Ethan's Newsletter

Relief Has Come...

In January, you may recall, that the title to the left was "Relief Come..."

Ethan was transported to UNC through much coordination by Dr Lally (and her team), and Dr Kim (and her team).

While in our local hospital, (both nights prior to transport) Ethan's body temp crashed to dangerous levels.  He had no more reserves to generate body heat with.  We were told on 2 occasions to be prepared to lose him.

We are quite happy to say that He is now thriving.  The new feeding tube is working wonders.  This new tube does not actualy feed him in his stomach (where reflux was causing him to lose the food), but it feeds him below the jejunum (in the intestines). 

While at UNC he had a Broviac IV inserted, which did wonders, but also caused his blood to get infected (another life-threatening incident) before he was stable enough to have it entirely removed.  There were NO complications with the "G-J" insertion, and have been none since.  At some point it will need to be replaced, but we are expecting a longer than average timeline for it.

The overall news is that the new "G-J" tube is working wonders regarding his nutrition.  As you can see in the phots he is fat and happy.

Seen to the left is how weak and thin he was. 
Then below see how he is now.  PRAISE GOD FOR THE DIFFERENCE.

What a Difference

Compare him on the far left in this shot, with the Tremains when they came to visit, vs the shot above.

He is so much bigger.

Annointed Inspiration

We just wanted to share with you some photos from our trip tonight to Destiny Family Center to worship our Creator with Jason Upton.

Jason (IMHO) is the foremost worship leader today.  Both in song and in teaching.  His prophetic style cuts straight to the spirit in us and unleashes our desire to be intimate with our Father.  It is pure unadulterated worship.  If you have never heard his music, go to: http://www.jasonupton.com and buy all of his CDs :)   But seriously, if you only want to try one out, get "Faith" or "Great River Road"  But I must warn you that once you experience worship under his leading, you will not be satisfied with "worship as usual"  I liken it to the migration I experienced from hymns to "Praise and Worship" music.  If you are wanting to go deeper into intimacy and freedom with your expression of worship to your Father we recommend his music highly.  But back to the events of the night.

First of all I (Timothy) had one of the most crazy days I have had in a while yesterday, and today turned out to be very much like it. (tons of work to do).  So I left work with many things undone and only about 7 minutes to make it to church and hop into a van to go there.

We arrive at Destiny Family Center and were directed to park in the very row where they have a skate park for kids, and there were about 10-15 kids on it. (something God has opened my eyes to as a ministry tool, that I want to find a way to incorporate into our sports facilities at our church).  Anyhow, we find our way inside and to some open seats.

Then it begins, almost as soon as Jason plays the first note, the Spirit within me starts stirrng.  I feel life, freedom, awe, humility, passion...  Tears stream down my face.  OUR GOD IS AWESOME.

Fast forward an hour later, I am promted by God to give more than we can afford in the offering.   Then about a half hour later a guy touches Angela on the shoulder and tells her that he felt prompted to tell us that
"Ethan is beautiful to God".  And shortly before the service ends, he hands us a note and a check for 30%+- more than we put in the offering. 

I am reminded of Isaac and Abraham at the altar (on a much smaller scale of course).

Many of the things that Jason said tonight addressed exactly where Angela and I are -- reassured us of who God is -- and encouraged us to continue on the path.
 
As Jason made his way out of the building quietly.  I mouthed the words "Thank You" to him.  He turned my direction and headed down the aisle and simply grabbed my arm, looked intently into me and moved on.  I said thank you, because he has no idea how much his ministry has inspired me through our challenges.  My spirit is renewed just by worshipping along with one of his CD's.

We need more men like him.

In the name of the King,
Timothy, Angela and Ethan

 Another Photo to view: http://www.prayforethan.com/data/images/maincontent/Img_1376Group.jpg

Hugs All Around

Ethan now sleeps in his own bed and typically requires attention 3 or 4 times nighlty.

Next Steps

Now that Ethan has gained so much weight, it is difficult for us to lift him in and out of the car. Partially because of the 24 hour feeding schedule and the feeding pump that is connected to him via a tube, and partially because of the low ceiling height in our car.  So we are trying to locate a new or used Caravan (preferably all wheel drive) that has been converted, or can be converted to a van with a wheelchair lift.  He now has a wheelchair and will soon outgrow his stroller.  So pray that we can find a dependable van that will suit our needs.

Please take it upon yourself to pray for Ethan daily.
If you would like to print out a photo as a reminder
to pray for Ethan, go here:

http://www.prayforethan.com/thankyou.html

Fast Proclaimed

While in MD on our way to a family member's wedding, we visited the church of lifelong friends.

While we were there, the pastor "Eric" proclaimed a month-long fast for Ethan.  The fast has been ongoing for about a week now. 

We would like to ask all of you who are comfortable fasting to join us.

Jesus made it clear that there are some things that can only happen through prayer and fasting.

You may fast whatever you like.  Some people fast all solid foods, only drinking liquids, some people fast "treats", some people fast for many days, some people fast a meal.  What is important is that the motive is correct.  That it not be done as a spectacle, but as a humble act. 

Please pray for Ethan's complete healing.
What he needs most right now is the ability to gain weight by rkeeping down food and digesting it/ passing it through his system quickly.

If you would agree to join us in this fast, please reply to the newsletter e-mail so we will know. (or send a message to info@prayforethan.com

If you feel it is appropriate, please let us know the type of fast (e.g. no sweets etc) you will be undertaking and the start and end date.

We have seen an improvement in an area of Ethan's health that has been stagnant for quite some time already during this fast.

Thank you all for standing with us in agreement.

Timothy, Angela and Ethan