Prayer Marathon.....mile 26!!

Louis Buzek has now been in the hospital for the past 26 plus days. I can't not believe that so many days have passed since the beginning of this event. Louis, the Buzek family, the doctors, and Greg have been so strong for the past days. I know that he has been in the hospital over 26 days, but if you will remember we began the Prayer Marathon a couple of days after he entered. It is now the 26th mile of our marathon...we are close to the end!

Here we are running the last mile of the race....however this race is not over yet. We have helped Uncle Louie through great strides; but I feel as though there are still more hurdles to jump. I know that many of you all have joined me in this marathon of prayer and can see the end in sight. However I ask that you continue this race a little longer.

Look at what amazing things Louis has over come....

• the flight to the ER
• significant blood loss
• 18 successful surgeries
• blessed with an amazing health care team
• daily wash outs
• "micro surgeons" aka maggots

All of these things would have seemed impossible, but with everyone's love and support he was able to overcome the challenges. To everyone your prayers for Uncle Louie, Greg, Buzek family, and doctors have made such an amazing difference. Join me while I continue this marathon as long as it needs....

Improving my prayers....and Louis Buzek

Sunday's sermon was about praying how Jesus prayed for you. This was another great one, mostly because I often wonder, am I praying the best that I can. I mean, there is no correct way to pray as long as you do it. Prayer is a time for you to be with him and speak to him. However, looking into this the way Teddy (the pastor) did on Sunday opened my eyes a little. Teddy said it himself....often we pray for little things: a good day, to do well on a test, help your friend in their time of need....stuff like this. That is not wrong but it is not to the extent that Jesus prayed for us. (John 17:6-26)

Teddy spoke about ways we can begin to pray like Jesus did (keep in mind I am only highlighting the points that spoke to me...he had 4). His opening line was: If you want to pray for your family and other believers like Jesus would, pray for them.....

• To be protected from the ravages of the culture and the evil one.

Okay, look at it in simple terms; that we need to keep ourselves from turning to the culture to look for the answers. I love the example he used here...It was that when you go to Barns and Noble and look to the magazine racks. People will go here (to the magazines) to see what is new, trendy, and what "everyone" is doing. This is not the way to live...following the coolest fad or learning about things in this months magazine is not the way. Instead we should follow his word.

• To have true joy that only comes from a committed relationship with Jesus.

It is hard to have true joy if you are in and out all the time. I know I am guilty of this, the fact that when we truly need him...we seek him out. However, if things are good we don't seek him as much as we should. This point brought me back to the week before you know the #6. Don't stop praying until you can face the matter with faith and trust in God's sovereignty. After breaking down these verses in John I realized that it is possible to be "better" (for lack of another word) at praying.

I think it is wonderful that we have been studying this over the past month. As I have been praying for many people...Uncle Louie and Greg mostly. I am able to strengthen my prayers for those in need. Prayers are amazing, I mean look at what Louis Buzek has over come. It has now been 22 days since he entered the hospital. The prayers from so many friends, family, and anonymous followers have helped in more ways than we will ever know. I know Uncle Louie is very strong, has amazing doctors, but I do believe without the prayers of everyone he would not be doing as well as he is. Tonight Louise had a new type of surgery, it was not his normal "wash out". The doctors have taken him off the pacemaker. This is both a wonderful step but nervous one too. The pacemaker was there to help if his heart stopped again like it had at least 3 times prior. However, it could cause infections...The doctors felt since it has not been used (that is a wonderful thing) it could be removed to lessen the risk of infection. While in surgery the doctors placed maggots. I know many of you are wondering why maggots. It is my understanding that this maggots can help eat the dead tissue, but not the healthy tissue. I look at it like they can reach places the doctors can't or wouldn't because the risk is too high. These wonderful (yet weird) little maggots are going to do an amazing job cleaning him up. If you would like more info on this procedure you can go to Louis' blog here.

It is 22 days into this marathon that Louis has been facing. I have stayed very true to my prayer marathon. I know that many of you are running this race with me, praying each day for Uncle Louie and Greg. Thank you for all your prayers, each day you ask for his love and protection is another day of blessings.
"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" John 14:14

Louis Buzek Blood Drives

I know a lot of people head to this site and then to Uncle Louie's...so here are the current blood drive dates and times (in case you didn't see them on his side bar). If you live in the El Campo area and want to donate the information is below. Thanks for your help.

Thursday, February 5, 8 a.m. till ?
Shoppa's Farm Supply
1010 Hwy 59 W
El Campo, Texas
979-543-8363

Friday, February 6, 12 - 7 p.m.
El Campo Fire Department Training Room
220 Merchant
El Campo, Texas
979-332-2103

Another surgery for Louis Buzek

Louis Buzek has now had another surgery. His most recent surgery was to help clean up and fix his bowel they were unable to do previously. While he is now out recovering the Buzek family waits to hear from the doctors. Although the doctors had originally wanted to take him in on Sunday morning due to his liver; he was postponed and then postponed again. I believe his turn in line for the OR has many reasons behind it. I know it was in God's plan to have him wait til this afternoon, but it is also very hard on the family. Thank you to everyone who is praying for the Buzek's and Greg. I know that your prayers and thoughts are what helps each of them make it till the next day, hour, or even moment. I have added to my side bar (the right side of the blog page) a donation address. If you feel compelled to donate to the Louis Buzek Medical Fund you can do it at that address. By no means do you need to feel obligated, your prayers and thoughts are more than enough. I have had many people ask if they could donate, since they were unable to donate blood. Remember you can check Uncle Louie's (Louise Buzek) progress on his blog too, by clicking here.

Power of Prayer

At church the past 2 Sundays we have begun studying prayer.  Today's sermon could not have been more perfect for what Uncle Louie is needing and what many of us are going through.  Our sermon was about the "press of life."  The "press of life" he spoke of was anytime you are rejected, betrayed, lonely, loss, fearful, have pain, or despair.  It is the time when we need prayer the most, but we are unsure how to.  There were 6 main points that Teddy spoke on: 

1. Never go into the place of suffering alone-ask those who love you to pray for you.
2. Find a special place to humble yourself and be alone with God.  
3. Tell the Father your heartfelt needs and desires.
4. Always remember to pray, "THY WILL BE DONE."
5. Pray often and a lot to get your will aligned with God's will.
6. Don't stop praying until you can face the matter with faith and trust in God's sovereignty. 

There were two points that spoke the most to me.  Number 4....that even if we pray and pray for something, end the end it is what God wants that will be done.  I say this with a heavy heart, in that I want more than anything Uncle Louie to pull through all this; however if God needs him to move on....that is what will happen.  After reading the last up date on his liver I am worrisome that his will is coming.  I just hope that God will give Louie the strength to make it in for that bowel surgery.  The other point that really came to me (number 6) was that we must pray on this until we can face it with faith and trust.  It is often that one will pray until they feel it is enough...but really it is not until you are able to face in with faith and trust that it will be time to stop praying.  

The first point speaks the most to me with Louis Buzek (Uncle Louie) in mind.  It is hard for one person to pray and pray and pray.  However, when you know others are surrounding you and praying with you, you are more capable.  I know that everyone is praying together for Uncle Louie and Greg, which is what helps give you more strength to continue.  I am thankful to be praying with you all.  

I have really been enjoying this sermon series over pray.  I also loved the ending quote Teddy left us with.  "It's okay to be sad, emotional and anxious when you're in "the press."  Sometimes God gets us out of the "the press," but most often He gets us through it!"  

God has given him such strength,

What a day for Uncle Louie...he has really shown everyone what strength he has. I believe his strength is due to all the prayers and thoughts. Last night he had a surgery to help repair some things they were unable to do on the initial surgery. He was strong and made it through. Then this afternoon he had to go back to the operating room. There were a few areas that concerned the doctors. Luckily things went as well as they could and his out with his family now. Louis has had the most wonderful doctors. Thank you to Dr. Ware and Dr. Duke. God has shown us and the Buzek family the strength that prayer has on people. He has provided Louise Buzek with amazing doctors that have wonderful skills. Tonight Aunt Ruthie got to speak with the doctors. Please click here to read the wonderful words they had for her. Unfortunately he must go back in tomorrow for another surgery...

Thank you again to everyone who is praying for him and Greg. My sister had a wonderful idea of having a prayer marathon. A marathon is 26.2 miles long...so for the next 26 days we will be holding a prayer marathon for Louise and Greg. I will be praying 5 minutes for Louie and 5 minutes for Greg everyday. It is hard to run an actually marathon, but it will be amazing to run a prayer marathon. I like most, normally have the general prayer list so this will provide me extra time to spend with the Lord. Please join us in this marathon!!

Uncle Louie Updated

Well after today, it was necessary for Louis to have another surgery. He is currently not doing as well as they would hope. He really needs your support. His family has set up a blog, so they can up date it as soon as they know facts. It is an easier way to read about his progress and leave the family comments on your thoughts and prayers. Click here to head to Louis' site.
Thank you for all your prayers again...please keep them close tonight!