I have cancer, probably terminal.

[Rosalie Ross]

We love you too, Brad, and we are praying for you every day. If it is Gods will that a miracle happen now, it will. We can always know that God is with with you, no matter what. John and I admire your great spirit in Him. Wish we could be there with with you.Many are praying for you Brad. We love you and remember that God cares.

[Dana Grant]

Lord, we need a miracle.

[Dennis M. Scott]

Maybe there really is some sort of naznet hierarchy. Thirty five "thank yous" to Brad Mercer's most recent post, and nearly two thousand sent his way on these boards all together. He must be one of our favorites!

[Hans Deventer]

Maybe there really is some sort of naznet hierarchy. Thirty five "thank yous" to Brad Mercer's most recent post, and nearly two thousand sent his way on these boards all together. He must be one of our favorites!

Dennis, I think we just love the guy, and are inspired by his faith and touched by his circumstances.

[Pete Vecchi]

Brad, this is just a note to let you know that I have been praying for you each time I see the thread on my e-mail alerts. I keep the thread highlighted, and then replace the notification when another one comes in saying that there's been another response. It a way for me to remember you in prayer as I go through the day.

Father, we place Brad in Your Hands to do Your will with Him. He is your child, and you know what's best overall. Be glorified in what you do in his life. And I pray that your love and peace will envelop he and his family.

[Linda Bechtold]

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now

[Joanne Vergin]

Give Me Jesus

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus

When I am alone
When I am alone
When I am alone, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus

When I come to die
When I come to die
When I come to die, give me Jesus

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus


I'd rather have Jesus, than silver or gold,
I's rather have Him than have riches untold,
I'd rather have Jesus than anything,
This world affords today

[Laurie Florence]

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)

4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)

[Jenny Mitchell]

May you know the presence of Jesus this morning and may He bring you His healing. I'm still praying, Brad!

In Christ,
Jenny

[Brad Mercer]

This is Roland, I'm writing from Brad's laptop. I'm sitting with Brad this morning as he is not confident about how much longer he has in this world. He is have difficulty swallowing, struggles to climb the stairs to his room, can't keep his thoughts straight and most tellingly is sleeping most of the time.

This is not the report I would like to bring but here and now God's presence and grace are needed.

[David Pettigrew]

Help Lord. Amen.

[Marsha Gupton]

Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.




Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.



How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.



Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.



And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.




Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!

~ William and Gloria Gaither ~

[Laurie Florence]

Praying.

[Alisa Stoll]

This is certainly not the report we want to hear from a selfish perspective - from a heavenly perspective, what better way to prepare for advent than to truly enter into His presence.

our love and prayers to Brad and those he has touched.

Alisa

[Joanne Vergin]

I have been praying and praying for you Roland. You are THERE for the Mercer's thank you.

[Edith K. Thurmond]

This is Roland, I'm writing from Brad's laptop. I'm sitting with Brad this morning as he is not confident about how much longer he has in this world. He is have difficulty swallowing, struggles to climb the stairs to his room, can't keep his thoughts straight and most tellingly is sleeping most of the time.

This is not the report I would like to bring but here and now God's presence and grace are needed.

Roland, this post is done while realizing the duality of faith for Brad's healing and the reality of what you are telling us with your post. If Brad is to be raised up to fullness of life that is cause for our rejoicing and we will know in due time. If that is not to be the case and he is dying now, I feel, somehow, that it is my Christian duty to acknowledge that. He has been a good friend and true blessing to many and may he know God's presence and grace at this time of his life. May all who attend him know it too.

Below is a prayer for Brad, if indeed, he is dying right now.

Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world,
In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you.
In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you.
In the Name of the Holy Ghost who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace, and your dwelling-place in the Paradise of God. Amen.

Grace and peace to all of you,

[Marg Shurtliff]

Tears fall freely as I write this . I so hoped and prayed that God would indeed perform a miracle in your body so there would be no doubt that God is in control . But God sees ahead and what we don't know so we have to be content with whatever answer He gives . If sure volume of petitions counted you would be well long ago. Be assured your NazNet friends love you and will always remember the influence for good you had on each of our lives . You are indeed a blessing !

[Anita F. Henck]

Please know of our continued love and prayers for Brad, his family, the Hearns, and all those surrounding him at this point. We love the memories and are praying for peace for all who surround him ... whenever Brad's life passes from earth to being with Christ.

I have to admit my heart is heavy each time I come to Naznet, dreading the time when I might learn of Brad's death. But, that is my humanness. I am rejoicing that Brad will be freed from pain and with his Lord ... knowing that love is enough.

If you can't stay here with us Brad, then go be a blessing with the Lord!

Much, much love,
Many, many prayers,
==anita==

[Barbara Moulton]

Still praying.

Lord draw near to Brad and his family and those closest to him right now.

They are on holy ground.

[Joe Hittle]

Lord,

Daddy, Father.

All is Yours, including this, Your precious son. Grant him, and his, peace, strength, your Eternal Presence.

His faith is now, and has always been an amazing piece of work which You have helped him share with us now for many years. Thank You for that blessing, and give us the same love for all that is Yours that he has demonstrated and continues to live before us.

May he know that his influence on us truly has changed our lives for the better. He'd give You the credit for that, but Lord, we know that even You have chosen to share Yourself through Him. Thanks for trusting him that much.

May we hold him preciously here as long a possible. But when his time here finally transpires to Your immediate presence, may we also hold his presence in our hearts as a catalyst to do Your bidding in our lives.

He's that precious to us Lord. But we recognize that he's even more precious to You. Thanks for sharing!

We will always be changed because of that!

Only, always in Your name, Elder Brother!

Amen

[Roland Hearn]

I have no way of predicting how long Brad has, I've just left him for a few moments to get some things from home, he is asleep now and sleeps most of the time. He has brief moments where he is awake and as sharp as always but they are few. He is in a little pain but not too severe, he is mostly just uncomfortable.

This is a terribly difficult day and it is going to be a difficult next few days. Thanks for your prayers.

This just should not be so.

[Laurie Florence]

This is a terribly difficult day and it is going to be a difficult next few days. Thanks for your prayers.


Roland, I'm praying God will give you the strength you need now and in the days to come. God bless you.

[Jim Franklin]

We had special prayer for Brad in service this morning. I have made requests every so often to remind my fellow parishoners over the months since his situation was made known.

[Linda Bechtold]

Fervently praying.

[Anita F. Henck]

Please know of our continued love and prayers for Brad, his family, the Hearns, and all those surrounding him at this point. We love the memories and are praying for peace for all who surround him ... whenever Brad's life passes from earth to being with Christ.

I have to admit my heart is heavy each time I come to Naznet, dreading the time when I might learn of Brad's death. But, that is my humanness. I am rejoicing that Brad will be freed from pain and with his Lord ... knowing that love is enough.

If you can't stay here with us Brad, then go be a blessing with the Lord!

Much, much love,
Many, many prayers,
==anita==

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

He is in a little pain but not too severe, he is mostly just uncomfortable.



Roland,

Please, know that he doesn't have to be in ANY pain and can be totally comfortable. This is the area where i find myself these days. Please, know that you can communicate to hospice on a 24/7 basis. Allow them to know he is still uncomfortable and they can titrate his medications accordingly. It is very possible that the pain could spike. Increasing steadily is common. If you have questions about what you can ask of them, please, know that you can contact me. His comfort is the number one goal.

continual prayers for all at his bedside near and afar

May the angels of mercy, grace and peace be ever present.

Our Father Who art in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done
On earth
as it is in Heaven.
Give us THIS day
our daily bread
And forgive us our
trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil
For Thine is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory
for ever and ever - amen

[Edith K. Thurmond]

.....

[Roland Hearn]

Not long after I posted this morning the hospice care nurse arrived. This really is a wonderful service and it is completely free. They are providing an electric bed for Brad and anything else he might need to make things a little easier. The nurse was very competent and it is people like her that have been the continued answers to prayer that we have seen.

Brad is only awake now for a few minutes at a time and has trouble keeping a thought in his mind through a sentence. We decided that if God worked a miracle now there would be no doubt it was a miracle.

[Rance Gould]

Father in Heaven,

We simply trust You to provide Your amazing grace at this time to Brad, his beautiful family and all concerned. If brother Mercer is to die, please make it easy for not only him but for all those he will (eventually) leave behind. We still ask for the miracle of healing, but also realize these present difficulties. We simply surrender our prayer by faith and by that same faith, trust you to answer... In Jesus great Name.

Amen

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Roland, it just breaks my heart about Brad. I am so glad he has you and your family and his wife and child with him.
One of the things that seems best at times, is if those closest to him, sit down, talk with him, and tell him that he can go on to be with the Lord. Probably it would be best for his wife to do this first, but she may not feel led to do it. I have heard of this a number of times. Dwayne's youngest sister (46) came home from the hospital to her parent's house, instead of to her's and her husband Gene's apartment. That is when hospice began visiting. One day Gene set down and talked with her, and basically gave her permission to go, and after a little while she had gone on to glory. She was only at home one week, but I think she went on sooner, because of Gene's permitting her to go.

[Hans Deventer]

I'm sitting here this morning, reading the messages, tears running down my face. Feeling like I should add something, but realising everything already has been said. I guess writing here is almost more therapeutic for myself than anything else.

Let me just say that I really, really long for the day when all tears will be wiped away, and that with all my heart, I believe that day will come. When all we hear is laughter and see joy on people's faces. When God will be all in all.

Right now, I can really only cling to Him who said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die".

"He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

[Carsten Schermuly]

... the day when all tears will be wiped away, ...That day will come. Whitout knowing that or Lazarus and the Rich, I would fall in depressions.
We are loved.
Brad is in best hands and his family is in best hands whatever will happen.

[Karen Mercer]

I want to thank you folks for all your prayers and love for us. You have surrounded us with prayers and you've said the things we needed to hear. You've loved us with your resources. You've given so much comfort to our family.

I don't know how we would have been able to get through this time without you.

thank you!

[Ian Gentles]

I'm sitting here this morning, reading the messages, tears running down my face. Feeling like I should add something, but realising everything already has been said. I guess writing here is almost more therapeutic for myself than anything else.

Let me just say that I really, really long for the day when all tears will be wiped away, and that with all my heart, I believe that day will come. When all we hear is laughter and see joy on people's faces. When God will be all in all.

Right now, I can really only cling to Him who said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die".

"He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

Know what you mean Hans, "Come quickly Lord Jesus."

[Gina Stevenson]

Brad,

The focus of my prayer is for your family and friends and the world which will be poorer for losing you when you die (hopefully a long time from now). Death is no sad thing for those who die in Christ, but the rest of us sure would miss you.

Right on ... it's "the rest of us" who end up bereaved, not the one who leaves us.

.............. so I am praying that the Comforter will saturate your home and your community with his grace, mercy, and love in this time.

Amen!

God bless you as you have been a blessing to me.

Yes, Brad really knew how to be a "blessing" ... not only in jest, but for real.

*****************************

I want to thank you folks for all your prayers and love for us. You have surrounded us with prayers and you've said the things we needed to hear. You've loved us with your resources. You've given so much comfort to our family.

I don't know how we would have been able to get through this time without you.

thank you!

Karen, you have come to mind a lot lately, because I do know what it's like go through all this ... was hoping it would not be so for you, as well.

prayers, luv'n {{{ hugs }}},
gina

[Barbara Moulton]

I want to thank you folks for all your prayers and love for us. You have surrounded us with prayers and you've said the things we needed to hear. You've loved us with your resources. You've given so much comfort to our family.

I don't know how we would have been able to get through this time without you.

thank you!

I don't know you Karen (other than through the words of Brad) but I have been thinking of you and your children so much over the last little while.

As someone who has stood with families many times like this, I urge you to keep gently sharing all the wonderful memories about Brad. Tell him how much you love him. Read his favourite scriptures. Sing his favourite songs. I am convinced that even when asleep, these things minister to the spirit of those who are ill.

Let him know that you all are going to be ok because of everything he has given to you and meant to you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I meant what I said in an earlier post. This is truly holy ground you are on. I wish I could be there with you.

"The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Number 6:25-27

[Ian Gentles]

Yes Gina, oh so true, those left suffer a lot.

[Dennis M. Scott]

My first Sunday of Advent message yesterday was about Jesus being at the home of Mary and Martha, following the first death of Lazarus. The more often I preach from this passage, the more questions I have. Yes, Jesus can do anything He wants, yet He weeps with us when things don't go like we want. The verses to which I cling are John 11:25, 26. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" In spite of my own wonderings, there's only one response to His question.

Another thing I know: We love you, Brad, and are pretty sure you know that.

In that peculiar way that most of us know, we are with you in spirit and carry you to the Lord. Lean on Him, but lean on us.

love

[Marsha Gupton]

Today, I am praying for Brad's Mother and siblings.

[Peter Teolis]

Lord, be with the Mercers and Hearns. Bless Brad for his servanthood to you and Roland as well. Thank you for Roland being there for Brad and his family. Comfort all who are saddened by this situation. We know you are near, Lord. Thank You.

Amen

[Charlene Clevenger]

I continue to pray for you and your family.

[Marsha Lynn]

I meant what I said in an earlier post. This is truly holy ground you are on. I wish I could be there with you.

And yet ... we are there, Barbara. Our relationship with Brad and each other has never depended on physical proximity. Even now, we are gathered together in Australia in spirit, a great cloud of witnesses, keeping watch, counting each breath, deeply grateful for those who are making the effort to keep us informed about what's happening.

And it's not nearly so crowded in his room as it would be if we all insisted on taking our bodies with us.

From the waiting room of our dear brother:

Marsha

[Gord Evans]

Please tell Brad that the wagons are still circled.

[Brian Hammons]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydZIHiKuz70&feature=related
Karen & Roland:
I'm home from school today, and praying much for Brad and you. I'm listening to Selah singing "Before the Throne of God" over and over. I found in on YouTube, and the above is a link to it.

I feel so inadequate to sound my voice to a God who knows more and better than I, and to Brad or his family and closest friend when my heart cries can't be anywhere near what theirs are.

Continuing to pray...

[Grandma Carolyn]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydZIHiKuz70&feature=related
Karen & Roland:
I'm home from school today, and praying much for Brad and you. I'm listening to Selah singing "Before the Throne of God" over and over. I found in on YouTube, and the above is a link to it.

I feel so inadequate to sound my voice to a God who knows more and better than I, and to Brad or his family and closest friend when my heart cries can't be anywhere near what theirs are.

Continuing to pray...

That is beautiful music. Thanks for sharing it, Brian.

gc

[Roland Hearn]

Brad got his bed delivered last night and looked a lot more comfortable. Emmy, the kids and I went around after dinner with the unspoken expectation that this would be the chance for the kids to say goodbye. It was a moving time of being together and at the same time heartbreaking. I know that all the kids have had a certain level of expectation that Brad would be healed, we had such a wonderful prayer time with all the kids laying hands on Brad some months ago. I was proud of how each of my children were able to express their love for Brad even though their hearts are breaking. I'll pop in and see Brad this morning before I go to work.

[Sara Sheppard]

Roland,

You and Brad are great examples of Christian love and friendship. How we become brothers and sisters through our heavenly father. As I pray for Brad & Karen and their family - know that you are also in those prayers.

Sara

[Janet Mercer]

My earliest memory of an actual conversation with my big brother was when I was 5, he would have been 11. He asked me if I could swallow water when I was upside down. Of course I quickly hung upside down and swallowed a drink and provided my feedback. We've had many more equally inspiring conversation throughout the years and I'd give anything to have just one more.

I love you Brad. There could be no better brothers than you and Roy. I wish I could be with you by your bedside, but you know I'm with you in heart and soul. One way or another we'll see each other again.

Your baby sister
Janet

[Pete Vecchi]

My earliest memory of an actual conversation with my big brother was when I was 5, he would have been 11. He asked me if I could swallow water when I was upside down. Of course I quickly hung upside down and swallowed a drink and provided my feedback. We've had many more equally inspiring conversation throughout the years and I'd give anything to have just one more.

I love you Brad. There could be no better brothers than you and Roy. I wish I could be with you by your bedside, but you know I'm with you in heart and soul. One way or another we'll see each other again.

Your baby sister
Janet


I can say with pretty much certainty that I probably would not have ever tasted alligator if it wouldn't have been for Brad introducing it to me when he came to a revival service I held in Texas a number of years ago.

(And for the record, I tried it, but I didn't like it. Maybe I got a bad piece of meat, but it tasted like watery chicken to me). :q)

[Janet Mercer]

Well just be thankful he didn't insist you put his insanity sauce on it too. :)

[Anita F. Henck]

Well just be thankful he didn't insist you put his insanity sauce on it too. :)

Is that his beloved Vegemite? :)

Praying for you and all the Mercers, Janet!

[Janet Mercer]

Is that his beloved Vegemite? :)

Praying for you and all the Mercers, Janet!
No Insanity Sauce is this horrible hot sauce that he loves. It's not even made from a pepper, just from the chemical that makes peppers hot. He loves talking people into trying it. It's that mean streak y'all never see. ;o)

[Karen Mercer]

LOL Oh no! The insanity sauce is the hottest hot sauce Brad could find. He can drink hot picante and it doesn't faze him. Insanity sauce is so hot he can only have a drop or 2 of it in a bowl of soup. It's way too hot for most people. Brad's spirit might be alive but his taste buds have been fried. :M)
Vegemite is just a salty spread that is good on toast. :basic03

Brad's doing about the same today. He isn't able to keep his meds down now so they'll insert a tube to pump them into his body. That'll hopefully keep the pain and nausea and hiccups at bay.

[Sara Sheppard]

God bless you Karen. No one prepares to walk this road.

Having either been the recipient of quite a physical healing miracle or someone who had originally received an incorrect diagnosis (I believe I was healed), I do not understand how God chooses to work in this regard. But, I learned, as I went through the process - regardless of the outcome - God is at work. And I choose to have faith that He works for the best, even if everything in our human body and mind tell us otherwise.

I continue to pray for this same miracle for Brad even now - knowing full well that our God is at work in this situation.

Sara

[Janet Mercer]

LOL Oh no! The insanity sauce is the hottest hot sauce Brad could find. He can drink hot picante and it doesn't faze him. Insanity sauce is so hot he can only have a drop or 2 of it in a bowl of soup. It's way too hot for most people. Brad's spirit might be alive but his taste buds have been fried. :M)
Vegemite is just a salty spread that is good on toast. :basic03

Brad's doing about the same today. He isn't able to keep his meds down now so they'll insert a tube to pump them into his body. That'll hopefully keep the pain and nausea and hiccups at bay.
I'm glad they are putting the pump in for the meds. I can personally attest to the joys of a morphine pump.

[Sara Sheppard]

I'm glad they are putting the pump in for the meds. I can personally attest to the joys of a morphine pump.

The only negative to the mophine pump is when the doctor says "we really need you to use the bathroom before we can release you". LOL So then you gotta make a choice - back off the pump so you can go to the bathroom or stay in the hospital. LOL :rolleyes:

Sara

[Glenda Harvey]

I came to naznet after Brad had already been diagnosed with cancer. Because I went through this experience with my brother, Brad's illness has been close to my heart and in my prayers. Hospice can be a blessing not only to the patient but to the whole family.

[Karen Mercer]

no problem. he's at home. not in the hospital. But when the nurse came today Brad told her he didn't think he wanted the pump just yet. We'll just try the meds in a different order and timing and see how that works. I think he ought to be allowed as much control over his situation as possible so I backed him up on the decision.

He's sleeping soundly right now. Looks slightly better at the moment than he did yesterday.

[Sara Sheppard]

no problem. he's at home. not in the hospital. But when the nurse came today Brad told her he didn't think he wanted the pump just yet. We'll just try the meds in a different order and timing and see how that works. I think he ought to be allowed as much control over his situation as possible so I backed him up on the decision.

He's sleeping soundly right now. Looks slightly better at the moment than he did yesterday.

I am glad he is at home with you. I am also thankfu that he is able to make some decisions - and you are right to support him. Prayers continue for you all.

Sara

[Jim Severns]

Brad, I haven't posted to this thread before because I just couldn't figure out what to say. But you have been on my mind these months and in my prayers.

I wish I knew just the right words to say to God about this. I just keep wanting to ask him to just fix this. Brad is a great guy and should be around for a long time. God, I confess I just don't understand some things like this. But God, I'm praying just the same. You know best.

[Gina Stevenson]

Well just be thankful he didn't insist you put his insanity sauce on it too. :)

Janet, first, I see you've made other posts that I must've missed. Welcome, anyway, to NazNet, tho' sorry it has to be at a time like this. If it's any consolation to you, while Brad liked to bug people to try his hot sauce, I bugged him about veggie juice on my stopover there in TX several years ago. :basic05 [helped little sister "get even," perhaps? ;) Anyway, I was moving from AZ back to MI (brrr!) after my husband, too, had died in AZ of cancer.]

I'm glad they are putting the pump in for the meds. I can personally attest to the joys of a morphine pump.

Before he became comatose the last day or so, my husband Danny had had one of these pumps. Being a chatty person, anyway, this really got him going. As humor helps even a dire situation, we decided a good nickname for him at that time was "morphine mouth." ;)

Anyway, blessings on Brad, Karen, Wesley, Charlotte, Jake, and you and the rest of Brad's family at this significant time of life.

[Carsten Schermuly]

Dear Lord Jesus Christ,

Brad is a man of holiness, he is your priest, he is a blessing for many as pastor and he is your voice in a destructive world.

His sickness is an attack by Satanas to make your holy voice quiet.

I ask you for the grace to let Brad alive as a visible an hearable testimony of your almighty power and majesty.
Let him eat the green food to strengthen his body, to heal him.
Only you do know, what power is hidden in.

I thank you for all your love and grace - shed over your children, walking in the holy spirit, forgiving our sin, spending new hope day by day.

I ask you to touch Brad to heal him
and to turn tears in laughters.

Amen

[Roland Hearn]

Brad is looking a little better today. I don't know anything more than that he is looking better, not good, but better, talking longer and holding down more food than the last couple of days. It was just nice to be able to converse with him a little more than the last couple of days.

[Anita F. Henck]

Thanks for the updates, Roland (and Karen). I'm sure many of us find ourselves checking Naznet frequently, in order to get status reports. It is comforting to hear how things are progressing.

You all continue in our prayers!

"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -- Romans 8:37-39

[Mike Wooldridge]

Lord, I pray for Brad and us as I prayed for Mary and me 9 months ago today. Your will be done. If there is to be a physical miracle, please let it be. If Brad's time of passage is near, please make his Homecoming to You pain-free. Show all who are there, as You showed me, physical death is not an end, but a passage to a place of infinite joy and peace. For those of us who love Brad and his family, please grant peace in knowing Your will is being done. Amen

[Karen Mercer]

Like Roland said, Brad's looking better today, eating better, able to hold thoughts together a little better. It's days like this that make it easier to believe a miracle will happen. I always know they CAN happen but some days I can picture that it WILL happen for us.

btw, I read Brad messages off Naznet every day as he's able to hear them. He still loves hearing from you. You are a blessing to him.

[Garth Lahana]

He still loves hearing from you.

Karen, and we love hearing from you. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on how Brad is doing. God bless you all!

[Barbara Moulton]

God bless Karen. It goes without saying that our prayers continue to be with Brad and all of you. God brings you to my mind over and over again during the day and I uplift you before His throne.

Brad, we are all with you. But as Marsha pointed out, it would be a little crowded if we were all literally with you. :)

So, instead of you having to contend with hundreds of elbows in your face, simply envision hundreds of hands lifted up to our Heavenly Father on your behalf.

Love,
Barbara

[Dennis M. Scott]

Well, Karen, if you're willing to read them, we're more than willing to send them! Glad for some better days. Brad is such an international entity. People in our church keep coming up to me and asking how Brad Mercer is doing. Then sometimes they ask me who he is, too. They don't know much, but they're praying! The Mercers have been special, but particularly now. In a time that many wish to be pretty private, you have permitted us to journey with you. Literally thousands of us are better for it. Many and peculiar are the ways in which the Lord works things together.
much love,
dennis

[Marsha Lynn]

Well, Karen, if you're willing to read them, we're more than willing to send them!

Yep. Brad has been much on my mind. I don't think I can measure the impact he and Roland have had on my life with their "love is enough" message. Suffice it to say that I am having the best days of my life right now in terms of ministry -- and in giving and receiving love. I'm in a beautiful place right now, and love truly is enough. Thank you, Brad, for your words of love and encouragement that gave me confidence to choose this path. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. As far as I'm concerned, you have fully reached your goal of being a blessing.

:fav16

Marsha

[Gord Evans]

Like Roland said, Brad's looking better today, eating better, able to hold thoughts together a little better. It's days like this that make it easier to believe a miracle will happen. I always know they CAN happen but some days I can picture that it WILL happen for us.

btw, I read Brad messages off Naznet every day as he's able to hear them. He still loves hearing from you. You are a blessing to him.

Karen, a number of years ago (and for a number of years) Brad and I and some others believed for a miracle, and prayed together regularly to the Wonderful Maker.

... sometimes the answer is "Yes".

Still praying in Pefferlaw ...

[David van Beveren]

Dear Karen,
Brad and you, and the kids are in our prayers.
We really long for a miracle, so Brad will be amiong us for a long time, so he can go on sharing himself with us, as he did together with Roland.
Well, and while you are the wife 'behind' Brad, you must be the miracle that made him live and love us all those years.
May the love of the Lord make that he can continue to live the love life.

May the Lord surround you and your family in these times.

[Gina Stevenson]

So, instead of you having to contend with hundreds of elbows in your face, simply envision hundreds of hands lifted up to our Heavenly Father on your behalf.

Love,
Barbara

The usual way with words, Barbara ... can just picture that crowded room! But also the more serious/uplifting picture of those hundreds of hands. ;)

Yep. Brad has been much on my mind. I don't think I can measure the impact he and Roland have had on my life with their "love is enough" message. Suffice it to say that I am having the best days of my life right now in terms of ministry -- and in giving and receiving love. I'm in a beautiful place right now, and love truly is enough. Thank you, Brad, for your words of love and encouragement that gave me confidence to choose this path. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. As far as I'm concerned, you have fully reached your goal of being a blessing.

:fav16

Marsha

And another with a similar way with words, Marsha. Yes, Brad has been a blessings to many. May he continue to be so ... even during those times he "just wants to be a blessing" in a TIC way. ;)

[Roland Hearn]

Brad's health seems to be holding at a place that is not good but better then where he was on Monday. He has been able to get up and walk around a little with no other aid then is cane last night and today. We continue to trust our God for his grace and mercy.

[David Showalter]

Dear Jesus when I think about Brad and his beautiful family I am so blessed to read words like these that he holds in his heart, "God is still God and and love is still enough." I praise you Lord that you are so real in Brad's life that his faith in you is sustaining him in this moment. Father, please surround him and his family with your sweet holy presence just now. In the name of the one Brad has given his life for, amen.

[Karen Mercer]

Brad wanted me to write to update you on his condition. He feels like he's sliding downhill a little physically but his spirits are good. He's had a lot of problems with nausea and vomiting and has started getting pain in his right shoulder. The visiting nurse talked to the oncologist and got different nausea meds which will be given subcutaneously (just under the skin by way of a small tube) and that should help some. He also prescribed a different form of the morphine, a liquid to be taken orally, which should help more immediately with the pain. Brad's sitting up eating right now and actually got onto his computer today for the first time in over a week. :-)
We're having church in our apartment on Sunday so it'll be easier for Brad to "go to church" and he's looking forward to the service. God is still good, life is still beautiful and love is still enough to get us through anything we face.

[Roland Hearn]

Brad, I and Karen talked today about Christmas dinner and how we would spend it together. It was good to make plans that far in advance. Brad is having ups and downs probably a little more down today than yesterday.

We started talking today about our strategies to continue to plant the church and to find ways of presenting our vision for a grace based transformational holiness church for the 21st century. That is quite a mouth full but that is pretty much our dream in a nutshell and we continue to dream it together and we will as long as we have breath in our bodies. I am continuing to pray that God will keep breath in Brad's body as long as He does in mine or near to it. We have so much to do together. I will keep doing it even if Brad is not with me but it is so much more fun when he is around.

[Gord Evans]

Throughout these nine months since you made your pronouncement, Brad (dear brother), I have selfishly felt like something was being torn from my life. The questions that have been raised in my emotions and spirit during these months have all been addressed in Roland's "signature", and in Karen's and Roland's and Charlotte's and in your spirit: "God must be God, and love must be enough."

It just has taken awhile for me to nearly reach that place of peace in which each of you are residing. Of course, we faithfully and doggedly hold onto our prayer for God's healing touch here, in this life. But I know that, regardless of the outcome, you and your family, Roland and his family, and we here at Naznet are being held buy the One Who loves us.

There is so much more to God's Kingdom than my selfish wishes. So I'm taking these moments to confess my sin of selfishness, to ask God for forgiveness, and to ask you, too, Brad to forgive my heart that hasn't wanted to let go of my hope to hold you here in this life. I love you, Brad ... I have loved and been grateful for our many visits over the past 10 or so years ... and for those sometimes light, sometimes deep discussions, our prayers together, our pounding on God's door together for other miracles ... it has been a wonderful journey thus far. And, graciously, it ain't over.

Recently, I had the privilege to provide back-up band music for a "special" that a gifted young lady sang here at Cedardale church. While preparing the arrangement and rehearsing and presenting this song, I noticed my heart changing, even though I wanted to hold onto the pain ... my pain. In these past few weeks I have come close to the peace that you have offered, that the thoughts in this song offer, that our Savior gives freely.

Thank you, my friend, for being such a significant part of this journey. You are a friend and servant of God.

Held (http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1127708990&channel=1119206060),
by Natalie Grant, copyright 2001: [http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1127708990&channel=1119206060]

Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.
The wise hand opens slowly to lillies of the valley and tomorrow.

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

We'd be held....

This is what it is to be loved.
And to know, that the promise was when everything fell, we'd be held.

This is what it means to be held

[Peter Teolis]

I change my signature today, Thanks for the great words, Gord, you helped me realize something, too.

God must be God and love must be enough! - Pass it on!

Be blessed, brother Brad, as you have blessed so many of us!

[Roland Hearn]

I change my signature today, Thanks for the great words, Gord, you helped me realize something, too.

God must be God and love must be enough! - Pass it on!

Be blessed, brother Brad, as you have blessed so many of us!

Can I tell you a little story about how that saying came about.

While we were preparing to plant the church in Frisco, the stresses from so many uncertainties started opening up a lot of fears in my life - many of them linked to unprocessed issues from my car accident when my girlfriend and her sister were killed in 1982. It came to a climax and I ended up spending three days in a hospital in Dallas. During that time I came to the conclusion that if I was an utter failure and I had to go home to Australia with my ministry in tatters because of my failure then God's love had to be enough for that as well.

What good is God's love if it only sustains when things are going the ways we would like them to.

I wrote in my journal "God's love must be enough." As soon as I did a light went on all through my heart and soul. I understood something clearly for the first time in my life. At the end God's love is all we have. Everything else we cling to is temporary. We call that love that meets our needs "grace". It was an epiphany.

A few months later the church had been planted and we were standing in the foyer talking about the issues surrounding how we try and manipulate God into giving us His love. We know we have a deep need for it and we long for it and we think we can get God to respond the way we want it. Brad simply said "God must be God." Immediately we put those two thoughts together and it became the foundation for the planting of our church. "God must be God and love must be enough." It works in every circumstance.

If we try and be God we mess up. God must be God. If we try and make God our puppet by doing everything we ask He is no longer God. If we make him a task master with demands we can't meet He is not longer God. If we seek to put all that He is into our language He is no longer God. God must be God.

Anything we achieve in life that we do without love has been misdone at best and sinful at worst. Anything we try and get other people to do, and this is the biggest issues for the church, and we use something other than love to motivate them, things like shame and duty, what we have achieved is not reflective of God's grace. Love must be enough.

No matter what struggles we go through love has to be able to meet us at the point of our need, if it can't then this whole thing is a sham and we should cease doing church altogether - it is an illusion. However, love can do that but we need to pursue love (God's love -grace) with our whole lives, make it our one goal and focus and love will be enough. When we have done that we have pursued holiness. Entire sanctification is the outpouring of love into the core of our beings so that God's love becomes the foundation of all that we are - our identity, our psyche, our dreams, our hopes, our very being. Love must be enough

So you can see in this little phrase is captured almost all we need to know to be His people. It is a wonderful revelation when we see it clearly and it is obvious that Brad has been able to help us see that more clearly.

[Gord Evans]

Roland, I personally appreciate you taking the time to share the origins of the expression, "God must be God, and love must be enough."

In my previous post I attempted, rather poorly, to express my own 'epiphany', prompted primarily by this expression which I've been assimilating during the past number of months, and spurred onward more recently through the lyrics of the song, 'Held', especially the line, "This is what it is to be loved, and to know that the promise was, when everything fell, we'd be held."

Praise God!

It has felt, in some ways, like the concept of entire sanctification, I guess ... there was that moment of grace when the light dawned, then the gradual process (still in progress) of allowing the knowledge to permeate and fill, and become the new normal.

Your sharing has been an affirmation, and a blessing. God surely does work in amazingly mysterious ways. Thanks, brother, for everything.



Can I tell you a little story about how that saying came about.

While we were preparing to plant the church in Frisco, the stresses from so many uncertainties started opening up a lot of fears in my life - many of them linked to unprocessed issues from my car accident when my girlfriend and her sister were killed in 1982. It came to a climax and I ended up spending three days in a hospital in Dallas. During that time I came to the conclusion that if I was an utter failure and I had to go home to Australia with my ministry in tatters because of my failure then God's love had to be enough for that as well.

What good is God's love if it only sustains when things are going the ways we would like them to.

I wrote in my journal "God's love must be enough." As soon as I did a light went on all through my heart and soul. I understood something clearly for the first time in my life. At the end God's love is all we have. Everything else we cling to is temporary. We call that love that meets our needs "grace". It was an epiphany.

A few months later the church had been planted and we were standing in the foyer talking about the issues surrounding how we try and manipulate God into giving us His love. We know we have a deep need for it and we long for it and we think we can get God to respond the way we want it. Brad simply said "God must be God." Immediately we put those two thoughts together and it became the foundation for the planting of our church. "God must be God and love must be enough." It works in every circumstance.

If we try and be God we mess up. God must be God. If we try and make God our puppet by doing everything we ask He is no longer God. If we make him a task master with demands we can't meet He is not longer God. If we seek to put all that He is into our language He is no longer God. God must be God.

Anything we achieve in life that we do without love has been misdone at best and sinful at worst. Anything we try and get other people to do, and this is the biggest issues for the church, and we use something other than love to motivate them, things like shame and duty, what we have achieved is not reflective of God's grace. Love must be enough.

No matter what struggles we go through love has to be able to meet us at the point of our need, if it can't then this whole thing is a sham and we should cease doing church altogether - it is an illusion. However, love can do that but we need to pursue love (God's love -grace) with our whole lives, make it our one goal and focus and love will be enough. When we have done that we have pursued holiness. Entire sanctification is the outpouring of love into the core of our beings so that God's love becomes the foundation of all that we are - our identity, our psyche, our dreams, our hopes, our very being. Love must be enough

So you can see in this little phrase is captured almost all we need to know to be His people. It is a wonderful revelation when we see it clearly and it is obvious that Brad has been able to help us see that more clearly.

[Eugenia Whitten]

Praying for you Brad and your family.

[Linda Bechtold]

Can I tell you a little story about how that saying came about.

While we were preparing to plant the church in Frisco, the stresses from so many uncertainties started opening up a lot of fears in my life - many of them linked to unprocessed issues from my car accident when my girlfriend and her sister were killed in 1982. It came to a climax and I ended up spending three days in a hospital in Dallas. During that time I came to the conclusion that if I was an utter failure and I had to go home to Australia with my ministry in tatters because of my failure then God's love had to be enough for that as well.

What good is God's love if it only sustains when things are going the ways we would like them to.

I wrote in my journal "God's love must be enough." As soon as I did a light went on all through my heart and soul. I understood something clearly for the first time in my life. At the end God's love is all we have. Everything else we cling to is temporary. We call that love that meets our needs "grace". It was an epiphany.

A few months later the church had been planted and we were standing in the foyer talking about the issues surrounding how we try and manipulate God into giving us His love. We know we have a deep need for it and we long for it and we think we can get God to respond the way we want it. Brad simply said "God must be God." Immediately we put those two thoughts together and it became the foundation for the planting of our church. "God must be God and love must be enough." It works in every circumstance.

If we try and be God we mess up. God must be God. If we try and make God our puppet by doing everything we ask He is no longer God. If we make him a task master with demands we can't meet He is not longer God. If we seek to put all that He is into our language He is no longer God. God must be God.

Anything we achieve in life that we do without love has been misdone at best and sinful at worst. Anything we try and get other people to do, and this is the biggest issues for the church, and we use something other than love to motivate them, things like shame and duty, what we have achieved is not reflective of God's grace. Love must be enough.

No matter what struggles we go through love has to be able to meet us at the point of our need, if it can't then this whole thing is a sham and we should cease doing church altogether - it is an illusion. However, love can do that but we need to pursue love (God's love -grace) with our whole lives, make it our one goal and focus and love will be enough. When we have done that we have pursued holiness. Entire sanctification is the outpouring of love into the core of our beings so that God's love becomes the foundation of all that we are - our identity, our psyche, our dreams, our hopes, our very being. Love must be enough

So you can see in this little phrase is captured almost all we need to know to be His people. It is a wonderful revelation when we see it clearly and it is obvious that Brad has been able to help us see that more clearly.


Thanks so much for sharing this story -it was just what I needed to hear today.

[Hans Deventer]

Do check http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php?p=151580#post151580

[Roland Hearn]

Today we had our service at Brad and Karen's apartment. We knew that Brad would not be able to make the journey to our regular meeting place so we held it there. Yesterday he was feeling more tired but looking forward to being able to be a part of the service.

We had a good service but Brad slept through the whole thing even though he was in the same room. This afternoon he had begun to slip even further. I visited with him and he could hardly hold his eyes open and it seemed possible he had begun to bleed internally. This evening he has gone to the hospital by ambulance. I fear we are coming to the end.

[Alisa Stoll]

Thanks for the update. As hard as it was to read - tears are falling as I type, it had to be even harder to write.

I pray that God's Love is felt in a special way for all involved and that His will be done.

Alisa

Today we had our service at Brad and Karen's apartment. We knew that Brad would not be able to make the journey to our regular meeting place so we held it there. Yesterday he was feeling more tired but looking forward to being able to be a part of the service.

We had a good service but Brad slept through the whole thing even though he was in the same room. This afternoon he had begun to slip even further. I visited with him and he could hardly hold his eyes open and it seemed possible he had begun to bleed internally. This evening he has gone to the hospital by ambulance. I fear we are coming to the end.

[Peggy Gray]

Lord, send Your angels to watch over this family

[Hans Deventer]

I fear we are coming to the end.

Roland, Hannie and I are praying for you as well.

[Ian Gentles]

Thanks for update our hearts are heavy.

[Christine Josephson]

Praying that our Lord will place His loving arms of peace around all of you.
Praying God's will be done.
As Ian has said our hearts are heavy.

[Barbara Moulton]

I continually lift you up before our Heavenly Father.

God, draw close to your servant Brad, and grant him a sense of your divine presence and peace.

Wrap his family and friends in your arms of love.

[Laurie Florence]

Continuing to pray for Brad, his family, and friends. May the peace of Christ be with you.

[Steve Walsh]

This evening he has gone to the hospital by ambulance. I fear we are coming to the end.

Roland, can you tell me which hospital Brad is in. We'd love to visit him if it is possible. I will phone you in the morning (unless I hear from you by e-mail). Steve

[Barbara Moulton]

I read these verses in my devotional today. I post them here for Brad and those who are gathered around him right now.

From Psalm 62

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

[David van Beveren]

Praying for Brad and Karen and their family.

[Anita F. Henck]

Continuing to pray ... for a blessed peaceful ending to a life well lived ... and for all those surrounding Brad in person and by virtual prayer.

Go with God ...

[Jean Johnson]

Dear Brad and Roland,

Thank you, Roland, for sharing with us how the "God must be God" and "Love must be enough" phrases came about.

I have been and am continuing to keenly follow your journey these days, Brad. I pray often for you.

Both of you guys have impacted my life. I was born and raised in a Nazarene home some 63 years ago. I attended Pasadena (Naz.) College in the '60s. Of course I learned the language and doctrine of our faith and earnestly sought to be a devoted Christ-follower. I was a product of our church as it existed during those years.

Yes, my own spiritual pilgrimage has taken many twists and turns. Now, at this stage in my life, I feel that God is challenging me anew to really grapple with the concepts your words boldly proclaim so that God can really change me into the woman He desires. I have the deep conviction that I have barely scraped the surface in truly understanding the life-changing power of love. Oh, to accept others as they are and truly love them.

So, thank you, Brad and Roland, for these powerful words. I wonder whether either of you truly grasp the wide ministry God is allowing you to have via the Internet. PTL!

Jean

[Carsten Schermuly]

What to do?

Praying, Thy Will Be Done. No more pain, grace for Brad.

[Ian Gentles]

All I can say is, "God must be God, and love must be enough" In deep sadness, still praying, burdened as we all are.

[Wanda Van Winkle]

Even as I go about doing daily stuff, Brad, and all of your family and friends, are in my prayer thoughts.

God give all of you peace and comfort.

Wanda

[Marsha Gupton]

The Bond Of Love
Otis Skillings
VERSE 1:

We are one in the bond of love
We are one in the bond of love
We have joined our spirit with the Spirit of God
We are one in the bond of love

VERSE 2:

Let us sing now, ev'ry one,
Let us feel His love begun;
Let us join our hand that the world will know
We are one in the bond of love


1971 Lillenas Publishing Company

[Roland Hearn]

Roland, can you tell me which hospital Brad is in. We'd love to visit him if it is possible. I will phone you in the morning (unless I hear from you by e-mail). Steve

Brad is in room 29 of the Holy Spirit Hospital Northside.

[Amanda Contento]

tears and prayers from the Knoll/Contento family.


oh dear Jesus

[Jenny Mitchell]

Still praying here.

Jenny Mitchell

[Jim Franklin]

Your post that Brad had been taken to the hospital by ambulance after sleeping through the service he so dearly wanted to be a part of brought tears to my eyes. I have begged God to please let me bear my brothers burden by transfering all of his growths and illness to me so that he could go on living and this old cast off could finally be rid of the pain of living in my current surroundings. In the economy of the Kingdom Brad is valued and needed so much more than I am. May a miracle yet bring back health and vigor to my brother.

[Gary Swartzlander]

We continue to hold Brad and family and extended family up in prayer. God bless Brad, family and extended family.

We love you.

[Gina Stevenson]

Oh, Brad ... Karen ... kids ... and all ... remembering such a time as this, tho' quite a few years ago now (nearly ten). Strange how sometimes time does not seem to exist with things emotional .................

luv'n prayers,

[Steve Walsh]

I was able to visit Brad and Karen earlier today for about an hour at the Holy Spirit Northside Hospital. It was a privilege to be able to pray with them. I hope to head off to see them again tomorrow. They value the prayers of folks from all over the world. I caught up with Roland in the hospital lobby as I was leaving and he was arriving. Please remember him and Emmy in prayers as well as they have shouldered much of the burden with Karen and the children.

[Eugenia Whitten]

Steve,
Was just wondering if you had another visit today?

[Marsha Gupton]

Continuing to pray. I have been whispering the Mercer family's name in prayer all day.

[Roland Hearn]

I have left Brad for this evening, he is showing the symptoms of someone with nothing but days left. Emmy has the day off tomorrow so she will spend the day with Karen at the hospital. Karen is coping very well but needs lots of love, support and wisdom as to how to handle the immediate and long term future. Jacob is spending his time at home on his own trying to be as normal as he can be under the circumstances. Each day seems longer than is possible and heavy with pain but God is still God and love is enough.

[Laurie Florence]

I have left Brad for this evening, he is showing the symptoms of someone with nothing but days left. Emmy has the day off tomorrow so she will spend the day with Karen at the hospital. Karen is coping very well but needs lots of love, support and wisdom as to how to handle the immediate and long term future. Jacob is spending his time at home on his own trying to be as normal as he can be under the circumstances. Each day seems longer than is possible and heavy with pain but God is still God and love is enough.

Yes. God is still God and love is enough. Continued prayers.

[Garth Lahana]

I have left Brad for this evening, he is showing the symptoms of someone with nothing but days left. Emmy has the day off tomorrow so she will spend the day with Karen at the hospital. Karen is coping very well but needs lots of love, support and wisdom as to how to handle the immediate and long term future. Jacob is spending his time at home on his own trying to be as normal as he can be under the circumstances. Each day seems longer than is possible and heavy with pain but God is still God and love is enough.

Roland I dread and look forward to every post on this thread. Thanks for all your updates. You are all in our prayers.

[Marsha Gupton]

I have left Brad for this evening, he is showing the symptoms of someone with nothing but days left. Emmy has the day off tomorrow so she will spend the day with Karen at the hospital. Karen is coping very well but needs lots of love, support and wisdom as to how to handle the immediate and long term future. Jacob is spending his time at home on his own trying to be as normal as he can be under the circumstances. Each day seems longer than is possible and heavy with pain but God is still God and love is enough.

Roland, Karen and Mercer Family

My prayers are with all of you. Twenty-six years ago my Mother and I stood vigil over my father much like all of you are over Brad. My Father died on 12/26/1981. My Mother was 55 at the time and frightened of the future. Your tagline "God is still God and Love is Enough" stood true for us in December 1981 and it stands true for us today in 2007. Without the support of our church and our family we could not have made it.

All of you are in my prayers. I have been praying specifically for Brad's Mother. I do not think that a Mother is ever ready for her child to die.

However, "God is still God, and Love is Enough". God will draw those that mourn close to Him and embrace them with loving arms. We do have a comforter and we are not left comfortless.

Marsha (Nashville, TN)

[Janet Mercer]

I have left Brad for this evening, he is showing the symptoms of someone with nothing but days left. Emmy has the day off tomorrow so she will spend the day with Karen at the hospital. Karen is coping very well but needs lots of love, support and wisdom as to how to handle the immediate and long term future. Jacob is spending his time at home on his own trying to be as normal as he can be under the circumstances. Each day seems longer than is possible and heavy with pain but God is still God and love is enough.
It feels so deeply wrong to not be at Brad's bedside with him and Karen, to just come to work every day as if nothing is out of the ordinary while my brother dies so many miles away from home, but I know Australia is where he wanted to be and he and Karen are surrounded by the love of Roland and Emmy. Seeing the out pouring of love for my Big Brother and knowing that he has had such an impact on so many lives makes it somewhat easier though. Thank you all so much for all of the posts. It helps those of his family here in the states that can't be with him. I would give anything if it could have been me at stage IV and Brad at stage I like me, so he could continue his ministry, but like someone else said, it's not for me to decide these things. Thanks for all the prayers for his extended family too. We all love him so much.

Janet

[Roland Hearn]

It feels so deeply wrong to not be at Brad's bedside with him and Karen, to just come to work every day as if nothing is out of the ordinary while my brother dies so many miles away from home, but I know Australia is where he wanted to be and he and Karen are surrounded by the love of Roland and Emmy. Seeing the out pouring of love for my Big Brother and knowing that he has had such an impact on so many lives makes it somewhat easier though. Thank you all so much for all of the posts. It helps those of his family here in the states that can't be with him. I would give anything if it could have been me at stage IV and Brad at stage I like me, so he could continue his ministry, but like someone else said, it's not for me to decide these things. Thanks for all the prayers for his extended family too. We all love him so much.

Janet

Janet, I sat next to Brad last night thinking of all the ways this is wrong - there are lots of them. Your description of the pain and injustice you are feeling was one of the things that stood out to me. It is an absolute indication of Brad's love and determination to see God move in a land that has remained largely unmoved by the gospel that has him lying in a bed on the other side of the world from his family. We all know that but it doesn't make it any easier for his beloved family back home. I dearly wish we could all be together at this time.

Emmy and I love the whole Mercer family for you have all sacrificed for the vision that still beats in Brad's heart. You may not have felt like you had a lot of say in the sacrifice but the way you have responded to Brad and made it easy for him to make the choices that he believes God has called him to has been a measure of the way you have embraced that sacrifice. You are a part of an amazing family.

[Janet Mercer]

Janet, I sat next to Brad last night thinking of all the ways this is wrong - there are lots of them. Your description of the pain and injustice you are feeling was one of the things that stood out to me. It is an absolute indication of Brad's love and determination to see God move in a land that has remained largely unmoved by the gospel that has him lying in a bed on the other side of the world from his family. We all know that but it doesn't make it any easier for his beloved family back home. I dearly wish we could all be together at this time.

Emmy and I love the whole Mercer family for you have all sacrificed for the vision that still beats in Brad's heart. You may not have felt like you had a lot of say in the sacrifice but the way you have responded to Brad and made it easy for him to make the choices that he believes God has called him to has been a measure of the way you have embraced that sacrifice. You are a part of an amazing family.
Thank you Roland. I admired you and Emmy while you were here but it doesn't compare to the admiration I've developed for you, Emmy and your brother in law as you have supported Brad and the family in so many ways as they've gone through this.

I've struggled in the past with the idea of God must be God and love must be enough and once again I'm losing a beloved sibling and struggling to understand why faith doesn't seem to be enough for a miracle. It's so difficult to let go of the desire to control ones circumstances. Again it helps with that struggle to see and hear the impact he has had on others. Someone else said that Brad has shown us how to live and now he is showing us how to die. To see him have such unfailing faith in God to the very end is inspiring to a degree I simply can't articulate.

I love you guys.

[Roland Hearn]

Thank you Roland. I admired you and Emmy while you were here but it doesn't compare to the admiration I've developed for you, Emmy and your brother in law as you have supported Brad and the family in so many ways as they've gone through this.

I've struggled in the past with the idea of God must be God and love must be enough and once again I'm losing a beloved sibling and struggling to understand why faith doesn't seem to be enough for a miracle. It's so difficult to let go of the desire to control ones circumstances. Again it helps with that struggle to see and hear the impact he has had on others. Someone else said that Brad has shown us how to live and now he is showing us how to die. To see him have such unfailing faith in God to the very end is inspiring to a degree I simply can't articulate.

I love you guys.

Tears in my eyes and on my cheeks.

[Mark Metcalfe]

A preacher once said that "when a non-Christian gets cancer, it seems that a Christian gets cancer, so that the world can know the difference."

It isn't exactly comforting (or accurate) theology, but it attempts to convey that the witness of Christ shines through His loved ones, even when one is called home "early." We do not grieve as other who have no hope in Christ Jesus, but we DO grieve.

We lost my mother-in-law in 1997 to lung and liver cancer. She went quickly but we had the time to say our goodbyes before her great awakening. When I found out that she had passed from this world, I thanked the Lord through unabated tears for taking her to Himself, though I would have dearly liked more time. One day soon, though it may be many years from now, we will meet again and she will be among those to welcome me.

o_God bless your family. God bless Brad._o

Mark

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

It is heartbreaking to stand by a bed, where it seems the loved one will be entering into Heaven to live with God. But, we do have hope, knowing we will see them again.
I remember times that we have been the ones standing there. One day, I said to a lady, during Dwayne's first pastorate. "You, will understand it better bye and bye." She said, "I don't even want to understand it." She also told us, that she was dying for the salvation of her children. We know of one of them, that is faithfully in church now. I don't know about the others. But, God bottles up those tears, that have been shed for souls, and many years later, He may pour them out, and a loved one will enter the fold.

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. Earth's trials will seem so small, when we see Him. One glimpse, of His dear face, earth's sorrows will erase--so we must bravely run the race, till we see Christ. In the meantime, we must lean on our Heavenly comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Besides, times, such as this in the pastorate, we have stood by the bedside of our loved ones, as many of you have. I did that all night, and until 2 p.m. on Christmas Day, three years ago, and then, the day after Christmas, our 93 year old mother went to be with Christ. We did the same in 1973, when our son was born on Christmas Day, and left us 2 1/2 days later. We never totally get over it, on this earth. Some people think, that as we step in Heaven's gates, our tears will be wiped away. Then, it will certianly be worth it all.
I think of those at this time of the year, but we are not without Hope.

[Alisa Stoll]

Thank you Roland. I admired you and Emmy while you were here but it doesn't compare to the admiration I've developed for you, Emmy and your brother in law as you have supported Brad and the family in so many ways as they've gone through this.

I've struggled in the past with the idea of God must be God and love must be enough and once again I'm losing a beloved sibling and struggling to understand why faith doesn't seem to be enough for a miracle. It's so difficult to let go of the desire to control ones circumstances. Again it helps with that struggle to see and hear the impact he has had on others. Someone else said that Brad has shown us how to live and now he is showing us how to die. To see him have such unfailing faith in God to the very end is inspiring to a degree I simply can't articulate.

I love you guys.

I've been studying the book of Matthew and while some miracles had a component of faith - other's did not. Obviously the people who were demon possessed did not have the ability to express faith. Others were healed without Jesus even being present so the one healed did not have to have faith - those who came to Jesus on their behalf did have faith. Though how much faith did Jarius have? It seems he came to Jesus as a last resort.

Sometimes in situations like this, I think it requires more faith to live faithfully through it than to be healed. Regardless, your brother has shown great faith and is a great inspiration to us all. He can truely say along with Paul - For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Alisa

[Emmy Hearn]

I have just spent the morning with Brad & Karen at the hospital - the nurses say he is very close now. He is on enough medication that he is relatively pain free & is sleeping most of the time. He doesn't open his eyes or speak anymore, but every now and again as Karen & I have been holding his hands and talking to each other across his bed this morning, Brad will very lightly squeeze one of our hands when he feels strongly about something we're talking about - Janet I just wanted you to know that I whenever your name came up in the conversation this morning he squeezed my hand. I know he loves you very much.

I have been so moved by the love and support of everyone on Naznet for the Mercers - I can't tell you how much of a difference it's made knowing you're praying for them.

It's been a few years now since I've been on Naznet, but it never ceases to amaze me how the love & friendship on this board remains a reliable constant.

Love Emmy

[Brian Blankenship]

As I have studied all that I have on healing, I came across one of the ways in which God heals, from E. Stanley Jones, the missionary. He says that some are healed in the resurrection.

It seems to me that as I think of what Emmy just wrote about how close Brad is, I think of the song, I'll Be Home For Christmas. What a wondrous think it could be for ur brother in Christ to be with Jesus for Christmas. Our prayers are with you.

[Janet Mercer]

I have just spent the morning with Brad & Karen at the hospital - the nurses say he is very close now. He is on enough medication that he is relatively pain free & is sleeping most of the time. He doesn't open his eyes or speak anymore, but every now and again as Karen & I have been holding his hands and talking to each other across his bed this morning, Brad will very lightly squeeze one of our hands when he feels strongly about something we're talking about - Janet I just wanted you to know that I whenever your name came up in the conversation this morning he squeezed my hand. I know he loves you very much.

I have been so moved by the love and support of everyone on Naznet for the Mercers - I can't tell you how much of a difference it's made knowing you're praying for them.

It's been a few years now since I've been on Naznet, but it never ceases to amaze me how the love & friendship on this board remains a reliable constant.

Love Emmy
I'm not ready for him to go. I'm not ready

[Marsha Gupton]

Anne started this song in her post. It reminded me of how much I love this song.

When We See Christ
Words and music by Esther Kerr Rusthoi



Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on , no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.


Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.


Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

[Brian Blankenship]

I'm not ready for him to go. I'm not ready

My prayers are with you Janet.:pray)

[Emmy Hearn]

I know baby - I am so sorry.

Father, I pray that your arms of love will embrace Janet in such a tangible way right now. I pray that your Holy Spirit will fill the room she sits in so that she experiences the length and breadth of your love for her, right now.

Please Father - right now

I love you Janet - I wish I lived closer so I could hug you.

[Emmy Hearn]

We have some specific things we are praying about here that I thought we could share with you:

~ Karen just got word that some of Wesley's friends at SNU have applied for use of a student emergency fund for Wes and Charlotte to fly over here as early as next week. We are praying that (a) they are eligible to use the fund and (b) that they can get tickets within the price range (the fund allocates $2000/ student in an emergency);

~ Because Brad is so weak now, he is unable to cough. His breathing has become very rattly today. The hospital is giving him medication to dry up the fluid, but every now and again he starts to try to cough and panics a little when he can't ... we are praying that the rattles go away so he can rest easier;

~ I would really love it if you could pray for Roland - he has two memorial services he is putting together for Brad and it is tearing him apart to lose his best friend. He couldn't love him more if they were brothers. I would love it if you could carry Rol in your heart through this time.

Love Emmy

[Janet Mercer]

That would be so awesome if Wesley and Charlotte could be over there so they could be with their mom.

I'm praying this time for Brad be as easy and peaceful as is possible.

Poor Roland to have to be strong for so many while suffering such a personal loss himself. He is in my heart and my thoughts and my prayers as are you Emmy.

[Roland Hearn]

This is always so hard to write, but each evening the awareness increases that we are closer to the end. As I sat by Brad's bed this afternoon I prayed again that God might reverse the process. I am very aware that God can bring peace and hope to our lives and bring His glory from this situation but what I want is to see Brad walk out of the hospital. I think, though, that by this time tomorrow he may well be walking golden streets. It occurred to me as I left the hospital that I have less of my life then I have lived until I will walk those streets with him - I sure hope he doesn't change his sense of humour in the mean time.

[Hans Deventer]

It occurred to me as I left the hospital that I have less of my life then I have lived until I will walk those streets with him - I sure hope he doesn't change his sense of humour in the mean time.

I'm not sure I understand this sentence, but I do understand I need to pray for you as well and do know that we have been doing that and will keep doing so!

[Roland Hearn]

Well I was trying to be cute Hans :o , I just meant Brad's sense of humour is so much a part of our relationship and we are so in sync on what is funny that it will be one of the things I am most aware of that I will miss. When I get to heaven and we walk those streets together I want to be able to laugh at the same sort of stuff again. I also meant that unless I live into my 90's I have less years in front of me then through which I have already lived.

[Charlene Clevenger]

Still praying here.

[Steve Walsh]

Steve,
Was just wondering if you had another visit today?

I was able to visit Brad again for another hour or so today (Wednesday 12 December) and it was great to also spend time with Karen, Emmy Hearn, and Roland's mother, Loy.

As I indicated elsewhere on Nazet, last Friday morning there was a fire at our church (where Brad is a member and where he last preached just over 3 weeks ago). We are currently unable to use our church sanctuary and all of our sound equipment has been taken away to be cleaned and/or repaired. While the insurance company has been great, and so much has already happened, as you can imagine this time of the year makes it difficult to get everything done as rapidly as we would like. Should it be necessary, we had planned to hold a memorial service at our church, so we would appreciate your prayers that everything be done in the Lord's timing. Thanks.

[Pete Vecchi]

For some reason I haven't been receiving the e-mail notifications for this thread, and so I was hoping that no new posts meant that things were going better. However, I missed about 3 pages-worth of posts before just checking the thread today.

I'm sorry to hear that things don't look good right now from an earthly perspective. My prayer is for God's peace to envelope Brad, his family and his friends, especially at this time.

[Edith K. Thurmond]

I'm not ready for him to go. I'm not ready

Janet, thanks for all your posts and letting us share this journey with you. There are so many good things that could be said about Brad but I want to share with you a 'fun' one that will always be in my memory. As you probably know, Brad loved olives and tamales and the more kinds of olives, the better. He shopped at Whole Foods and I would see him in there just full of glee that new and different olives were available and the same was his response about the tamales. It was fun to watch him shop for these items. After I moved away, Central Market was built and he said that he even had more fun shopping at the olive bar there. He was very descriptive in describing the various ones and the distinct flavor each kind held.

It is somehow fitting that he loved olives because they were such a basic crop (commodity) during Bible times. The word gethsemane even means oil (olive) press and it was in that place in the olive grove where Jesus waited for what was to come for him. Brad and his family are in the place of waiting right now and I pray that the oil of the Holy Spirit will sooth and comfort each of you while in this personal gethsemane.

Many blessings and prayers,

[Janet Mercer]

Janet, thanks for all your posts and letting us share this journey with you. There are so many good things that could be said about Brad but I want to share with you a 'fun' one that will always be in my memory. As you probably know, Brad loved olives and tamales and the more kinds of olives, the better. He shopped at Whole Foods and I would see him in there just full of glee that new and different olives were available and the same was his response about the tamales. It was fun to watch him shop for these items. After I moved away, Central Market was built and he said that he even had more fun shopping at the olive bar there. He was very descriptive in describing the various ones and the distinct flavor each kind held.

It is somehow fitting that he loved olives because they were such a basic crop (commodity) during Bible times. The word gethsemane even means oil (olive) press and it was in that place in the olive grove where Jesus waited for what was to come for him. Brad and his family are in the place of waiting right now and I pray that the oil of the Holy Spirit will sooth and comfort each of you while in this personal gethsemane.

Many blessings and prayers,
That is so Brad. We used to hang out on Wednesdays after church and we would sometimes try different ethnic restaurants. He and I had a blast doing that. I could always count on his enthusiasm in all food related endeavors. LOL

[Joanne Vergin]

Terrific Edith! :) Olives will be an Ebenezer for me to pray for the Mercer family. I love 'em too. :p

Literally speaking, an Ebenezer is a "stone of help," or a reminder of God’s Real, Holy Presence and Divine aid. Spiritually and theologically speaking, an Ebenezer can be nearly anything that reminds us of God’s presence and help: the Bible, the Sacramental Elements, a cross, a picture, a fellow believer, a hymn – those things which serve as reminders of God’s love, God’s Real Presence, and God’s assistance are "Ebenezers."


As you probably know, Brad loved olives and tamales and the more kinds of olives, the better. ... just full of glee that new and different olives
It is somehow fitting that he loved olives because they were such a basic crop (commodity) during Bible times. The word gethsemane even means oil (olive) press and it was in that place in the olive grove where Jesus waited for what was to come for him. Brad and his family are in the place of waiting right now and I pray that the oil of the Holy Spirit will sooth and comfort each of you while in this personal gethsemane.

Many blessings and prayers,

[Paul Whitaker]

May His Grace and His Peace be yours today and always.

[Gord Evans]

Brad, Karen, Charlotte, Jacob, Wesley ... Janet ... Roland and Emmy, and your dear children ...

Prayers for grace and mercy are being lifted to the One who provides. May you feel His touch now.

[Dennis M. Scott]

I have pretty much always wished I had been in Bethlehem that first Christmas to see the stable, and look into the manger. I would love to have been able to see the angels, animals, a loving Joseph and Mary, and all of that.

In a peculiar way, I get a similar feeling about this thread. I can't be at Brad's bedside, but he is surrounded by people who love him, and a heavenly host as well. A bunch of us from around the world care, and we know that all of you are blessed by the presence of God. We would be there if we could.

[Roland Hearn]

Emmy and I were at the hospital until 10:00pm last night. Brad's breathing is reflecting the extent to which he has slipped.

One little story to show that there is still something happening behind the sunken closed eyes. The hospital chaplain came to pray for him. He got his name wrong and prayed for "Brian", which is kind of humerous for Monty Python fans, which Brad is. He also then went on to ask God to take him when it was His will. Brad started thrashing and grunting reflecting his theological disdain for the concept that God wills the moment of our deaths. He is still Brad.

I will head off to the hospital before too long, it is obvious that he has gone through the night once again. The process is becoming very taxing for Karen now who has held vigil by his bed since he first entered the hospital. She is determined to be with him when he draws his last breath for she made him a promise to do so when they talked about him going into the hospital. She is now the focus of my prayers because the emotional drain of little sleep and the constant stress is beginning to mount up. She is handling it all with grace that reflects His power but this is a very difficult process.

[Janet Mercer]

Give my love to Karen and to Brad. We (Mom, Roy, Andrea and I) are all thinking about Karen and praying for her. We wish we could be there to hold her hand and give her hugs.

[Judy Hamilton]

Give my love to Karen and to Brad. We (Mom, Roy, Andrea and I) are all thinking about Karen and praying for her. We wish we could be there to hold her hand and give her hugs.

Janet...i also wish so that you and your family were able to be with Brad and Karen...sad that you cannot

[Hans Deventer]

He also then went on to ask God to take him when it was His will. Brad started thrashing and grunting reflecting his theological disdain for the concept that God wills the moment of our deaths. He is still Brad.

:basic01 Thanks for sharing, Roland. Even in the midst of this. It's good.

[Karen] is now the focus of my prayers because the emotional drain of little sleep and the constant stress is beginning to mount up. She is handling it all with grace that reflects His power but this is a very difficult process.

Roland, we're praying for all of you down under, and for Brad's children, sisters, brother and mother in the US. Thankfully God isn't limited by space.

[Barbara Moulton]

Emmy and I were at the hospital until 10:00pm last night. Brad's breathing is reflecting the extent to which he has slipped.

One little story to show that there is still something happening behind the sunken closed eyes. The hospital chaplain came to pray for him. He got his name wrong and prayed for "Brian", which is kind of humerous for Monty Python fans, which Brad is. He also then went on to ask God to take him when it was His will. Brad started thrashing and grunting reflecting his theological disdain for the concept that God wills the moment of our deaths. He is still Brad.

I will head off to the hospital before too long, it is obvious that he has gone through the night once again. The process is becoming very taxing for Karen now who has held vigil by his bed since he first entered the hospital. She is determined to be with him when he draws his last breath for she made him a promise to do so when they talked about him going into the hospital. She is now the focus of my prayers because the emotional drain of little sleep and the constant stress is beginning to mount up. She is handling it all with grace that reflects His power but this is a very difficult process.

You go Brad! Thank you for sharing this story. It brought a smile to my lips even in the midst of my sorrow because it reflects one of my greatest fears as a chaplain...that I'll say the wrong name in my prayer. I always ask the name just before I move into my prayer when it is someone I don't know. Glad to know that Brad had the spunk to react to the wrong name and the theology.

May all who are present feel the sacredness of the room and the love of God showered upon them. I pray that Brad will know that he is enfolded in the arms of His father. And I pray peace.

Lift your child Karen up as well Oh God. Grant her strength.

[Glenn Harris]

Two songs have been going through my mind all day today. While the two songs are as different as night and day, they are forever linked. The first song is It Is Well. Most people are aware of the story behind Horatio Spafford’s writing of It Is Well as his heartfelt response to the tragic deaths of his daughters and that three years after Horatio Spafford penned those immortal words they were picked up by composer Philip Bliss and put to music. While that song would be perfectly fitting for this time, it is the second part of this story that has held my thought process. What is not as well known is that less than a year after Philip Bliss composed the music to It Is Well, he, himself, was killed in a train wreck in Astabula Ohio. It was possibly because of his renown for having been the composer of It Is Well that a worker, when recovering the briefcase from the wreckage, understood the importance of the words that were found in it and preserved them for posterity. That’s the part I haven’t been able to shake. It isn’t because of tragedy that triumph is obtained but quite the opposite. It is because the life we live and the legacy we leave can transcend the tragedies that befall us. I can’t help but believe that somewhere, not because of the way Brad is passing but because of the way he lived, someone will recover the lyrics of Brad’s life from the wreckage and, when the time is right, will put them to their own music. And just as was the case with Philip Bliss, there will be whole generations of people who will know of the Savior that Brad committed his life to serving who will understand the meaning of his life and will be singing a similar song. They will be singing Brad’s version of


I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.




Refrain



Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.




I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.




Refrain



I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth
Over sin, and death, and hell.




Refrain



I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav’nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.



Go with God Brad. You’ve done good.

[Roland Hearn]

When I left Brad this evening his condition was basically what it has been for the last 24 hours with noticeable but not huge deterioration. His breathing is shallow and labored. The nursing staff is convinced he is holding on for a reason because it is extremely rare for someone to go on living in the condition that Brad has been in for the last three days. They suggest he should have been gone two days ago.

On the lighter side a miracle has happened and Charlotte and Wesley will arrive in Brisbane on Sunday and be here for the memorial service and Christmas. Karen is truly excited that this has worked out. With Brad so close to the end we suspect the service will be the middle of next week.

[Dana Grant]

When I left Brad this evening his condition was basically what it has been for the last 24 hours with noticeable but not huge deterioration. His breathing is shallow and labored. The nursing staff is convinced he is holding on for a reason because it is extremely rare for someone to go on living in the condition that Brad has been in for the last three days. They suggest he should have been gone two days ago.

On the lighter side a miracle has happened and Charlotte and Wesley will arrive in Brisbane on Sunday and be here for the memorial service and Christmas. Karen is truly excited that this has worked out. With Brad so close to the end we suspect the service will be the middle of next week.


Roland, could it be that Brad knows his children will be arriving and is trying to hold on for them? If he is indeed still able to hear what is going on around him, and everyone has been talking about it in his hospital room, I just wonder.......

Praying for strength and comfort for both of your families during this time......

[Hans Deventer]

The nursing staff is convinced he is holding on for a reason because it is extremely rare for someone to go on living in the condition that Brad has been in for the last three days. They suggest he should have been gone two days ago.

Roland, what should we be praying for? When my father was at a point that healing seemed unlikely, and he started to suffer, I prayed the Lord would take him home and indeed, quite soon after, He did. But this is not a prayer we should pray lightly, and I really don't want to pray for anything else than you guys would be.

[Roland Hearn]

Roland, could it be that Brad knows his children will be arriving and is trying to hold on for them? If he is indeed still abl