The Goal is in sight with determination in his eyes… (Michelle approves!)

Tim is doing a bit better and moving in the right direction!  His irregular and fast heartbeats are under control.  How we thank the Lord!!!  He’s not out of the woods yet… and still needs our prayers. 

He is going to be laying low for the next few weeks.  Dr. Peters has educated Tim to pace himself in every aspect of life… from ministry, to family, to excersize, diet and everything in between.  He’s committed and determined!  He’s already lost 9 lbs!!!

A special message to The Ridge Church Family:  “Please step up to the plate in my absense!  I need you more than ever and so does “Power 90″…. I will not be there for a couple of weeks so I’m counting on you as God’s work never stops.  We still have a great services planned while I’m way and I’m confident that you won’t want to miss even one Sunday.  When I feel better I will be in contact… but until then… keep up the great work!  I love each and every one of you and I’m utilizing this time to pray for you as we go through this journey together.

Michelle picked Tim up from the hospital at 10:00 a.m.  He had a rough night and didn’t get much rest. 

This has been very physically and emotionally draining… as you can well imagine. 

When he got home, he slept most of the day and is doing better.  The Doctor has requested that he lay low for the next 3 weeks.  

His family (Mother) has asked that everyone please refrain from contacting him.  He will reach out when he’s ready. 

Thanks again for your love, prayers and support!

Dr. Peters just came out to the waiting room and hugged us all except for Clyde (John Wayne is a bit intimidating).  He said that there was NO BLOD CLOT!!!!!  And… that the shock procedure was a tremendous success!  They believe that with his meds… his new lifestyle and with great accountability (that’s where we all come in… wink! wink! )…. he will do well!  Please continue to pray for his health and recovery… and for success with his new and exciting discipline lifestyle. 

Dr. Peters will be at the hospital all evening and they are keeping him here for observation. 

AND…. HE DIDN’T GET SICK AT ALL FROM THE PROCEDURE!!!!!  He’s doing great!  IN DAD’S WORDS… “He’s a new man!”

Again… thanks for your prayers… we are so grateful!  And once again… God’s mercies endure forever. 

No need for hourly updates now…  unless there are changes in his recovery.  Feel free to check tomorrow for a final recap.

Dr. Peters just explained to Tim & Michelle his concerns about Tim’s condition just before he started the procedure.  He said that there is a chance that because Tim has had these complications for so long that he may have a blod clot.  The procedure that he is preforming could cause a stroke.  All the more reason why we are so thankful to have you prayer warriors storming heavens gates with prayers on Tim’s behalf.  He’s being treated right now! 

I have to tell you it is so precious to hear Dad pray …. and especially to hear the tenderness in his voice when it breaks as he asks the Lord to take care of his little boy!

Tim’s heart specialist, Dr. Peters said that his condition is quite serious and they need to do some more procedures.  Today at 5:00 they are going to “shock” his heart again…. but far more aggressively!  They are also going to put a camera down into his esophagus and explore other complications.  His conditions are getting more severe again…. his heart rate has jumped back up over 165.  He’s heavily sedated but is still quite concerned as you can well imagine. 

Please pray that he will not get as sick as he did with the last procedure.

Michelle is strong… and handling everything with such incredible faith and finesse.  Thanks so much for your prayers, support and your kind comments… Tim will enjoy reading these when he’s better.  We love and appreciate you more than words can describe!

A few of the first test results are showing no damage to the heart… one nurse said that it appears that it may be an “electrical” or some kind of a “rhythm” problem .  But there is still so much that doesn’t make sense… so they are running more tests.   Keep prayin’!

His color is returning to his face and he amazingly finds ways to make us laugh.

Tim is resting!  He’s still in ICU.  There’s been no change in his condition.  We are still waiting for a visit from his heart specialist, Dr. Peters.

Gerrie and her baby boy!

Tim was admitted to Sutter Hospital shortly after midnight.  He is currently in ICU and waiting for a visit from his Heart Specialist, Dr. Peters. 

Tim has been on a journey for years to find out what is causing his condition.  We are praying that the severity of what is taking  place right now will give greater insight into his complications. 

The medical team working with him right now are perplexed… everything they have tried does not seem to be working.  They “shocked” his heart and have given him meds that they thought would help.  His heart was at one point over 167 beats and they have gotten his heart rate down to 120 but it still is irregular and beating too fast. 

Michelle has been with him every step of the way… it’s been a little scarry to hear the alarms going off and see him him going through all of this, but as you would imagine, she is full of faith and loving support. 

Tim also struggles with a severe case of “vertigo” and can’t lay on his back or he gets extremely sick.  Unfortunately, they had to lay him flat on his back to do the “shock treatment.”  He’s been very sick since. 

Tim is requesting no visitors as he is too sick to even be with his family right now.  We all appreciate your prayers, love and support. 

We will update this blog as soon as we get a chance to talk to Dr. Peters or when there are any developments.

Written by Gerrie:

I was called in to get some testing to see if I had MS.  The call was sudden so it was a bit concerning.  After the extensive testing  they sent me to the Dr. and guess what?????   He said, “we have no explanation as to why you are better. The tumor is still there, but not resting on the optic nerve and everything seems fine.”  I said “Dr. there has truly been much prayer on my behalf,” his comment was “I pray too.”  Smiling I pointed up and said, “I believe it was a touch from God.”  He smiled, and  since he had already requested my book “I said you will know even more as you read my story.”

We shook hands and I will see him in June for another MRI AND I AM GRATEFUL TO THE LORD AND TO EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND CONCERN.

Mom had a very brief visit today with the Neuro Surgeon.  He feels that it is best to wait for 6 mos to see if there are any changes to her tumor.

In the meantime, he would like her to continue with her General Practitioner to deal with her Carotid Arteries and Vascular Issues which he believes are actually causing the double vision.  She has an appointment on Monday with the General and it appears that there will be more tests run over the next several weeks to fully establish what steps would be best to take.  We are praying that she will be referred to a Vascular Specialist.   Thanks for your concern and prayers. They are working… her vision is getting better!  Only God can pull that off!

In the meantime she still operates like the Engergizer Bunny… she hasn’t skipped a beat, is full of faith and courage and is such a joy to be around!

“It’s Benign!” Such great news to hear from the Neuro Surgeon the day before Thanksgiving!

He went on to say that Mom’s slow growing tumor is small but resting on the optic nerve, thus the Double Vision. He has not received all of the test results and Doctors reports that are still yet needed to help him fully decide on how he will treat her. But for now, there is no need for immediate surgery!!! She was asked to return for another appointment in 3 weeks to get more information. In the meantime, she was told that special glasses may help her see a little better and that she can now drive during the day. (Dad and Michelle will no doubt miss their daily routine of driving her into town for her “Senior, Fountain, Diet Coke with very little Ice” at McDonald’s and her “Only One See’s Candy” fix at the Galleria Mall, oh and …. just one or two extra unexpected stops for deals and returns along the way! LOL)

The Dr. also mentioned that the Carotid Arteries in her neck look like they may need some work to keep the blood flow to it’s maximum potential, but he will know more within the next few weeks once he is able to review all of the reports.

But for now… we all take a big deep breath and sigh of relief and offer a heartfelt prayer of thanks to our Heavenly Father for hearing our plea and blessing us with such great news on Thanksgiving.

So, how are they really doing???? Great question! Glad you asked! Quite honestly, Mom has been such a joy to all in the middle of her crisis. Even with her inability to hear or see well… she just holds on tight and smiles and nods (even when she doesn’t hear)… and never, ever complains! She gets up early every day… dresses for the nines and keeps that perky li’l pep in her step with such a joyful demeanor. She truly has demonstrated how to face life’s most challenging difficulties so gracefully and with such incredible faith and fineness! Dad’s not “chop liver” either ya know! Though his world is rock’n… he’s been amazingly brave! I’m sure at times he feels overwhelmed, but he demonstrates so beautifully just how to turn your deepest fears into such powerful faith filled prayers. He’s been a Rock not only for Mom but for us all! It’s so heartwarming when he holds her close and prays so intently…. their love for each other and for the Lord is so authentic and is quite touching to all who are experiencing this journey with them!

Words can not express just how thankful we are for the many expressions of love, concern and especially prayers. The Valley View Church family has been absolutely amazing! “The girls” haven’t skipped a beat… they play and pray together just the same if not more and the love and friendship from everyone has been a real source of strength and love to both Mom and Dad.

We will update the Blog site after Mom’s next appointment… but until then the Mills Family sure does appreciate your continued prayers for her healing. Oh… and here’s a little idea too… when you pass by McDonalds or See’s Candy…. if you think of Mom’s quirky little habits and laugh as we often do… would you also breath a brief prayer for God’s continued healing touch on her?

We pray that you and your family will have a very blessed Thanksgiving Day and Holiday Season as well. Thanks again for praying for us… and please know that when we stop and pray and count our blessings tomorrow at our Thanksgiving Dinner… your prayers for our Mom and God’s answer to them will be our most cherished prayer of this Thanksgiving Celebration.

Mom got a call tonite from the Doctors office.  The Doctor has an urgent Surgery tomorrow at the same time that she was scheduled to see him.  So, they rescheduled her appointment for next Wed.

Dr. Barry Chehrazi, the Neurosurgeon that Mom has been referred to is in such high demand that he is very difficult to get in to see.  The list of his credentials and accomplishments (including “The Best Doctors in America”) really does boost the confidence that God has lead Mom to just the right guy!  His Website:  http://www.snamg.com/about_chehrazi.html

Her appointment is not scheduled until Nov. 21st!!!  So where are those good ole days of getting a same day appointment?  Wow!  But Mom is being very patient even with her double vision and inability to drive.  In fact… she is doing much better with it then the rest of us.  I thought about showing up at Doc’s place with my big brothers and having a lil chat… but then I came to my senses and decided not to share that idea with my brothers… and just pray!  Novel idea eh?  I’m learning!  I’m learning!  But it wouldn’t hurt to pray for a cancellation would it?   Join me?

It’s important to note that we do not have a prognosis on Mother’s Tumor yet.  We do not know if it is malignant or benign at this point.

I can tell from some emails and calls that we are receiving, that my note may have been a bit confusing to some…sorry about that… I have a good excuse… I’m blonde!  (LOL)

The Dr. did say that these types of tumors are quite often benign.  However, it is important to note that we don’t know her prognosis yet!  We are believing through Faith for God’s healing touch on her and trusting that He has a perfect plan in all this.

We don’t know when they will do the biopsy yet, probably during surgery.  So, together we must keep pressing in on her behalf!  So many of you are diligently praying and we can’t thank you enough.  We just want to be sure that we have the facts straight so that we know how to pray…for her complete healing!  Once again… Thank You So Much for your prayers!  Each one is cherished!

Mark 11:24  (Jesus Speaking) “Listen to me!  You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it.”

Mom, we are praying and believing with you as you have passionately done for so many of us, time after time!

By the way, we are still waiting to find out when Mom will be able to see the Neurologist.  We are hoping to find out tomorrow.   We will post it as soon as we know.

Today Mom had an appointment with her General Practitioner.  The Dr. gave her great news.  The type of tumor that she is almost always not malignant.  However, the tumor is pressing up against her optical nerve and must be removed.  More than likely the Surgeon will go in through the top of her head to remove it.  She is now being referred to a Neurologist to take it from here.

Dad’s cardiologist, Dr. Peters, has been an absolute blessing to our family, not only with Dad’s condition but has taken a real interest in Mom’s condition as well.  When he found out about her diagnosis, he called her and suggested a Neurologist who was so good with his son.  She was so happy to get such a great referral but was quite disappointed when she found out that this Dr. was not covered through her Insurance company.  But today she found out that this Dr. is approved after all.  This is a great relief to her and thus to all of us.  We are praying that she will be able to get into the Neurologist soon.

In the meantime… both Mom and Dad are doing exceptionally well.  Their faith and perspective is exemplary!  Mom still goes about her day as if nothing were wrong… still shopping, still dieting, still calling and checking up on all of us kids… and still running around with Dad or her friends.  She can’t drive because she still has double vision…. but she has plenty of us lined us to be her Taxi Cab Driver.  But we all know who her favorite Taxi Cab Driver is.  Right?

My mom, Gerrie Mills, whom so many of you have met and have expressed love for, needs your prayers right now.  She recently published this book that has touched so many lives.  We continuously receive notes of transformation; people coming to know the Lord and from people whose faith has been renewed and restored.  The stories are heartwarming!

Last week my mom suffered a minor stroke which has affected her vision and equilibrium. Last night I received a touching call from my father who shared with me that an MRI has revealed that she has a brain tumor.   Needless to say the Mills family is deeply moved and driven to our knees in prayer.

My parents have been married for 55 years and have faithfully served in the pastorate for 40 of those years resulting in thousands receiving Christ and scores serving in ministry including Mark and I and my brothers.

I’m asking you to join us in prayer for our vivacious little Jewish mama, pastor’s wife, and grandmother.  We are praying that if it’s God’s will that she comes through all of this with restored health that God would continue to use her to fulfill her purpose in life!  And that through this many more will want the peace and faith that she has.

Please pray for God’s perfect will to be accomplished in her life and if it pleases God to raise her up for more years of good health how grateful we would be.

I know my father is deeply moved. My dad and mom love each other beyond words can describe and their confidence and hope is in their Heavenly Father.  It is precious to see their love for each other and their faith in action during this crisis.  (Dad can hardly stop hugging and kissing her… and when he isn’t, he can’t take his eyes off from her.)

I thought you’d want to know about my mom’s condition and would be willing to pray.  We don’t want to overwhelm her with calls and visits right now, but she would be quite encouraged by a brief email with word of encouragement to share that you are praying, and a reminder of how she would know you or some tie in with your affiliation.  I know that it would mean a great deal to them.  (It meant so much to us to get emails from praying people from all over the world (many who we didn’t even know) when our son Jonathan had his life threatening injury years ago.)  Belonging to God’s family so amazing!  Their email address is:  pastorandgerrie@starstream.net

My Brother Mike has blessed us with the following verse to focus on ….

1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.”

Mom’s condition has taken us to a whole new appreciation for the comfort that the only God’s Word provides and it is so special knowing that we have praying friends like you too.

Thanks in advance for your love, concern and prayers….

Pastor Mark and Lori Welch