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There’s no place like home…

… and that’s exactly where Dad is headed right now!

He’s not completely well yet. He is on solid food. His blood counts are normal and he will finish recovering at home.

No surgery. No weird treatments (other than a tube up his nose). All God’s power.

Thanks for praying.

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Wednesday AM update on Dad

I received a txt from Dad this morning that they have removed his IV and started him on a normal diet. If his xrays and blood work are positive this morning, he may be able to come home today!

Keep praying. It’s working.

I’ll share with you a little later this week a prophetic word that was given to us while Dad was still in the ER Sunday night. It is amazing how accurate it was.

We know one thing for sure, God is our Healer.

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Day 3 hospital update: Tuesday, June 23

First, an update on Jennifer. She is still feeling the effects of a kidney stone that her body is trying to pass. It’s not a large one. But, then again, every kidney stone feels like it is HUGE! Please continue to pray for her to pass that thing NOW!

- – - – - – - -

Dad is feeling much better this morning. When I called to check on him, he was shaving and taking a shower.

The plan for this morning is to look at the blood work and xrays. If he is still making good progress, they will slowly start him on a clear liquid diet. If he tolerates that well, doctors will introduce solid food tomorrow.

If the blood work and xrays do not show signs of progress, we will look toward Duke and possible surgery.

We have had many people ask what is medically wrong with dad. Let me explain.

On Sunday afternoon, Dad started having severe abdominal pain. Mom called EMS and they immediately rushed him to the hospital. The doctors determined that he has a kink in his bowel in two places. They are working to get the bowel to relax and straighten out on it’s own. If this were not successful, surgery would be necessary.

This is where it becomes complicated for dad.

A little over 10 years ago, Dad had a hernia repair that had major complications. Because of the complications, his abdominal muscle wall was destroyed and had to be replaced with a very large piece of Marlex mesh. This mesh is sewn to very compromised fascia. Now, Pastor Ron must wear a very thick, uncomfortable binder around his body everyday and has a 10lb weight limit for what he can lift. This is to protect the mesh that is in his body.

Surgery on Pastor Ron’s abdomen is complicated because of the mesh and the compromised abdominal wall and fascia. This makes it necessary to have any thoracic surgery take place at Duke University Medical Center.

We still believe that God will use the medical team here at New Hanover to bring healing without surgery. Dad is making progress and we expect a full, non-surgical recovery SOON!

Thank you for praying. I will work hard to keep everyone updated here on the blog so everyone can get the latest info.

We love you all!

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Posted by Bryan | 3 Comments

Hospital update on dad for June 22nd at 1:45am

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Posted by Bryan | 2 Comments

In four days…

This Sunday, I will step into a role I have never experienced before. I will become the senior pastor at The ROCK. I have a few qualifications for this role.

• I grew up in our senior pastor’s home
• I have a strong relationship with Christ
• I know how to hear Him speaking to me
• I burn with a desire to see our city changed
• I was here the first Sunday in 1988
• I have faithfully served the vision of our senior pastor for 20 years
• Over 17 of those in a staff role
• More than 14 of them as a pastor
• I have directly overseen or served in a key role of quite a few ministries during this time
  • Youth
  • Children
  • Men
  • Prayer
  • Small Groups
  • Ushers
  • Greeters
  • Tech
  • Advertising
  • Inner City Outreach
  • Marketing
  • Worship
• I have been a key part of casting vision for The ROCK for the last 3 years
• I have shared a substantial part of the teaching role for the last few years
• I have helped raise up leaders and train them for their roles in ministry

Here is what I do not have.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN A SENIOR PASTOR!

The closer I get to Sunday, the more I realize the weight my father has carried for this ministry for over 20 years. You can be very close to the leader and still not understand the load they carry. I know I am ready to step into this role, even though I know it carries a whole new level of weight and responsibility.

How can I trust that I am ready? The man who has carried the mantle of leadership for the last 20 years is the same man who taught, guided, corrected, disciplined and cheered me on. He is the only one at The ROCK who understands what it takes to lead and he believes in me.

Thank you, Dad. I’m going to lead by the example you have already set. You are great man and I am honored to follow in your footsteps.

So, dear readers, what will you be doing in four days?

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