February 09, 2011

Wednesday February 9, 2011 9:00am

Nothing new to report. Garren is still under sedation. He looks so peaceful and unaware of his situation.

We are told he can hear us. So we talk to him. We joke with him. I have my quiet time with him every morning and evening. Nancy and I (and whoever else happens to be with us at the time) stand beside him, and I read Scripture to him. Today we read Exodus 17 and 18, and Psalm 72.

Exodus 17 talks about a battle that the Israelites were fighting. Moses, their leader, had to hold his staff up in the air. As long as his hands were held high, the Israelites were winning the battle. But soon Moses' arms got tired, and his hands started to come down, and the Israelites began to lose. So Aaron and Joshua found a rock for Moses to sit on. Then they each took and held Moses' arm up. And the Israelites won the battle.

I spoke with a dear friend this morning. She used to be a nurse in the neurological field. She has some insight into Garren's condition. I asked her some questions that the doctors seem to avoid answering. Finally, she told me this: "We need to take this one day at a time. We need to realize that this is a process that could take weeks. The doctors will not give up." She said to me "Don't give up."

I believe in the power of prayer. I know there are literally thousands of people around the world praying for Garren right now. I know God hears. I also know that as time goes on, and our prayer battle continues, that we will become weary. Not just me and Nancy, but many of you as well. The newness will begin to wear off, and the tendency will be to give up, to stop praying. Please don't. Please join us in this battle, for the long haul.

Today is day 6. I look forward to the day when Garren can personally thank each and everyone of you for your part in his recovery.

"The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." - Ex. 14:14

38 comments:

Kitty @ Four Toms and a Mom said...

There are many of us holding your arms up in prayer.

Michelle Singleton said...

Count me in for the long haul. I will not give up interceding for Garren's complete healing. I believe in God's healing miracles and I know Jesus is able!

Anonymous said...

good morning!
It was nice to visit with you and Nancy and see Garren yesterday. I read your post this am I wanted to let you know that we are praying and will not give up!! We are in this with you til he comes home!!!! We are believing our Father for a miracle!! Much love to you all!!!
Bob, Tammy, Morgan, and Macky Wingate

Donna said...

The Kanipes, Gordon Conwell, and Weddington CBS are with you for the "long haul". Praying for God's hand to touch Garren's Brain Stem. We have seen God's miracles first hand and "wait" to see him move again!

Anonymous said...

Scott and I are in there for the long haul! God has preformed countless healing miracles in my life and we know and have the FAITH that he will provide a miracle in Garren! In Jesus name we comand Satan to get out of Garrens hospital room, your minds and to run as God works through you all at these difficult moments. We love you all~
Deanna

Pam Hamrick said...

Geoffrey, we are praying for your family and will not stop until Garren is healed. We love you.

The Hamrick family

wendypoovey said...

I promise you, Nancy and Garren that the Pooveys will not stop praying. We have spread the word to others and other churches. We will not give up. We believe in and have seen God's amazing miracles. We will be praying for another for the complete healing of Garren and your family.

Anonymous said...

There is power in prayer and strength in numbers. We are together with you to continue to prayer for healing for Garren but also to pay for peace and comfort for you, Nancy, Kara and Kelsey.
James, Barbara, Joshua and Aidan Maas

Anonymous said...

Geoffrey, I cannot say anything more comforting and lovely than all of the wonderful comments and prayers from everyone but do know this. Never before has God and prayer been on the lips of my family every single day as it is now. Each day we talk about Garren, and our prayers for him. We talk about our God and his healing power. We are and will be in for the long haul..whatever is needed.
Sean Glaze

Jennifer Thoms said...

The Thoms family will remain steadfast in prayer and being there for you and your family.....we are in it with you for the "long haul"!!

Chuck said...

I have Garren's name on my work board so as not to become weary ... I will continue to pray.

Anonymous said...

We have never met you or your family, but know you through the Kush family. They were spending the weekend w/us when they received the news about Garren. We've been praying for him and your entire family ever since, and will continue for the long haul! Trusting God to be your all in all, and believing Him for Garren's complete healing!
Much love and prayers,
The Gregory Family

Anonymous said...

The Sisk family is committing to prayer for Garren and your family for the long haul. When there is a child in need, the newness never wears off! We've witnessed our own miracle, so we know and believe that anything and everything is possible with God.

Anonymous said...

Nancy and Geoffrey,

We continue to hold Garren and your entire family up in prayer. We love you all so much!
Andrew, Rose and Alexander Michaels

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

Anonymous said...

Geoffrey,

THE HARVEY FAMILY WILL NOT GROW WEARY. While we have commitments and work all week long, until Garren is home with you, we will continue to pray daily for focusing on God's love for your family and for strength for you all. I personally have never run a marathon, but stick a number on my back, because.....THIS ONE I'M IN!!! Thinking of you you all today...

Anonymous said...

You can count on the Gates family to pray without ceasing until Garren is healed. We have experienced the awesome power of prayer and God's healing with one of our own. We will continue to lift you, Nancy, Garren, Kelsey, and Kara up in prayer. Thank you for your awesome faith... PS. Mitchell cant wait to talk football talk with Garren when he wakes up... He also wants to play in the NFL. With Love, Mike, Stephanie, Mitchell and Taylor

Anonymous said...

We are here for as long as it takes. Our God is an Awesome God and I know he has great things in store for Garren! Lifting you all up in prayer Pastor Geoffrey. Thank you so much for the updates, they mean so much!!

In my quiet time I came across this verse, I would like to share too.

Psalms 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.

Kendall, Sue, Jacqueline and Meredith

Dana said...

As for my church family at FBCIT and my family we are in this for the long haul with you .Garren is in our thoughts and prayers all day everyday with a constant ache in my heart for his recovery . I believe in the power of prayer and will continue to lift Garren up in ours."My God is mighty to save" .
Love In Christ
Dana ( Deja's mom)

Anonymous said...

We'll continue to pray for Garren and the Janes family. We're in it for the long haul. We'll be looking for other ways to help you and your family. Sincerely, John Kearney

Malone's said...

The Malone's are here for the long haul as well. When Pastor Billy advised us that Garren had collapsed Friday and to pray, our hearts fell to our toes! I have to tell you that I began to question God, how can you use this for your glory? This is a 13 year old boy, he has his whole life in front of him. Show me what you are seeing God? Show me where you see your glory being met? We prayed and prayed and prayed. At service on Sunday when the whole church was on our knees being lead by Pastor Rob with him fighting back his tears for your family and Garren. I started to see God using this for his glory. Piedmont Middle School coming together for Garren and your family, your neighbors coming together in prayer nightly. Our church meeting at night and in the morning first thing to lift Garren in prayer. We can not doubt the glory here. We must continue to seek and see Gods glory being all around. Sumo and Christine

Billy said...

Our oldest daughter Kinley led our family in prayer last night for Garren. We will continue praying for Garren and your family!

gary said...

Geoffrey and Nancy,

Gary and I will stand with you in prayer... we will wait with you on our Lord! We will join with you in praise... for His mighty healing power for Garren!!

We love you!

Gary and Brenda

Anonymous said...

Geoffery and Nancy, the newness of this will not wear off for us, Garren is in our prayers morning noon and night, as well as prayers for the DRs, staff and all involved with the recovery of Garren. We are praying for you and Nancy and that your faith will keep your hearts light during this time of recovery for Garren.

RT

Summer Darnell said...

Geoffrey, this very story came to my mind last night as I was praying for all of you. When we ask God for support and strength, he delivers it through his body. We are all here to hold your hands up while God heals Garren completely. Love and hugs to all of you. Summer

Anonymous said...

Geoff,

I have also been reading in Exodus this month, and I was struck by the story in Ex. 14. Moses was leading the people AWAY from Egypt and then the Lord told him to "turn back and camp before Pihahiroth..." Can you imagine how that felt? To turn around and head back in the direction of Egypt? But the Lord did that so He could show His great power to the world by drowning Pharaoh and his army. The way ahead may look backwards, but the Lord is in control!

Another important thing to remember is James 1. Trials will come and the Lord tells us He will give us wisdom as we face them. This trial is for a reason...there are things He wants all of you (us) to learn. DON'T MISS the lessons along the way, while you wait for the end result.

Praying with you all,
Terri Tangeman

Anonymous said...

Geoffrey and Nancy, I stood in my driveway Monday morning holding hands with friends praying for Garren. They had heard about him from a member of their church's youth group. We won't stop until you tell us that you were finally able to break it to Garren that the Steelers lost the Super Bowl. Long haul, we're all in there for and with you.
Susan and Jax Jenkinson

Anonymous said...

I love your faith, it is so refreshing. And yes, many are praying with you. We don't know your family personally, but our son goes to Piedmont Middle and we have also visited your church. We believe that Jesus died not only for our sins to be removed but so that we can live as Jesus-whole, healthy and complete in Him. Just keep looking to Jesus, we believe God wants us all to see His Son in everything. And that by seeing His Son we see God's love for us.Keep trusting in Him and know that He is more than able.
The Vines Family

Anonymous said...

Geoffrey and Nancy, I too will continue to pray, each day. I have an alert set on my phone so that each day, Garren's name will pop up and I will be reminded to lift him up. And I continue to pray for the Holy Spirit's presence in your hearts as well to provide strength, comfort and peace. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." -Philippians 4:6-8

-Mark Brown

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you - keep the faith ((HUGS)) Kat & Larry Maddox

kay said...

as a friend of a friend of Garren's my family and i will continue to keep him our prayers. Our God is the GREAT healer and I am praying for totally healing and that all glory and honor go to Him!

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Janes Family-
My background on my computer at work says "Pray for Garren." And I'm going to put a 3 x 5 card on my mirror in my bathroom. While I should not need these reminders, I'm going to be 50 this year! My "remember'er" doesn't remember like it used to! Shoot, you've know me a long time. It didn't work so good back when you lived here. I update my girls daily. We all love your family so much!
Tracy, Sara & Kylie

Anonymous said...

The entire First Priority group at Marvin Ridge High is praying for the healing of Garren and your family as well!

Kelly Tyler said...

Geoffrey I have been in both Garren's place and yours as I was in a coma and my newborn son was on a ventilator. I know, at least sometimes, he is physically hearing you and that always his spirit is receiving your love and God's Word. I will continue to carry Garrren in my heart and prayers. I know better than to give up. Our God is awesome and will all of you through and I know your family will bring Him much glory.

Kim Peck said...

This morning when I was praying for Garren and your family this is the exact story that God brought to mind! I will continue to pray. I even prayed today between reading aloud questions on a math test to my EC students.
Kim Peck

Anonymous said...

Geoffrey...
We are in, completely and wholeheartedly. Jeremy was in tears in the car yesterday on the way to school because he hadn't talked to God about Garren yet that morning. He is learning that we can talk to God at ANY time in ANY place...we are all learning to trust, pray, believe, and be patient. I keep remembering the night you and Nancy, Steve and I, and Mauri were sitting in the lobby praying for the church...and "I pray and wait expectantly". We love you all!
Erica

Neal &Terrie said...

Geoffery and Nancy, we wanted to let you know our prayers are with Garren each day. We must remember God answers our prayers in his time. We all must be patience, have faith and pray without ceasing! God is so good and he knows what Garren needs each second of the day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through the long haul. We will not stop praying for your family! We wish only the best for all of you! Thank you so much for your blog each and every day. We look so forward to reading about his progress! Thank you for sharing your son with all of us! May God Bless the Janes family and know our prayers are sincere!
Just another realative who cares!!
Neal & Terrie Moore

suzie said...

My prayers continue with you for Garren and your family. "Be still and KNOW that I am God" and He, as you know, is our healer and protecter. My love goes out to you and Nancy.
Suzie Pace

Shelly Ruggiero said...

We will stand together and hold your hands up as long as it takes!!!! We will NOT give up and we will NOT stop believing for Garren's healing. God is the great physician and our healer. We love you all.