Super Hero

Posted by the combined efforts of Chad, Sheila and Jessica 

For his birthday Van, Chad's four year old son got an Avengers superhero costume gift pack and so, of course the family had the extreme pleasure of riding down I 285 dressed as the Avengers. As the three of us look back on this picture we can't help but think about what was going through people's minds as the "Superheros" drove on by. Strange was a word that probably was use,  I mean Chad is almost a 30 year old man putting on a mask, to be something that he clearly is not. People had to have been laughing at them. Then, as we discussed this scenario as a family Chad, in "Chad like" fashion  wondered what if I WAS a super hero and what if I DID have superpowers.  Then I could be CAPTAIN AMERICA: From the past a hero shall fight for the future! 

And you know, maybe Captain America had it right, from the past a hero shall fight the future. These past two weeks my family has seen and been powerfully impacted by the power our Superheros. 

Chad set up an online fundraiser last week with the hopes of raising $5000 to help pay for Jessica's first trip to MD Anderson. He kicked it off with his own personal donation. Chad says, very honestly that he remembers looking at the website with his small donation and feeling overwhelmed by what this cancer diagnosis meant to his sister's family. He said he knew he was confident we could raise the money and believed that God would provide; but yet, he still felt so small in comparison to the enormity of cancer. Despite his feelings of inadequacy, with a heart full of faith, Chad put the fundraiser live and posted it on Facebook. What happened? God sent a clear message that he is bigger than we are, and that He is bigger than cancer!

So many people stepped up to help out with a financial donation. The initial $5,00.00 goal was met in the first 9 hours of the fundraiser and with in the first 24 hours God's superhero's, you guys, more than doubled our goal; but, it didn't stop there. By this past Friday we had more then quadrupled the original goal!

And if that wasn't enough we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, encouragement and prayers!  Prayer is one of the most amazing superpowers we as Christians possess and yet so often we discount it or  simply say "well, all I can do is pray."  Praying for Jessica and our family is one of the most important and effective means of support you can offer us during this time. 

So thank you for being our superheros, for fighting and giving for us know that we might fight the future, at least that's how Captain America would say it!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! 

Thank you for being the love of Christ to my family and doing "superhero" things through your generosity and faithfulness!

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

Love in Christ.  

Chad, Sheila and Jessica

Side Note from Chad: West Point United Methodist Church has graciously provided Jessica with a Prayer Pager.  When you call this number 1-877-803-3833 and follow the instructions the pager will vibrate letting her know that you thought of her and said a prayer for her. With each vibrate of the pager Jessica is comforted and encouraged.   Yes, I have been floored by all the people that gave so much to help my sister, and I am reminded again just how good,and how great our God is!