Well, we have had a month full of 'ups and downs'. The down side was, obviously, watching Rhiana go through a really tough diagnosis and surgery. The up side was really knowing and sensing God in it, every step of the way. I (Tracy) am really able to give testimony to feeling like I was being 'held' throughout the whole situation and our whole family really knew a deep measure of God's peace throughout. God gave us the same prophetic word to hold on to during this time, which was His promise to give Rhiana a story (or song) that she would share in her future, that would bless and encourage many. We are still under the hospital for regular checks with Rhiana (next one is 2nd October) and would value your continued prayer with regards to her health.
For Trev and I, this past month has been one of continued 'challenge'! PRAISE GOD! We are learning so much and can give real testimony to God's grace and faithfulness in our lives, individually and together. God's repeated word to us before we left the UK was that he was taking two individual oak trees, uprooting them and grafting and re-planting them as one! It's not all been plain sailing........but it has been so worth it! We have had the chance to live together, work together, lead Community Group together and share an office together! (And we're both still alive!)
This past weekend was an amazing weekend for all of us at Jubilee Church Atlanta. We had the privilege of having Julian Adams come and share prophetically with us for 2 days. I don't think the church will be the same! There were many words for us to take hold of - things that have been repeatedly promised to us - substantial growth, signs and wonders, becoming a multi-racial church, planting out.... it was a time of real encouragement and was extremely faith-building for some of us, who had grown weary. The Sunday morning meeting started with an amazing time of praise and worship, where we felt that the roof was 'blown off' amid shouts of exaltation and thanksgiving. The Spirit's presence was so powerful, with many gifts being shared and healings taking place. The sense of us having entered a 'new phase' was prophesied. We were really blessed, as a family, to have Julian share words for each of us. We just stood in awe (and wept) at the depth and detail of the words that came. Words for our children that just awesome and so intimate. GOD IS SO AMAZING!!! No doubt, we will get to share more details with many of you personally in the days ahead!
God Bless!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
What's Jordan up to?
Jordan turned 12 on September 23!!! He is still crazy about most sports, none more than soccer (that'll be football for the English among us!) He is currently playing for a local YMCA team, which he really enjoys. We get to watch his matches each Saturday afternoon - most of which they win, I'm glad to report! He is also learning to play electric guitar and has been asked by his teacher (our worship leader) whether he would like to join the worship team and sit in on practices until he is confident enough to play along! Jordan is doing extremely well at school and is on the 'gifted programme', where he gets to do other fun things like......play chess! His favorite subject is Math, Math and more Math! At present he spends most of his free time playing Guitar Hero, Mario Kart, volleyball and indoor soccer (with anyone he can bribe to play with him!) WE LOVE HIM!!!!
Latest on Rhiana......
20th August 2008
Rhiana is almost 14 and has very recently been diagnosed with 'Chiari Malformation'. This basically means that the lower part of the brain is descended and pushing down into a confined space on her spinal column. The surgeon needs to remove a section of her skull, along with the most of the 1st and 2nd vertabrae, to free up space in this area, allowing the fluid to flow freely again (this fluid has currently filled her spinal cord, causing her to have scoliosis and they are anxious that this is relieved so it doesn't cause further neurological problems - ie. loss of use in her arms or legs etc). A 'patch' will then be stitched into the dura, creating more space for the brain. After having this surgery, she will be in hospital for approx 4-5 days and will then need approx 3-4 weeks off school (at least)Please pray that her recovery is miraculous and that she will not suffer too much pain. Please also pray for a real peace for Rhiana. Since the Chiari Malformation has caused Rhiana to have Scoliosis, please also pray that this current surgery causes the curve to remain consistent (or even be reduced) as Rhiana will need approximately 1 year to recover from this surgery before having her spinal fusion.
24th September 2008
Rhiana's surgery went extremely well. She spent 5 days in hospital and came home with 32 staples in her head! She experienced a huge amount of stiffness in her neck (due to the muscles having been cut) and regular headaches. These are now getting fewer and, apart from some issues with her muscles going into spasm this week!, she is doing really well and should be back to school next week! SHE IS AMAZING!!!!
WE WANT TO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS!
Please continue to pray for the following:
Rhiana is almost 14 and has very recently been diagnosed with 'Chiari Malformation'. This basically means that the lower part of the brain is descended and pushing down into a confined space on her spinal column. The surgeon needs to remove a section of her skull, along with the most of the 1st and 2nd vertabrae, to free up space in this area, allowing the fluid to flow freely again (this fluid has currently filled her spinal cord, causing her to have scoliosis and they are anxious that this is relieved so it doesn't cause further neurological problems - ie. loss of use in her arms or legs etc). A 'patch' will then be stitched into the dura, creating more space for the brain. After having this surgery, she will be in hospital for approx 4-5 days and will then need approx 3-4 weeks off school (at least)Please pray that her recovery is miraculous and that she will not suffer too much pain. Please also pray for a real peace for Rhiana. Since the Chiari Malformation has caused Rhiana to have Scoliosis, please also pray that this current surgery causes the curve to remain consistent (or even be reduced) as Rhiana will need approximately 1 year to recover from this surgery before having her spinal fusion.
24th September 2008
Rhiana's surgery went extremely well. She spent 5 days in hospital and came home with 32 staples in her head! She experienced a huge amount of stiffness in her neck (due to the muscles having been cut) and regular headaches. These are now getting fewer and, apart from some issues with her muscles going into spasm this week!, she is doing really well and should be back to school next week! SHE IS AMAZING!!!!
WE WANT TO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS!
Please continue to pray for the following:
- That the headaches would subside.
- That her muscle spasms would stop.
- That her scoliosis would be healed (meaning no more surgery!)
- That she would suffer no other symptoms/problems related to the Chiari.
We will continue to update you all on how she's doing!
About Time!
Ok, so we have been in Atlanta for just over 2 1/2 years. We came here in Feb '06 to join Jubilee Church, Atlanta, led by Carl and Virginia Herrington. Trev is currently working for the church at REVIVE (a large consignment store, owned by Jubilee). We opened REVIVE almost 1 1/2 years ago and Tracy works (voluntarily) with Virginia as Assistant Manager. God has blessed this venture hugely. To date we have over 2,000 consignors and the store is constantly busy with people looking for a bargain! It has been a great place to meet and get to know many people in the community and be able to help many with practical/financial/spiritual needs.
Jubilee Church Atlanta now has approximately 100-120 people attending each week. Trev is currently serving on the Leadership Team and is heading up PrayGround and helping lead KIDMO (kids work). Tracy serves on the Welcome Team and has recently joined the worship team and is loving it! God has been so faithful in placing us among a body of people who are vibrant in worship, passionate about the Holy Spirit and eager to see God's kingdom advance here in our city. There have been many prophetic words (past and present) over the church with regard to seeing real growth and experiencing signs and wonders. We really feel that God has been dealing with the 'foundations' over the past few years and that we are entering a time of real blessing, growth and power........watch this space!
Jubilee Church Atlanta now has approximately 100-120 people attending each week. Trev is currently serving on the Leadership Team and is heading up PrayGround and helping lead KIDMO (kids work). Tracy serves on the Welcome Team and has recently joined the worship team and is loving it! God has been so faithful in placing us among a body of people who are vibrant in worship, passionate about the Holy Spirit and eager to see God's kingdom advance here in our city. There have been many prophetic words (past and present) over the church with regard to seeing real growth and experiencing signs and wonders. We really feel that God has been dealing with the 'foundations' over the past few years and that we are entering a time of real blessing, growth and power........watch this space!
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