Dear Friends, Some of you already know and having been praying with us for Andy's sister, Loree. Several weeks ago, Loree's unborn baby was diagnosed at 18 weeks with a severe birth defect. Loree is an amazing and strong woman of God and she and her husband Brent, are an extraordinary testimony to God's provision and mercy through this most difficult time. Here is the email they shared, asking for continued prayer in these specific areas. Please continue to lift Loree, Brent, their children Christopher, Matthew, Rachel and soon to be Emily Grace up in prayer.
Dear Friends and Family:
We want all of you to know that we are expecting a new baby girl this summer! She is 25 weeks along now.
Her name is Emily Grace.
2 Corinthians 2:9 says:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
We have been clinging to this verse since our 18 week sonogram showed our baby girl has a severe birth defect. She has a condition called arthrogryposis. It is a rare problem with joint and muscle development that limits function of arms, legs, hands, feet, and possibly spine and jaw. It is sometimes fatal in infancy but therapy starting immediately after birth will improve her ability to function. Severity and success of treatment varies greatly in those with this condition. Three sonogram reports show that Emily's case may be severe. Brain function is usually normal.
Here is how you can pray:
- Praise God the Creator of heaven and earth (Psalm 148); all good and perfect gifts are from the Father (James 1:17)
- Praise God for His amazing love, mercy and grace that allowed His Son to die so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16)
- Praise God for His Word that lights our dark path (Psalm 119:105)
- Praise God for so many of you who have already wrapped your loving arms and prayers around us
- Praise God that Emily's spine appears normal, she is currently on track for gestational growth, the fluid level in the womb is measuring normal suggesting a possibility of appropriate swallowing, all organs appear to be normal, she is showing some movement at the shoulders and hips (Psalm 139)
- Praise God that there is a highly respected orthopedic pediatrician within minutes of our home
- Please pray for the Lord to completely heal Emily's joints and muscles
- Please pray that Emily would feel loved and that the Lord would use her life for His glory (Romans 8:28-30)
- Please pray that our family would continue to know the Joy of the Lord
- Please pray for the Holy Spirit to cause us to move beyond our grief and put our complete hope and trust in Him (Psalm 30)
- Please pray for the return of our Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20) when there will be no more mourning (Revelation 21:1-4; Isaiah 65:20-24)
Thank you so much for your prayers. Prayer is the best thing you can do for us (Philippians 4:4-7). We will keep you posted (expecting delivery around late July/early August). We know that all good things are from the Lord so as the blessings flow we will give all praise to Him. Please feel free to pass this e-mail along to anyone you know who is willing to pray for our family. We love you all.
In Christ,
Brent and Loree
(with Christopher, Rachel, Matthew, and Emily)
