Prayer Request from Shan Foti: Prayers for Luke his family

This is from Shan Foti. Thank you so much for adding her requests to your prayers, and may God bless you and your families, Teri & Michael (see below)

Dear Teri and Michael,

Thank you for all you do in maintaining a bridge of compassion to the hearts of many.

Luke Wickersham lives in Dallas.  He is the 12yo son of Brian and Jeresha.  Twelve hours after he was born, his parents learned that he faced a lifetime of health challenges.  Eventually, Luke was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex which is a genetic disorder that causes tumors which in turn cause seizures, developmental delays, inability to communicate effectively, emotional / behavioral issues, autism, among other things.  Luke, his parents  and younger brother, Nash have been through the gambit with this all-consuming condition…from 30 seizures / day to multiple brain surgeries to the loss of themselves to the TSC's constant demand for attention to hopes dashed, none of them has had an easy time.  

You'll see in the video here  http://www.joniandfriends.org/blog/wickersham-family-retreat/ that not two years ago after his most recent brain surgery, things were looking up for everyone. Luke was strong and his TSC's symptoms were latent.  They were at a Christian retreat for families struggling with disabled children and were given enough breathing room to reflect on all that God has done for them.  I think the video is a great reminder for all of us to recognize our daily blessings and how they are brought to us.   Sadly just two years later, Luke is really having a tough time again.  His communication challenges are part of what's frustrating him and causing his frequent emotional disruptions.  Naturally, their family is struggling with the impact of loving someone who suffers a lot.

There is so much love in the Wickersham family.  They've regularly served as an inspiration to me throughout Luke's life.  So today, I ask that our Prayer Warriors take a little time to remember them in our thoughts and prayers.  May we ask that Luke and his family receive comfort and peace regularly and a BIG return of the love they extend.  

Personally, may we all remember to be grateful for what we have even the challenges we face.  May we say "Thank you" and "I love you" every day and remember to care for ourselves so that we may be stronger for our greater service to the whole.

As always, yours and the Prayer Warriors' support is much appreciated.

Be well,

Shan

PRAYER FOR MIRACLES & HEALING

Heavenly Father, I trust in Your great love for me and all Your people. I ask You to unleash a wave of miracles and healing throughout Your church through the prayers of Your people. Touch the sick and the suffering, and restore them to wholeness and well­-being. Lord Jesus, I ask for the grace to pray with expectant faith for my brothers and sisters who are hurting and in need of Your healing touch. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the kingdom of God all around me. Help me to recognize Your presence and Your work in the people I meet, and to be responsive to people I encounter that are in need of prayer.  In the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.