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September 03, 2005
9/3/05 am update
Good morning!
It sounds so flippant to say, but Rick is the same as yesterday. But let us be reminded of what a miracle that is, in and of itself! We are grateful that, as we woke up to another day of trusting and believing God, Rick was sustained through the night in the strong and very capable arms of our God. My encouragement this morning came from 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. Our "clay pot" bodies may be cracked and bruised, chipped and ready to buckle, but it only helps to highlight this "all surpassing power" of our Savior! "...as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." (2 Cor. 4:15)
We have no new information about Rick, but we will be updating as soon as we do. Until then, keep praising God for the victory we already have, and keep asking Him for the restoration of Rick's body, blood, and mind. How great to know that we can't ask too much. We can't wear Him out!
Many of you who are not in the Atlanta area are wondering about how you can give platelets/plasma/red blood cells to Rick. Unfortunately, we have no way of getting your donations to him. But, I would LOVE to ask you all, in honor of Rick, to go to your local blood bank and donate blood for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This would be an amazing testimony of yet another way God can and will receive glory in the midst of struggle. I do ask that for those of you who have donated and plan to continue donating platelets to Rick, please do not donate your red blood cells, as this will cause you to be inelligible to donate platelets for 56 days after. To find a blood center in your area, go to www.redcross.org
For those of you in the Atlanta area who want to donate platelets in Rick's name, I'll copy the information to the bottom of this post.
Thank you, our extended family! We are constantly humbled by your faithfulness in prayer!
His.
Candi
To donate platelets:
You must call, FIRST. Do not go down to the hospital until you've called.
Call Sonya Ness at (404) 459-8744 and tell her that you are interested in donating platelets to Rick Pearson. Sonya will conduct a screening interview and if you pass, you will be given an appointment time. Platelets only live for 3-5 days, so everyone cannot go at once. It could take up to 2 hours to donate, so consider this as you are making arrangements with Sonya. You will sit in a recliner and be hooked up to a machine that will draw your blood, spin it and remove the platelets, and then insert your blood back in, minus the platelets. Platelets are universal, so blood type is not an issue. It takes 6 people donating to make 1 bag of platelets, and Rick is going through several bags a day. So...we can never have too many platelets! Depending on who you are and your health, you can donate every three days, up to 24 times a year. Also know that none of your platelets will go to waste, even if Rick doesn't need them at the time. This bank operates solely for the patients in the Critical Care Unit at Northside Hospital. So, someone will use them and be very thankful for them!
Posted by Rick at September 3, 2005 09:20 AM
Comments
As I prepare to go to church today and do my weekly work with the media/worship team I am encouraged by the news from yesterday and this morning. Thank you Lord!
On the last several Saturdays I have driven onto the MLC campus and felt a pain in my heart knowing that my friend and worship leader will not be there. We all miss him so much. I have been ministered to by our team and staff at MLC. The hugs are a little tighter, the hand shakes a bit firmer and our conversation a bit deeper.
I have certainly felt a stronger sense of family as we have pulled together in prayer and service for our brother. My soul is comforted knowing that God loves Rick more than any of us can imagine. I pray every day (many times) for Rick's healing and for peace and patience for all of us who love him. It is amazing to see how the body has rallied around Rick, Suzanne and the family. God bless you all!
Posted by: Ron Cochran at September 3, 2005 10:29 AM
I love you all to much for words!
Posted by: Danielle Girardeau at September 3, 2005 10:37 AM
Dear Rick, Suzanne and Family,
You are all on my mind today and still constantly in my prayers.
Thank you, God, for sustaining Rick through another night. Please heal his body, blood and mind as Candi has asked, Lord, and bring this precious young man back to his loving family and friends and all those who miss him so much here at Mountain Lake Church. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
Posted by: Gail Petree at September 3, 2005 11:22 AM
After reading Ron's post I have to agree... MLC misses Rick very much. From a kingdom point of view this time of struggle has touch the hearts of so many people.
It has opened our minds and hearts to the world around us. It has reminded me that our Father uses us to His better good in everything. Also it has opened my eyes to so many truths about our Father. I feel pain and sorrow for Rick's suffering ... but to be honest with you I do not know any other person on this earth that could have drawn so many together in prayer and support. Without Rick's situation ... alot of us would not have had the blessing of praying for little Maggie.
My hope is when the Father restores Rick as only He can ... we do not forget the call of our Father to love and support one another. As Candi has mentioned this world is full of suffering especially in light of the distruction from Katrina.
Did you hear that? ... Dad is calling us to service to the world for everyone suffering. Each of our lives means so much to our Father .. It is my heart and desire to not waste mine.
To all my brothers and sisters ... I love you very much..
Gerry
Posted by: Gerry at September 3, 2005 11:33 AM
Hey Pearson Family...thank you for the update Candi.My prayers continue...God knows what we all want...we want our Ricky back. For him to be completely healed. I'm praying for all of you..big hugs to you all!
Love,
Jenny
MLC
Posted by: Jenny Rutledge at September 3, 2005 11:36 AM
Thank you for the update Candi, we wear this site out for news. We continue to wait and pray. Our love to all of you.
The Wortmans
Posted by: the wortmans at September 3, 2005 12:02 PM
GOOD MORNING. CANDI,YOUR STRENGTH AND TRUST IN GOD IS SO REFRESHING. OUR HEARTS ARE STILL BROKEN FOR ALL YOU GUYS ARE GOING THROUGH. RICK, WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU EVERY DAY AND FOR YOUR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES.IT IS AWESOME TO KNOW THE DOCTORS ARE WATCHING YOU GUYS GO THROUGH THIS AND FOR THEM TO SEE GOD SUSTAINING RICK'S LIFE AND MOSTLY TO SEE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ALMIGHTY. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR HEALING,HEART RATE,BILIRUBIN COUNT,FULL RESTORATION OF RICK'S HEALTH,STRENGTH,COMFORT,AND FOR GOD'S ULTIMATE WILL TO BE DONE."...IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE.BUT TAKE HEART!I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD." JOHN 16:33
WE ALSO ARE PRAYING FOR LITTLE MAGGIE...I TELL YA,ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ALREADY! MAY OUR LORD BE WITH YOU ALL!
HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY AND GET BETTER REPORTS EVERY HOUR, CHRIS AND JENNIFER(MLC)
Posted by: THE FORTES at September 3, 2005 12:08 PM
I'm so glad he is doing better!! I'll keep praying for him and the little girl. By the way how is she?! Have they found out anything about her?? God is in control and I put my trust in him!! God Bless you all
-Sarah-
Posted by: Sarah Ricard at September 3, 2005 12:12 PM
Hi,
I am so glad he is doing better.I pray everynight and everytime I read this site for Rick and the little girl Maggie. I know that God has a great plan for them. I know he will do what is right for them. God Bless you!
Posted by: Niki Mclean at September 3, 2005 12:28 PM
Praise God about the good news for little Maggie. We will continue to pray for her.
Rick,
You are in our prayers everday all day. Candi, thank you for the updates. Your trust and love for the Lord is awesome. We love you all.
The Talley's
Michael, Karmen, and Tristan
Posted by: Karmen Talley at September 3, 2005 12:39 PM
Hi!
Thank you, Candi, for keeping us updated! Though I don't know you personally and have only met Candi and Jonathan a few times, I wanted to let you all know that I am praying for you many times everyday. I drove by CT Grinders today and was excited to see that their sign said "Pray for Rick." It's amazing to see what God is doing. I know that Rick will be healed and that our Father is being/will be glorified through all of this. It's all a part of His flawless plan. I love the way He works!
I and so many others continue to pray fervently for all of you, including Maggie.
"...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain 'Move from here to there' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
Posted by: Brit at September 3, 2005 01:13 PM
Candi,
Thank you for putting perspective on the situation, no Rick is not better than the day before,but he is still with us. God still has plans, and I need to remember that.
To all of those thinking about giving platelets DO IT! It is not hard at all and its for the best cause I can think of ...to save a life!
Have a blessed day,
Kim
Posted by: Kim Mathews at September 3, 2005 01:21 PM
Hi Candi,
this is April Tidwell (Lesley Williams' sister)
We are still praying for Rick each day. Our thoughts are with your family throughout the day. We are so thankful for God's sustaining and healing of Rick thus far. Hold on to His hope, his strength is perfect. We are remembering Maggie too!!
Love,
April
Posted by: April Tidwell at September 3, 2005 01:22 PM
Candi, thanks so much for the update. Clark and I check the site several times a day, and pray for Rick, Suzanne, and the family throughout the day. We cannot tell you how much this whole experience has grown our faith and and taught us about prayer and community. We love you and we are standing with you in the fight. We are thanking God everyday for His healing and comfort.
Salina
Posted by: Salina Esposito at September 3, 2005 01:37 PM
Dear Rick and Family:
You're never far from our thoughts. I agree with the previous poster who said he feels a pain in his heart when he drives into the MLC parking lot. There are very few people in the world who could have this effect on so many. We love you Rick and anxiously await your full recovery.
The Turpin's
Posted by: Nadine Neville-Turpin at September 3, 2005 01:53 PM
Hey Pearson clan,
So glad to hear that Rick is continuing to make steady strides toward recovery! The Word is so true - it promises us that "His mercies are new every morning!" Thanks be to our gracious King that He is continuing to bring glory to himself through this time of physical struggle. We will be praying for you all throughout the weekend. We're going to visit some friends in North Georgia and aren't sure of our internet access - but just know we're praying all the while!
4forRick!
Jen Carrozza
Posted by: Jen and John Carrozza at September 3, 2005 03:25 PM
Father, I am praying for this family to see your hand in everything that happens. I know that you already know the outcome of Rick's illness, and I know that You will be glorified. Lord, I come to your throne of mercy and ask that you heap the blessings upon this family as you continue to heal Rick's body. We know that everything works on your schedule and not ours. Give this family the endurance to run the race and finish with a wonderful celebration. Lord, You are Holy. Lord, Almighty rain down your healing touch on Rick at this very moment. In the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I cry out to you for your mercy today. Provide a miracle today. Amen
Posted by: Judy Lucas at September 3, 2005 04:10 PM
Dear Pearson Family
My thoughts and prayers are with Rick and all of you daily.
It is hard to get used to the emptiness of not being able to participate in worship with Rick at Mtn.Lake over the last couple of months.
PS:I was happy to hear that Maggie is feeling better and is expected to recover soon.
Posted by: Richard Meeder at September 3, 2005 04:32 PM
Candi, Jonathan, Rick....
I am praying for each of you. My heart was heavy last night on the way home from L.A. and I began to just cry out for more and more mercy to be bestowed upon you. Rick that verse came to mind from the old testament where it talks about having heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone. Erwin was talking this week in a class that I went to about being fully human and explaining the context and thought around this verse. That came to mind last night for you, I am praying that God would make you come fully alive in every capacity so that you would experience every ounce of pleasure that you were created to experience. We beleive nothing but the most optimal outcome for your life, full recovery and plesaure in God's goodness. Above all we are asking that God would have much pleasure out of this situation...
Candi and Jonathan....I love you all so much and are praying daily for your strength to be renewed...along with those around you. Thank you for being irreplacable...Again you guys rock and I love you SO SO SO SO much...
Posted by: Laura Gregg at September 3, 2005 05:19 PM
What an honor to join you all in praying for Rick's full recovery. Candi, I attend NPCC and, although we've never met, I love you! Many, many thanks to you, Rick and all of you for sharing your talents with us there; your faith always comes through your singing, and now I see the same through your writing as well. Remember how we all freaked out with joy when you first sang your version of The Little Drummer Boy at North Point? I have a dream of seeing you, Rick, Shannon and Jeff singing that for all of us at NPCC again! What a precious Lord we have - remember this promise, "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." I Peter 5:10
We are praying for all of you; we love you and appreciate all you are doing to keep us posted.
Shannon and Jeff, bless you. As a parent, my heart goes out to you, and my the Holy Spirit is keeping precious Maggie on my mind all the time. Thank you also for sharing your wonderful talents with us. "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Matthew 6:8
What would we do without Him?
Much love,
Anne
Posted by: Anne at September 3, 2005 05:22 PM