230305 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide Communion

Second Sunday in Lent Sunday Report

On Point

Someone asked, where do the quotes come from?  The answer is from the people who uttered them.  But, how did you find them?  Oh, that.  Some from Bishop Jerry, many from Rev Bryan Dabney, a few from other places, but overall mostly from Bryan.  He always has some great ones to share.  On to the On Point quotes –

 

On Lent

If a man will but fast from his sins, he may eat what he pleases.

Robert E. Lee

American General and Patriot

 

On Lent

The best way for most of us is to fast from our sins and to eat what is good for us.

Robert E. Lee

American General and Patriot

 

What happens when you erase history and ignore facts and thus refuse to learn from same? You get to do it again, quite-probably with disastrous consequence.

Karl Denninger

20th and 21st century American entrepreneur and author

 

Children

Beware of that miserable delusion into which some have fallen — that parents can do nothing for their children, that you must leave them alone, wait for grace, and sit still. These people have wishes for their children in Balaam’s fashion— they would like them to die the death of the righteous man, but they do nothing to make them live his life. They desire much, and have nothing. And the devil rejoices to see such reasoning, just as he always does over anything which seems to excuse indolence, or to encourage neglect of means.

JC Ryle

19th century Anglican bishop and author

 

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Luke 12:40

 

Verily, verily I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

John 6:26-27

 

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

I Timothy 6:6

 

God has not called readers to check his Holy Bible for errors. He has called his Holy Bible to check us for errors.

Gail Riplinger

20th and 21st century American Bible scholar and author

 

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6

Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Matthew16:6

 

If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mark 9:23

 

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

I Corinthians 5:7-8

 

Humanity always finds out, sooner or later, that it cannot get on without a religion, and it will take a false one in preference to none. Infidelity and practical ungodliness will become increasingly prevalent… and our churches will have a more arduous contest for growth if not for existence.

Robert Lewis Dabney

19th century American theologian and Confederate officer

 

The US increasingly looks like a banana republic, where the permanent state and not the people get to decide who’s in charge.

Ron Paul

20th and 21st century American statesman and author

 

Propers

Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible.  There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding.

 

The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament.  The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister.

 

The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off.  Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days.  Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events.  Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent.

 

The Propers for today are found on Page 127-128, with the Collect first:

 

The Second Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

 

 

A

LMIGHTY God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:

 

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.

 

The Epistle for today comes from Paul’s First letter to the Thessalonians, the Fourth Chapter, beginning at the First Verse.  Apparently the Corinthians were not the only church founded in a Red Light District.  In this letter Paul is telling the people to refrain from random sex and get married.  Paul is starting into the beginning of his New Man concept.  We are called to be as God wants us to be, not as we would be without His guidance and help.  God does this, not that we would miss fun, but rather that we would enjoy happiness.

W

E beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.

This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the Fifteenth Chapter, beginning at the Twenty-First Verse.

 

J

ESUS went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

 

This story surfaces again in the Book of Common Prayer in the Prayer of Humble Access, in the Book of Common Prayer, Page 82:

 

W

E do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

 

Bishop Ogles’ Sermon

We are oft fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s sermon notes.  Today is one of those Sundays.  Today’s sermon starts off with the collect, and like always, it will give you a lot to consider in your heart.

 

Sermon Notes

Second Sunday in Lent

If you do not ask, you do not get

Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide

5 March 2023, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)

 

The Second Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

 

 

A

LMIGHTY God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:

 

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

One great acknowledgment that stands out in today’s Collect for the 2nd Sunday in Lent is this: Since our father Adam partook of the ill-natured tree in the midst of the Garden, Man must still find himself constantly relying upon that OTHER Tree in the midst of the Garden at Eden which he rejected – the Tree of Life. Because of that rejection, we are full of sin and incapable of helping ourselves. We even return to, stop and listen to, and partake of the ill-fated fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It is only the Mercy and Grace offered by the Tree of Life that keeps us from constantly appealing to the serpent of the other tree. This Collect originates in the Gregorian Sacramentary. For a fuller study and brief meditation on the Collects, I recommend The Collects of Thomas Cranmer, by C. Frederick Barbee and Paul F.M. Zahl. (Erdmans, 1999)

 

Sir Francis Bacon has said: “A man’s nature runs either to herbs or weeds. Therefore, let him seasonably water the one and destroy the other.”

 

The Epistle

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

 

W

E beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

 

Quite often, in discussion with the modern Christian, when the sins of abortion and homosexuality (and others of modern character) are raised, the response is: “Well, we have ALWAYS had these sins among us.” This seems to be some off-handed justification for toleration – a favorite tactic of the devil’s minions. The fact is that sins abound today that were not even uttered publicly in centuries past.

 

Though all generations are wicked and adulterous, we witness in history that some are far more wicked and adulterous than others. It must be admitted that it is rare in history to see the level of wickedness and rebellion against God as we see in the present generation. The notion that things are just as they have always been is a deception of the modern church as pointed out by Peter: “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. ” (2 Peter 3:3-4)

 

We know, from the very Words of Jesus, that things have not continued as they have from the beginning. Those who support homosexuality love to argue that nothing has changed, but it certainly has. The nature of sin has not changed, but the abundance of it surely has increased. “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these arethe beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matt 24:6-13) It is a sad characteristic of man to always attempt to justify himself – even in sin.

The Gospel

Matthew 15:21-28

 

T

HEN Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

 

Jesus has just been confronted by the scribes and Pharisees (blind leaders of the blind) who have come to Him with a petty complaint involving hand-washing. These men ruled their charges by red-tape and the jot and tittle of the law, and not out of love. There is one cardinal principle in preaching that may be the most neglected, not only by the former Pharisees, but the contemporary ones as well. That principle is clearly elucidated in 1 Peter 5:2. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:2-4) So Jesus, wearied of the harassment from the mean fellows, resorts to the far reaching coastline of Tyre and Sidon (Phoenicia on the Mediterranean) for a time of peace and quiet. There is also a certain woman in His thoughts that needs to see Him and is awaiting His arrival there. This dear soul has no idea that the Son of David will travel to her distant home, but the Son of David knows, and He comes.

 

The beauty and comfort of God’s providential care for us, even while we were yet strangers, knows no limits on time and distance.  Perhaps, ere you came to Christ, you, too, were a great distance away among a people of Godless character; yet, Christ was aware of your plight and His Holy Spirit, swift as a Dove, came to you and answered your great need. He knew you LONG before you knew Him – even while you were yet in your mother’s womb where He MADE you! Such a wonderful visit of Christ the great Healer and Physician was beyond the realm of possibility in the imagination of the Syro-Phoenician woman. Yet, there was something in her heart that made her believe that God would provide. Already, she had more faith as a Gentile than the Jewish rulers had as the lost sheep of Israel. The reassuring thing about faith in God is this: We need not understand the ways and means of God’s answering our prayers, but only to know that He certainly WILL! The ear of faith, to, is very keen to hear every whispered detail of the Way of the Lord’s Coming whether it be on the road from Galilee, or from Jerusalem. The direction is not so important, but the fact that He will come after all. There is a parallel account of this event in the Gospel of St Mark 7:24-30.

 

We look in upon Jesus immediately after His confrontation over hand-washing with the Pharisees: 21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. Please do not argue that Christ knew not whom He would meet at His destination for I will not believe it. Christ always knew whom He would meet and whom He would heal in every case. He knew a woman of Samaria would come to Jacob’s Well at the noonday hour long before the woman experienced her thirst. So He waited there while the disciples went for bread. You may be the most incorrigible and egregious of sinners, judged so by infidel and Christian alike, but Christ may have already established a point in time when He will seek you out in a land far removed from the familiar people of God. This woman may not be an egregious sinner. In fact, I believe she is a good and faithful mother to the treasure of her bosom, but she has not yet met Christ – and that meeting will make all the difference in her life. Now He is coming. The news is whispered about the villages and among travelers along the dusty roads. His fame has even reached the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, and the woman has heard with bated breath. HOPE is the dominant quality that informs her germinating faith in a Figure see has yet to meet. The Gospel of Saint Mark tells us that Jesus went into a house to rest near the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, but “could not be hid.” (7:24)  No truer statement can be uttered about Jesus – He cannot be hidden from the searching eye, for all that seek Him shall fid Him. (Luke 11:9 et al) There is a Syro-Phoenican woman that is seeking, and she shall find Him at all costs. This is always the cause that brings us to Christ – NEED! Many need, but fail to satisfy that need in coming to Him.

 

22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David. There are three important points to be made in this one statement:

 

  1. The woman did not casually call out for help as if her need, or her expectation, was minor. She CRIED out because her NEED, motivated by a mother’s love for a dear little girl, was GREAT! “my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil
  2. She named no great need in her cry – only a request for mercy. If she has mercy from Christ, she has all else of her need.
  3. She recognized Jesus as the Messiah. That is the meaning of her expression “O Lord, thou Son of David.” She did not call Him ‘a’ son of David, but the prophesied Son of David.

 

When we go to Christ in prayer, do we fully realize He is? This woman KNEW before ever she met Christ. She knew out of NEED and FAITH. Perhaps feeling herself so much so unworthy as the publican who came with the Pharisee to the Temple that day and would not approach so near, she called from a distance unto Christ.

 

Actually, our first call to Christ is always from a distance, for we call out of our bondage and need. It is just as the hymnist, William Sleeper, has written in the hymn we sang today:

 

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,

Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;

Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,

Jesus, I come to Thee;

 

Out of my sickness, into Thy health,

Out of my want and into Thy wealth,

Out of my sin and into Thyself,

Jesus, I come to Thee.

 

23 But he answered her not a word. Was Jesus being unkind to this precious mother? Of course he was not! Jesus showed nothing but the deepest compassion for others in need. Jesus does not answer for two reasons: 1) He desires to allow the woman’s faith to increase, by and by, through her persistence. If we pray ceaselessly and, yet, have not gotten an answer, do we cease to call upon the Lord? God would have us pray with persistence. As we pray continually, our eyes are opened more and more to the Mind of God – our prayers thereby become more and more in accord with His own Will to grant. Do you recall in our previous studies how those who are closest to Christ often prevent those who need Him most from coming? And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. Do we value our comfort and leisure so highly that we forbid others who have a great need from coming to the source of that comfort we have? Are we too cozy in our little buildings of stone walls and high spires? The salt that is not often shaken will harden so that it cannot be dispensed from the shaker.

 

24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Every Word of Christ is with power yet this is one of those ‘BUTS’ which deserve heeding. This woman is from the Canaanite race of Gentiles that the Jews despise. Christ is drawing out of a deep well, the refreshing waters of faith this woman has.  He does it not only for her own benefit, but for the benefit of his Jewish disciples to learn of compassion.  He is saying to the poor mother, “Look, I know you have a need, but I am not sent to any other than the lost sheep of Israel. If you become a child of the Promised Seed, you, too, shall be in the fold of Israel.” The statement of Jesus is looked upon with particular interest by His disciples. Jesus is slowly drawing the woman closer to Himself, and to His Love-Brimmed Heart. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. Yes, we see that the Love of Jesus does draw her nearer, don’t we? She finally is not afraid to worship the Savior of her soul. She asked for the deepest desire of her heart, and that desire derives from a love that is inexpressible for her daughter.

 

Please note thoughtfully the kind and loving response of Jesus to the woman: 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. At first glimpse, this may sound a bit harsh to such a loving mother, but it is laden with love. The word Jesus uses here to describe her relationship to the children of God (Israel) is not the term for the cursed and hated dog of the ghettos, but the Greek word, κυνάριον, pronounced ‘koo-nar’-ee-on’, meaning ‘puppy’ or ‘pet-dog.’ The puppy dog is a pet and is fed by the children by secretly dropping crumbs of food down to them. Perhaps we, as children of God, fail too often to drop these crumbs of the Bread of Life down to those who are starving for love and nourishment. Jesus, from eternity past, has loved this woman and her little daughter; but He needs to show her the manner in which she must come to Him. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. These words were evoked by Christ for the benefit of those standing nearby. He already knew these words were written in the red blood of love on the woman’s heart for her daughter. Had she not needed a healing for her daughter, she may never have sought Christ out.

 

28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. What has Jesus told the woman? He has told her (in other words): “Woman, you have known who I am. You have come seeking me out of a faith born of love. You have persisted in your prayers, so much so, that YOUR will is precisely the Will of God. It is by THAT latter Will that your faith has healed your daughter. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.  God is Light, and His Finger travels with Light Speed. There was no lingering spirit-possession of the daughter – not at all. She was healed that very hour (moment).

 

So what valuable lessons have we learned from this most blessed mother of ancient Phoenicia?

 

  1. Love will call us into a higher place – even to a higher faith in seeking after God.
  2. We must seek the Lord diligently even in places that are perceived unlikely such as the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
  3. We must call out in earnest to Christ not holding back.
  4. We must clearly state our need in prayer.
  5. We must be persistent in prayer even if we only hear silence at first from the Throne of God.
  6. We must not only petition, but listen for the Will of God to be informed of it.
  7. We must worship God even while we are pleading our desperate cause as did the distraught mother.
  8. We must give evidence of our Faith in God without fear of man.

 

Have we exercised this example in prayer? Put it to the test. God is faithful always to answer if our wills are consistent with His Own.

 

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion

Descanso, California

You can view Rev Jack’s sermon on video RIGHT HERE!

https://youtu.be/9vdNyOpx8J

 

Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly contained in the forewords above.

 

Consider these words from the Collect:

 

… we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul …

 

In the Collect, we acknowledge to God that we cannot direct our own lives; if we listen to our own selves we are without guidance.  Consider the airplane flying, it orders its movements according to Polaris, the Pole Star of True North.  If a pilot flies guided by his “inner self” he soon knows only where he is: at the controls, and little else.  Like the pilot who needs to know where the True North is so he can orient himself, we need God’s guidance to move towards our goal of eternal life with Him. While flying my aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions or IMC , I have to rely on the aircraft instruments as our bodily senses lie to us about our aircrafts true altitude. So too do we have to rely on Scriptures for our guidance on the path towards heaven as our natural inclinations will also lie to us on our true performance. And we also need the help of the Holy Ghost to be our infalliable co pilot and help guide us on the narrow uphill path towards heaven.

 

The first step of getting onto the narrow uphill path towards heaven is that we have to let Him into our hearts in order to let Him guide us. If we do not do this, then how can we expect to have Him guide us, if we are not open and ready to receive Him and His Guidance? We would be perpetually lost and would never make it onto the narrow uphill path towards heaven. That is why we need to be open and ready to receive the Holy Spirit and His Guidance.

 

Thus, when Paul tells us to keep our bodies under control of our minds and our minds to be guided by God only, He helps move us on course. He tells us to avoid the things that can sabotage our journey towards God and can physically hurt both our souls and body. These things he lists out are things that would derail us if we engaged in those activities. We must seek to not do them and to instead remain on the courseline that the Holy Spirit has outlined for us. This ties in very well with the collect’s request for God to keep us outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls. It links the theme of both spiritual and physical moderation extremely well.

 

Being honest with others and especially ourselves is one of the most important things we can do. If we are not honest with ourselves to start, how can we be honest with others?  The worst person to lie to is yourself after all. For only by living our faith can we demonstrate that we in fact have faith.  For professed faith with no action when you are able to act is not real.  You must actualize what you claim to believe. We must put our nice words into action and not just leave them as words. We are called to be as God wants us to be, not as we would be without His guidance and help.  God does this, not that we would miss fun, but rather that we would enjoy true happiness.

 

Keeping evil thoughts under control can be a difficult task, but we do not have to face it alone, we have the Holy Ghost in our lives and other Christians and friends that support us and guide us, that can help us battle evil thoughts.  This is not a battle that we should be fighting alone, but with support from the Holy Ghost and our Christians and other friends. Of course we need to be willing to talk to our good friends within the Church about our problems and evil thoughts and listen to their advice, and more importantly to the Holy Ghost’s advice to combat these evil thoughts and drive away the temptations of the devil.  As we have discussed before, Christianity is not a hermitic religion, but a social one. Christianity did not flourish because its followers were hermits, it flourished because its followers evangelized the religion throughout the known world. It is an active religion and it requires its followers to actively participate in it by spreading the Good news.  It would never have spread as far as it did if it was a hermetic religion.  Keeping our thoughts under control can be almost impossible at times but with the help of the Holy Spirit it is not impossible at all.

 

Matthew gives us a fine example of faith that demonstrates how we must be guided by faith in our Lord.  The woman who cries unto Jesus is a Gentile, just like us.  Just like us she longs for His Mercy.  In her case, she asks only for the mercy rejected by others, the crumbs of the Master’s Table[1].  This is the essence of our faith, we are not worthy to dine at His Table, no more than dogs are meet to dine at our table.  Yet, what is left over is more than enough for us.  And we are content with that, knowing what miserable creatures we are.  And, even more important, even knowing what miserable creatures we are, Jesus offers to share His Table with us.  This woman had just as much faith in Jesus as the Faithful Centurion. She had faith that He would share His Mercy with her and heal her Daughter. She was rewarded for her faith by Him healing her daughter. He is not content for us to grovel for His crumbs. If He offers His love for us, should we not love Him back, by acting upon our faith?  If you truly believe, you are compelled to act upon the faith you have. Action is the key cornerstone of the Christian faith. Jesus afterall laid down His life for ours on the cross that we might have eternal life, the ultimate example of action. If He did that for us, it would be behoove us to act upon our Faith and follow His Example of helping others and leading them to God.

 

It is also important to understand if one loves God, He still has the exact same amount of love available for any other person or group.  His love is infinite, even if it wasn’t, love multiplies in use! We do not have to worry about God running out of love at all. There is more than enough to go around!

 

Recognize how poorly you do with your own guidance, accept His Guidance, stay on course and accept the fruits of that action.

 

There is but one way to heaven.

 

That easy to find, easy to follow, easy to hike path does not lead to the summit where eternal life in the real world awaits.  Open your heart to the Holy Ghost, use His Power to follow our Lord to God who awaits in heaven.

 

The time is now, not tomorrow.  The time has come, indeed.  How will you ACT?

 

It is by our actions we are known.

 

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

 

Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor – St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church

Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany, as well as South America.

 

Second Sunday in Lent

Have mercy on me, O Lord

5 March 2023, Anno Domini

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 • Matthew 15:21-28

 

The Second Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

 

 

A

LMIGHTY God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:

 

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.

 

 

L

ET us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  (Hebrews 4:16)

 

Why was this Canaanite woman so persistent?

 

What would motivate her to be so forward, especially a woman, a Gentile woman, speaking to a Jewish man?

 

The mores and customs of the time included a very strict protocol pertaining to any communications between men and women. And to take it a step further, two people of two diametrically opposed cultures.

 

What she was doing was unheard of, and yet she persevered with her petition to the Lord.  A mother, seeking the best for her child, went to extreme lengths to get something done for her daughter.  It is obvious Jesus’ reputation for healing the sick, casting out demons, healing the blind, and crippled had preceded him in this area that was mostly pagan territory. This mother was not going to be sent away, without getting some type of results or answer.

 

When Jesus initially ignores her and her request. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word.  But his disciples want him to send her away.  And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

 

Obviously Jesus’ silence was not working, she continued to cry and seek relief for her daughter.

 

Jesus tells her he is there for the lost sheep of Israel.   But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 

So what does she do?  She does what many in Israel did not do… Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.  Wow, such a different approach from those who had followed Jesus and still did not believe on him.  Here is a Gentile woman, knowing that Jesus must be divine, worshiped him.  And yet as the Lord explains to her what he is doing; But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.  She persists.  And she said. Truth Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

 

And we then see what the Lord does for her persistent faith and worship: Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour

 

Do we have that kind of faith?  Are we willing to continue in prayer and worship to the Lord, when we don’t seem to get an answer?

 

What does it take for us to have the faith that this woman had?

 

The lesson of the Gospel passage points to the mercy of the Lord and the faith of a simple mother seeking the best for her child. The nature of what the demon was doing to the young girl is not spelled out, suffice it to say, the demon possession was enough to cause a mother to find a cure. A mother willing to cross cultural boundaries, to seek what seemed to be impossible, to both petition and offer praise to a foreign deity, and yet after all was recorded, she was successful in her faithful quest.

 

As we come closer to the great day of Resurrection, the Easter Day, the day of victory over death and hopelessness, let us ever be mindful of what Jesus did on the Cross, in the tomb, and on that first day of the week.  Let us reread the second collect for this day:

 

The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Let us pray:

 

O

 MOST loving Father, who wilest us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of thee, and to cast all our care on thee, who carest for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hid from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which thou hast manifested unto us in thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.    Amen.

 

A

LMIGHTY God, who hast created man in thine own image; Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil, and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice among men and nations, to the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

T

HE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore.    Amen.

 

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon

We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon.  If you want people to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, espouse the truth and live the truth.    This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.

 

Second Sunday in Lent

 

In the Epistle Paul counseled believers with these words: … we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God… For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness… And such is in conformity with our Lord’s warning that, not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21). If one lives to satisfy his fleshly desires, then such a one is not right with God and cannot receive the inheritance he would give to any person who would be obedient to his word and commandment.

 

Hear also the words of St. Paul from I Corinthians 6:9-10 wherein he warned, Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. What clearer picture do you need to understand what God wants and what he will not accept regarding entry into his celestial kingdom? Our heavenly Father has an inheritance prepared for every faithful Christian that is beyond our comprehension in beauty and joy. Consider an earlier passage from I Corinthians: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen , nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (2:9). This inheritance was won for us by our Lord Jesus Christ who paid for our admission in his own blood. As the Paul noted in I Corinthians 6:20, For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

Nevertheless, the unregenerate— especially those within the church— have been convinced by the evil one to hold onto their godless predispositions involving the world, the flesh and the devil. As I penned in another sermon, their “faith” is nothing more than a modern version of Gnosticism. As one Christian historian has observed concerning its following in the ancient world: “[The Gnostics] interpreted the Scriptures in an allegorical manner, making every statement mean whatever the interpreter saw fit.” The same is true today. Modern Gnostics employ a cherry-picking technique where they hold to selected Bible tenets apart from their intended meanings as found in Scripture. They claim the name of Christ all the while framing their principles in the form of, having everything the way they want it. And such includes the world; the church; their relationships; and of course, their understanding of morality. So, it is not at all surprising to the observant Christian that much of what loosely passes for modern “religion” is derived in some degree from Classical Gnosticism.

 

Given the current state of affairs regarding the Christian Church, what should the faithful be doing to ensure their godly inheritance?

 

First

We should heed the warning of St. Paul who said: Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers… (II Corinthians 6:14). The unequal yoke exists because the Devil desires supremacy. No regenerate person will find safety or comfort for his soul amongst those who have rejected the Godhead. If you find yourself in such a fellowship then you ought to forthwith get yourself hence. As the apostle Paul noted further in II Corinthians 6:17, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

 

Second

We must beware of false prophets and false teachers who are inwardly ravening wolves (Matthew 7:15). A good rule of thumb is that all false ministers are Satan’s messengers. If you have any questions about a minister’s faith, listen to how he treats the Bible. Those who doubt God’s word written have no business preaching God’s word written.

 

Third

We must avoid the sins of the flesh (I Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:3-7). The apostle Paul noted in his epistle to the Romans that those, who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them (1:32). So, one does not have to commit a particular sin to be guilty of it. One need only approve of those who commit the same. God will judge your tolerance for evil as an acceptance of evil.

 

Fourth

We must put on the whole armor of God and stand ready for battle against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:10-18). There is a great spiritual war going on around us and we all must choose a side. If you choose to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, then you will face persecution and tribulation, nevertheless you will triumph with our Lord at his coming and receive the gift of everlasting life in his kingdom. Donning the whole armor of God will protect you in this fight. For the faithful Christian you can expect from our adversary no negotiation, and no pity. You cannot placate God, and you certainly cannot placate the Devil except to purchase a momentary pleasure which will result in an eternity of heartache and misery (Revelation 20:11-15).

 

Fifth

We must attempt to rescue those who have fallen into pit of false religion by contending for the faith through our witness on our Lord’s behalf (Jude 3); by praying for and beseeching God to give them repentance that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will (II Timothy 2:26). We are thus expected to reach into the fire and pull as many out as we can (Jude 22-23). To aid us in this cause, we must ask the LORD for an in-filling of the Holy Ghost, for only through his presence within and around us will we be enabled to truly serve our Lord in his harvest.

 

Remember, to paraphrase Charles Spurgeon, it is Christ who saves us from our sins and not in our sins. Therefore, seek his forgiveness daily and encourage others to do likewise.

Time is short as the day of Christ is at hand and we need to be instant in season, out of season. We need to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (II Timothy 4:2). So be in prayer and read your bibles and do not hesitate to ask God for assistance. We have friends and loved-ones who are in danger and need to be warned. We cannot quit now regardless of how late it is for only the Father knows the day and the hour of our Lord’s return. We should not be about condemnation but about reclamation. Yes, we must warn the unregenerate about the terror of the Lord, but the central message to them ought to be about being made right with God and following his path to the inheritance he has for us. Therefore, be Bereans (Acts 17:10-11); be watchful (Luke 21:36); be ready (Matthew 24:44); and be armored (Ephesians 6:10). If we will keep the commandments of our Lord, we will be blessed and our works will have value in his sight. Only by keeping his word and commandments will we be made fit to receive the blessings he has for us in his eternal kingdom.

 

Let us pray,

 

H

OLY Father, pour upon us thy most holy Spirit, that we being so filled will fight the good fight and rescue those who have been ensnared by the false religions which Satan has established to cloud men’s minds; and these things we ask in the name of thine only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Have a blessed week,

 

Bryan+

 

People in our Prayers – http://faithfulcenturionprayerteam.blogspot.com/

Why? Prayer is an extremely important activity.

It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God’s work.

 

The Prayer Team of the Anglican Orthodox Church was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.

 

Who can be on the list? Do I have to be a member of the Anglican Orthodox Church to be prayed for?

No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.

 

What is the commitment from the prayer team?

Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at last once per day.

 

How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?

You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Jack – jack@faithfulcenturion.org or Dru – dru@ faithfulcenturion.org, or call the office at (619) 659-3608 or fill out a prayer card at your church.

 

What should I ask for?

Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.

 

Updating the Team

If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Hap in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is our happy duty to give thanks!

 

Please note that on the yellow (maybe green or orange if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the prayer team. Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask that their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Hap will know to pray for them.

 

Prayer List Notice If you have someone on the prayer list and their needs have changed, please let us know.  Wed like to update our prayers to reflect the need and most important to give thanks!

 

Corona Virus

With most of the world on some form of restriction, we ask you pray for the governments be guided into appropriate reaction and scientists find cures and vaccines and that the virus pass each of us by.

 

Laurie, daughter of Jim and Mary Lou Flanagan has post-Covid lung damage, dizziness, falling, blacking out and loss of time relation. Please pray that they find a cure for these problems for Laurie.

 

Sandra (63) and her two grandchildren. Sandra and her daughter live in New York and recently got Covid requiring hospitalization and ventilators in ICU. Sandra’s daughter died in ICU and Sandra pulled through and is now home. She is coping with traumatic grief, as she did not get to see or get to be near her daughter in her time of need, confusion on how to proceed on providing for and protecting her and her grandchildren who are teenagers. Please pray for the Lord’s comfort in

 

Bishop David Pressey and his wife Elizabeth, from St. George’s Anglican Church of Ventura are recovering from Covid.  Please pray for their complete and rapid recovery, as well as to know what treatment they need.

 

Bill Hall is still having difficulty breathing and with his ability to move about.

 

Kai Mandella – Loss of Lung Function

 

Donald and his family. Donald has Covid, is medically sedated, and has been on a ventilator for a number of days.  He makes a little progress and then experiences a setback.  This had been a rollercoaster pattern now for a while.  Please pray that our Heavenly Father will restore him to health and that He will meet the emotional and financial needs of the family at this time.  Donald has a wife and four children.

 

Travel

No known travel this week

 

Birthdays

Amy Jamieson celebrated her 47th birthday on 22 February 2023.

Dru Arnold celebrated her 68th birthday on 2 February 2023, for the record she did not see her shadow, so spring is here.  No more winter!

Roy Morales-Kuhn celebrated his 69th birthday on 23 December 2022.

Jack Arnold celebrated his 30th birthday on 26 October 2022.

 

Anniversary

Dru and Hap Arnold celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on 21 February 2023.

 

Departed

Michelle Hinman succumbed to an unknown abdominal cancer on 8 February 2023.  A strong Christian, she was also a mother and young wife as they adjust to life without her.

 

James Flanagan, AOC Bishop in Pennsylvania, passed away the morning of 28 December 2022, after battling numerous aliments for many years.  He wanted to make it past Christmas to be with his family.  His wish was granted.  Please give comfort and strength to his wife of 62 ½ years Mary Lou and to their entire family, particularly Christopher and Laurie. God’s will has been done and all are at peace with that knowledge.  There are many things to be said about him, almost all good or even great, but I have zero doubt the only titles he was really concerned with were:

  • Follower of Our Lord Jesus Christ;
  • Husband
  • Father

 

Allene H. Dabney, mother of Rev Bryan Dabney, left for home on 26 December 2022. Please pray for her family as they adjust to the temporary separation and give thanks for her time here on earth.

 

Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) left for home on 4 November 2022, after a long and hard fought battle against so many illnesses that it is almost unbelievable.  She has always had a deep trust in the Lord and seldom waivered from an amazingly positive attitude.  Please give thanks for her time here on earth and for comfort for those who remain behind.

 

Remembrance of those who have gone before us

Kenneth Wayne Ogles was killed in action on 16 February 1967, in the Ia Drang Valley, in the Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam, with the First Platoon of C Company, First Battalion 8th Cavalry, First Cavalry Division at the age of 19.  Kenneth joined the National Guard at age 17 and immediately transferred to the active Army’s First Cavalry Division.  He wanted to make a difference, to do his duty to God and Country and protect the innocent people of South Vietnam.  He gave all that we might be free.  Please join us in remembering his service and sacrifice, as well as the hurt that it cost the entire Ogles family, the sacrifice and pain is no less 56 years later.  Remember Kenneth the next time someone wants you to give a little freedom for the promise of safety or comfort.

 

Immediate Prayer Please

 Alicia, her husband, Andrew, and their two young daughters.  Alicia has Susac’s Disease and narcolepsy. She has not been able to work and is having a difficult time even functioning. Please pray for her, her family, and those that attend her. May heavenly wisdom fill the doctors that they may treat Alicia and serve as God’s instruments to restore her to health.

 

Harry Brooks, Major USMC – GA ANG Retired – just finished a round of chemotherapy, which he barely survived and is set for removal of a cancerous bladder in March 2023.  Please pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and for peace of mind for Harry and his family and for a good result.

 

Major Tom Connell, a good friend of Hap Arnold, had surgery on 25 February 2022, for abdominal cancer to remove a tumor.  Spots have now appeared on his liver and he is restarting chemotherapy in January 2023.  Tom asks you join him in praying for him to tolerate the treatment.  Tom is a good guy and a faithful Christian; he is grateful for weathering this storm to date and the comfort God provided to him and his family.

 

Bob Apple just found out he has cancer and is beginning treatment.  Please pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance; pray also for peace of mind for Bob.

 

Deanna Sampson went in Thursday for cataract surgery and found she had an irregular heartbeat with precluded the operation. Please pray for resolution of the heartbeat problems so she can get her cataract operation.

 

Henry Johnson (age 3) suffers from a rare form of epilepsy. Please join his parents in praying a treatment regimen can be found to treat his condition.

 

Tricia Marie gives thanks for an apparently successful coil surgery to seal off an aneurysm at the base of her skull on 12 January 2023.  She has seemingly recovered from the stroke of December 2021.  She still headaches which had been bothering her for months since she got the Moderna vaccine.  She has had almost no real sleep or rest for months.  She fell on stairs and while apparently broke nothing, is very sore and scared herself.  She has gotten some relief from the headache from a Botox injection series, may that continue.  Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for relief from the headache, nausea and pain and rest for her, for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her and a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for her and her family.

 

Shamu is totally exhausted, but in relatively good spirits.  Shamu has a terrible headache, is in a lot of pain; feels like she has been stabbed, totally exhausted and weak, but her faith is incredibly strong.  They have found a mass in her upper abdomen which must be investigated.  She asks you pray for guidance for the medical people helping her. After 36 surgeries, she is quite very weak, but strong in her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time.  She needs your prayer.  Please.

 

Tommy Cook is beset by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Congestive Heart failure.  It seems there is little that can be done except fight a delaying action against the aggressive pair.  At present it seems like the only avenue open is a heart lung transplant and little chance of that. He asks you pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and the miracle of a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for him and his family.  He is a very strong Christian and has no concern for himself, but for his wife, children and mother.

 

Johnie Ratcliff  is having breathing issues.

 

Brady on the way to enter the armed forces in Virginia Beach, got in a horrible tragic car accident that required surgery to restructure his foot, and back surgery to relieve pressure on his spine and repair the breaks. Please pray for his parents, and that he, unsure of what his future will hold, will understand the Lord Jesus Christ holds his future and He will not fail nor forsake him.

 

David Connis has Stage Four colon cancer, he can no longer do chemotherapy and has switched to immunotherapy in the hope of surviving to participate in an experimental program in December.  Please pray for strength and guidance for him and his nine year old daughter, as well as what we consider a good outcome.

 

John Crawford, of Tennessee, is in ICU for treatment of pancreatitis.  Please pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and for peace of mind for John and his family and for a good result.

 

Lori Barnett had a large mass in her abdomen surgically removed which turned out to be cancerous.  She has begun chemotherapy.  Please pray for the cessation of pain and discomfort for her and for her to tolerate the chemotherapy.

 

George Gunn, a dear friend of Bishop Jerry, is in hospital with several afflictions, most serious is MRSA. He and wife Becky ask your prayers for healing.

 

George Johnson, MD, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. From Dr. George Hardin Johnson,  I need all my friends and prayer warriors to pray for me, that the new chemo pill (meds) that the doctor ordered will be use mightily by the Lord Jesus to heal my body. Pray that there will be no side effects and my body can handle the meds. Thanks and God bless you all for your prayers in the mighty name of our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. We know God is in full control and we are trusting in Him to give George a complete healing!

 

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells

 

While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, the cancer can be managed successfully in many patients for years; the average life expectancy is 4 years. However, some people beat the odds and live 10 to 20 years or more.

 

The most common cause of death related to multiple myeloma is infection, with pneumonia being the most common fatal infection. Other common causes of death are bleeding (from low platelet counts), complications of bone fractures, kidney failure, and blood clots in the lungs.

 

Hank Mook recently had surgery on a five inch rare pleomorphic non-small cell lung carcinoma which was removed along with a lung lobe, it had not spread. He will need chemotherapy which will begin 5 April 2021. The family is asking for prayers for complete healing. Praising God for successful surgery. Please pray for trust in God, comfort and strength for Hank, his wife Patti and family as they go through the time ahead.

 

Rev Jack Andrews, his family and all those living in Fiji Islands just went through a Category Five Cyclone with another one coming their way. They were a month without electric, however, they did have solar power so they were able to make it through the month without incident and are preparing for the next event.  Please pray for them to make it through the next storm safely.

 

Greg was in an explosive work accident leading to burns over 65% of his body. He is in the hospital and will be for months. Also pray for his mother, who recently lost her husband and now is overseeing her son’s care; she is disabled and in a wheel chair.

 

Lauralee Meade has tested positive for Covid 19; she is only moderately concerned as she has no symptoms.  She asks you pray she stay that way and test negative so she can visit her mother.  Please pray also for a complete remission of her cancer.  Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.

 

Inga, the wife of Tore, requests prayer for her husband in Norway. He is awaiting surgery for a heart valve and kidney transplants. He is nearing surgery.  Please pray for trust in the Lord for her, her husband and family and friends who are so very worried about him.  Pray also for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him that they might be open to God’s guidance for treatment, pay attention and do their very best to help him.  Pray for a good outcome.

 

Angela Walker has Covid and has been hospitalized and currently is in the ICU doing poorly.  Please pray for trust in the Lord for her, her husband, two young children and family and friends who are so very worried about her.  Pray also for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her that they might be open to God’s guidance for treatment, pay attention and do their very best to help her.  Pray for a good outcome.

 

Rhonda, a close friend of Angie Colgrove, has Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer[2]. Please pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her that they might be open to God’s guidance, pay attention and do their very be Please pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Rhonda and her family.

 

Elizabeth Pressey, wife of AOC Bishop Dave Pressey, is seriously ill.  Please pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her that they might be open to God’s guidance, pay attention and do their very be Please pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Elisabeth, Dave, their son Eddie and family.

 

Zephaniah Leguman – the Iron Bishop of the Pacific – has been diagnosed with a serious eye affliction that could lead to blindness.  It presently stop deteriorating and seems to be improving.  Please give thanks for this positive movement and pray the condition will continue to abate.

 

Gary Anderson of Enterprise has been hospitalized with unknown illness. He requests prayer for diagnosis and healing.

 

Corrie Marsh, daughter of Ida Benson, is facing serious medical procedures in coming days.  Please pray for trust in God for Corrie and her family and for the doctors, nurses and technicians to pay attention and do their very best, as well as to be open to God’s guidance.

 

Cyrus has blood cancer and is very very ill.  Please pray the doctors treating him will pay attention and do their very best.  Pray also for comfort and peace for Cyrus and his family; pray that if it not be that he will recover that he past restfully to home.

 

Jill was on life support; her family members traveled a great distance to see her and returned home safely.  Jill’s condition improved to critical, but needs your prayers to continue her recovery.

 

Samson Hendrik has prostate cancer and his kidneys are not working. Pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to him and his family of friends during this illness.

 

In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan

Sandy has be diagnosed with malignant lung cancer. She has COPD and therefore not a candidate for surgery. Her only medical option is for Chemo and Radiation according to her Drs.:  Sandy is a Christian who believes in the healing power of prayer.  Sandy has been a friend of Mary Lou Flanagan since high school as well as going to college together.

 

John Thomas, of Malaysia, a long time friend of Bishop Jerry, a persevering servant of the Lord for many years. His health has begun to fade in his present age of 79. Please pray the Lord will extend a merciful hand to John, and his devoted wife Gina, in working out His perfect will for both.

 

Joey Angelica is a recovering addict with liver cancer and diabetes, he lost his job during the plandemic, then found out he has liver cancer.  He is a very strong Christian, he and his friend Vicki ask that you pray for his recovery and continued trust in God.

 

Michael Baran End stage congestive heart failure.  20 March 20 at 10:56 AM  To all my friends and family I had to go to the hospital in Rochester NY where I had my implant mechanical heart assist pump placed in my abdomen. I have end stage heart failure.    On Wednesday I had to go to the hospital I was in need of a wheelchair I was very weak and I needed to have someone push me because I got short of breath, and I was so weak, I needed assistance to get up out of the wheelchair.    I had to do a walk test and I had to have help to stand up my blood pressure was so low.  I fell back In to the wheel chair.   I tried to walk after they got me up and was able to use the hand rail and walk about a hundred feet there were two aids behind me I had to stop and nearly collapsed. They kept me from going down.   After all the tests were done the Nurse practitioner reviewed over the results. I had one valve replaced about 6 months ago.  But now the other 3 are leaking,    there is not much they can do for me.

 

Yesterday I prayed that if God didn’t need me here. to take me home.  I long to be free of this old body and to see my Lord, my family and friends that have gone on to their rewards, to be with them evermore.  I told the Lord if he needs me here then he needs to renew my strength so that I can walk.

 

I woke up this morning and felt good. I got up to go to the bathroom and to my surprise I did not struggle to stand up!!!  I actually walked to the bathroom without a walker.     I am back in bed crying as I write this to you as the Holy Spirit brought to my mind Isaiah 40:31 ..Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and shall soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary they shall walk and not faint.

 

I have been unable to walk more than 100 ft or so, for the last six months in the last two weeks my oxygen saturation was as low as 74 and unable to walk without a walker.   have a lift chair-recliner in the TV room. I am now able to get up without it.!!!

 

My God is an awesome God he has heard my prayers and has indeed strengthened me.!!!

 

Janine Alvarado’s daughter has what appears to be terminal cancer, she is in much pain, in and out of the hospital.  She asks that you pray for a miraculous recovery for her daughter and if that not be God’s will, a safe passing home.  She asks you pray also for peace of mind and strength for both of them.

 

Neal has heart problems and is very weak, he also has COPD, kidney problems, his potassium is too high, he came back from the point of death.  He is now home and permanently on oxygen.  He is doing well, for that he and his family are grateful and ask your thanksgiving prayers.  More importantly, please pray Neal will accept salvation through our Lord and Savior.

 

Paul is in hospice and ready to meet His Lord.  Please pray for Paul as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him.  Pray for the faith of his family to build and the transition to be good.

 

Dot is an elderly woman with liver cancer.  Please pray for Dot as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her.  Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.

 

Mrs. Tiffany (90) has chosen to refuse extraordinary care as it will not gain much earthly time.  The Tiffanys have been together for a long, long, long time. Pray for Mrs. Tiffany and her husband as together they begin this Journey to be with their Lord.

 

Saundra is in ICU with congestive heart failure after a heart operation.  She is aged and frail.  Saundra is near the end of her time here on earth.  Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Saundra and her family who will of necessity remain behind.  Pray for the love of God to stay foremost in their hearts.

 

Polly is in hospice care with dementia and spinal stenosis.  Please pray for her as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her.  Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.

 

Ron had a Heart Attack, at the hospital he found out he also has Kidney Cancer.  He is a man of faith and is in need of prayer for his health and that the Lord will provide strength for his family.

 

Krysti is off life support and able to talk, please give thanks for the good news.  She is still unable to feel her legs. When that comes back she will go to a rehabilitation facility.  Krysti has used drugs, has high blood pressure, is diabetic and has organ failure. Her families are with her and will appreciate your prayers.

 

Pat has metastatic osteosarcoma; there is little that can be done.  Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Pat’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Pat and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

 

Amy has been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and has cancer all over her body, and in one of her kidneys which are no longer functioning.  Amy and her family have asked for prayer to stop the growth and to aid the family financially with the medical bills. At present she has to have surgery every two months to place stents. Pray Jesus will be close to all.

 

Gemma Dillinger has been treating for breast cancer for over a year now, after surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, she is reaching the limit of her tolerance with no end in sight.  Please pray for her to gain strength and ground on the cancer.  Help her to continue with her faith in our Lord, she is not afraid to go home, but wants to make sure it is time.  Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go and that her time here on earth with her family will be good.

 

Janet has had a blood borne cancer for several years.  Her faith in the Lord is great and she is ready to be with Him.  Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go.

 

Holly has had Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer and now it is in her spine. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Holly, for a miraculous remission; that Holly’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Holly and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.  Pray for strength and courage for Holly.

 

Tim was on a kidney transplant list and started dialysis and was taken off the transplant list for a heart problem that required stents, while putting in stents a leaking valve was found. A port was put in and something happened and it has to be redone. In several days he will have a valve replaced, after heart surgery and recover he will go back on the transplant li Please remember him in prayer in the days and weeks ahead.  Pray he will put his worry on God’s shoulders so he might be at peace and re Pray for those treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.

 

Marilyn has been diagnosed with non-operable pancreatic cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Marilyn’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Marilyn and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

 

June found she has a recurrence of colon cancer, which is now Stage Four, that is it has spread.  Please pray for a miraculous remission; that June’s remaining time here hon earth might be good.  Help June and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

 

Leon McKay suffered a stroke a few weeks back that has left him unable to speak and while undergoing evaluation the doctors also found he has a very aggressive cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Leon’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Leon and his family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Rev. Thomas Brooks is not improving and being kept alive by artificial machines. Please pray for a miraculous recovery and if that not be God’s Will, a rapid passing to home. Help Thomas’ family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Ronnie has kidney cancer that has spread and the surgeons are very concerned. Please pray the medical team to formulate a successful treatment plan and for a miraculous remission; that Ronnie’s remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Ronnie and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Levi was cancer free for 4 years and just discovered he has kidney cancer. Levi has a great deal of faith and said whether he is healed or God takes him home he will be fine. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Levi and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.  In particular, please pray for pain relief; Levi is 22 years old.

 

Ray Daley is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served his country during the Korean War era. Ray is taking chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Meanwhile his son Trevor is in the hospital in a coma and seems to have lost the will to live.

 

Pat has been under treatment for colon cancer for some time.  He has had major complications the last few days and your prayers will be appreciated by family and friends.

 

Dorothy had pneumonia, on checking her lungs they found tumors which permeated the lung area.  Further investigation found a primary site in the colon, with the lung being secondary.  It would appear there is no viable treatment at this time.  Please pray for a miraculous remission; that her remaining time here on earth might be good.  Help Dorothy and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Becky has fourth stage metastasized lung cancer and is not doing well with chemotherapy treatments.  Please pray for Becky and her husband as they are together during this difficult time in their lives.

 

Colleen has been battling pancreatic cancer over the last year and it has now spread to one of her lungs.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

 

Christine has cancer of the colon, which spread to her liver; she is receiving chemotherapy and is having difficulty eating.  Please pray for the medical team treating her to pay attention and do their very best; pray also for confidence in our Lord for Christine and her family.

 

Homebound or Infirm

Jim and Pam Lanno – After Jim was recovering from a heart attack, he noticed something was off. Soon came the diagnosis of ALS along with dementia. He is in his early 60s. Pam is learning the role of care taker and overwhelmed and fearful at times. Both are good Christians and love the Lord with all their hearts. Pray for God’s Comfort and Guidance for both and all caretakers who assist.

 

Babe in her late 80s is experiencing an inability to move at times throughout her day and fear of anyone helping her. Please pray for her family who are caretakers that they may be able to provide the care she needs.

 

John has Alzheimer’s pray he will call on God to help him as he deals with this.

 

Steve, brother in law of Paul Martin, appears to have early onset dementia.  Steve had teenage children and is very concerned for them.  Please pray for the disease to stall or abate and for peace of mind for Steve and his family.

 

Joan has had serious medical problems that have kept her confined. Please pray her health will remain stable.

 

Surgery

Edware is having his fourth back surgery (in the last four years) Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Edware and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

Jeff has been undergoing surgery, chemo and radiation since October for pancreatitis and Pancreatic cancer. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Jeff, his wife and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

Albert had a pacemaker installed recently. He will require surgery soon for a leaking heart valve and has just been told he has esophageal cancer. Pray he will turn to God and come to know Him on a more personal basis as the days go by.

 

Mario has early-diagnosed prostate cancer and had surgery. Pray for complete remission and that Mario and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

 

Testing and Treatment

Melissa Morgan, a young woman in her thirties just found out she has ovarian cancer. Pray with Melissa, her family and friends the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Melissa, her family and friends in this worrisome time.

 

April and her husband ask you prayers for the Lord to guide them and lead them both to the correct medical care; and that the family may receive comfort in the process.

 

Josh has two little children and just discovered he has a rare form of Cancer. Please keep him and his family in your prayers in the days ahead.

 

Ross an elderly gentleman has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Ross has had good health until now, your prayers at this time will be appreciated by his family and friends.

 

Carman was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Pray for her family as they continue to help her get the proper care.  Pray with Carman, her family and friends that the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Carman, her family and friends in this worrisome time.

 

Tina just found out she has cancer on her left kidney. Please pray for guidance for the people treating her and for trust in our Lord for Tina and her family.

 

Martha is now home after testing and she does not have cancer, but she does have bad kidneys and is adjusting and getting ideas to work with that. Please pray for guidance for the people treating her and for trust in our Lord for her.

 

Spencer has been diagnosed with Autism.  Please pray for guidance for the people treating him and for trust in our Lord for him and his mother Lorna.

 

Michael has cancer of the blood and is starting chemotherapy.  Please pray for the physicians treating him to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Michael.

 

Jim Sevier has been in the hospital for heart related troubles.  Please pray with Jim and his family the physicians treating him will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Jim and his family in this worrisome time.

 

Claude has been falling and he does not know why. Pray doctors will discover what the problem is and he can continue without any more difficulties.

 

Gretchen has been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and is now being treated with exercise, nutrition and vitamins.  Please pray with Gretchen and her family the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Gretchen and her family in this worrisome time.

 

Pete has not been well and is back in the hospital with another stroke.  Please pray for the physicians treating him to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Pete and his family in this worrisome time.

 

Mary Lee has bleeding into her stomach and they cannot find the sources. Mary Lee is in CCU and her husband Maurice is not eating until she returns home for is so upset.  Please pray for the physicians treating her to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for her, Maurice, as well as the rest of the family in this worrisome time.

 

Glenn Porter, MAJ USMC Retired, has Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis, which causes him to be unable to get enough oxygen into his system without supplemental oxygen all the time.  The only real treatment is a lung transplant, without a transplant he has between two to five years here on earth.  Please pray for him to continue in his faith and for a set of lungs to become available.

 

Pat has an aneurism of the brain, pray she will make the right decision on how to treat this problem and it will be healed.

 

Dan is very sick with cancer and is starting an experimental treatment.  This treatment will take Dan away from their family business and put even more stress on him and his family.  Please pray for Dan’s wife who is meeting with Steve who plans to keep the family business going while Dan is ill.  Pray for Steve as he has many new responsibilities.

 

Timothy has brain cancer. He had surgery and is waiting for the pathology report to find out what kind of chemo he will need.  Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team treating Timothy and patience and trust in God for Timothy and his family.  Pray also for a full recovery for Timothy.

 

Elma has been suffering with headaches for a long time.  Doctors have not been able to discover the reason for them. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Elma and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to banish the headaches completely.

 

Deborah has had a stroke, she is doing much better and out of the hospital. She has a problem with anemia and is taking supplements for that. Pray our Lord will be close to her and her family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Deborah and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to allow her to heal completely.

 

Rev. Steve Boardman has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Pray that Jesus will be close and comfort his family and members of his congregation.

 

Hang So Ryu has cancer. Please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very be Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for him and his family, as well as physical strength.

 

Olivia, age 7, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma. The prognosis is good at this time, please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very be Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Olivia and her family, as well as physical strength.

 

Paul has been hospitalized recently several times because of persistent high fevers. He is being tested and checked by physicians and seems to have a slight scoliosis, a node and Schuermann’s disease.  Please pray it will be discovered how to treat these problems and healing will begin so he will be inspired to continue his education.

 

Rick has heart problems.  Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment.  Pray for help for Rick and his wife Wanda to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

 

Stacy has Multiple Sclerosis and was hospitalized for what turned out to be food poisoning.  Pray for trust in God for Stacy and Chris as they deal with Stacy’s illness.

 

Faye is in the hospital because she is weak has been receiving blood transfusions. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Faye and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Faye to heal completely.

 

Tom has heart and kidney problems. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Tom and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Tom to heal completely.

 

Joe has had a preliminary ALS diagnosis. Pray the final diagnosis will something that will allow him to continue taking care of his devoted young family.  Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Joe and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Preston is reacting poorly to recent neck surgery and now has problems with his liver count; Physicians feel that dialysis will help. There may be a blockage in the bowel and an operation might be necessary.  Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best to determine how to help Preston and for a good outcome.  Pray also that Preston and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders while Preston does his best to facilitate a return to good health.

 

Brenda is in the hospital because of bleeding on her brain. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Brenda, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Mackenzie is a young girl with leukemia. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mackenzie, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Mack has had diabetes most of his adult life. Circulation in his legs is very bad and doctors are considering amputation. Please pray his medication will help and he will not face amputation. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mack and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Michael has been diagnosed with lung cancer recently after making it through gastro intestinal cancer last year. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Michael and his wife Gayle; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

 

Adriano is in the hospital due to high sugar and high blood pressure. He is very weak and will appreciate your prayers.

 

Heather recently found out she has cancer.  Please pray for peace of mind for her and for the medical team treating her will be guided to the right solution.

 

Jim has had an aneurism and blood clots. Pray that healing will come.

 

Georgia has liver and pancreatic cancer. The doctors are evaluating whether to do surgery and how to tackle the disease. Georgia is a faithful Christian and appreciates your prayers. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment.  Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Georgia and her family.

 

Lanas doctor found something on her lymph nodes and ovaries. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment.  Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Lana and her family.

 

Healing

Madisun Hanks (19) has Tourette’s Syndrome and suffers from horrible migraine headaches.  There are various very high risk treatments which provide some relief.  None of them are close and none are easy.  Madisun is truly one of the most inspiring young ladies we have ever come across, her attitude and actions are almost unbelievable.  No one should have to go through what she does, but she makes it through and performs incredibly when others just get by.  Please pray for Madisun, her mom Hilda who guides her through all this and those treating her.

 

Hilda Hanks has developed diabetes, which resulted in the need for eye surgery and has difficulty with the added stress in her life.  Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very best.  Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Hilda and Madisun.

 

Linda recently had a basal cell carcinoma removed and she is doing well, 15 years with Multiple Myeloma is doing great. She is continuing bimonthly chemo and this keeps her going strong, she is grateful for all prayers.

 

Chris Hill (close friend of Jon Weston) suffered a brain aneurysm and needs your prayers. He came out of a coma he had been in since the week before Christmas 2016.  He is now in a stepdown facility. Every day is a new day to him; his memory seems to have been damaged to a point where it is not recovering so far.   Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very be Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Chris and his family.

 

Rev Bill had a stroke. Pray he will stay comfortable and Jesus will be close by, please pray for a full and rapid recovery.

 

Vickie has been bothered with Migraines and all that go with the headaches.  Please pray for relief from the pain for Vickie.

 

Jon has Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma. There is good news in that he is in remission; however the chemotherapy is producing neuropathy in his legs so it is a challenge for him to get around. Please pray that he will be as comfortable as possible; he has been a Marathon runner so this is especially difficult.

 

Amy has melanoma in her lungs, liver and kidneys; they have found a treatment for her that has a high success rate however the side effects are debilitating. Please pray she will be able to tolerate the side effects and the treatment is successful.  Amy has full trust in the Lord, but would still appreciate your prayers.

 

Liz had a massive stroke at age thirty-seven. The prognosis is good but she has a long road ahead.  Please pray for guidance for those treating her, for trust in our Lord for Liz and her family, for healing.

 

Ebick is suffering from a severe ulcer but the Doctors cannot give her the proper dosage of the medicine due to her six month pregnancy.  Please pray doctors will find an alternative avenue for treatment or that God will provide.

 

Stan is going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer. He is elderly and the treatments are tiring him.  Please pray for his wife Marvelene as they do this together.

 

David has many concussions and unable to go to school, read books, watch TV and has headaches and migraines. He has trouble sleeping and his family will appreciate your prayers for this 10 year old young man.

 

Gladys has breast cancer and has had a lumpectomy. She needs to take a year off of her work to have chemo treatments.

 

Alwin Jack has had a stroke and recently has had a relapse.  Please pray for those who treat Alwin that they might choose the best possible treatment and pray for peace of mind for Alwin during the recovery phase.

 

Carolyn has Multiple Sclerosis with complications. Pray Carolyn and her children will be close to our Lord Jesus Christ as they and family members help to ease the problems.

 

Bill had malignant growth removed from a lip last month and seems to be experiencing a re-growth of the cancer.  He asks your prayer for the medical team treating him and for peace of mind for himself.

 

Hank has osteoporosis, which has caused him a great deal of pain and inconvenience in the past few years. Pray for his healing and that his medical bills will be met.

 

Evelyn is an elderly woman who has had problems with her eyes and is now blind. It appears some sight will return shortly, pray for that to happen!

 

Joanne has begun kidney dialysis as a result of kidney failure due to extensive chemotherapy. Additionally she cares for an adopted drug addicted baby who is now nine years old.  Please pray for her to keep her faith, to let the Lord carry her worry and concern and to give her strength.  Pray also for those treating her that they might pay attention and do their best.

 

Bud and his wife for their continued welfare and enthusiasm.  Bud has been advised of an aneurism in his heart of a size not mandating immediate surgery.  This comes at a time when he has sole care of his wife who recently broke two vertebrae and thereafter sustained pneumonia.

 

Dester is suffering from unknown skin and diseases.  Please guide the medical team treating him to find out what the problem is and cure it.  Pray also for Dester to trust in the Lord.

 

Lee has Arterial Fibrillation, she is doing much better and she and her family thank you for your prayers. Her pain level is high and some medications have bad side effects. Please continue her in Prayer in the weeks ahead as she heals.

 

Nell recently adopted two children and has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

 

Mary Lou has been suffering with seizures. She was in the hospital with a 24 hour monitor and is being sent home from the hospital with two medications and orders to return in 2 months for another MRI to review whatever is going on in her brain.  Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating her, as well as peace of mind and trust in God for her and her family.

 

Kathleen has spent the last two weeks in the hospital.  She has been diagnosed with colitis, shingles and possibly colon cancer. Pray she will be comfortable and begin to heal.

 

Rachel has Mitochondrial Myopathy.  This is a hereditary disease of the muscles and they do not have a cure for it. Part of her pain is her family does not believe she is indeed ill, as she appears to be just fine. Please pray her family will learn the truth and be supportive of her; pray also the medical people treating her will find the right measures to minimize the disease.  Most particularly pray for Rachel’s trust in God.

 

Nicolas is in the hospital with serious symptoms of a heart disorder. Please pray for peace of mind for him and guidance for the medical team looking for the cause and cure.

 

Juanita is a young girl who was in a coma because of a blood disease.  She has not come out and is gaining strength. They are awaiting results from blood samples.  Her family thanks you for your prayers and asks that you continue.

 

Healing and Patience

Angie Colgrove has various problems and challenges, physical, mental, and spiritual.  She asks you pray for guidance for her and those treating her, as well as for her family.

 

Kym (43) has various hip problems which seems to be related to osteoarthritis.  And, her mother Ruth is in the early stages of dementia.  Pray for guidance for those treating both of them, as well as patience and trust in the Lord for both of them.

 

Christopher has had problems with his leg for some time.  Now he has to have it casted and it will stay that way for what to him seems an interminable time.  Pray for patience and peace of mind for this young man who has much he wants to do.

 

James for the Lord’s healing of health issues and give a remedy for many personal challenges at the moment.

 

Thanksgiving and Continued Healing

David Lane had successful surgery to remove a growth behind his eye on 3 March 2023; please give thanks for the great result and for complete healing of the eye and earlier cyst removal.

 

Barbara (Paulette Ratcliff’s) sister, has battled stomach cancer through removal of tumor and chemotherapy but the tumor returned at 7 centimeters.  She had apparently successful surgery on Friday 24 June 2022.  Please give thanks for the successful surgery and for a full and rapid recovery and for full remission of the cancer.  Pray also for peace of mind for Barbara, her children, her sisters and brothers.

 

Deborah Drucilla, sister of Bishop Jerry, was hospitalized with a number of issues including blood clot in her liver. She is now home.   Please give thanks for a good result so far and a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for her and her family.

 

Wendy Hinman, one of Hap Arnold’s backseaters from the Air Force and a great Christian of much faith, had successful double bypass surgery on 14 March 2022 to replace two stents which failed.  He ended up with a lung blood clot and back in the hospital.  He is back home again.  Please give thanks for the successful surgery and for continued healing and for peace of mind.  He is depressed and beset by thoughts he does not want to confront.

 

Ken Harris underwent apparently very successful quadruple bypass surgery on 8 April 2021, please give thanks for that and continued healing and recovery.

 

Bill had surgery November 2016 for a kidney tumor; he is one kidney short, but recovering very well for the present.  It appears the cancer has spread to another spot.  Please pray for Bill as he undergoes chemotherapy and perhaps other treatment.  Pray Bill and his family will stay strong in their faith and draw the strength they need from our Lord.

 

Cindy (81) had an operation to remove a cancerous growth in her stomach which was successful.  She is now home, but in a bit of pain.  Please give thanks for the good result, pray for full and complete healing and remission of the cancer, as well as cessation of the pain; pray also for continued faith for Cindy and her husband Les (91).

 

Ruby broke her hip on 10 December 2015, surgery was successful.  Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for her full and rapid recovery.

 

Terry was undergoing radiation treatment for cancer, which he had to stop to amputate his leg below the knee due to diabetes.  The surgery was successful, he has been fitted with a prosthetic leg and foot.  He is in good spirits and positive about the remainder of his treatment.   Please join Terry and his family in giving thanks for the successful surgery and continue to pray for his return to radiation treatment and then to chemotherapy, ask God to give Terry, his wife and seven year old son trust in him for peace of mind and heart, as well.

 

Janet Jessup had a stroke and heart problems were causing huge issues for her.  They seem to have gotten her stabilized and she is home. Please pray for those treating her to find the appropriate treatment and for trust in God and peace of mind for Janet and her family, in particular her husband of 45 years, Rev Roger Jessup, retired minister of Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church.

 

Sam had surgery on his entire large intestine that had become infected. At the time of the operation he was just hours away from a complete organ shutdown. He had had turmoil in his life over the years. Sam is now in the ICU and his Minister visited him and explained to him God had given him another chance for him to make things right with his Lord. Pray for his good health and his spiritual life with Jesus.

 

Ian had surgery to remove excess skin rendered a nuisance by controlled lost of 200 pounds.  Please give thanks for the successful result and for those treating him to have paid attention and done their very best on the lengthy surgery, taking the best possible care of him.  Please pray for his continued recovery and strength for his Mother who will be in charge of his after care.

 

Jenniffer had surgery for breast cancer on 15 October 2014.  She continues to have other complications which preclude her from making a full recovery in particular, the reconstructive surgery seems to have gravely affected her back muscles and nerves, resulting in both very limited mobility and extreme pain, the drugs are making her terribly sick; please pray those will be overcome.  Pray for help for Jenniffer to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry and concern as she recovers.  Please pray also for strength and courage for her family as they try their best to help her.

 

Elma is suffering from cancer.  She was taken home from the hospital on the advice of her Doctor.  We were asked to pray Elma’s remaining time here on earth might be good and Elma and family might put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.   Since then, Elma’s Bishop told us a great Miracle of the Lord is working over Elma.  Doctors sent her home to die, but now she seems to be doing all right.  On behalf of her, thank you for all of your prayers. Please continue praying for her complete healing.

 

Mike is a veteran who has served his country when she called. Please pray he will open his heart to God so He can make Mike’s crooked road straight and pull him towards the summit rather than to the pit.

 

Financial Guidance and Employment

Kona is applying for a job in the hospital. Pray our Lord will find the right position for her and she will glorify Him in the work.

 

Doug recently became unemployed from his job of 18 years. He has been applying for jobs, but unable to get one at this time.  His wife is working; this is not enough for the family. Please pray he will find employment with a firm that will be able to use his considerable skill and hard work to benefit both the firm and the family.

 

Lori is considering a potential change in her employment.  Please pray for God’s guidance in considering all aspects of her potential work.

 

Financial Guidance and Healing

Clark is in need of salvation; for God’s Will to be done in his life. Pray his family will be blessed with the financial miracles that come from doing His Will.

 

Guidance

Jackie and her son Tommy, Jackie 10 years free of substance use, returned to substance use while pregnant with Tommy who was born free of substances. Tommy has been removed from her and placed with Grandparents. Pray for the Grandparents strength and courage to raise Tommy in a Godly way and for Jackie to return to the Lord and give up substance use and become a responsible Mother.

 

Zachary is still having huge problems growing up.  He has backed away from much of the evil, but seemingly has adopted the sloth as his ‘spirit animal’ and does not want to move forward in life. Pray his parents Lee and Shamu will come to see what course of action they can take to help Zachary and safeguard his brother and sister.  Please pray for God’s guidance for all of them and in particular for Zachary to open his heart to God and his parents help.

 

Linda is slowly converting her children through her great loving attitude and Love of the Lord.

 

Judy seemingly does not want to allow the Holy Ghost into her heart so she might come to know our Lord and Savior, despite the efforts of her family.  Please pray for her to open her heart and for her family to be at peace with their efforts.

 

Barbara has been recovering from cancer for the last three years. Pray for her husband Bill who has come down with a mental illness that may have been caused by much stress the last few years. Barbara and Bill will appreciate your prayers.

 

Larry is very weak and has periods of confusion and depression. Larry has been in the hospital and recently moved to a rehab. Please keep him in prayer as he begins to gain strength in the days ahead.

 

Thomas recently learned as the result of a parole violation he will not be allowed to return to society for the remainder of his life. He is despairing and fearful of his inability to cope with this new news and God’s plan for his life.  Please pray he will be able to work with God to live with the choices he has made and go forward.

 

Cam has gotten into some of the issues being with the wrong crowds, too much dinking and making the wrong decisions.  Pray he will ask God to send the Holy Ghost in to straighten things out and he will listen when He speaks to him.

 

Paul recently had his large toe amputated due to diabetes and is having a difficult recovery filled with fear about dying. He recently accepted Jesus as his savior and his family Rosie and Brenda are very grateful. Pray for strength for both Rosie and Brenda who are staying by his side through it all encouraging him on. 

 

Steve is addicted to alcohol, pain pills and gambling. Pray for wisdom, courage and strength to stick with treatment and follow God’s plan for his life.

 

Eli has some mental issues and has lost his way.  He has yet to come to grips with the demons chasing him.  He has returned to his family living in a cottage on his parents’ property in Hawaii so that they can keep him on his meds.  He is doing much better, but he still needs prayer to follow his medication schedule.  His parents are so thankful for all of the prayers as they have felt the Holy Spirit’s power in handling Eli during his dark periods.

 

Michael and his Family ask your prayers for wisdom as they are under trial and affliction to follow the law of the land and yet honor God in so doing.

 

Flora is in remission with cancer, but has high blood pressure and fatigue. Flora’s Mother recently died and this has caused added stress.  Please pray she will be able to let God carry her worry and sorrow so she can do the things she must do.

 

Mitten has a Christian talking to him about Christ.  Mitten does not believe and does not seem to care.  Please pray Mitten will see the light.

 

Kristen, Rickey and their two children ask you to pray for grace, wisdom and understanding as they attempt to cope with infidelity, separation and possibly divorce as a result of backsliding from the Lord into the World.

 

Helene and her family ask your prayers for them as they deal with the loss of Alan, husband and father.

 

Caitlin is in the grip of the Prince of Darkness; she thinks there is escape from reality in drugs.  The saddest part is that reality is not as she sees it.  Her family is despairing as they can do nothing to help her and ask that you pray for the Holy Ghost to enter into heart and show her the need for change before it is too late.

 

Nathaniel is in spiritual turmoil.  His family and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help.

 

Sam and her two children have been living in a shelter and are to lose their place there.  Please pray a place will be found they can stay in and recover.

 

Norrie is facing daily exams in the weeks ahead.  Pray for calmness and concentration and to do the best possible.

 

Jonathan is addicted to drugs.  He is now in jail awaiting trial. His parents and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal addiction.

 

Beth is suffering from ungodly treatment in her marriage.  Please pray God will guide her in her behavior, actions and thoughts that she might be able to lead her husband to God so her marriage might prosper to the benefit of them.

 

Jeanette has had many members of her family die from diabetes and several are near death now. Jeanette does not know the Lord and is despondent and perplexed about her family and herself.  Please pray she can open her heart to allow the Holy Ghost in to bring her knowledge and understanding.

 

Sara asks that you pray for guidance for her as she deals with the stresses of life.  Pray she can separate those things which she can affect from those things which she cannot and give her grace to accept that she cannot do everything and can only change those things within her control.  She asks for God’s help to keep up with the needs of her husband and healing her own problems.

 

Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.

 

School Challenges

Destiny, Blake and Janet

 

Anglican Orthodox Church

Solomon Islands

Please pray for Bishop Zephaniah, the AOC and all the peoples of the Solomon Islands who are experiencing civil unrest as a result of the government switching their alliance from Taiwan to Communist China.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/solomon-islands-leader-blames-foreign-powers-unrest-australian-forces-arrive-n1284619

 

Diocese of Central and South America

Rev Miguel Madera was received into the Anglican Orthodox Church on 13 August 2018, with the AOC mission of San Augustin de Canterbury, La Plata, Argentina.

 

Indonesia

Please pray for the Lord’s will regarding the establishment of an AOC church in Indonesia.

 

Pakistan

Rev Asif Pervaiz Gill, was ordained as a minister by the Bishop Ernest Jacob of Pakistan on 1 March 2023. It takes great courage and commitment to be an identified representative of Jesus Christ in Pakistan.  Think about that.

 

General and Ongoing – The forces of evil are strong in Pakistan.  The force of God stronger.  Pray for our Christian family there.

Ernest Jacob

Presiding Bishop Pakistan

Congo

Jimmy is a missionary in the Congo. There has been violent unrest in this country and also a water shortage. Please pray people will find water to drink and Jimmy will be a means of helping others to find the Lord.

 

Philippines

We are generally doing good, except that all boundary checkpoint out were tightened again due to the DELTA VARIANT entered the city. On the other side, our members in Tulodan are now experiencing famine due to the effect of the recent continues heavy rains during the month of July to early August which completely destroyed their vegetable plantation.

Bishop Anthony Pangsiw

 

Diocese of the Epiphany

Saint Paul’s Moberly, Missouri would like your prayers that the Holy Ghost might enter more fully into their hearts so that they might be more effective in spreading the Word of God.

 

Diocese of Virginia

Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church is under a lot of stress.  We all are, but they need even more prayer.  Rev Roger Jessup, their wonderful minister, had to retire as he was so pressed by the duties of a primary care giver, in addition to all the worries of this world.  Pray for trust in God for each member of the parish and for them to find economic relief.

 

Columbiq

I am writing to request your prayers for Colombia, my country. At this moment frightful things are happening, a great diabolical shadow is cast over this nation.

 

  1. The Constitutional Court in a tyrannical way has decriminalized the crime of abortion in Colombia, even up to six months. This is an illegitimate process, the court is legislating, something that is not within the competence of the judges, on the other hand the issue of abortion was a cause judged in 2006, which is why it should not be judged again in 2022. But socialist groups, international elites, social engineers and feminist groups have not given up on the issue. They want to traffic in death.

 

  1. The candidate of the extreme left Gustavo Petro is close to become the president of Colombia, this is a man who in his youth was a guerrilla criminal, a vile and despicable man who has always served the interests of drug trafficking, he was an advisor to Chavez who implanted Communism in Venezuela, his second home is Communist Cuba.

 

  1. The same court approved the movement of Gustavo Petro called: la Colombia Humana, it gave him the status of a political party, with this, he has the possibility of getting to introduce at least 15 congressmen, basically he is close to kidnapping all the powers, he already has the judicial power in his pocket, he only lacks the executive and the legislative. We are close to the precipice, we trust in a miracle of God.

 

We hope you support us with your prayers, I will ask the brothers to pray unceasingly so that in his mercy we will be saved from these perverse men. God bless you and keep you in all things.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Bishop José Antonio Rios

 

Armed Forces & Contractors

Dustin (USAF – Stateside), SGT Donny Patton (USAF – Hulbert Field, Florida), Jordan Brown (USMC – Recruiter – Iowa City, Iowa), Trevor Jennings (USAF – KC-10 Boom Operator – McGuire AFB, NJ), Trevor Di Marco (USN – Whidbey Island, EF-18 Pilot), Kurt Thomas (USN – Headquarters, Virginia), Ethan (US Army Airborne – Southwest Asia) Sarah Schumacher (US Army Kuwait), Lourie DeBoer (NTPS Patuxent River, Maryland)

 

Employment

Sharon Derrington is in need of full time employment.  Please pray she might find a suitable position.

 

For Our Country

Our country has lost its way.  Over half the people that vote, voted for a government that promises them things it cannot deliver in return for their souls which it can, will and does take.  Our foreign policy backs the rise of Islam, we turn our backs on those who would follow God and arm those who murder them.  Pray God will raise up a leader from among the people who can turn the country’s course 180° and attempt to come back to God.  Pray the people will recognize that they are headed down a smooth wide road into the pit, a road that will get smoother and smoother, steeper and steeper until the only possible way is down.  Down, into the depths of the pit.  Pray people will recognize there is:

 

  • One True and Triune God who is goodness in and of Himself;
  • All religions are not equal;
  • All ways of life are not equal;
  • The Bible holds the Key to Life;
  • All rights come from God, not the State;
  • Good;
  • Bad;
  • Evil;
  • Right;
  • Wrong;
  • Allah is the Devil;
  • Abortion is no more than sacrifice of children to Baal.

 

Pray this recognition will not come too late.  Pray we will, each of us, do our duty to God, Country and Family, putting His Honor above all.

 

Persecuted

Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India.  Also, they are under continual attack in the name of Separation of Church and State in the western world, as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy.  Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.

 

Thanksgiving

Hap Arnold gives thanks for successful surgery on his right elbow as the result of a fall due to his own inattention.  Please give thanks for the full and rapid recovery.

Tricia gives thanks for her recovery from Covid.

Shamu gives thanks for recovery from Covid.

Rev Yves Mera and his wife give thanks for recovery from Covid.

Eddie Pressey from St. George’s Anglican Church of Ventura gives thanks for recovery from Covid.

Lynn and Katie Hall give thanks for recovery from Covid.

Amy Jamieson gives thanks for recovery from Covid.

Hope and Ralph DeLong give thanks for recovery from Covid.

 

Coming Up – The near future, as well as Next Sunday

 

12 March 2023 – Third Sunday in Lent– Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

19 March 2023 – Fourth Sunday in Lent– Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

 

[1] Sound familiar?  Check out the Prayer of Humble Access, Holy Communion, BCP Page 82.

[2] The average 5-year survival rate for women with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer is 91%. The average 10-year survival rate for women with invasive breast cancer is 84%. If the invasive cancer is located only in the breast, the 5-year survival rate of women with breast cancer is 99%

 

By |2023-03-08T14:25:02+00:00March 8th, 2023|AOC Sunday Report|Comments Off on 230305 AOC Sunday Report

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