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:

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 is doing well even after her latest treatment, and we thank you all for your many prayers. The unknown is the hardest and this is what we know we must put in God's Hands.  Every time we see her smile, ask what we are doing next, ask what's for dinner, or simply look content and happy, we know it is a blessing and a prayer answered.  We continue to be humbled and so grateful to all of you who hold Ciara up each day to our Lord knowing nothing is impossible for Him.

Ann Cordell 236-2067

(Ann was diagnosed with colon cancer.) Ann has had a really good week. She is praising God for this week of feeling good! She is finding foods she can eat and is making progress. She had an echo cardiogram last week and will see her doctor. Continue to lift Ann up in prayer for continued healing. She is so thankful for the prayers of so many on her behalf.

Gerry Cowan 236-2052

(Gerry has been diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).  He has one nodule in his lung that is very small and 2 lymph nodes that may be affected)  Gerry has a consultation appointment with the oncologist on Friday, September 10 at 1:30pm. Please continue to pray for Gerry and for our family. In His Grip, Tiff Cowan.

 

Leonesa Dinis 236-2060

(Leonesa has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time, this time it is in her bones.) Leonesa met with the doctor at Stanford. She has an appointment for a CT scan on September 9 to see if the cancer has spread to any other organs. Lift her up in prayer as she waits for this test. Pray for strength to make it through. Pray for God to give her his strength and peace, and that the test results would come back clear. Continue to lift Leonesa and her family up in prayer.

Sonja Iltis 236-2061

(Sonja has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had surgery at UCSF on July 22 to biopsy lymph nodes.) It's been an eventful few weeks! About a week ago my medications were changed and within 24 hours I began to feel better. Since then, I've been able to rest and truly recover! How grateful I am! Every day I'm finding more of myself again...God has been so very faithful in teaching me new things about life, perspective...helping me to relax and lean into Him. Mostly, fear over facing treatment and what that all brings, is losing its grip and power. I can do anything for four short months, right?! There WILL be enough grace for that part of this trip too! Just like those poor Israelites wandering in the desert, there will be enough manna for each day...just enough! Your prayers continue to impact our lives in ways you can't even imagine! Thank you from the depths of our hearts!

John & Chris 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. Chris suffered a stroke on August 16.) Chris is recovering at Brandel. Her progress is slow, pray that she will stay encouraged. John was seen at Stanford regarding a clinical trial. The trial is an immune stimulating drug that works similar to interferon. 10-15% of patients have had tumor shrinkage of more than 50%. If he is accepted, the treatment would be done at Stanford one time very 3 weeks for 4 cycles. We are hoping this treatment will help resolve the nodules on his skin which are causing him the most discomfort. Thank you all for your prayers.

Ray Simpson & Family 236-2163

(Cynthia, Ray's wife, had surgery on June 16 to remove a brain tumor. Several days after surgery Cynthia had a stroke and she passed away on July 6. During this time Ray had an accident and injured his arm.) Ray is asking for prayer for their family. Specifically that their children will have patience and will continue to seek help for their grief. Pray also for Ray, for complete healing for his arm. It is slowly getting better. He has limited motion but is still unable to lift his arm up to his shoulder. He returns to the doctor next week and may begin therapy. Continue to lift their family up in prayer.

Marilyn Stapp 236-2018

(Marilyn had brain surgery on May 10 at UCSF. They removed a stage 4 glioma tumor the size of an egg.) Marilyn had a seizure on September 7 and was taken to Doctors Hospital. Pray for the doctors to know how to treat her, and for healing. Pray too for Earl as he is watching his loved one struggle.

Bev Williamson 236-2031

(Bev had surgery on February 1 at Stanford to remove a brain tumor. She has a grade 4 glioma tumor. She had a second surgery on August 30.) One week ago Bev was having surgery at Stanford. There were no new surprises a week ago. We knew what was coming the next morning. One week later to the day she is walking Crane Park (albeit a little unsteady). Glad we're home. Thank you for praying for our family.

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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.