Prayer Alert!

Leanne Cherry, a beloved member of our Chapel family, has received a call from Mount Sinai in New York that a kidney and pancreas are available to her. She is leaving immediately and will have an added blood test (the last one indicated this would be a match, but they have to be sure) - and the surgery could be as early as tonight.

Pray that her blood is a match, that the surgery is a success, that her body accepts the organs, that she is able to tolerate the immunosuppressive drugs, that she has perfect peace, and that she is a testimony in the hospital to the love and grace of God through Christ.

(Leanne has diabetes, which has caused her blindness. She has received kidney transplants in the past from her husband, Cliff, and from her mom, Nancy. She is a vibrant Christian, and has become the standard for victorious Christ-like living in our church community. "When I think of how Leanne handles her trials..." is a common encouraging word to us.)

The picture is from our morning service two weeks ago. Each Sunday during our weekly greeting-and-singing of "Family of God," Pastor Anderson brings up someone from the congregation to sing with him. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

UPDATE: Leanne just called. The donor's family has changed their minds (most likely, this was not on the person's driver's license, a family cannot override that). Leanne is upbeat, and still trusting the Lord, proving yet again to us what the Christian life looks like in the face of adversity. Thank you, Leanne. Know we continue to pray.

A P.S. from Leanne and Cliff:
"It is a huge blessing to know we are a praying church family...Cliff and I are so encouraged and honored to be a part of such a faithful family with a very faithful Father at their head...I know that God has His purposes even in the disappointment of this, and we also need to remember to pray for the family who has lost this loved one...God brought to mind how much we need to pray for their sorrowful time and for their possible need as Christ as their savior. One great thing to know too is that I must be at the top of the transplant list and, hopefully, those organs for me will come very soon. Thanks again."