Dad that's not nice." It's kinda funny because she really seems to be able to pick up on family subtleties and knows what we're saying when we're not saying it...that's really exciting! I'll let you guys know how the procedure. I know that God is going to give beautiful things and use this to bless Kari's life so she will continue to be a living testimony!
Thank you for praying!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari

2011-03-27T18:28:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon,
this morning in church Pastor preached on Jeremiah 10:1-16, but one of the verses that really stuck was verse 6;
^"No one is like you, LORD;
   you are great,
   and your name is mighty in power."
I have always been amazed that just in His name, so many things can be done, can you imaging what could be done in just His blink or His touch? Wow, God is truly awesome. When we went to see Kari before church this morning she has just had her hair washed for the first time since she's been in the hospital. I'm sure it would have felt awesome if she had of relaxed. She was squirming and saying "why? why?" God bless all the folks that are working with her so patiently. She seemed to eat pretty well this morning and this afternoon before we left she ate a bit for us. This was without a fight though...and for that I am sooooo thankful! She's eating about 20% of her food right now. We keep trying to offer to buy her things we know she likes, but she is just saying "no thank you" right now. She still seems a little confused and doesn't always put things together, but seems to remember everything that happened before the hemorrhage, Praise God. She keeps trying to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, but she isn't allowed to do that yet, so please just pray with us that she will really start to understand why she has to be restrained and why she is in the hospital. We are thinking that she might get moved to a regular room, instead of ICU sometime this week, but we don't know yet, as soon as I know I'll let you guys know.
We are believing for a full recovery and I believe that it will be way sooner than any prognosis that she will receive, because her healing is in the Lord's hands. Thank you so much for praying. Have a wonderful rest of your day!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari

2011-03-26T15:33:00.001-07:00

"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD;I sing for joy at what your hands have done." ~Psalms 92:1-4

Good evening!
Last night my parents met with one of the G.I. doctors and he said that he was okay with Kari not being on the feeding tube, to see if she would eat more, feel more hungry and with only eating 25% of her food, Praise The Lord. We tried to do the ice cream last night and she was not interested, it didn't even end up out of the freezer. She did sleep well last night, but some how she pulled out her feeding tube that was in her nose. As of right now they aren't going to put it back in. I think that she might be willing to eat more soon, just because she won't be feeling the tube down her throat.
She did eat 25% at breakfast and lunch today, hopefully dinner will go as well. She is still trying to avoid and manipulate when it's time to eat, saying that she'll eat more if people will give her some love, and still the same "tricks" from the other day. We did try a new strategy this afternoon; we gave he breaks in between every few bites, and that seemed to make it easier on all.
The G.I. doctor stopped in to see her again today, and he was very encouraging and impressed with the fact that Kari is eating, he said he doesn't see the need to put a food peg in nor to put her nose line back in.
She hadn't been singing as much lately, but she started singing a bit more during our last visit. She makes up her own songs and sings along to the Cd's that are playing. It's really a fun thing to be a part of.
I am still so grateful for this new perspective that God has given us from this experience. A new and fresh perspective is definitely the spice of life, at least right now, I'll let you know if my opinion on this matter changes. Thank you for being so good to all my family: praying for Kari, my parents and I, sending notes and cards and for some of the meals. Thank you, thank you thank you!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari

2011-03-26T06:51:00.001-07:00

"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
                                                                                         ~Psalm 34:1
Good evening all!
Hope that you guys have had a great week. I must be honest I am sooooooo thankful that it's Friday! God has been good this week especially when I stop focusing on what is seen and rather think about all those things that are unseen and what God has already done! She's alive, Praise the Jesus!
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseenis eternal."
                                                                              ~2 Corinthians 4:18
Some awesome steps were taken today, literally! Early this morning she had a CAT scan and they saw that her brain was absorbing all her fluid, Hallelujah!!!! Sometime today, we're not quite sure when it happened the removed her drain and her stitches from the back incision spot!!!
When she had PT today she walked around the whole unit, with a lot of help, and mind you it's not that large, possibly 50 yards...but that's huge, because she's been telling them that she's tired of standing, "That's Enough" her words exactly. I am so thankful that she was even willing, because that will has been a hard thing to understand lately.
Today when we tried to feed her it was a bit, okay a whole lot difficult than it's been in days past. We're frustrated with her and she's frustrated with us. She said, "I want to be where Kaziah is" meaning she wanted to be out of the bed, but right now, even though we're telling her she doesn't quite understand what that means. She can tell we're frustrated and we've explained why, she feels bad, but that's pretty much were it stops. She hates to feel full and because of that it is so ingrained in her that if she's not feeling hungry she doesn't eat. God bless her, I wish I had that issue, if it was me in the bed I think this email would be completely different. She still has a feeding tube in her nose, she hasn't tried to pull it out lately, which is great! This might also be why she is having issues want to eat, because she truly isn't hungry.
Kari also says that it's really hard to want to eat because her throat does hurt. I know it probably still does, but she is also using all of her powers to stop us from trying to feed her. Oh how strong she is! Those arms haven't lost any strength, that's for sure, and she's still tethered down! She also tried to distract us with, "Hey look over there," and coughing, keeping things in her mouth and trying to sleep. What a mess she is. I know that it's her condition right now, but "OH MAN!" (This is one of Kari's favorite statements right now.
Also, just an update on the fever, still fever free! Thank you Jesus! They think that the fever was probably caused by the antibiotic that she was on during the times she had a fever. Just the fact that they thought that it might have been that and that they had the wisdom to change it points only to the "Master Physician!"
She had had some issues with hiccups, they just wouldn't stop. They said that the Cerebellum can control that normally, and that's where her AVM was, so that was why she was having hiccups. The stopped as of yesterday. She had a mild case of hiccups on this past Tuesday and then they were horrible on Wednesday. I am so thankful that that hasn't been an issue for her for two days now!
Tonight when we go in at 9 we are going to try to give her ice cream...if she's awake. We were going to try last night, but she was sleeping so peacefully we didn't want to wake her. She still a bit restless at night so we just wanted her to have some rest as well as her nurse. I'll let you guys know how tonight goes with the ice cream.
Thank you for continuing to remember Kari in your thought and prayer. Thank you for also praying for me and my family. I can tell that God has given us His grace and wrapped His arms around us during this time. It's the only way I can explain how we are getting through this time. We are so hopeful and thankful!
Praise will continually be in our mouths!
Be blessed
Kaziah

Keith Minnich's

2011-03-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

Pastor Travis' uncle Keith committed suicide tonight. No details are known but the Travis' is asking that you pray for the family during this difficult time.

Kari

2011-03-24T19:48:00.001-07:00

Hey Ya'll,
how's it going? Hope everyone is doing well. Kari has been improving, Praise God! It was definitely not an abscess as far as the the CAT scan that she had yesterday. She hasn't run a fever all day. They have turned the drain of and she seems to be tolerating the drainage. She'll have another CAT scan tomorrow to make sure that everything is truly going well and to find out if she needs an internal drain, which we are praying won't be needed.
She had Physical Therapy today and her nurse said that she took a few steps forward and a few steps backwards. They feel like she is improving each day, which is awesome. She was able to eat starting yesterday evening, but even there was a lot of coaching she didn't eat much. She even tried take a vote as to who we all that should eat the next bit and we all said "Kari!" of course and she said, "Awww Man!" Today for breakfast she ate 15% of her food and slept the entire 10am visit and then at lunch she was just extremely tired. She was restless last night and didn't sleep much. This evening at 5 we all took turns feeding her, it was difficult and took a lot of praying, encouraging and reaffirming what need to be done to make her eat. We have taken to bribing her with crazy praise, like giving her our best "BRAVO." It works for a little bit. She ate about 45-50% of her food tonight.
She is really showing a lot of personality right now and dare I say a bit of attitude. She is very frustrated, she very alert, but at the same time doesn't completely understand the severity of what's going on with her. She wants so badly to leave the hospital, get out of the bed and even just move her arms and legs freely. I don't blame her, but she's got to get better first.
Thank you so much for praying, loving on us with messages of encouragement and for being a listening ear.

I will sing the LORD's praise, for he has been good to me. ~ Psalm 13:6
God has been so good to us and we will continue to believe that He will continue to be who He is!

Be blessed
Kaziah

Baby in need.

2011-03-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

i have a prayer request for the prayer team to help me pray about. my cousin,melanie moore ardoin, of sulphur,la., has a problem with her pregnancy. the doctors tell her that she has a single vessel umbilical cord--that it can be nothing, but, can be serious. i am asking GOD to touch that baby boy's cord and make it normal. thank you so much for praying with me. have a blessed day---love, pat bell

Kari's Progress

2011-03-16T20:47:00.001-07:00

Please continue to pray with us as we believe that the breathing tube will be removed tomorrow and her sedation stopped. We are praying for a speedy and total recovery. Pray that God will give peace in the process.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Kari

2011-03-15T17:08:00.001-07:00

Kari is out of surgery and the 1hr and 45 min surgery took 18mins and went very well. Praise the Lord. Please continue to pray for her recovery and that the test to come reveal no further surgery is needed.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Kari's Surgery

2011-03-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

Prayer has started and they are expecting to last two hours.

Prayer for Kari's Surgery

2011-03-15T10:43:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

I am so happy to tell you that Kari is having the 3rd surgery at 3. Please pray that everything goes better than expected, that God guides the doctor and is with all who are in the operating room. Thank you for praying for Kari because they "just happened" to have an OR and her culutre they took from her lung during the scope showed that nothing is growing, Praise God! I know that God is in control and like I said yesterday, there are times when I might forget, but He Get's It Done! Please continue to lift her up when you pray. Hope you all have a victory filled rest of your day!

I let you know how everything went as soon as I know anything!

Be blessed
Kaziah

Kari's Surgery

2011-03-15T10:05:00.001-07:00

Please pray for Kari. She will be having her second brain surgery at 3pm today.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

Timmy Jenkins

2011-03-11T09:58:00.001-08:00

Timmy Jenkins is in Tokyo and his parents are asking us to pray that God would keep him safe and that God would minister to him and through him during this time of devastation.

Una Dugas

2011-03-10T08:02:00.001-08:00

Please pray for Una Dugas, Mary Villemez's grandmother, they just told us she had a heart attack. They are trying to transport her to River Parish Hospital in Laplace. She is 99 years old.

Pray for Kari Williams

2011-03-09T05:23:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Kari Williams, the daughter of Aurtis & Micki Williams. She has bleeding on her brain and is in emergency surgery. The situation is critical. I will update when there is new information

2011-03-08T05:26:00.001-08:00

Pray for the teams ministering at Mardi Gras today as well as our Chi Alpha students who are reaching out to other states universities.

For Christ's Sake,
Dylan C Schultz

2011-03-04T08:12:00.001-08:00

Pray for the men of our church and the district as they meet with God at the retreat.

2011-02-28T19:24:00.001-08:00

Baby Isabella is with Jesus now. My heart hurts so bad for Christy, Carlos, and the rest of the family. Thanks everyone for all the prayers. Pls continue to pray for them through this difficult time and for unborn twin in Christy\\\'s womb

siblings w/cancer

2011-02-25T06:49:00.001-08:00

Please pray that my sister and brother are both cancer-free.

Please pray

2011-02-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

Please pray that my sister and brother are both cancer-free.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Baby Eden

2011-02-24T17:29:00.001-08:00

Baby Eden's bilirubin levels are high and rising. She has more test in the morning.

Prayer for Bro. Larry

2011-01-25T07:31:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Bro. Larry Freeman, who is having heart surgery today.

2010-11-29T08:15:00.001-08:00

Pray for Sarah B, a young girl at Bethel, who must undergo multiple back surgeries as she grows. She had surgery last week.

Healing

2010-11-18T19:51:00.001-08:00

Please pray for the Lord to bring healing and comfort to an elderly lady who has fallen.

From the UK

2010-11-02T18:54:00.001-07:00

Pray that God will provide college fees and a laptop computer for my son. Pray that God will provide me with a God fearing husband

Fw: Prayer Requests

2010-10-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

--- On Sat, 10/23/10, Bethel Temple - Prayer <dont@reply.com> wrote:

From: Bethel Temple - Prayer <dont@reply.com>
Subject: Prayer Requests
To: pray@betheltempleag.com
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2010, 10:38 PM

Prayer Requests

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If "yes" above please enter your phone number or email address here: :

Enter your request here: : Pray GOD Blesses me so i can Bless others every day of my life In JESUS Name Amen.

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Sending Time: 2010-10-23 22:38:11

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Transformation Team

2010-09-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Transfermation Team will be meeting tonight to discuss BT vision for the next 3-5 years should the Lord tarry. How do you see the church 5yrs from now.

2010-05-20T07:29:00.001-07:00

My sister is going to New Orleans today to have a specialist look at a tumor on her leg. They are concerned that it may be cancer. Please pray for her complete healing.

Updates - David/Silas

2010-05-20T06:25:00.001-07:00

David shared that his eye was completely healed, his vision was deteriorating and the doctors thought his retina was becoming detached. After prayer he went to the doctor again and his eye was healed and his vision had been restored to 20/20 !!! PRAISE GOD!

Silas (Bitty) shared that his leg was hurting him badly, he asked his brother to pray for him. After prayer his leg has not hurt again. PRAISE GOD!

Melody's Grandmother - Update

2010-05-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

She is still in the hospital and in pain. Please continue to pray.

Prayer Requests

2010-04-30T17:29:00.001-07:00

Melody's grandmother is in the hospital please pray for her. Her arm doesnot look to good so they have put her in to run tests. She hasdeveloped lymphoma in the right arm. It is horribly swollen. She is also going to get 3pints of blood. She is laughing and
talking though thank God for that. Please pray for complete healing

Forest Hearst

2010-04-30T12:15:00.001-07:00

Please be praying for Brother Hearst and his family. Forest was in a car accident and is in ICU. Pray for recovery and wisdom for the doctors

Tom Singleton - Update

2010-04-30T12:12:00.001-07:00

Thank you for praying for my father. He is doing much better, he had a parasite that he picked up from someone that just returned from Haiti.

Fw: Tom Singleton

2010-04-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

Tom Singleton

Please pray for my dad, he received a call from the doctor that was urgent and they need to run more test. We don't know what the diagnosis is yet.

Online Prayer Request

2010-04-15T16:22:00.001-07:00

Email your prayer requests to pray@betheltempleag.com! It will be reviewed and routed to our prayer partners, if you desire it will be posted to our online prayer requests page.

God still moves!!!