Saturday, February 21, 2015

A message from Colleen

Jim's recovery is going extremely well. He continues to regain speech, language and reading ability. Word/name retrieval is the toughest, but even that is improving. Prayers of thanksgiving are definitely in order. We will see a speech-language pathologist on Monday for an eval and course of action. Chemo/radiation will begin Thursday next week.

We celebrated Jim's b-day in style with a huge Open House last night. Words cannot express my gratitude to Melanie, Bev and Jessica who planned, brought everything in and cleaned up after. Joining us to celebrate were Joanna, Sof and Ava who flew in yesterday to surprise Jim. Beyond blessed!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Church Fellowship Opportunity on Saturday, February 28th



Are you looking for something fun to do on Saturday, February 28th? Do you enjoy spending time with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? We'd love to get a group together from Faith and our neighboring congregations to watch some UAA Seawolves Basketball games at the Alaska Airlines Center.

It will be UAA's final home game of the season and it's a double header - women's team plays first, followed by the men's. You pay for 1 ticket and can watch 2 games!

We'll need a minimum of 10 people signed up to receive the group rate of $6/ticket. (Tickets are $10 normally).

Who: open for all ages; members at Faith or any sister congregation; anybody!
When: Saturday, February 28th; Women's game starts at 1:00PM and you can stay as long as you want; Men's game starts at 3:15PM
How: meet at the Alaska Airlines Center (3550 Providence Dr.) or arrange with friends to meet at church to carpool

RSVP BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD SO WE CAN RESERVE GROUP TICKETS.

To sign up:
  • call or text Rachel at 907-602-5860
  • call or text Stephanie at 907-887-3833
  • sign up on the sign up sheets posted in the fellowship hall or outside the church sanctuary
  • click on this link: http://goo.gl/forms/wmA7r1waCv

(If we get 10 or more people signed up by Monday the 23rd, Rachel will purchase the tickets and you can pay her back.)

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Pastor Oldfield's Recovery Continues

He has been up walking around a number of times.  He is still experiencing some of the same symptoms he had prior to surgery.  Hopefully these symptoms will continue to diminish as the swelling from surgery subsides.  

This morning he was informed the tumor is indeed glioblastoma, which was not unexpected.  This particular type of cancer can reoccur, so even though all visual evidence of the cancer has been successfully removed, there are still cells present that will need to be treated with radiation and chemotherapy.    These treatments will begin once Dr. Bernard (his surgeon) clears him.  

Pastor O does not have a definite discharge date.  That will depend on getting his pain management under control for his continued difficulties with his back and such.  

He welcomes having visitors.

Colleen offers a few words about the incredible surgeon that God has put in their lives and the support they are receiving:

"Anyone, to a person, that we have mentioned his name to cannot say enough positive things about him.  This includes former patients, clinic staff, and any (hospital) employee!  Obviously skilled as a doctor, but a very humble Christian man who views himself as God's instrument."  

"I'm doing OK.  Our children and their spouses have been huge supports as has every single person who has spent time in prayer on Jim's behalf.  I thank you for that most of all."

Love,
Colleen

Changes to the Sunday Worship Schedule

Beginning this Sunday, February 15th, the worship service will be held at 10:30. 

 Sunday School and Bible Study will begin at 9:15.  

We look forward to seeing on Sunday as we fellowship together, study the Word of our God and praise Him in worship.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Day One Post Surgery, Wonderful News

God is good!!

Early this evening, Pastor Oldfield, had his first follow up MRI. Dr. Bernard came by not too long ago with amazing, wonderful news. He told us that 'He got it all.' ALL. ALL!!!

We still don't know the results of the biopsy, but we can all PRAISE THE LORD for this fantastic news!!

We thank everyone for their continued prayers and support. Words can't fully express our thankfulness!

With Blessed Hearts,

The Oldfield Family

Day One Post Surgery

Hi all,

Thank you so much for all the prayer support from far away places.  It continues to be a source of strength and comfort.

I was back at the hospital before the night shift went home this AM.  It was a tough night/morning getting the pain under control, but by this afternoon Jim seems to be more comfortable.  He ate breakfast and has gotten up briefly a couple times.  He recognized me, knew where he was and what year it was.  He even joked that it was 1942 before giving the correct year.  Dr. Bernard stopped by as did the PA.  Both said he looked good.  As you might expect there is still swelling which will impact several areas for a while.  Nurses have said that this is normal and will be monitored.  Most often once the swelling goes down things clear up.

He is receiving the best possible care he can get right now.  We will wait to see the pathology results which will determine followup care and treatment.

Colleen

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Pastor Oldfield's Surgery is Complete

Pastor Oldfield is out of surgery and all went well  He will be moved to regular hospital room where Colleen and family will be able to visit him.  More detailed information will follow at a later time.

Colleen and family had wonderful support all afternoon at the hospital.   God continues to be gracious to all of them.

A Message from Pastor Oldfield and Colleen

We love you all.  Thank you for all the amazing, humbling, encouraging, loving, spiritual words we’ve heard from more wonderful people than we can count or answer personally…we were still getting phone calls today from Washington, Texas, Oregon…emails from so many other places as well.

We are to be at Providence at 10:30 AM.  Surgery is set for 12:30 PM, but I’m number three on Dr. Bernard’s schedule, and he takes as much time as necessary to do the best job he (this Christian man) can do.  Yesterday, we went to the clinic and then hospital for tests, we have heard several more people say how wonderful he is.  The Lord has clearly led us to the right man and place here in AK (where our support system is!).  Heard also from the surgeon who did my back, Dr. Birch at Mayo, who completely agrees with this decision to have it done here.  Then we find out what it actually is, and treat as can best be done. 

Colleen and I are at peace, and we pray that you all are, too.

Again, we love you all.


Jim and Colleen