Reminder: James' surgery set for tomorrow....

...Please pray and -- if you are medically able -- fast for the Rath family tomorrow.

We will update the blog throughout the day, as we learn of James' status. Please refrain from trying to visit the hospital or calling there, since James will certainly require significant rest. Feel free to drop a note or card or to write a prayer into the guestbook on the blog to encourage and express your love and concern.

Specific prayer requests:
* That God guide the doctors' hands to find and eliminate all cancer.
* That James tolerate the drugs, testing and other procedures required for this surgery and its immediate aftermath.
* Against infection of any sort.
* For a peaceful room and roommate (if one) that will enable James to rest.
* For successful reconstruction of the esophagus.
* For excellent and diligent nursing care and medical follow up.
* Against fear and depression for the Rath family.
* For all to get along well with each other, lifting the stress quotient.
* For peace and joy to settle upon the Rath family.
* For the family to see, feel and know God's love for them now and always.
* For rest for Kathy.
* For the Body of Christ and the community of Westchester Chapel to extend God's love and grace with generosity to James, Kathy, Jake and Michael.

Let us not forget to praise God for answered prayer: medical expenses paid for, discovery of the hard-to-diagnose-in-time condition, and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ which gives us all hope and victory.

May God bless you for your loving concern for James, Kathy, Jake and Michael.

In Jesus' Name, Associate Pastor Joyce Swingle