Melynna February 21st, 2007
I just posted an update and forgot a very — very important part. Since Mary Ann is Amish, she had never had the opportunity to visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop — the place her bunny “Faith” was created. Well, this past Friday all that changed. Her mother made a point to meet the person responsible for creating and delivering “Faith” to Mary Ann’s bedside. His name is Ken and I think he is one of God’s angels. He went out of his way to make Mary Ann’s visit special for both her and her little brother, Bennie. I would have given my eye teeth to have been there and watched those little ones. Can you imagine what the experience meant to children who live with the simpliest of toys?
Melynna February 21st, 2007
Mary Ann has one more treatment — ONE MORE! It is hard to believe it has been 8 and a half months since her family received the devastating news. She is doing really well. Last Friday, the 16th of February Mary Ann received one of her “hard” treatments. These are administered every third week and require an overnight stay in the hospital. Usually the effects hit her sometiime in the wee hours of the morning and she is very sick for several hours. — That didn’t happen! For the first time ever, she was able to endure the treatment without getting sick. Mary Ann’s last treatment will be on the 9th of March if all goes well.
“A Story of Faith” tells about the creation of a flop earred bunny who was made especially for Mary Ann to remind her of Jesus’ love during her long journey back to health. God’s presence throughout the writing, illustrating and marketing of this book cannot be denied. There is no other way to explain the incredible speed with which this story has traveled. God has now begun to open new doors — new avenues of ministry. This past week-end, my husband and I were each able to give testimony to God’s awesome presence throughtout each and every step of the journey. I was able to share my testimony at a women’s conference this past week-end and James shared again on Sunday at Central Baptist Church near Marlow, Oklahoma. This coming week-end the 24th of February, I have also been ask to share my testimony. You know, had God told me in the beginning this would be part of the journey, I would have backed out. I’ve never been a public speaker — even thought I’d forget my name if I was ever ask to stand before a crowd. — However — God has a way of changing us. Each day I stand amazed and wonder where HE will take “A Story of Faith.” How BIG is God — how far will be take a few simple words meant to comfort a very sick little girl? Who knows? Long ago God accepted a child’s offering of a simple meal of fish and bread — blessed it and fed 5000. I believe HE has the ability to do anything HE wants with this story and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter.
To date we (meaning each and every person who has purchased a book or given a donation) have collectively raised over $26,000.00 for Mary Ann’s medical care — that is above and beyond all our expenses. It some ways it sounds like a lot but compared to her treatment care to date (over $200,000.00) it is only a drop in the bucket. Thank you — each of you — for your part in ministering to this family.
Melynna February 8th, 2007
Hello everyone. I did not realize it had been so long since my last update. I visited with Mary Ann’s father last week. They are really excited to see her last chemo treatment in sight. If everything goes as scheduled she will have her last treatment on the 9th of March. When she regains her strength, she hopes to finally get a chance to attend school — first grade. This little one had really been excited about attending school but those plans were put on hold as she faced this battle. Mary Ann’s next MRI is scheduled sometime in March. Doctors originally spoke of surgery to remove the remaining tumor but nothing else has been mentioned lately. We’ll just have to wait and see. For those of you who do not know, this story was originally written just for Mary Ann and later became an extended ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. We have committed one hundred percent of the net proceeds towards Mary Ann’s medical care because her family does not have insurance. To date we have distributed over 2400 copies of this book. They have reached 43 states, Ontario, Newfoundland and Afghanistan. This book has now begun to reach other cancer patients one of the latest is Madisyn. Madisny has just undergone surgery and is recovering at Cook’s Children’s Hospital. For update on her condition go to www.carepages.com and type in — madi. Please continue to pray for both Mary Ann and Madisyn. Thank you and God Bless.