Trials are real. I'm facing a big one now and need your prayers...
To my friends in the body of Christ,
I want to give you some background of a health journey I am on.
Twelve years ago, after a routine physical, doctors discovered I had a blood disorder. A double chromosome causes it and causes me to produce double the blood as needed.
The condition was managed by medication for eleven years. However, last year, the medicine I was on stopped working, and a different condition set in. It caused my bone marrow to stop producing enough blood, and acute anemia (low blood counts) became the battle.
My Recent Condition:
After a heavy travel schedule this past May, I was diagnosed with double pneumonia and had to be put in the hospital three different times. I chose to cancel all travel for the rest of the year. This included a vast pastors conference in Brazil in late June and 100 pastors already registered for Pastors University in the fall.
I have had to have frequent blood transfusions as the doctors are battling the anemia with different medications. The treatments have left me weakened physically. I’ve lost a good bit of weight but have been able to put into practice what I wrote in a recent blog: “Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks!”.
My Current Opportunities:
Despite canceling all travel, the Lord has continued to open doors. In the middle of September, I was privileged to speak to the entire leadership base of the Church of God denomination over Zoom (General State overseers from all 50 states). One hour live with that group potentially affected millions of believers!
Also, I have continued to serve as an active elder at Bethany Church. Finally, I have leveraged technology to encourage pastors remotely and my writing of blogs and other articles to encourage believers worldwide.
Amidst these physical trials, my spirit has found resilience in a profound deepening of faith. Never have I felt so enveloped by the Word of God. I’ve been memorizing and quoting Scripture, listening intently to Biblical teachings, and standing unequivocally on the promises of God's Word.
My faith serves as both an anchor in these uncertain times and a wellspring of hope for the future that God has in store.
How you can Pray for my future:
My immediate circle, comprising my family and a dedicated team of intercessors, has been my bedrock. Now, I invite you, my cherished spiritual family, to join this prayer fortress. I seek your prayers for the following:
* Full restoration of my bone marrow function
* Stabilization of my red blood cell count
* Wisdom for my medical team in devising effective treatments
* Strength to endure the necessary medical procedures
As we hold fast to Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose," I want you to know: God hears your prayers. He loves you, is with you, and controls every situation. As you pray for me, I will also pray for you and have great faith that if God be for us… who can be against us?
Updates will follow as we navigate this season, united by a faith that remains steadfast but also vibrant and hopeful.
My blog will continue as I seek to feed you from the experiences I learn and the breakthroughs that are sure to come. I love you, and thank you for your prayers…
In Christ, Unwaveringly,
Larry Stockstill
