It usually takes extreme circumstances to remind us of how important relationships are and the value of being a part of something bigger than just our own story.  As the news of Debbie Lawrence's cancer began to circulate through our church network last week, the reality that we are better together than we are apart has never been more apparent.  Here are a few ways that the body of Christ has responded:

• The impact of losing the Senior Pastor for a church can't really be quantified. The staff and elders at Adventure Community Church have done an incredible job of loving and supporting Randy and Debbie as well as carrying the daily responsibilities of leading a thriving church.
• There was a prayer meeting last Thursday at Cascade Church that was organized by lay leaders, and over 100 people attended from at least 4 different churches.
  
  Groups gathered together for 90 minutes to pray for healing for Debbie, strength for Randy, peace and under-standing for their kids, leadership for Adventure and God's provision for financial needs.
• A Facebook page was created to keep people informed on Debbie's condition and to communicate specific prayer requests and needs.  Nearly 800 people have joined the page and they are spread all around the country and even a few overseas.
• Prayer cards were created (the cost was donated) and distributed this last Sunday during worship services at several local churches and are available for anyone interested.
• The Lawrence's oldest daughter, Kelsey, was planning on getting married this coming July but decided to move the ceremony to this coming Friday. The following items have either been donated or discounted (multiple churches have pitched in) to help the family: wedding cake, dessert for reception, flowers, decorations and facility.

There are two significant areas of financial need:

1. For medical expenses for the family as Debbie has been in the hospital for the last 2 weeks.  
2. For Adventure Church as Randy is away supporting his wife and kids. Two staff members have moved to full time to cover his duties until he is able to return.