PRAYER NEEDS

Ohio State University

Support-Raising towards Full-Time

1) FULL RESTORATION of Ray's body.

2) continued improvement in "waking up"

3) continued improvement in breathing on his own

4) for all of his organs to be healed completely, absolutely (spleen, lungs, kindeys and especially his heart)

5) still pray for Mom, though she's learning to use her time better (and I have to go back to work next week)

Check out the online article from Pentecostal Evangel magazine about Chi Alpha at OSU. (John is in one of the pictures!)

[Go to John's Newsletter]

Prayer Updates for John's Dad
(Posted with John Michaelson's permission.)
Mar. 3a | Mar. 3b | Mar. 5 | Mar. 7 | Mar. 9 | Mar. 13
Mar. 15 | Mar. 20 | Mar. 23 | Mar. 28 | Mar. 30
Apr. 3 | Apr. 6 | Apr. 7 | Apr. 14 | Apr. 17 | Apr. 21 | Apr. 25 | Apr. 29
May 2 | May 14

March 3, 2000 (12:45 AM)

Hello to all of you,

[...] Dad has never had heart problems before and is pretty regular in going to the doctor, so this is all a big surprise...

There's a lot more detail to this, but here is what's happened in a nutshell. Last week my dad (his first name is Ray) went to the hospital, had an angiogram an angioplasty for a blocked artery, on Thursday he had quadruple bypass surgery, during the surgery, the doctors found that he had a blood clot in the angioplastied artery--essentially, he was having a heart attack during surgery (they bypassed this clot). The surgery went off without a hitch, except that the clot had caused part of his heart to be "stunned" which was originally thought to be recoverable damage.

From that point on, my dad has been in the ICU and things have not gone well--because his heart is not working like it should, the blood pressure is low and not getting enough blood to his kidneys and his lungs. He was put on dialysis (his kidneys aren't damaged, they're just not getting the blood they need to work). And Monday morning we found out that his lungs were in real bad shape. The doctors let us know that this was very, very serious--and did not give him good chances of surviving.

So I've been giving updates to let everyone know how to pray--and I'm going to continue to do that for everyone on this list. If you would like to be taken off this list (I'm probably going to be emailing an update almost every day), just let me know, no problem, no questions asked.

In addition, please pass these requests along to every praying person you know who believes that God heals.

Thanks,
John Michaelson
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March 3, 2000 (1:58 AM)

Hi,

He's been stable the last few days--meaning there's not been much change, which is a good thing but we want him to improve.

Today he was taken off dialysis (there's a "praise God!") and he's produced a good amount of urine (that's why he was originally put on it-- his kidneys weren't doing the job) but he's still bloated with about 35 pounds of excess water. He's still on the breathing machine and heavily sedated (has been since the surgery); every time they lessen the sedation, he gets agitated and his blood-oxygen levels go down which is not good for the heart (we haven't been able to communicate with him--this has been the hardest thing for my mom and us). Lungs are looking somewhat better but there may be a slight infection and he has a fever at about 101. They put a catheter camera in his heart and there's still some damage.

PRAY:

1. that he keeps producing urine and gets rid of the water!
2. that he'd be able to get of the sedation without being agitated (w/out using so much oxygen)
3. that his lungs would heal and work right (pray against infection & fever)
4. that his heart would heal and work right and be strong and whole (pray against permanent damage)
5. wisdom for doctors & nurses
6. against doubt and fear

In His Arms,
tJohn
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March 5, 2000

Hi again,

I'm a bit tired as I write this, so please forgive any lack of articulation. This is a bit long, but please take the extra minute to read the whole thing...

Two quick personal notes:

1. Thank you to all of you who write back saying that you're praying and believing--I'd love to write back to each of you personally but it would take forever--but please continue to tell--it helps to know you're there.
2. After hearing bad news last Monday, I felt that I was supposed take a walk and listen for God's voice. It has been a while since I've really heard God speak clearly to me--but He did on this walk--a couple of things--one was "He will live and not die for a reason; that reason is he will give glory to Me for the work I've done in him."

In His Arms,
tJohn 
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March 7, 2000

Hello again. Here's the latest:

My Dad's heart is stronger, but of course still has some way to go. They've actually taken him off the blood pressure medication but still have him on meds to help keep the heart beating regular (and strong?). His kidneys are at the same basic condition--they're getting the urine out but still not taking all the impurities out--but they still have not put him back on dialysis. They put a probe into his lungs to check them out--said they look better but he has some sort of infection--the nurse says it's pneumonia.

They also been slowly taking him off of sedation over the past couple of days and that's been real hard for him (and for Mom to watch--she says he can see her sometimes but has a look of desperation in his eyes)--I know that when I came out of surgery on my ankle, just coming off of that anesthesia was really miserable--I guess it's hard for some, not for others. As far as we know he probably doesn't know how long he's been out.

Pray for:

1. continued improvement--FULL healing for his heart
2. for the kidneys to do their job COMPLETELY
3. for the lungs to heal FULLY
4. pray against infection and pneumonia
5. for comfort for him while he's coming off of the sedative (pray against confusion and frustration here)
6. for good oxygen levels in his blood
7. for peace (against fears and doubts)
8. for Mom
9. most important: THAT GOD WOULD BE GLORIFIED AS WE SEE HIM HEAL AND RESTORE MY DAD

Health and safety from Jesus' strong hands, comfort in His loving arms,
tJohn
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March 9, 2000

Hi,

There's not a whole lot new but here we go:

Apparently, Dad's still under sedation, day by day they decrease it a tiny bit.  They actually took him out of his bed and put him in another bed that sat him up for a short time--I guess that tired him out quite a bit. He's still pretty much out of it.

Heart, lung, kidneys are about the same. One doctor yesterday came in and said, "Let's put him back on dialysis."  Well, somebody's praying because they still haven't needed to do that--but please keep praying that his kidneys work better.

They say he has some infection but they're not exactly sure where, and that, worst case scenario, they may have to take out his spleen. Yesterday, my mom also had to sign some papers just in case he needs a heart transplant.

Well, I only give you all the information that I get from Mom who gets it from the doctors so that you can pray more specially.  God has already done miracles to bring him this far, but let's not stop our prayers.

Pray:

1. for the heart to heal and be WHOLE
2. for the lungs to heal and be WHOLE
3. for the kidneys to work like they should--get the impurities out
4. Pray against infection
5. for the spleen
6. that he'd be able to get out of sedation--he needs good blood oxygen levels
7. pray for my Mom to be strong and wise as to what she should do
8. that we'd not get tired or weary of praying. Paul and Angelica are there today thru Sunday and I'm going back this weekend and will be there for a couple weeks (OSU has finals and spring break)
9. GOD GETS ALL GLORY

In his Arms,
tJohn
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March 13, 2000

Hi everybody,

Writing from my Dad's computer, I had to have Jeff forward this message to most of you. I am in Manchester/Ann Arbor for a couple weeks on Spring Break.

My Dad looks better than he did last time I saw him. He's not holding nearly as much water as he was before--swelling down. The nurses also sit him up in bed. And he has a lot less "stuff" (meds and machines working on/in him) But he's not completely out of the woods and still pretty much sedated--he moves a lot and sometimes seems like he might be reacting to mom and I, but not always. It's really hard to see him that way.

Two nights ago his heart got irregular and they needed to put him on some more meds for that. They were worried about infection but has not had a fever for the last few days. Nevertheless, they did an MRI to check on his spleen today. We got a brief second-hand report from the nurse just before we left that there are absesses on the spleen--and we're not sure that means they want to remove it or not--we will know soon I believe.

Also, the doctor has talked about giving Dad a tracheotomy to put the breathing tube straight into his throat, which actually might be a move in the right direction, but we're praying that he just starts breathing better on his own (soon or they'll do the trake tomorrow or Wednesday). They've actually decreased the amount of oxygen they need to give him thru the breathing tube--he's doing it on his own 55%. He does not need to go back on dialysis but his kidneys are not working perfectly.

Sounds like some bad news but we have seen slow improvement--Praise God!--let's pray for FAST improvement.

Pray:

1. for Dad to breathe on his own better--NO TRAKE!
2. for his spleen to be good, healed, and WHOLE
3. for his heart to be healed and WHOLE
4. for his kidneys to be healed and WHOLE
5. against infection and fever
6. for him to "wake up" soon--this week would be good!
7. FOR JESUS TO GET ALL THE GLORY FOR THIS HEALING!!!!

tJohn
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March 15, 2000

We're tired tonight, so short message.

Thanks again for all the responses--it's good to know y'all are praying. The MRI on my Dad's spleen shows that it took a hit--but nothing major--they say it's damaged, but very small, nothing an asparin a day won't take care of--s he won't need that removed. Praise Jesus!

They did give him a tracheotomy to put the breathing tube in his throat--it's a good thing and he even looks better. it'll be an almost invisible scar.

He was coming out of sedation again today and that was very hard to watch--it doesn't look like he's very comfortable (winces a bit) though we really don't know what he's thinking.

Please pray for my Mom, this week has been praticularly tough (it's been 20 days since the operation, longer since he first went in). Pray for her strength and that I can be an encouragement to her. We're going to try to vary the schedule a bit.

This is very tiring (everyday) and so pray for me too--today it kind of got me as well--especially watching him move around, seeming not very comfortable. Please continue to persevere in prayer, hes taking baby steps, but at least they're forward.

Pray for:

1. heart(#1), lungs, kidneys & spleen to be COMPLETELY HEALED AND WHOLE;
2. to be comfortable as he comes off the sedative;
3. for Mom and family to keep on in God's strength;
4. (and everything else I've asked for in the past);
5. Most importantly, that Jesus will be glorified for this healing (the doctors will be amazed)

Thanks again.
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March 20, 2000

Hi everyone,

This one might seem a bit confusing due to the late writing and the fact that the things going on with Dad are somehat confusing.

Two days ago Dad was moved from the immediate post-op ICU to a longer-term ICU (partially just to make room for others where he was). The place he was deals with people who have trouble getting off respirators--which has been the biggest problem in the doctors eyes.

What I have found out is that, while we have seen him to "come down" somewhat, he still has a long way to go. A couple days ago he was moving a lot and even seemed to repond to some questions, but the last couple days he's really been out of it. So what's taking so longfor him to "come down"? Well, the strange thing is, the doctors aren't completely sure--it's not just medication.

It's a combination of things: he's probably uncomfortable or in some pain so his breathing is irregular--so they can't take him off the respirator--and without taking him off that, they can't really get him off the meds fully. In addition, the meds they have been giving him over the last two days are not real strong--they shouldn't keep him all the way out--just comfortabale, which he needs to be to get his breathing regular.

And, one of the biggest things is that because his kidneys are not working as well as they should, (they are getting rid of fluid but not all the toxins) the toxins serve to keep him confused and add to him being "out of it."

So the doctors are trying to figure out exactly what type of prarmeters  the respirator should be on, how much meds they should give him (to keep him comfortable but at the same time help him come down) and whether or not to put him back on temporary dialysis. (They did mention that if his heart were working well, there probably wouldn't be any problems.)

A couple good signs are that the "numbers" with his kidneys are moving in a positive direction, just extremely slowly. And, they were concerned that he may have had a stroke with the blood not pumping like it should but a C/T scan didn't show any irregulaties/problems.

Mom's tired--please pray not only for our strength to stand and stay healthy and all, but to continue to stand on the Word of God (Bible) which, "though the flower fades and the grass withers" the Word of God never changes. All of God 's promises are "'yes' and 'amen' in Christ Jesus." (look up the references on you own--they're in there)

A friend of my cousin gave another encouraging word. Since the Word of God never changes, then this sickness is going to get tired before it (and us if we stand and Jesus and His Word).

So pray:

1. for all the other things I've asked in the past letters--ESPECIALLY HIS HEART
2. and for Dad to start breathing regular, on his own
3. and to be comfortable
4. and to WAKE UP
5. for his kidneys and meds--wisdom for the doctors here
6. family to stand with God
7. GOD TO RECEIVE ALL GLORY for Dad's full healing

love to all,
tJohn
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March 23, 2000

Hello again,
I told Dad earlier this week that if, by the end of the week, he was "awake" and off the ventilator, that I would pay for part of a trip fishing out West--maybe Utah.
Well, I'm thinking I better start saving!

Yesterday was by far the most progress dad has made since the beginning. He had his eyes open most of the time, they're not glazed over. He definitely knows Mom and I are there. He squeezes our hands, waves his hands, moves his feet and opens his eyes on command. He even makes funny expressions, letting us know he's listening and tries to talk (though he can't with the ventilator/trake still in).

As for that ventilator, I don't remember if my last message mentioned that they are trying to wean him off of it by letting him breath on his own with a little bit of pressure to help for a couple hours at a time. He had success originally and then failed a couple of times. When I was in yesterday morning, I asked if they had done that yet. He was right then--without it being a real struggle! Praise God!
He's pretty much the same today though sleeping more (they're working him)and as I left they actually had him breathing on his own, NO VENTILATOR HELP at all (still tubes in, they're just not doing anything). They'll put him back on it tonight and said tomorrow they'll actually take the tubes out, just leave the trake in.

God is answering prayer.

There is a tendency with such good news to stop praying. DON'T. Though we walk by faith and not by sight, the doctor said he's doing well but not out of the woods--so we should "keep our fingers crossed." I told Mom that I had a special way of crossing my fingers--all of my left fingers crossing all of my right fingers (if you get what I mean).

Please continue to pray for

1. FULL RESTORATION of his body.
2. continued improvement in "waking up"
3. continued improvement in breathing on his own
4. pray for all of his organs to be healed completely, absolutely (spleen, lungs, kindeys and especially his heart)
5. still pray for Mom, though she's learning to use her time better (and I have to go back to work next week)

DON'T DOUBT when you pray. Ask God for the gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9) --I mean it!

"Now to Him who is able to do EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY BEYOND ALL that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to HIM be the glory..." (Ephesians 3:20)

Utah, here we come!

His always,
tJohn
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March 28, 2000

Hi everyone,

I don't know how soon any you will get this but I have an immediate prayer request-- my dad vomitted this morning and the doctors are concerned that some might have gotten into his lungs--that could be potentially serious--Please pray for that.

As for other things--he's getting better & better--though still baby steps. Mostly off the ventilator but not completely. I'll give a more complete update later.

In God's Great Arms,
tJohn
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March 30, 2000

Hi everybody.

Sorry I haven't sent any messages lately, but nothing "big" had happened. Nothing except . . . HE'S OUT OF ICU!!!!!!!!!!!

Praise God! As of today, they moved Dad--he's completely off the ventilator and awake. Praise God!

He also still has the trake tube in, they're going to cap it and have him start practicing speaking again (this week?). The physical therapist had him sitting up on the edge of his bed today as she moved his arms, legs, neck--as you can imagine, he is quite weak and this was very tiring but a stride forward--he  has a lot of rehab to go.

Though he is "awake," he's still in and out, sleeping. And he sometimes gets the shakes--the doctor said it's probably from the drugs but they're going to have neuro take a look at him.

My mom is actually spending tonight at the hospital.  One thing she wants prayer for is Dad's state of mind. As everything is starting to make sense to him, he seems depressed (for us, it's been weeks of hardship; but to him, this is all new).  I think he'll feel somewhat better when he and mom can talk.

I really, really appreciate all of your prayers. PLEASE CONTINUE!!!

1. keep praying for his heart to be perfect (we're praying for the heart of a 20-year-old)
2. the rest of his organs to be renewed
3. his state of mind (this is important for recovery)
4. good, quick rehab (talking, walking, breathing and being awake!)
5. Mom
6. for Jesus to receive all glory--sure we pray, but who does the work?

remaining in Him,
tJohn
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April 3, 2000

Another quick prayer request (without update):

Dad's blood pressure was VERY low today and the doctors are quite concerned--please pray for that. Also, Dad's sodium level is very high and he has been extremely lethargic/groggy/sleepy--more than he should. Please pray for this as well. I will give an update as soon as things change (with a good report). Thanks for your prayers.

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results" (James 5:16; NLT)

In His powerful comforting arms,
tJohn
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April 6, 2000

Hi everybody,

Not a whole lot new to report, but join with me in prayer (why not out-loud):

Lord Jesus, we know that you are in control of all things and that you love Dad even more than we do. Your Word is clear that if we pray, believing (without doubt) that we will receive whatever we pray for. We pray, therefore, for Dad to have a full and complete, ASTONISHING (Mom keeps using this word) recovery. We pray for his head and facial muscles and nerves to work fully so his eyes will open wide, his mouth will be able to chew and talk, and he will be wide awake and aware. Also, we pray for his trake tube to come out quickly. We pray for all his organs to work as they should--heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, spleen, etc.

As Your Word says in Luke chapter 10, we have authority over all the works of the devil-- therefore we command, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that these things be gone: sickness, infirmity and doubts.

We also pray for strength, peace, joy and confidence to be in Mom and our family as we stand on Your promises.

And finally, we recognize that You are awesome, God, and You do awesome things and we praise and worship You and thank you for the ASTONISHING recovery we will see; that Dad will be healed to declare Your great works... for YOUR GLORY.

In Jesus name we pray,
amen

thanks
(tJohn)
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April 7, 2000

Hi y'all,

Couple things to mention:

Dad walked down the hall today (with the walker--nonetheless, that's really good)!

We need to pray for my Dad's nerves & muscles in his face, especially his mouth-- that he will be able to swallow, etc. The doctors plan to do an evaluation on Monday to determine the next course of action and one of the major things that they're looking at is his facial muscles/nerves and reactions--we want them to be good so he can move forward (and we want him to be able to talk as well).

My Mom prays Psalm 40 over my Dad everyday (probably a couple times). It's kind of been the theme chapter of this situation. As I mentioned last message, she keeps using the word "astounded/astounding" to describe what's going to happen.  That comes from verse 3 (New Living Translation), " . . . Many will see what He [God] has done and be astounded . .  ."

The doctors came to make an evalution a couple days ago and said they want to see an "astounding" recovery (by Monday). We're glad they used that word--God's speaking thru them and they probably don't even know it!

Thanking you and Him,
tJohn
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April 14, 2000

Hello again.

By the message my mom left on my machine this morning, today is a very critical day--she asked that I send out an email ASAP for friends and family to pray for Dad today.

TODAY IS AN IMPORTANT DAY. Especially pray for his lungs to be free from pneumonia, congestion and junk and that his heart gets and stays steady and strong.

Also, they would like to put a stomach feeding tube in asap (this is a good thing), so pray for that to go well. He's been on some blood thinner meds so they have waited to do it.

I recognize that I haven't given a real thorough update recently, but I will send one out soon.  For now, know that when I saw him this weekend, he looked very good and was fully aware of what was going on. I passed on many prayers from you.

Jesus, our faith rests on You, Your Love and Your healing power and authority which You haven chosen to share with us. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords, yet You are also Emmanuel (God with us).  We pray for a full and complete healing for Dad today, taking authority over every power of the devil and casting it down, rendering it ineffective--in Your name and for Your glory.

I love Jesus and I love my Dad!

thanks for your prayers,
tJohn
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April 17, 2000

Hi everyone.

I know that I promised a more extensive update, but there's only a few new things.

Guess what? Dad spoke today!

I only spoke to my mom for a second today so I don't have any details other than:  they took out his trake tube and feeding tube which was running thru his nose yesterday (or day before?), did minor surgery to put a feeding tube into his stomach and he spoke more than a few words today(!).

The doctors had been worried about his facial muslces but they are improving. We still need to pray that he will be able to swallow. They were also concerned about the amount of fluid in his lungs but that's improving as well. (God IS doing miracles--not man--God!)

So please continue praying:

1. for him to regain all facial, mouth strength (esp. swallowing)
2. for his lungs to be completely cleared
3. for God to completely heal his heart
4. for him (and mom) to be energized & in good spirits
5. for Jesus to get the glory in all

tJohn
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April 21, 2000

Hi everybody,

Quick update:

Dad has been upgraded to the rehabilitation unit today!  God has really performed miracles--to think of where he was 2 months ago! Anyway, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not stop praying (though I suggest you thank God for what He has done so far as part of your prayers). Dad has been walking even more lately, though not talking quite as much.

PLEASE PARY:

1. that he would talk even more.
2. that he would begin to swallow.
3. though he hasn't had a fever, his head has been quite hot & he asks for people to dab it with ice water--pray that his head would be comfortable.
4. for his lungs to continue to clear up--fully
5. for his heart to be 100% healed (that he'd have the heart of a healthy 20-year-old)
6. there's some concern on the doctor's part about the insurance covering his rehab--pray for favor with Blue Cross
7. his emotions & state of mind
8. mom
9. Jesus to receive glory when Dad walks out of the hospital & says hi to all the former doctors & nurses

A heart-felt "thank you" to all,
tJohn 
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April 25, 2000

Hello!

I returned from spending Easter weekend with my family up in Manchester/Ann Arbor today. Though I can think of better places to spend Easter service at than the hospital chapel, it was great to see the improvement with my dad! Dad has improved so much, it's amazing.  He was quite tired on Saturday (day off for him), probably because he started rehab/therapy on Friday. But he was great on Sunday--walked way more, almost seemed effortless (relatively), did some good other exercises (and had an even better day today--each day bring improvement).

He does, like I mentioned in my previous message, do some talking, but that needs improvement. Also, he still isn't swallowing. Though this is not abnormal, the doctors are sending him in to get an MRI TOMORROW to check why exactly those muscles aren't working (atrophy, etc.)--so please pray for this.

We have appreciated the cards and letters and encouragement from you so much and ask for your continued prayers--'cause he still needs them. Also, because he is now awake, (though not ready for many visitors) my mom mentioned if any one had planned on sending flowers, etc. now would be a good time (he's in rehab room 6115).

Again please pray for:

1. successful(?) MRI tomorrow & full healing of the muscles to swallow
2. speech improvement
3. continued improvement in rehab
4. heart to be FULLY healed
5. his emotional well-being
6. mom
7. Jesus to receive glory for His miracle-working power

Thanks again so much. May God bless you abundantly.
tJohn
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April 29, 2000

My Dad was put back into ICU at 2 am Saturday. The doctors said he wasn't breathing well and don't know why yet (perhaps heart?).

 Please pray for him. I will pass on more details as they are available (though I believe he will be out and better.)

"...take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16)

walking by faith, not sight,
tJohn
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May 2, 2000

Hello again.

Though I'm not completely clear on all the details, here's what's up: Dad is in the ICU.  Apparently he had an infection--he might have aspirated (it doesn't matter now).

With that, his heart beat went way up and blood pressure way down. It was VERY serious Saturday morning but we prayed hard and God brought him through and he's stabilized. They put him on the ventilator again and they've had him on antibiotics and meds for blood pressure.

The doctors are a bit concerned about his kidneys again (the heart needs to pump more blood to them) and he started retaining a lot of water today with some new medication (this med is either for the kidneys, blood pressure or infection--I'm not quite sure--Mom knows). Anyway, please pray for all these things. It would all be solved if we get his heart healed fully.... Also, please pray for my family (especially my Mom)--this is very tiring.

But, we do praise God for His goodness (He's always good) and look for another visible miracle soon.

" . . .'Do not be afraid, only believe, and [he] will be made well.'" (Luke 8:50)

In His Arms,
tJohn
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May 14, 2000

Hi everybody.

Sorry about being long overdue with this update. I have been very busy and life is hectic.

Since my last update a few things have gone on. I was up this week after a pastor's conference in Toledo. I planned on being there Tuesday night and leave Wednesday night--it ended up a couple days longer.

As you know, my Dad went back into the ICU (CCMU) and back on the ventilator. That was actually his first experience of being on it while conscious.  Of course he hated it and last Sunday told the doctors he wanted it out. While the doctors were leary about taking it out, they did on Monday. Monday and Tuesday during the day he was fine. But Tuesday night, around midnight, the hospital called and said he was having trouble without it. To make a long story short, we went and stayed most of the night and he went back on it (Mom would NOT make the decision, so I had to say go ahead, with the doctor's urging, and Dad seeming to confrim it).

So, that's where we're at now. Going back on the vent isn't necessarilly a step back--but it isn't forward either. They plan to do a trake again this week, to help with comfort and weaning off. In addition, his emotions have been hard to deal with--he's cranky and depressed, but the psychiatriat said this is normal and has given him something for this and it will take a while to kick in.

Good news: the doctors have everything under control, his heart is the only real problem--this makes praying a little bit easier.

While this has been perhaps the hardest week we've dealt with since the beginning, we fortunately look to God and recognize that we walk by faith and not by sight.  And we believe God is rescuing my Dad. (It's all in His power, we're just "vessels" of prayer.)  I COMPLETELY BELIEVE THAT GOD IS ABLE, WILLING AND WANTING TO HEAL DAD SOON. IF YOU AGREE WITH THIS AND BELIEVE, please pray with me for:

• FULL restoration and healing of his heart
• comfort and health mentally and emotionally (which goes along with Spiritually)
• to get the vent tube out
• this was REALLY hard on Mom, pray for her too
• for God to receive the all the Glory for this . . .

Thanks for your prayers and concern and love for my Dad,
tJohn
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September 1999
Feet for Christ
"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you . . ." (Joshua 1:3)

Thoughts from the Ledge�

Relationships�what do you think of when you hear that word?  Friends, co-workers, families,  significant others?

I have for many years thought of God as the "God of Relationship."  If you think about it�that's really what God is all about.  His goal is to get people to walk and talk with Him�to be in right relationship with Him.  A lot of people misunderstand God because they're scared of Him or because others have misrepresented Him.  But the God of the Bible wants us to be deeply in love with Him, as He is with us.  Why else would He describe His relationship with us a bridegroom and a bride?

"And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,/ So your God will rejoice over you." (Isa. 62:5)

Or, take for instance, Jesus�God in human form.  No matter what you think of Him, there is one thing you have to agree with�He was the most influential person whoever lived.

What was Jesus' method for sharing His message?  Did He have large crusades?  Well, sometimes�like when He multiplied the loaves and the fish.  But even then His "crusades" weren't even one-tenth the size of Billy Graham's.  And after He made some "controversial" comments about Himself most of His followers left.  In fact, by the time Jesus was crucified there were only a few who still stuck by Him.  Nevertheless, millions of people today have put their trust in this man who walked on Earth two thousand years ago.

In addition, God, the "God of Relationship" has called us not only to be in relationship with Him, but to be in relationship with one another.

"And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together . . . but encouraging one another . . ." (Hebrews 10:24-25).

So why all this talk of relationships now?  Well, that's what my work is about.  This summer much of our work has been laying foundations in the area of meeting with different university administrators and staff as we plan our year and try to promote Chi Alpha.  A lot of this could be done on the phone or email but we decided to make the extra effort of going on campus and meeting with the people in charge. We're trying to bridge the gap that separates many student group advisors from the administration�building good relations with the University.

But even more important, the key to our success is building relationships with students.  As you will see further on in this letter, we have many events planned for the first couple of weeks, but we might as well sit on our hands at home if all we do is have "events."  This summer, Jeff and I have been stressing  the importance of the students and us being out there� breaking out of our "comfort zones" to meet new students, make contacts, form friendships�begin relationships.

We don't want to forsake any student on campus but as we have been praying, we definitely feel like God's strategy for us is to focus on the 11,000 freshmen coming this year. 

Did you know that statistics show that the friends students make their first 3 weeks in college are usually the ones they're going to stick with for the rest of their college career and even further on in life?

Sure, having the "coolest" posters and banners and events is important so we are working on that.  But  we recognize that we have a choice; we can invest our time and resources in these things or we can invest in people.

Our purpose is to reach out in friendship to students�to make relationships that count�to make relationships that bring students closer to Jesus.  He is our "God of Relationship."

Summer into Fall...

So what does a campus ministry do during the summer?  Well, for one thing, the college campus is always hoppin'.  This is especially true for a school with 55,000 students enrolled.  Most of the students from our group either went home this summer or worked full-time jobs.  So while we have met over coffee and to catch a baseball game or something similar a lot of it was informal.   I have also been meeting with some other new students I have met this summer. 

However, as I mentioned, much of my time this summer has been spent building relationships with school officials and planning for this coming Fall.

Although "planning" might not sound like fun, God has really used this time to challenge me. Let me tell you about God's working in  two instances lately . . .

#1) One decision we had to make this year was what room we would use for our large group meetings.  Jeff and I were in agreement about not liking the former location so we applied to be moved.  When I went to speak with the man in charge, he said he had one room that would hold about seventy people (keep in mind that our group is currently running less than ten students), but the location on campus was not great.  I told him a good location was the most important feature.  He replied that they had another one in Hopkins Hall that would hold about a hundred.  At this point, I'd love to tell you that God told me, "That's it!"�but He didn't.  However, I do believe God did speak to my spirit, saying, "How much faith do you have?"

Again, I'd love to say that I exclaimed "YES!"�but after "hearing" God, my response to the man was still only a tentative, "I think we'll take that one."  (I even left myself an "out," figuring we could always change.)

So I trudged over to find Hopkins Hall.  The first thing I noticed was that it is in the Oval, which is the center of all activity on campus�it couldn't be more perfect!  As I walked in the doors, my heart leapt even more�I've shared before how my heart is burdened to reach art students�what I didn't know was that Hopkins is the Art School building.  How God    encouraged me!

If all of this sounds uninteresting and coincidental to you, that's too bad because I'm thrilled.  And even if it is not because of divine intervention (which I believe it is), I'll take it for what it's worth for now�I cannot imagine a better place for a room. 

In addition, if nothing else, God has been teaching me things through all this.  What He is looking for in me right now is trust�a faith that says, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding . . ." (Proverbs 3:5)  "Use your spiritual eyes�what you already know God is capable of doing."

I believe God's response to my taking the larger room was to say, "Look at how good of a place I've given you; I'm glad you believed me (but don't you feel a little silly being so tentative?)"  A challenge!�to trust Him more! 

Our goal this year is to fill this room�we believe God's going to do it!

#2) When Jaime, one of the students suggested we bring in a local Christian rock band and hold a concert, Jeff and I were leery about the idea.  We had some money, but this was going to cost a lot �would it be worth it?  And how could we promote something this big with our limited resources?  But we finally figured the worst thing that could happen was that we'd lose some money, so we let Jaime run with it.

After a summer filled with problems with the band, the production crew and the university, Jeff and I were getting even more nervous�lowering our expectations.  But this week, just when we felt like ditching the whole thing�it miraculously came together: We have rented the outside Browning Amphitheater (near the Oval and freshmen dorms) for a concert with 3 bands (we're only paying for one), the local Christian radio station will be at the concert helping and giving us free promotion and Papa John's Pizza will provide tons of free food. 

It's like this thing began to take a life of its own.  I wish I could explain it but I really can't.  We did not ask for or even think about having more than one band, felt hopeless about promotion, and gave up on the idea of providing food because we were overwhelmed by the task. We just passively mentioned it to the radio station and didn't even call about food.  All I can say is that GOD JUST DID IT�He brought it together at just the right time�it's really as simple as that!

Again the challenge!�trust Jesus! (even more!) 

Please Pray:

I mentioned above that statistics show that the friends students make their first 3 weeks in college are usually the ones they're going to stick with for the rest of their college career and even further on in life.   Please pray specifically for new students, our current group of students, Jeff and I during Fall outreach.

• Spiritual, mental, emotional  and physical strength and  wisdom for everything. 
• To accomplish everything we  need to accomplish  before school atarts
• Discernment in and
• passion for prayer.
• Unity in our group.
• Favor with the University .
• Planned activities�that God  would  lead us in these and  we would have and good  weather.

First week planned activities:

18th: Freshmen move-in
19th: Barbecue/Volleyball on the Oval
20th: Pizza get-together
21st: Student involvemnet fair (all student groups set up promo tables in the Oval). Coffee/tea get-together (focus on internationl students).
22nd: promo table in the Union
23rd: 1st LARGE GROUP MEETING
24th: promo table. CONCERT (SEE ABOVE).
25th: Barbecue get-together after football game.

PLEASE PRAY through all these that we will meet and make good relationships with students�that God would give us divine "appointments."

The CORNer

There was an (unconfirmed) attempt to assassinate George Washington.  The weapon of choice�a tomato, which was thought to be poisonous.  Reports (again, unconfirmed) indicate that Thomas Jefferson was the first public figure to eat them in the New World�hence the name "Tom-ate-those." 

(John makes no official or unofficial claims on the accuracy of facts printed in this newsletter's "The CORNer")

Contact & Support Information

620 Riverview Dr. #6  Columbus, OH  43202; h. 614-262-6391; JohnOSUXA@aol.com

If you'd like to financially support John,

1. make checks payable to "Chi Alpha" with "John Michaelson, Acct #262635-6" on the memo line and
2. mail them to Assemblies of God, Division of Home Missions, 1445 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802-1894.