Ricks Thoughts

Shannon

Your written words of how this situation....any situation....can bring glory to God are beautiful. Thank you for your words of hope, challenge and faith. I know you have much on your own plate.

You and I met a few years ago at Dunwoody Baptist when Jeff was leading worship there with Rod Padgett. My family and I have been attenting NP since the summer. We have enjoyed the times when Jeff has led, especially at Married Life Live. I hope we can connect personally soon.
I have prayed for Maggie for I know what it is like to not know what is going on with your child but know something is wrong. I am so glad she is going to be ok.

My prayers for Rick and his family will continue. I count it an honor to join in the chorus of prayers that are being lifted up on his behalf.

Thanks for taking the time to post and to keep us updated on what God is doing in Rick's life and the lives of the countless others!

Robin Cochran

Rick and family

Your strength, faith and love for our Father and each is such a testment in and of itself. I read this website several times a day and I too have spent more time now than ever in prayer. I can't thank you "ALL" enough for what you represent to all of us who sit by and hold our breath waiting for the next word on Rick. Each and everyone of you have a special and awesome air about you, Candi... what a great sister and an an unbelieveable testimony to all of us, to MOM .. all of us mother wish we were more like you, Suzanne your grace and beauty amaze me, Jeffery & Shannon your ability to put all of this into words and of course, everyone there that I don't know. You all have touched me in ways that I didn't think was possible. I can't wait to met you and HUG you all. We will continue to pray for Rick to be returned to us completely healthy and for each of you! A little poem I received and I find it to speak mountains.

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever.

There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did!
And because I did I'm going to celebrate!
Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my head held high and a happy heart.
I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts:
the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees,
the flowers, the birds.

Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice
Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile.
I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know. Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life.
And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child,
excited with expectation because
I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

Praise God for all that He has done! We are in awe at the work that He is doing through Rick's battle.

We continue to keep Rick in our prayers and continue to update our prayer warriors all over the country on his situation.

Praise His Holy Name!

You are all in our prayers tonight. We pray that God will give you peace and comfort. We pray that God's will be done. Our hearts are breaking for you tonight. We love you guys. Love, Jackie and Tommy Steadham, Amanda and Adam Manning, and Andrea and Jonathan Lynn

Amen.

I am thankful that you are all with him now. I will continue to pray for all of you.

Thank you Shannon! You are right...God is glorified in all of this.

In Him,
Pam

Dear Family,

We want to thank you for being so transparent and sharing for emotions and your faith with us. You are all the bravest and strongest people we know. We fell like we know you and that you are part of our family. We hurt when you hurt; we rejoice when you rejoice. If God does have a different plan for Rick than the one we would all wish. I want you to know that Rick has impacted my family and countless others around the world with his glorious voice and infectious personality. Your family and friends are the epitome of living purpose driven lives. We love you all and continue you to pray always for the miracle we know he could provide. May you all rest peacefully tonight knowing that Rick is in God’s hands and that he has a plan.

On our knees,

The Richardson’s

Matthew 11:28-30

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

John 14:1-3

1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Revelation 21:4

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things is over.

Rick and Family,
i am praying for you constantly, there is not a moment in the day that you guys are not in my hopes and prayers. not only are you in hopes and prayers here, but my whole family in california and their friends keep you in their prayers! God may have a different plan for Rick but thats ok! God had a different plan for my mom also. But God is amazing and i pray that God reveals his strength and love for Rick. I pray that God will give you peace.
i love you all!
in Gods holly name
lacy

Father--we so want Rick to be healed by your loving hand. We selfishly want to have him come back to us fully restored and healthy. We miss him so much! So we pray for healing in your name. But we concede that he is in your hands, that you know what is best for RIck and for all of us, and that you can see what we cannot. We know you love us Father, you are amazing.

Only one thing comes to mind after reading this.....AMEN!!!!!!

Right now heads are bowed and hands are being raised , here in Dallas, TX. We lift Rick up in the midst of this struggling time and pray that God will continue to be Glorified. Know that his life has already impacted many people I have shared his story with and they are on their faces praying for him. You are all in my prayers tonight.

"Not to us, but to Your name God, be the Glory forever and ever....."

Earlier tonight I was talking with my mother-in-law about Rick. My 6 year old said why are you crying? I said im not (yet I said but it is sad, he said "No its not sad he is going to a better place!"
I will continue to pray for his healing until he takes his last breath, but my little boy was right on. If God's plan is not our plan, Rick is going to be much better off than we are.

I am so sorry. I am closer to God than ever, but I wish Rick didnt have to get sick for it to happen! I am so happy that they did though. To the people who accepted Jesus Christ, welcome to the family!

blessed be the name of the LORD.
On the road marked with suffering, BLESSED BE YOUR NAME.
When I'm found in the desert place, BLESSED BE YOUR NAME.

YOU ARE GOD.

Blessed be the name of the LORD.

I sit and wonder why things have to be like they are. But then I'm reminded of what a blessing Rick has been to so many, before his sickness and since then. Its like Shannon was writing about how in so many situations God was being glorified. God was and is using Rick to change lives. People are being saved, healed and restored. How great is that?! I listen to Even When over and over and I'm reminded of how we are healed, delivered and touched in so many ways through our Praise! We can praise ourself out of a situation!
We love and are praying for Rick and all of you.
Love you so much,
hugs and kisses
Melissa

I am praying for you all.

Kiss his cheek for the Brown family.

We love you all

Brown family

I can't help but cry. I want to just look at Rick and know that he's gonna be okay! I love you all! Please keep praying as i will!

Elaine and family,Mentioning how Rick touches people??? Well, Caleb came up to me just now and asked me to play Rick's song so he could play his guitar. I remind you that he's only 6 and is not a master on the guitar at this time. It made me think of all the times Rick would play with and hold my children like they were brothers or something. It always made me feel so good, because we didn't have family close by and you and your family always treated us like we were a part. I was also thinking of the video I have of Rick, Candi and Haley singing as little kids, touching people at such a young age! You could feel the anointing on them. Anyway... just thought I'd share a little of how God has used Rick, Candi and Haley and how He does have a purpose for each one.
ps. please give Rick a birthday kiss for us. I had forgotten it was his birthday. I remember them all being so close together though.Also, Happy Birthday Haley! Happy Belated Birthday, Candi
hugs and hugs
Melissa

Even though the song I'm going to share with you isn't a praise and worship song I feel in my heart that it is a song where God is talking to us to comfort us. it is called "anytime"

Anytime you feel
Like you just can't hold on
Just hold on to my love
I'll help you be strong

But you're so afraid to lose
but I can reach your heart
I could be the one to show you
Everything you missed before
Just hold on now
'Cause I am the one to give you more

Anytime you need a love I'm on your side
Just let me be the one that can make it all right
Anytime you need a love you're in my heart
I could make it all right

But I could be the one to heal you
All that you've been searching for
Just hold on to my love
And let me give you more

Chorus

I truly hope this song helped you and your family and I am continuing to pray for you
it is from my heart,
Jessica

Rick's family and Suzanne,
Your story has touched to the bare core of who I am. My Mother passed away shortly after being diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago. Your thoughts, frankness, and belief in Christ and His plan have brought so many memories of this time back to me. My heart goes out to you ALL in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Thank you for being so vulnerable, so frank, so honest. And as an RN myself, on behalf of Rick's MDs, RNs and staff from Northside, thank you!, thank you! for opening up your life and sharing with us in this gut wrenching time of uncertainty and pain. You and Rick don't know the impact you have on others!!!!
Nothing can describe the anticipation, hope, longing, pain, and surreal PEACE you must be feeling right now. Sending across this email connection all the LOVE, peace with the present, and comfort possible. I am crying and rallying with you ALL!!

Ricky,
I don't really know what to say. That has been the theme of life for me for the past few weeks. I don't know what to say. I have seen God do amazing things through this time and that gives me an incredible joy. To see the body of Christ come together to pray for our brother, to encourage one another and to glorify God together is truly, truly amazing. But I have to be honest buddy, I have an incredible ache in my soul. I miss you. It's like that knot that you get in the back of your throat in a chick flick when you just know that you are going to burst in to tears at any moment. That's what I have been feeling through this whole thing. But it's like the weird mix of emotions because I feel that knot, but I also stand in so much awe. Maybe that's not a mix of emotions at all, but more a complement of emotion. Maybe God does that on purpose. I know that God has not given his final word on this yet. I pray for your total healing several times a day. Is that selfish? Sometimes it's just so confusing to me. You know, knowing what to pray for, how to pray for it,what the difference is between that and what my desire is. I know God cares about what our desires are. I know that he hears our pleas for you. I know that he knows that our hearts are for His will to be done. It's just hard. I don't even know what I am really trying to say to you in this post. It's hard to feel so many things at one time, a lot of them hard things, and then try to see the good in all of it. You want to hear something really honest? Sometimes I get mad at you. I want to just walk into your room and yell at you to WAKE UP! I know it's not your fault and that you have no control, but sometimes I feel that. Some people will probably think I'm bad for saying that. I know that when you read this you won't think I'm bad, you will actually probably think that's funny. See look, you made me laugh and you didn't even say anything! What is the point of this whole post? I just realized that more than just you will be reading this, in fact thousands will be reading it. but you know what, this one is for you Ricky, I think that you are the only one that will understand it. You know my heart. I miss you.

Kelly "your other sister"

Ms. Elaine and family,
My heart is truly breaking and aching for you.The emotional stress that you all are and have been under is only bearable because of your walk with God. He knows that. Please know that we are praying constantly for your strength no matter what God's ultimate plan for Rick is. When I heard "Even When" today on the website , I remembered when I had the opportunity to chaperone a group of Northview students to the Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery to watch and listen to a jazz performance. It was so funny. During recess, I looked around and all of the other students were gone. Just Rick and I stayed in there, hungry for the rest of the performance. We sat there and talked about which performances were the best and which music we liked. This is when Rick stole my heart and quickly became one of my favorite students. We decided that day that other people just didn't know what they were missing by not letting music take them away from their worries. I will always keep that day and those talks with him special, especially after hearing his song. We do not know God's reasoning, but we do know he will never, ever let us go through anything alone. Remember you are not alone during this very serious time. We love you and are praying for Rick's recovery and your strength.
Vicki Baggett and family

Dear Rick's family and Dear Suzanne & her family - thank you for sharing your journey of Rick's living testimony with our family. We don't know you physically but only in Spirit. You will never know what your walk and your fruit has done for our family. We have all been on our knees the last month more than ever in a long time. God has so reminded us of the power of prayer through all of your lives.

We continue to pray and stand by you in this battle. THE VICTORY IS STILL GOD'S AND WE STILL WIN BECAUSE SATIN DOES NOT HAVE RICK PEARSON!!! GOD DOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT IS WELL WITH OUR SOULS - IT IS WELL WITH OUR SOULS - IT IS WELL, IT IS WELL, WITH OUR SOULS!

God bless you and hold you up until the race is done. No matter what God wins!

WE ALL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FROM VICTORY - NOT FOR VICTORY.

Your family has given us a hope and faith that will last a life time.
Love, Howard, Karen, Joey, Joshua, Jacob & Madison Forman
Oxford, GA

of course me, my family,friends & cheerleading sqaud continue to pray

& this has affected people in many ways. one of my friends claimed to be atheist-but after i showed her this link she decided that shed like to come to youth group with me - to learn more about the experience of love & trust in god that she has seen here. praise god!

I simply do not have the right words. I have never met any of you, but I have heard many of your beautiful voices leading us in worship. My heart is breaking for each of you. Jeff and Shannon, thank you for pouring your hearts over this and keeping so many people informed of Rick's condition. I know many many people are hanging on each post. I'm praying for little Maggs too. Candi and Jonathan, your words are so moving and your spirits so precious and such a testimony to all who read them. Mom and step-dad, your strength and Faith is truly amazing, as no one can imagine what it must be like to be in this place that you find yourselves in now. Suzanne, I wish there were words to express what my heart is saying. But may God comfort your precious heart right now. No one will ever know just how many lives have been touched by Rick's battle and by each of your postings, prayers and testimonies. Your strength, but most of all your Faith is so clearly centered on our God. You are all so amazing and I will continue to lift each of you up in prayer. May you all feel God's peace around your hearts and minds and may Rick's life continue to touch so many.

With lots of Love and Faith...

Praise God for all He has done!
may His will be done..
rick has touched my life so much and soo many others- PRAISE GOD, BLESSED BE YOUR NAME!
my thoughts and prayers are continuelly with rick and family, also with shannon, jeffrey, and maggie!
i praise God for all of you and your wonderful faith- family, friends, and beautiful suzanne who
has touched my life through the years with her amazing heart...
PRAISE GOD FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS!!
i <3 all of you
God Bless

kayleigh

Shannon, thank you for this posting. I have never been involved in something so heartfelt and life changing. Stories of courage, hope, love and faith has poured out in the web site. Many names I did not know, but I felt close to the person as I read their posting. We have gathered together to praise God and lift up Rick to Him and He knows our heart's desires. God has worked through Rick to increase His followers. What a glory that is. No matter how this turns out, I can see the sun through the clouds. I am so glad his family can be near him at this time. I know he knows they are there. Prayers will continue for everyone and I will continue to praise
God for each day He has given Rick and thank Him for bringing me to MLC to hear his incredible singing of praise and worship. I remember one Saturday evening when he just returned from Skiing and was telling me all about it. What an awesome person Rick is!!!!!

Rick and family-
I will continue to pray for all of you. It is strange how I never really prayed that much before because I always feel that God knows what to do in every situation, but I feel compelled to constantly pray for all of you. I am so inspired by your incredible faith. I have never felt so close to the Lord and his family of believers. In my heart I know that he will continue to show us amazing things. Tell Rick I said Happy Birthday and that I will tell him personally on the next one when he stands in front of me!
Love to you all-
Cyndy

It is so amazing! We never met rick , but he has impacted our family's life so much. His family shows us about hope and faith. I listen to his song....his voice and it brings tears to my eyes. I have been telling people of this amazing young man who has impacted so many people. Who has loves christ that even when he realized he was sick, he was not angered, I work in the ICU in California. I hear people who are angry with god for their sickness and angry about their loved ones sickness. I am in awe of you Rick! I am in awe of your family. I will continue to pray for the comfort of your family.

It is so fitting that I can hear Rick singing these words right now! I'm speechless... We love you and will keep on pleading for Rick!!

The Wortmans

Colossians 1:9 - For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

I won't give up! I will continue to pray because it isn't over until the Creator says it is and right now He is saying "Wait".

Psalms 31:24 - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalms 33:18 - Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

Psalms 33:22 - Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Psalms 38:15 - For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

Psalms 39:7 - And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Believing in God's Word...

God, my heart in its humaness does not understand! We know in our minds that what is happening right now is Your Plan, but that doesn't make it any easier to truly accept in our hearts. This family is weeping and asking You with a mighty faith to restore their son, brother, and fiance. Your body of believers is pleading with You tonight...please heal Rick...please give him more time to do your work on this earth!!!!
We know there is no better place than for Rick to be with You and if that is Your Will we must accept it. However, at this moment,Your Will has not been fully revealed to us, so we are still here asking on behalf of this family. God, as Rick still breaths tonight...will You heal him here on earth?
Over the past month I have realized that I place so much hope in my family (my husband & son) instead of God. I have neglected to remember that our existence is so fragile here. That what we are experiencing now is temporary, and that we will spend eternity with God...I can not fathom! God, despite my blessed life, I long for eternity...where the threat of sickness and death will be no more! I can't wait to be with You one day when you will wipe away all of these tears. Finally, we will be without sin and the struggles that sin brings. I can't wait to rejoice with these believer's in Heaven one day when you restore us all according to Your Plan. Until, then let us hold on to You and one another, as we go through the trials of this temporary life, being an encouragement to one another to keep the faith!
Thank You...my eyes are fixed on You...God!

Thank you all for your wonderful testimonies and faith. So many have been ministered to by y'all. I continue to pray for Rick's total healing. Even though I don't know you personally, I've truly been touched to be able to lift you up each day!
In Him,
Tracy

I continue to pray for you, Rick and your family. Every day I wake to checking on you and praying for God's divine intervention to heal and protect. You are one strong man!

Thank you Shannon and Candi for your words, strong cries/prayers to God and updates.

Candi - I have seen true faith in your family through this time and it has brought my heart to a place that I so needed to be of unrelentless faith in our Maker. I am so emotional touched and amazed at your strength.

I will continue to pray for God's hand to heal, strenthen and comfort you all.

Love, Jill

Rick and the entire Pearson family,

While I have never met you, I know of your life's impact on people. God is in control and He has great plans for you! Still, I struggle to see why He would put you in this situation when your influence is what we all aspire to do on this Earth. Know that there are many of us out here that only wish we could have the faith that you show us.

Our prayers are with you,

Scott, Leigh Anne and Brett Shields

Candi, Suzanne,Mom and stepdad,
Your relentless faith just overwhelms me. You guys are so great..Rick will be very proud of you when wakes up. God has given everyone so much strength during this time. You are right, some of us have a more regular prayer life than before...God is working through all of you and us to make sure His Will is done here...May you all be blessed in all that you do..Cheryl

Dear friends,
I have to confess my heart is aching tonight. There is no other way to word it. I am praising God and worshipping him tonight for the ministry that has happened thus far through Rick. Even in his might and power - our tender hearted Heavenly Father knows our hurts and weeps with us when we ache.

What a powerful entry tonight. Thank you Shannon for articulating the glory of God in this journey.

In my prayer time tonight - all I could hear in my heart was a song. I tend to sing when I no longer can speak my heart. I posted these lyrics a week ago or so - but they were my heart cry tonight.

We will continue to stay firmly planted in the gap and remain steadfast in our prayers for restoration of precious Rick.

With all the love I can communicate,
Jen for the Carrozza's

I will praise you Lord my God
Even in my brokeness I will praise you Lord
I will praise you Lord my God
Even in my desperation I will praise you Lord

I can't understand all that you allow
I just can't see the reason
But my life is in your hands
And though I cannot see you
I choose to trust you

Even when my heart is torn
I will praise you Lord
Even when I feel deserted
I will praise you Lord
Even in darkest valley
I will praise you Lord
When my world world is shattered
And it seems all hope is gone
Yet I will praise you Lord

I will trust you Lord my God
Even in my lonliness
I will trust you Lord
I will trust you Lord my God
Even when I cannot hear you
I will trust you Lord

I will not forget
That you hung on a cross
Lord, you bled and died for me
And if I have to suffer
I know that you've been
And I know that your here now

Even when my heart is torn
I will trust you Lord
Even when I feel deserted
I will trust you Lord
Even in darkest valley
I will trust you Lord
When my world world is shattered
And it seems all hope is gone
Yet I will praise you Lord

I continue to pray. It may not seem like much, but before God revealed his glory in all the beautiful ways Shannon described, I only prayed sporadically and wasn't completely comfortable in doing so. Now I find I am in prayer seemingly continuously - and it is all so natural. Rick has brought so many people closer to God and eternal life - for this I say "thank you." What a lightness of being to be in a relationship with the Lord. Rick was right, he wins either way. Yet I feel much the same way Rachel does - please heal Rick. We accept whatever is Your will, but we do want him to be fully restored and among us. Your will be done.

To Rick's family, I don't know all of you, but I love you. You are truly courageous. Thank you.

To the Pearson family,
How and why are questions we ask so many times during our human existence. Sometimes the "how's" never get the answer we expect and the "why's" never fully provide an explanation. I can imagine Christ having those questions as he walked his last steps. His heart was breaking, just as yours has been, and His human mind was asking the same questions.

I know God's presence has sustained you. Right now I can see the Father's arms holding Rick where he lays. Just imagine that. I have been there right where you are at asking the same questions and praying for His intervention. I know the pain and I know the peace. I can also remember the anger despite what I knew to be true. You suddenly realize how it feels to be defenseless. Truly it can only be the Father who decides the next steps. In the time that is unfolding, know that Rick is right where he was meant to be in God's plan. God will bring light into the darkness of this moment. A battle rages for Rick's body because satan knows he could never have his soul. Praise God the victory is already won. We will be praying for you and the family.

Jesse & Michelle Whitfield

It is amazing to me that in these days filled with so much sadness and worry about Rick that you, his family and close friends are giving comfort to those of us who anxiously await each update-your wonderful words and faith are an inspiration to all of us. I pray for you all day long- We were so excited to learn that maggs is going to be fine-Thank you Jeff and Shannon for being such good friends of Ricks and taking the time to let us know what is happening You are awesome. Thank you Candi and Jonathon for bringing so much joy to our entire family with your wonderful voices- Nan

We continue to stand with you in prayer for God's perfect will in this situation. Please allow me to share a poem that I have written in every Bible I've ever used and has taken me through some very deep waters.

My Father's way may twist and turn
My heart may throb and ache
But in my soul I'm glad to know
He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray
My hopes may fade away
But still I trust my Lord to lead
For Father knows the way.

Though night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break
I'll pin my faith, my all on Him
Who maketh no mistake.

There's so much now I cannot see
My eye is still so dim
But come what may, I still can trust
And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift
And darkness turn to day
Then looking back we'll praise His name
Who led us all the way.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom.8:18

The glory of Your name...

The most amazing truth that we can cling to is that.

Thank you all for blessing my life with the courage and strength you find in our Father. I am praying for each of you and for the glory of His name above all!

Molly

I wish I knew the right things to say, but all I can do is pray. You are in my prayers through out the day - Thank you for keeping us up to date - I know how hard this is but I also know how prayers and knowing people are praying and caring sustain you - I traveled this road not long ago with my brother - seeing what God can do with what He would not choose is AMAZING! That is one of my favorite quotes from a minister in my past - "God will use what He would not choose." I truly believe that God did not choose for Rick to be ill - that is just a by product of living in this sinful world - but as we see daily - God is using this in a way that none of us could imagine to bring even strangers together making each of us stronger in our faith, in our lives and deepening our love for Him and one another. Praise to be to God for bringing us that rainbow after the worst of the storms - and sometimes even during the storm.

We love you

Mary Davis

My dear church family in Cumming, and all of Rick's loved ones,

I want to share with you that Rick has done two big things for me over the past several years (or should I say, God has done these things through Rick).

First, he introduced me to Christian music that ROCKS! Several years ago, as a lifelong and lukewarm Catholic who had just surrendered to Christ, I came in to Mountain Lake, then in the NFHS cafeteria, because I was running too late to make Mass at even a "fashionably late" time. The warmth of the greetings really impressed me as I made my way down the halls, and then there was... The Music. I had only known traditional hymns, half of them in Latin, before that morning. Wow. A hundred or more suburbanites, shaking their booties, in church, in absolute love for their God. Never missed a Sunday after that, until I moved to south Florida last year. I spent quite a few Sundays "church shopping" when I got down here, and let me tell you, talent like Rick's is not a common thing in this area's churches!

Second: Now, I'm about to begin studying for the ministry. Had any of you known me when I was Rick's age, you'd say that's a miracle, and indeed it is. As I spend more of my time sharing our faith with others, I know that a common question, from skeptics and honest seekers alike, will be, "How in the world can you see the hand of a loving God involved in a terrible illness, or a senseless tragedy?" As I read the updates and the hundreds of postings of love, support and prayer, I see a very richly deatiled picture of the Body of Christ in action. Through all of this, He is present. Through each of you, He is glorified.

May God's peace be with all of you.

He is listening, Rick. Keep singing.

We are saddened by the lastest news of Rick's fever but yet we know that there is One much greater that can bring that temp down in an instant and that is what we are believing for Him to do.
I went today to donate platelets for Rick and they had a very difficult time getting a vein to get the test tube from. They had already tried three places and the veins would collapse as soon as they got the needle in. After I encouraged them to keep trying they tried a fourth vein and this time one of the techs came over to see who was giving them so much trouble. When she came to my side I saw that she had a pin with a picture of Rick and Elaine on iton her lab coat. I told her that I just could not go home without donating. She clutched her pin and said "this is my heart." I prayed intently and just as they were about to pull the fourth needle out and send me back to Gainesville, the blood began to flow. The actual donation went very smoothly and I was able to give Rick a double portion of my platelets. They were ready to give up on me. One lady had already started filling out my deferral papers because it didn't look so good.
Our Father knows when His children have had enough and He always comes to our rescue. He is always watching over each of you, as well as Rick. We are continually praying and believing Rick will one day walk out of that hospital.

Dear family,
I couldn't stand it anymore, i bought a CD last week, Chris Tomlin's. It's NOT Rick but it is the songs that Rick sang each weekend, when i first started coming to MLC. I close my eyes and i can see Ricks face, his eyes looking up, I can see him jamming during the guitar solo, i can hear the words he would add during the song that made the song even more powerful. These songs, moved me from the very first day I walked into Mountain Lake. I find myself listening all the time in my car, it makes me feel closer to God, it gives me another way to worship Him and praise Him, and gives me comfort to hear the music that i heard for the first time from Rick. I will continue singing and praying, for Rick, for you, for all of us trying to be patient, and to praise Him.
Every blessing you pour out, ill turn back to praise,
when the darkness closes in, still i will say, Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be your name!!

here in new york we are praying. even tonight i shared the gospel with someone through ricky's story. ... glory to God. it isn't over. i am on my knees for ricky to be healed. i pray for courage and steadfastness and strength for you all. i am so proud to be apart of this body of Christ. i love you all.
april dukes

I am overwhelmed and so very grateful for Rick, his family and fiance. Though we have never met, you have all, through your awesome Faith and Beautiful Grace in the midst of such trying times, have brought me back to our Father. My heart is singing, my mind is racing, and I along with countless others are waiting for God's precious plan to be revealed. Thank you for teaching me about true Faith. I am forever grateful and will continue to lift you all up in prayer. To God Be The Glory!

Wow. What can I say that has not already been said? I have been reading this site every day checking up on the situation. I felt it was time to add my comment. I only met Rick once but I have a lot of friends that know him. God has just constantly been reminding me of Rick and the family. I want you all to know that the students at North Georgia College are lifting Rick up daily. We know that our God is a God who can do things that we cannot even ask or imagine. He will ultimately bring glory to Himself which from the posts that have been made is obviously this families cry. Praise Jesus! I wish I could encourage you more but know that I am praying daily. Keep up the faith. Christ is working still.

To The Family,

I love all your beautiful word you have shared with us all. You all are amazing, I never knew how deep, how personal how heart felt , how strong, how steadfast, how powerful, how sincere how beautiful a christian life is. Thank you, for showing me.

I will not let go of hope....to young, to fast, not now, to much to give, not now, holding on, I will not let go...of HOPE!

Lord may the holy Spirit fill Rick's room right now and may they feel your love and peace. Comfort them lord and bring them out of this trial. Heal our brother Lord....

Always praying....Our God is so powerful and merciful. My eyes look to the hills, where does my hope come from, it comes from the Lord...
Amen
From the heart,
DeeDee Akerman

I just want all of you to know that me, Kaci, Mom, and Dad are praying for you and Rick. We watch the computer numerous times a day and pray constantly. We love you! I know that we haven't been able to visit, but you remain in our prayers and hearts!
WE LOVE YOU!

Continuing to be humbled by the hearts of those who are drawing so close to the Father in this time of need. Marveling at the lessons we are being taught by Him that loves us with a love that is so great we cannot comprehend it's depth or height.

May He hear our cries and heal Rick and to Him be the glory forever and ever.

Shannon,
Thank you for reminding us of all the ways - "There's the Glory of Your Name." With each verse, knowing the personal side of most, I cried harder and harder in thankful praise to our Father who has been so faithful through everything

Hey Rick, Family 'N Friends,
I can't imagine what you all are going through, but like the rest (I'm sure) I have been praying God's blessings over each of you. People must think we Christians are crazy to say that to suffer as Christ did is to gain, but Rick you are following in His footsteps with a faith that few can say they have had. Keep up that AWEsome spirit.

I Really just wanted to say that as the Clemson FCA praised and worshiped tonight under the stars, your name, Rick, was lifted up and I prayed that the glory of the music we raised to Heaven would lift up your spirit and your family's spirits. We are weak when we are strong, but when we are weak we are strong! Keep up the awesome fight brother!

In His Steps,
Sherman <><

Candi and Jonathan....
We gathered at Eric's tonight for a meeting and stopped to prayed for you all. Please know that we are back here interceding on your and Rick's behalf. It was great to hear Eric ask for God's complete healing over Rick. We love you all so much and were praying. I have people asking me everyday how things are going with you all. It's been good to have this site to tell them and also talk to you all countless times a day. Thank you for being open with me. I miss you guys like crazy, cry daily because I know you all are hurting and hopeful all at the same time. I was telling Eric that this was probably one of the hardest things that you have done through. I am thankful though...not sure why. But I know that my and so many others relationship with God have become more alive. We are thriving and Rick for that we are thankful.

On the other side again my heart is still confused, full of questions. All I can say is that I feel like the man in Mark where he says Jesus I believe, help me in my unbeleif.

Rick....I pray over you in the name of Jesus that you would be healed. I pray with everything in my being that God would help you to come out of whatever you are in. God I don't want to see Rick go home to you right now, as selfish as they may seem. I want to meet him and I want to see him change the world in more and more significant way. I just ask that you do this GOd.

I awoke at 1:40am and again at 3:27am with thoughts of Rick and of you, and prayer on his/your behalf. The Lord assured me that his ministering angels have surrounded all of you providing comfort and care, that his Holy Spirit is mightily moving in and around this situation.

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14

I justed listened to Even When. My thoughts were that it couldn't be said any better. We love all of you and pray for you every day.

Rick,Lonna,Shelby,Matt and Jennifer

Good morning!

Please tell Rick the Majeruses love him today! We love all of you!

May our God richly bless you this day and show you His grace and mercy. We remain in prayer.

In Him,
Pam, Randy, Molly & Maggie

I cant help but break down and be humbled everytime I read the blogs on this site. I dont know Rick personally, but I do know that God is being Glorified in every possible way. I can only pray that one day we can all reach this level of FAITH. I am so inspired, so humbled to know that God is in Control! I continue to pray for Rick and family, your journey and faith has brought new meaning to me and to thousands of others.

Dear Friends,

I echo that I don't have the words. I did want you to know that without knowing the postings until this morning, I was awakened several times last night with the strong urge to pray for Rick. Heeding that call, I feel that we, as one in the body of Christ, are so very much united in this.

Dear Father, we commend to You, our beloved Rick. We ask for complete and total restoration. We trust Your heart that what You see is good and true and right. Hold us all in the palm of Your hand. Send Your sweet comfort. Thank You for all Your many blessings.

To God be the Glory...Great things He has done!

Loving you all,
Edde

I sit here and read these posts and just cry. I am so amazed each time of the hearts crying out for Rick and his family. When I put my 2 boys to bed last night we prayed for Rick as we always do. I can't help but think of when you Elaine used to put Rick to bed when he was a young boy and could you even imagine that the Lord would bring this trial your way. I looked up at the sky last night, how AWESOME a creation it is. I prayed for Rick's healing knowing that God hears my prayers and will answer. He cares so much for you and your family. I read to my boys this morning the story of the widow and her son 1 Kings 17:10-24 and how the Lord restored him. My 10 year old said, "Mom the LORD is using Rick so that he can perform a miracle." Miracles never cease and the LORD's sweet mercies are new every morning. I pray you will continue to find comfort and peace in those words. We love you and pray for you often.

Our prayers are that God allows Rick to glorify Him and sing praises to His name a little while longer on earth before He asks Rick to continue what he is doing in heaven

Louie and Andy did a series on glorifying God called Canvas a few years ago. I encourage you to get a copy of the DVD or at least the CD and you will see them talk about exactly what is happening here. I can not think of another time in my life personally that God has been more glorified than through this. I am torn between my greatest fear and greatest joy. I think God is smiling so much about how this situation is taking place and how He is being glorified that He calls Rick home because Rick has done such a great job.

I continue to pray that God lets Rick sing praises to His name here on earth before Rick trancends the boundaries of this place and recieves a personal audience with Jesus.

Our thoughts and prayers are w/the entire family. A special hug and prayer for Haley, who I remember running around the ballpark w/her brother at little league games.

We are deeply saddened to hear about Rick. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Rick's family,Suzanne and her family. This is such a terrible loss to our earthly world but such a gain to our Heavenly home. I bet the Lord's choir couldn't sound better now that Rick's beautiful voice has joined in. We are comforted to know he is with the Lord but we can't help but grieve and miss him. We weren't able to get to know him since we are new to this area and to MLC. His voice lead us through worship and made us feel like MLC was where the Lord would have us to be. He was so talented. Although we don't know "why" this happened, we do know that God was and will always be in control. He had a purpose for Rick's life and there have been and will be blessings to come from this difficult loss. We long to hear him sing again when we are joined with him and our Lord Savior one day.
Please know that you all are in our prayers and that God will comfort you during this time. He will wrap His arms around you and hold you and take care of you. Lean on Him and live one day at a time in His loving grace. He is faithful and always there.
With sincere sympathy,
Scooter, Amy, Aaron and Patrick Sanderson