If you are reading this in New Zealand, you may not have heard of Matt Chandler!
However, particularly in a North American context, God has used this man as an avenue of His grace, both in a local church setting, and to the larger body of Christ. His visible passion for Christ still resonates in the mind of this blogger. If you would like to know more about the man and the local church ministry, you can visit… The Village Church!
The reason you need to pray for Matt Chandler is that as a result of a seizure, it has been revealed that Matt has a tumor in his brain (he has a mass on the frontal lobe) and needs surgery. At the time of blogging, Matt was either in surgery still or just out, and there was no word of the result of this procedure, but as the Doctors were unsure whether the tumor was malignant or otherwise, the circumstances surrounding this procedure ensure that the Doctors intervention is significant!!!
Please Pray for Matt, his wife Lauren, and their three children, Audrey, Reid, and Norah!
My Father had a seizure while leading church (He was the Pastor) on Sunday many years ago, and it was discovered that he had a good-sized tumor that had to be removed in surgery. Thankfully it was successfully removed, and he has been fine ever since. However, it was a time when God’s grace was revealed, and one avenue where this was experienced was in the prayers of the people of God, which were a blessing and a joy at what was an extremely tough time for the family.
This is a time when the body can play their part!
If you would like to know more about the journey, here is a little timeline of details as recorded on the blogosphere…
Here are some details from their Facebook page
We want to provide you some guidance during this trial, a few details about Matt and a timeline in which all of us can actively participate over the next few days as we wait anxiously on the Lord regarding Matt’s health.
We rest in the knowledge that Matt is in the sovereign hand of our heavenly Father who loves him immensely more than we can comprehend. First Peter 1:3-7 says that times like this are given to us and are useful for our testing and refining. Take time to read those verses today.
Be encouraged that Matt is responding as you would hope and expect. His spirit is steadfast and secure, and his words reflect faith, love, joy and contentment even in a state of uncertainty.
Many of you are eager to help and ensure that he and his family are loved and cared for well. Right now the doctor’s order is for him to rest. Additional tests and doctor visits are to come, and we will provide regular updates as they are appropriate. Matt and Lauren know you are ready and willing to meet any practical needs, and their love for you will make it extremely difficult for them not to embrace those who knock on the door or call. Right now, though, the best gift is the physical space to afford them time to rest.
On Monday afternoon, Matt is meeting and praying with the church staff. Monday night, the elders are meeting with Matt and Lauren to pray with them. Matt’s appointment with the neurosurgeon is on Tuesday. During all of these times, join us in prayer wherever you might be. Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Highland Village, Denton and Dallas worship centers, we will gather as a church body to pray. We encourage you to fast throughout that day and join us to pray that evening.
Certainly pray for Matt’s healing, and pray that he and his family would experience great peace during this time. But don’t stop there. Ask God to reveal what work he plans to do in you, in Matt and in our church through this trial. Although it may be easy to see the hand of the enemy in a situation like this, remember that God is sovereign that he may ordain trials to deepen our faith, draw us closer to him or to accomplish some other purpose. Therefore do not fear.
One thing to consider would be to send Matt a written note. His words and actions faithfully point to how lives are changed through the gospel of Christ so it always encourages him to hear what God is doing in you. The time and effort to reflect and write out your thoughts on God’s goodness in your life could warm your soul and allow Matt to hear, see and celebrate the work and blessings of Jesus. Bring your notes with you on Wednesday night. If you cannot be there, mail them to 2101 FM 407, Flower Mound, TX 75028.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.We love you and are praying that during this unsettling time your steadfast trust in the Lord will reflect an uncommon peace and be a light among those whom the Lord puts in your path.
Another…
Matt will undergo surgery Friday afternoon
Pastor Matt Chandler will have surgery Friday afternoon to remove a tumor located in the frontal lobe of his brain. The surgery will be performed by Dr. David Barnett.
Dr. Barnett told Matt that he was positive about recovery but won’t know the full results until the surgery is performed. The doctor was uncertain about the malignancy of the tumor, and a biopsy will be performed as part of the surgery.
The outpouring of support and prayers from all over the world has been overwhelming to Matt and Lauren. Continue to pray and fast on behalf of the family. The church’s monthly prayer service will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Highland Village, Denton and Dallas Northway worship centers. We encourage you to fast throughout that day and join us to pray that evening. If you cannot join us, pray wherever you are.
We continue to rest in the knowledge that Matt is in the sovereign hand of our heavenly Father who loves him immensely more than we can comprehend, and He alone understands the reasons for this trial. Along with your prayers, continue to give Matt and Lauren and their family time and space for their continued rest.
One More…
Thank you for your many prayers for Matt and Lauren and for our church at this time. Matt’s surgery is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. CST Friday, and we ask your continued prayers especially during that time. We also ask that you respect the family wishes and not visit the hospital.
We will keep you updated as is appropriate. The surgery could possibly run several hours. The earliest we will provide an update will be Friday night or Saturday morning.
If you wish to send Matt and Lauren a note or card, please mail it to 2101 Justin Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028.
To read Matt’s blog entry “My Heart is full . . . I am Thankful” which was posted this morning, see our church Web site.
Finally…
The start of Matt’s surgery was delayed until 2:30 p.m. CST on Friday. An earlier surgery took longer than expected thus moving Matt’s later in the day. We will communicate further information later tonight or Saturday morning. Please continue to pray without ceasing.
In closing, I would really encourage you to read Matt’s post, as outlined in one of the messages on Facebook, which should not only encourage you in your understanding of the man, in your pursuit in prayer, but also highlights the transitory nature of this present existence, in contradistinction to our eternal moment in Christ, and should encourage us all to redeem the time, for His glory… time to pray!
However, read Matt’s Post… MY HEART IS FULL… I AM THANKFUL
Soli Deo Gloria!
Until Next Time
I am Jonny King
H/T: JT
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