Prayer Pagers

In an effort to be a community that shows love to one another, we would like to invite you to pray for those who are in need and encourage them in a practical way. We have begun using a Prayer-Pager System. Pagers are given to those who are facing serious medical- or family-crisis situations. The names of those who receive pagers and the pager numbers will be listed on an insert in the Worship Guide and on this webpage. When you have prayed for someone with a pager, simply call their pager number, listen for a series of beeps, then enter your zip code and hang up. By doing this, the person will know our community is actively praying for them.

Here are the current pager carriers:

Dan Angelo 236-2060

(Dan had hernia surgery on July 15.)  Dan's surgery went well. He does have an infection in his incision and is on medication. He is feeling much better and wants to thank you for your prayers. Continue to lift Dan up for a complete healing.

Ciara Chiesa 236-2063

(Ciara was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor in April 2002 at the age of 6. She had successful brain surgery followed by radiation and chemo. There were many complications but after 5 years she was declared a survivor in remission. Last November, at the age of 13 she experienced headaches and balance problems. They found a large mass and other spots in the cerebellum area.  She had immediate brain surgery followed by chemo. She is suffering severe side effects from chemotherapy that was expected, but nonetheless very painful.) Ciara's transfusion went smoothly mostly because she slept through a majority of it with the help of Benedryl and Tylenol that they give her to prevent any adverse reactions. Thank goodness she did not have any of the possible reactions that could have happened, and we did not end up back in the hospital.  We are hoping the IVIG now gives Ciara extra immunity to help until her body produces it on its own.  We are so happy to see the peaceful, comfortable smile that is returning to Ciara's face as she gets stronger and heals. We are reminded to embrace even the simpliest of blessings. We greatly appreciate all the continued prayers.  It seems like a long time since we have been "home" but we will make the best of our current home while Ciara recovers.  The girls love to have visitors so let us know if any of you would like to take a trip to Lafayette.   

Ann Cordell 236-2067

(Ann has colon cancer.) Ann's stomach is doing better; she is able to eat soup and a few other things. She is very thankful to be able to eat! She had an upper GI and a colonoscopy and they did not find anything. Praise God! She has a PET scan on Monday. Pray that the tests would come back clear.

Heather Friesen - Pager Returned

(Heather had a bilateral mastectomy on June 14.) Heather had her second opinion at Stanford. She will not need to go through chemo but will have hormone therapy instead. She is returning the prayer pager and wants to say thank you to everyone for their prayers for her. She is at peace with the decision she has made for her care and knows that it is from God.

Sonja Iltis 236-2061

(Sonja has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had surgery at UCSF on July 22 to biopsy lymph nodes.) The surgeon came out after 8 hours of operating time. The UCSF surgeon told me it was his most difficult case in the past 3 months, due to the scar tissue from previous surgeries. Scar tissue was attached to the bowel, and the bowel was attached to itself. He was able to remove tissue samples and lymph nodes for further testing. We won't know about the tissue and lymph nodes until pathology reviews them. She was able to come home on July 25...so very good to be home! Thank you all for praying...you can't imagine what it means to all of us! Now, to recover...again!

Roger Morrow - Pager Returned

(During basic surgery they found a football sized tumor on his intestines which is stage 1 lymphoma.) My Dad is doing very well. He has gained 13 pounds in the past month at the Nursing and Rehab Center and was able to go home on July 27! He is even beginning to grow back his mustache and some hair! Many thanks to everyone for all your prayers and support. I would like to turn in my prayer pager at this time. Jaime Dunn

John Nelson 236-2023

(John has an aggressive type of non-hodgkins lymphoma, stage 4. This type of cancer has no cure, but can potentially be managed with extended chemo after remission.) John is feeling a bit better. He is gaining some strength but still gets pretty tired if he does too much. He was able to practice with his quartet and we were able to take a trip to June Lake. John will be having a PET scan when we return on the 29th and then start another round of chemo on the following Monday. Thank you for always thinking of us and praying for us. John and Chris

Family of Cynthia Simpson 236-2163

(Cynthia had surgery on June 16 to remove a brain tumor. They were able to get most of the tumor, but not all of it.) Cynthia Simpson was taken off life support on July 5, and passed away early in the morning of July 6.  Ray has asked for prayer specifically that the healing process would go smoothly for he and his family. 

Marilyn Stapp 236-2018

(Marilyn had brain surgery on May 10 at UCSF. They removed a tumor the size of an egg that was stage 4 lymphoma.) Marilyn had a tough week; she had a siezure and had to spend a few nights in the hospital. They have put her back on a medication that has taken care of the problem. Praise God she is doing better! She returns to UCSF on August 2 for a scan. Lift Marilyn up in prayer for continued improvement and that her scan results would be clear. Pray for strength for Earl also, as he takes care of everything.

Bev Williamson 236-2031

(Bev had surgery on February 1 at Stanford to remove a brain tumor. She has a grade 4 glioma tumor.) Bev looks great! She does! She is bouncing back the quickest yet from this latest 4th chemo set. She has quite a bit of bruising from all the Arixtra shots. We're not too excited about that part, but glad the shots are over with for now. Her tummy has been a pin cushion from all the needles the last 3 weeks. Her arms will look like that too when we have to have a lot of blood work. Bev is a miracle! We are so grateful. What a strong beautiful spirit she has been blessed with. Her determined spirit helps to make all the difference. God working through her and in her keeps us grounded and humbled. Thank you for remembering us.

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Answered Prayers

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:24

If you have experienced answered prayer (personally or as a group) please email them to Pastor Dave with the details and what you have experienced. Answered prayers will be listed anonymously. A new list is started at the beginning of each month.

E-Mail Prayer Group

We have an E-mail Prayer Group. As MVC receives prayer requests, we send out one e-mail letting people know. This is a great way to have up-to-date information about MVC family members. How awesome to know that hundreds of people are praying for the needs of the MVC families. If you would like to be added to the MVC E-mail Prayer Group, fill out this FORM. Know that your personal information will NEVER be given out or sold to anyone.

Crisis Care

In the case of death, serious illness, or crisis situation on the weekend or when the church office is closed, we now have a crisis-care line at the church. If you have a crisis situation, call the MVC church line (634-4935) and choose option #2 to get the pager number and for instructions to have an on-call pastor paged.