Thought this update would encourage you. It sure encouraged me. This is about Joel M.

Stephen said since he couldn’t preach today that we should share a praise update instead!

This morning, Casey and I want to praise the name of Jesus for reports that clearly reveal that God has been answering the specific requests that have been going up to Him in the thousands on behalf of Joel:

First, the doctor’s post-op report was that through the entire procedure, there were clear demarcations for him to follow as he worked to remove this 80th percentile-sized tumor. Even along the many “fingers” of the tumor, he was able to clearly see and cleanly cut away every bit. We prayed specifically that this challenging obstacle would be clear and clean as the surgeon worked and, articulating exactly as we and many of you prayed, that’s precisely what the doctor reported.

Second, the surgeon reported that he believed he had removed all the tumor, an incredibly hopeful and best case report. Still, we had to wait for his reading of the MRI they took yesterday. That all the tumor would be removed in the surgery was a primary focus of all of our prayers, and this morning the surgeon reported that the MRI confirmed that it’s all gone. His incredible professionalism couldn’t hide the surprised thrill of delivering that news to us. Keep in mind the size of this tumor and remember that it wasn’t a simple mass, then marvel at our God and His miraculous provision that brings us this news today. The surgeon said he was able to lift the whole complex mass out as one piece—praise the incredible name of Jesus!

Third, Joel started at the baseline the surgeon expected after such a long surgery (6 hours of operating). However, remarkably and miraculously, Joel has been rapidly clearing benchmarks for being ready to go home. He has surprised nurses, physical therapists, physicians, and the neurosurgery team. Full function has returned to his left side, most notably in his leg and foot, which had been almost completely immobilized by the tumor seizure that occurred on Tuesday. He’s been able to sit up, walk around, and much to the joy of these parents, play games, draw, make insightful comments, and smile and laugh a bit. Where they originally said that best case for Joel going home would be Tuesday or Wednesday, yet today the surgeon reported that tomorrow (Monday) is a good goal. Just 3 days after full-blown brain surgery, it is likely that we will be coming home with our son.

Fourth, there have been dozens of little graces that are nothing short of miracles. The way that thousands of friends and family have held up our arms before the Lord, the provision of housing near the hospital for our extended families, long-time family friends and mentors living in and “just happening” to be in Nashville for a concert, generous gifts and beautiful assurances and encouragement, an incredible care team day and night, a brilliant surgeon, and many, many more signs of His powerful and gracious hand through all of this.

Finally, please continue to pray that the pathology of the tumor will be “low-grade” for the simplest path to completing recovery. Also pray for Joel’s next 24 hours as they take out the last of the IVs and remove his head bandage—while we gladly accept this trade off for the miracles God has performed, it is quite uncomfortable and sad for Joel and so we pray for courage and strength for this last leg to home. The family of God prayed in the name of Jesus all over the world and our prayers together were heard in a profound way! Please be encouraged and strengthened in your faith by this testimony of God’s faithfulness, grace, and power. And please share the gift of your prayers for others with the same urgency and compassion that you shared them with us. It is, quite literally, life-changing! Our God is working! Praise His holy name! This will encourage so many. Have a blessed day. We will continue to pray for Joel, his family and a safe trip home to Cookeville where they will continue to be surrounded by the love and prayers of many! Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life- we speak the Name of Jesus over them, the doctors, nurses, caregivers, friends and those interceding on their behalf!