Maranatha Class Website

"The doctors have given Stephen some pretty grim news. Some of Rex’s organs are beginning to fail, he still has pneumonia, & he did suffer some slight damage from the heart attack on Monday. He has a 60% to 80% chance of mortality. On the other hand that is a 20% to 40% chance of survival. The family asks for continued prayers. Valerie Carpenter, who is working on her Masters at the University of Mempis, is working on Rex’s floor at the hospital this week. Valerie has definitely brought a ray of sunshine to some Boston Avenue members who are far from home. It’s wonderful to watch our Maranatha children grow up and have a continued impact on our lives. Thank you Valerie, we are proud of you!

Michelle"

"Rex has suffered a heart attack this afternoon and he has pneumonia in one lung that is being treated with antibiotics. The surgeons are not surprised about the heart attack yet have reassured Stephen that Rex has the very best team of doctors attending him. The surgeon urged Stephen to continue with prayers and then hang onto his seat for a bumpy ride.

Michelle"

"Within our daily world, in every human face,
love’s echoes sound and God is found,
hid in the common place."
Excerpted from How Can We Name A Love, a hymn with words by
Brian Wren (1973) set to a traditional English melody

Today, it was a Brunch Sunday at Maranatha. The food was great, and the decor was decidely oriented to Halloween. Thanks to all who brought delicious food and "treats"!

Several important dates were recognized, including Birthdays by Suzy Meredith-Orr (10/31), Cisco Maldanado (11/2), Maryellen Niblack (11/5), and Rob Davis (11/6), as well as Anniversaries celebrated by Lydia & Ralph Jackson (10/31) and Jill & Bob Thomas (11/2)! Enjoy your special days!

We had an update on what seemed to be a great Halloween Party on Saturday evening. Denny Meredith-Orr encouraged us to bring items for the "Angel Car" next Sunday (see our website, Missions, to learn more about how you can help the Tulsa Car Clinic).

The 1st Advent Sunday is November 28th, and we are looking for volunteers (either individuals or couples) who would agree to give the Advent lessons. We will provide the background curriculum for you to use so that we have a consistent set of lessons over the 4 Sundays. Contact me (richard.wansley) if you are willing to volunteer; the first four volunteers will be asked to deliver our lessons.

We had a number of expressions of Joys and Concerns, beginning with reminders of news that we had heard earlier in the week: Roger Rowe’s brother, Robert, is improving; Lynelle Lancaster’s stepfather, Bob Bowker, is seriously ill; Rex Ball is recuperating following surgery; Nancy Arrowsmith’s granddaughter, Charlie, has health problems; Mickey Maus’ stepmother died this week; Ginger Smyrl’s grandfather is very ill.

Joys included the continued improvement of Paul Staat; Kendall Carpenter’s return home from Paris next week; Maryellen’s mom whose health is doing better; Ginger’s son who has had a joyous experience as a football player.

Pam Sherman’s daughter, Bethany Willyard, gave a testimony regarding her challenges in life, asking for our prayers. Bethany, you are welcome to be with us at Maranatha anytime, and should call on us for your support!

Please keep all these and their families and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Paul Loyd led us in prayer this morning.

Next week, Bob and Lynn Russell will be arranging a program from Redemption Church for our lesson. Have a blessed week; see you next Sunday at Maranatha.

Richard Wansley

"Hello Class,

My stepdad, Bob Bowker, is in Room 736 of OSU Osteopathic Hospital at 11th and Houston in Tulsa. He will be in Continuous Care for the next six weeks as they treat his bedsores and work with his nutritional needs. Considering that they have already done 2 surgeries he is in amazingly good spirits! Thank Goodness! Both he and the family will appreciate your prayers.

PS

My broken foot seems to be healing well.

You’ll are awesome!

Lynelle Lancaster"

"Charlotte and I haven’t been able to be in class much lately, but wanted to pass along an update on my brother, Robert. The short story is that your thoughts and prayers have been very effective and most appreciated. After having been discharged from the hospital for his stroke he had a very bad bout with colitis. This landed him back in the hospital for a period of time, where he became very weak and emaciated. Once that was under control, he was dispatched to a rehab facility where he has been for a couple of weeks now working on rebuilding his overall strength and health. We are seeing progress both physically and mentally and most grateful for your support. Roger Rowe."

"Rex Ball’s surgery went well and he is headed to ICU for two to five days.

Michelle"

From Shari Goodwin on behalf of Nancy Arrowsmith:
"Shari could you please ask for prayer at the Church and in the Maranatha class for my Granddaughter Charlie born last Thursday night. She is in critical condition. A friend of my son’s has set up a facebook page called praying for baby Charlie. We really need all the prayers we can get. Thanks for your help. Nancy"

Ray Earley writes:
"Sharon is heading up the Downtown For Good work at Exodus House this
Saturday, and among the tasks is re-painting stripes on the parking
lot. If anyone has a high pressure power washer they could loan for
this please let us know asap:

Ray & Sharon home 492-1803
Sharon Cell 629-5327
Ray cell 606-3046"

See update message from Michelle Place:

"I finally have an address for Rex. His surgery begins Thursday morning at 7:00 am. I’ll send more updates as I have them. In the meantime cards may be sent to the following:

Rex Ball – Patient

Baptist Memorial Hospital

6019 Walnut Grove Rd.

Memphis, TN 38120"

Also, remember, this Sunday, October 31st, is a "Brunch Sunday". Bring food to share, and think about a Halloween theme if you would like. See you on Sunday; bring guests. We love visitors!

Richard Wansley

"Rex Ball will undergo very serious abdominal surgery in Memphis on Thursday, October 28 at Baptist Hospital in Memphis, TN. Rex will be in the hospital for at least a week and then be moved to rehab within the Baptist hospital system for at least six weeks. As soon as I have contact info for Rex, I will pass it along.

Thank you for all your kind words with the death of my beloved grandmother earlier this month. Fannie Sue Adcock, “Grannie” was truly a saint. Kirk’s mother is doing very well in Granbury, TX. Margie Place has completed radiation and three rounds of chemo for her Stage 4 lung cancer.

Michelle Place"