Sunday's Readings

Jonah 3:10 - 4:11

Philippians 1:21-27

Matthew 20:1-16

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News & Events                     September 16, 2011

The Power of Prayer

On May 1, we received a call that our son Billy had experienced a "Sudden death" episode. (Only 10% of the 300,000 annual cases survive to leave the hospital.) We immediately asked that prayers be lifted for him. Every step of the way, we saw God working. When he collapsed, his daughter was in the room and sought help, his wife knew CPR (crucial to saving his life). The EMT's came within minutes and the hospital was 10 minutes away. Because he had to be defibrillated numerous times, he was placed in an artic sun (hypothermia) unit for 24 hours to protect the brain from injury. Realizing that Billy was covered by prayer gave a peace beyond measure, although his recovery was questionable.

He was medivaced to Washington Hospital Center in DC following the implant of a pace-maker/defibrillator. He kept experiencing V-fib episodes for which no cause was evident. With each crisis, we were crying out for intercessory prayer. The gifted specialists who cared for Billy were conferring and utilizing all means possible (including induced coma and new machines) to relieve the stress on his heart. His response to each life-threatening event was referred to as "unexpected" and "miraculous." With each "recover", we praised the Lord for healing mercy and spoke of the power of prayer and the source of our strength through those uncertain times. It was a life-altering experience and we felt wrapped in a blanket of prayer.

After 17 days, Billy was able to return home. Weeks later, his first public appearance was to thankfully return to church (another answer to prayer). In August, after months of rest and therapy, he was released by his cardiologist to return to work. Thank you for your continued prayers for Billy as he confers with the police department for return to full-time duty.

Let's not be quiet about the power of prayer - share your praise - give witness to your faith. Raise your voice at the time and give thanks to God from whom all blessings flow. You (and others) will be blessed by the conversations which result.

Thank you for being so faithful in your prayers.

Arden and Bill Hildebrandt