March 20th Update

Almost two weeks ago, Mark was at his gym in the early morning competing on a one-mile run.  Although 58 years of age, he was only nine seconds off from the record that he set when he was in high school track at 16 years old.  But immediately following the event, he suffered a massive heart attack.  By God’s grace, a couple of those present conducted CPR until the EMT arrived and took over.  While being care-flighted to the cardiac unit at Riverside Newport News, he coded three times.  After being intubated twice with a breathing tube and suffering broken ribs, a specialist was able to insert two stints and stabilize his condition.  We are glad to report that after ten days in the hospital, Mark was discharged to finish his recovery at home. 

One of the first things that Mark wrote after regaining consciousness in the hospital was, “God is not finished with me yet!”  Two scriptures come to mind given this context.  In Psalm 139:16, David said, “All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”  Furthermore, in Psalm 90:12, Moses said, "Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  All of our days are ordained by God, and we should not just carelessly waste them on foolish activities.  It took a near-death experience for our pastor to be soberly reminded of this truth.  Will you learn at his expense?  His heart’s desire is that our precious church family recognize the days that God has gifted to each one of us and that we use them wisely to make our most effective mark in our sphere of influence.

One other thing…  we are so very grateful for the health of our church!  As Mark watched the recording of last Sunday’s service in the hospital, he wept all the way through with such joy.  What a wonderful, anointed team of leaders we have!  And we are also very grateful for the tremendous generosity of the members of our church.  While we will eventually get to express our gratefulness personally, for now, just know that all the delicious meals, the beautiful flowers, the generous gift cards, the house cleaning, the caring messages, the continual prayers… we have been absolutely overwhelmed by so many expressions of love!