No Mo!



"Owee Boy" in the beginning---smiling!





Our church family and community swung from anxious days with fervent prayers to a great day of celebration.



The Family Church



A precious young man, Owen at the ripe old age of six was "kicked out" of St. Jude’s hospital with great fanfare. Just a few short days before, his future was unsure. Arriving at St. Jude’s with high expectations for his last treatment, there was disappointing and frightening news. His little body’s immune system was virtually zero leaving no defense against an infection raging within him.



Celebrating with friends.



Elders, pastors and friends gathered at his bedside as countless others around the world prayed for Owen’s healing at a specially appointed hour. His Mom’s faith remained strong. She was confident God was doing something even though there were not yet any physical signs. There were questions about whether or not to cancel the “No Mo Chemo” party planned.



Owen's face flushed with excitement vs. fever!

 


God did indeed do something and He did it fast. An outdoor person as he is, Owen awoke to tell his Mom, Kelly, he wanted to go for a walk in the park.



Not only was his “No Mo Chemo” party held as planned, it was a time of worship and praise to our Heavenly father. We as a church family particularly were encouraged and have grown closer to each other and God during those last few days of his hospital stay.



Fun in the bouncy house



Photo journals of Owen’s journal stretched two walls of the church gym. This display showed more than his treatment stages. The gym was filled with laughing children and adults. There was a bouncy house, magic show and Owen's favorite foods. Dan and I choked back tears as we viewed this labor of love of his Mom. Her faith rang through as she logged each moment of their family’s journey. You see, she had faith of how the journey would end.

The incredible photo journal walls!

As an adult cancer survivor, all of the treatment decisions were frightening and overwhelming. I cannot imagine how much more they were for their baby. No doubt there were many nights of tears, stress and sorrow for the suffering of their precious Owee Boy. Owen, never once complained. God did indeed perform a healing miracle for him. We rejoice in that.



We also rejoice in the love and faith of this family. In the midst of all they have been through, their home has always been open to anyone at all times. This church family named Church just has too much Love to be contained within them. It overflows with healing to others. Now, that too, is a miracle.




Hannah's prayer. 

 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:27-28