There and Back Again

Truly God Has Listened

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:46:26 -0500

Much has happened since we last wrote on Friday night--so much so that we haven't taken an opportunity to write and update you. When we last wrote, we asked to you to pray that Zoe's oxygen levels would sustain, that her blood pressure would stay low, and that she would have no infection. On Friday and Saturday night, Zoe had a slight fever, a possible sign of infection. Although the fever did not return after Saturday night, the doctors ran tests on her blood this morning to see if there was any infection as well as to check her blood count. Both tests returned with a good result! As of Sunday afternoon, Zoe has maintained a high oxygen level on room air alone. And, with the help of a little meds, her blood pressure is doing great. God was answering YOUR prayers!

But that's not the end. We say all of that to bring you to the climax of our time at MUSC. This afternoon, after the doctors did their rounds, took the bandages off her incision, and checked her blood, they gave the green light for Zoe to return home! This news might cause you to ask, "Was this really as serious as we thought?" But the questions that we are asking are, "Why didn't Zoe get an infection like her ICU neighbor Samuel? Why didn't the doctors have to keep Zoe's chest open after surgery like Jasmine? Why didn't we have to stay at MUSC for 8 weeks like the Skiffs, and 9 weeks like the Moores?" All of these babies had very similar conditions to Zoe's, but God, in His kindness, allowed Zoe not to have any of these major complications. "Truly God has listened, and attended to the voice of YOUR prayers!" (Psalm 66:19).

How can we express to you what we're feeling right now? Yesterday morning I was reading in Acts 12, where Peter is imprisoned and released. The delighted Rhoda reports to the skeptical Prayer Warriors that the answer to their prayers was standing at the door. We're standing at the door, telling you that GOD HAS ANSWERED YOUR PRAYERS! It is not simply that Zoe has just "done well". She has done well because her God has chosen to bless her. And if you have prayed for her, then you can set up a rock of remembrance, as it were--looking back to see that the faith you placed in God as you prayed was not in vain. He has heard, and He has answered according to His will! YEAH!!! AMEN!!!

So what does the road look like for Zoe? The next month will be important, as the doctors observe how her improved heart responds to the surgery. We will be seeing the cardiologist a lot in the coming days to monitor her progress. The next major step will be the second stage of this surgery, which will happen around 2 years of age. We'll keep you updated on her progress in the coming months.

We are grateful. For God's kindness--in giving Zoe life, in teaching us more about how He works, in growing us through this whole process (which is really just beginning!). And we are grateful for you--for your prayers, for your partnership. Press on. Press on to know the Lord.

Zoe Surgery Update

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:44:30 -0500

Just wanted to update you with several praises and a couple of requests. Last night, Zoe had progressed so well that the doctors moved her out of the ICU onto the recovery floor (7C)! We wish that we could express to you how significant this really is. For her to be out of ICU and onto this floor two days after her surgery is little less than a miracle. One of the things that the doctors were concerned about was the fluid built up around the heart, but this has not been a problem for Zoe as it is for many babies. In fact, the doctors were able to remove all of her chest tubes and lines this afternoon. This is a huge praise, and one step closer to her going home. She also had an echocardiogram and chest x-rays today that showed that her heart is responding well to the surgery.

With all of this good news, a few specific requests to remember: 1) Zoe had to be put back on oxygen this afternoon. Pray that she will be able to maintain a good oxygen level on her own. 2) Her blood pressure continues to be a bit high, so they have put her on some meds for this. Pray that this will help. 3) Most of all, pray that she will not get an infection. This is the most common reason that would require her to stay in the hospital longer.

We've just posted some pics from today (disclaimer: if you have a queasy stomach, you may want to pass) and also a personal video thank you from Zoe for your prayers for her and her parents.

We're grateful for your prayers. Pray for Zoe's heart, and for ours too.

God is Making Himself Known

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:42:43 -0500

How is He doing this? It's not necessarily because Zoe is doing so well, because He would be just as good if she were not. It's because He is answering the prayers of His children, and as we and you see these answers, our faith deepens in Him. And He makes Himself known to us more and more. Thank you, Jesus.

We asked you to pray for the 24-hours following her surgery, and God was kind to bless. Zoe has done exceptionally well, with only a periodic high blood pressure. Dr. Xia said that she has been "a star." There are some pre-surgery pics, some post-surgery pics, and even a video of Zoe first waking up from her 'nap.'

We did not realize how well Zoe was doing until we started talking with other families. The baby next to us, Jasmine, had the same surgery yesterday, and is in critical condition with internal bleeding. And on the other side, Samuel, who also had the same surgery, has an infection in the incision. Other families that we have gotten to know are also experiencing setbacks--some major, some minor. God, why have you been so kind to Zoe, and to us? Pray that we will know how to encourage them with the comfort that we have received.

It's about 9am on Thursday morning. Zoe started waking up last night, and we've just finished feeding her her first milk! Now, she's napping and we're writing. We're all thankful. We're still in the ICU, but today they'll start taking lines out, as they're able. Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray for Zoe's healing, and our trust in Christ.

Quick Surgery Update

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:35:02 -0500

"We rejoice in these 'sufferings,' because we are confident that it is producing in us endurance, character, and hope--because God's love has been poured out in our hearts today" (Romans 5:3-5). Praise the Lord for His kindness to us, and for hearing your prayers and ours. We wanted to give a brief update on Zoe, with a more detailed one coming later in the day. Dr. Xia, Zoe's surgeon, just met with us and said that the surgery went well. Her heart started beating on its own very quickly, and is on very few heart meds at this point. He did stress that the next 24-hours are very critical as they monitor her recovery and response to the surgery. We are deeply grateful for your prayers. Please continue to intercede on her and our behalf. We'll keep in touch. Until then, press on!

January 2009 Deputation

Sat, 7 Feb 2009 22:34:12 -0500

We've just returned from a two-week deputation trip through the Midwest. One of the highlights of our drive was listening to the first 12 hours of a 26-hour audiobook: Mao: The Unknown Story, a unique insight into the history and culture of China. We're glad to be 'home', but we are thankful for the trip. Below, we've listed some highlights from the trip, some praises, and some requests (also, some pics).

Power - One of my former students in China, Power, is now studying finance at Michigan State University. We were able to spend part of a day with him, hearing about his experiences in an American university, hearing how his English had improved, and hearing that one of his best friends is a believer! We had a great time together, and I was able to pass along a booklet to him called For Your Joy. Please remember Power

Churches - The three churches that we were able to be at were Grace Baptist Church, Muncie, IN (Collins Glenn); Norway Baptist Church, Norway, MI (Mark Markham); and Morning Star Baptist Church, Rockford, IL (Bob Bixby). Each church provided opportunities to be challenged and sharpened, especially as we fellowshipped with the Body.

NBBC - In between two churches, we were able to take part in the Heart Conference at Northland Baptist Bible College, where my brother Jeremy teaches. The time with Jeremy and Bonnie Ruth was one of the highlights of the trip for both of us. G used him as a means of grace in my life, helping making steps of growth with a present struggle with fear of man. I thank Him for my twice-brother (and sister) who He continues to use to encourage and sharpen me.

Zoe - Praise the Lord that Zoe is still healthy and strong at 13 lbs and 6 oz! We stayed with my brother while at Northland--with four little girls 4-years-old and younger, in temperatures that dropped to -20. G was kind to give her good health the whole way. Now, the 'fun' begins! We talked to the hospital last week, and they have scheduled Zoe's first heart surgery for Tuesday, February 17, and we'll head down to Charleston for pre-op on Monday morning. We'll keep you updated in the coming days about how He works in her and in us. (This site provides a good synopsis of what the surgery will do.)

Support - We're still at about 10% of our support, and continuing to pray that God would partner us with the right churches and individuals who are likeminded. Pray that God would give this in the right time.

China - Last fall, many students professed faith. Right now, they're at home for their Chinese New Year festival, and many are facing untold temptations and pressures from their family and friends. Pray for them. Ask that they would resist Satan, being firm in their faith (1 Peter 5:9).

We're encouraged right now. Encouraged at the growth that He is working in our hearts. Encouraged at the superabounding grace that He gives.

Until next time, press on to know Him more.

Zoe’s Heart Cath

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:34:19 -0500

Once again we give thanks to God for what He is doing in Zoe's heart, and in ours. A brief timeline of the last few hours along with sweet answers to your prayers:

3:45 am - A last feeding of Pedialyte at before the 9 am cath. We had asked you to pray that she wouldn't scream bloody murder after not eating for so long! And, praise to the Lord, she did so well.

6:30 am - Checked in to MUSC and headed up to the pediatric cardiology floor. Saw some old nurse friends from our time here a few weeks ago.

7:30 am - Met with the anesthesiologist about putting Zoe to sleep and potential risks. Followed by a meeting with Dr. Ringewald, who would perform the heart cath. Told us what they planned to do as well as the risks. General synopsis of the heart cath: A tiny camera is inserted into a vein in the groin, and guided up to the heart. Through this, they are able to see the layout of her heart more clearly than with an echocardiogram. They are also testing the pressure of the blood entering into the lungs. For Zoe's condition, this will allow them to determine when she will need her first surgery.

8:10 am - The anesthesiologist took Zoe away to prep for the cath.

10:00 am - Doctors finished a preliminary echocardiogram. Ready to start the cath.

12:00 pm - Finished with the heart cath. Her red blood cells were low from some loss of blood during the cath so they gave here a blood transfusion. Zoe starts to wake up. Zoe starts to cry. Zoe starts to scream (thankfully, we knew this AFTER the fact:) Zoe goes back to sleep.

1:00 pm - Zoe is placed in the recovery room and we're allowed to see her. By this time, she's back to sleep (still groggy from the anesthesia).

3:00 pm - First eating and starting to wake up for good. Her cry is so sweet and pitiful...her voice is hoarse from having an oxygen tube down her throat. After a while, started back on some good 'ole milk from mama.

Afternoon - Throughout the afternoon, the doctors came for followup, and they were encouraged by the cath. They said her weight was great--so good that it was hard for them to get the catheter in because of her fat little hams! They did find that her oxygen saturations were low, which indicates that she is ready for surgery, although not immediately. They put in a request for surgery, and Dr. Xia will contact us soon to set a date (most likely the first or second week of February). We have a deputation trip planned at the end of January, and they said that this should be fine. They suggested that we have her checked right before to make sure that she is well enough to travel the 2000+ miles.

Tonight - We will continue monitoring Zoe's recovery throughout the evening and plan to return to Greenville first thing in the morning.

We thank God for your prayers and love!

Working in Us

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 12:54:46 -0500

The year has quickly come to a close, and as we look back on all that has happened, the words that seem to summarize much of our life are these: "God, in equipping us with everything to do His will, has worked in us the things that are pleasing in His sight" (Hebrews 13:21). "Working in" always brings the image of making pizza dough to my mind--kneading in the yeast and the flour and the oil, creating a well-formed lump of dough that, after about 12 minutes in the oven, is quite a sweet creation. God has "kneaded" many things into our life this year--a new wife/husband, a new baby, a new setting--things that are pleasing in His sight. And we pray that the result of this working will be a sweet creation. A few recent things that we can give praise for, and ask prayer for.

A New Sister
Three weeks ago, I received the following e-mail from a friend in China, a girl who had been my student for two years. She wrote:

Hi, Jonathan, Sarah and Zoe! How are you? I had lunch with Sus today and she said if i tell me this you will be very happy. Yes, i'm a Christian since last weekend. I went to May's home that day and they taught me a lot. I know so many people prayed for me for almost a whole year including you,sus,may... I'm really thankful for all of you, THANKS, jonathan, THANKS. Best wishes! i'll pray everyday for you. ~Leaf

Pray for Leaf, that she will continue to grow in the knowledge, love, and obedience of Christ.

Zoe
God continues to bless Zoe physically. She is sleeping well (two nights ago she went for 10 straight hours!!!), gaining weight (as of last Monday, she was 12 lbs of solid sugar and sweetness), and smiling and laughing like any cute 3-month old. Her next step is a heart catherization on Monday, January 12, in Charleston. This will give them their first true look at the workings of her heart. After the cath, they will set a definite date for her first heart surgery (most likely to be in early to mid-February).

Deputation
The Lord continues to provide opportunities for us to share His work in China. At the end of January, we'll be taking a trip up to the north country--Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin--going to Heart Conference at NBBC, and stopping at several churches on either end. Pray that the Lord will connect us with the right partners for the work that He is calling us to.

Family
On Monday, January 5, Sarah and I will celebrate the first 365 days of the sweetest journey we've ever taken. Praise God for an exceedingly virtuous wife!

We’ve posted some more pictures on Facebook as well.

We continue to give thanks to God for you—the prayers that you pray for us and remind us of, the physical ways you have demonstrated love to us, and the knowledge that we are brothers and sisters—and fellow soldiers—in this family of Christ. May the Lord make His face to shine on you this year!

We Nothing Lack

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:38:58 -0500

"We nothing lack if we are His, and He is ours forever," Psalm 23. As we look back at the past year and months, we have lacked no good thing and have much to praise God for. We give thanks for...

Zoe: the life that God has given and continues to bless her with. She continues to grow and gain strength. The next big steps are a heart catherization on January 12, in preparation for her first heart surgery in mid- to late February.

New Life: In recent days, three people in China have become our brothers and sister. Two of them, Roddick and Victor, are boys that Judi (one of our teammates) has consistently prayed for over that past 3 years. Praise Him! The third is the mother of another of Judi's boys, Tony. Below is a portion of the e-mail he wrote to me, telling me of her faith:

"Brother, I thought you had already known that my mother got salvation on 31 October. Right now she is doing very well, and this morning i made a call to her, and she told me that she asked my sister on phone to accept Jesus Christ as her personal saviour. I was thrilled so much. God is so faithful and He gave us always beyond what we thought and what we asked for. What my mother got saved is really a huge encouragement for me. I wished that when you came to my house in 2006, my mother could get saved! If in that case how wonderful it was! But now God time is still not late for us. I hope that when your couple come to my home next time, my parents are brother and sister. Then we worship Lord in my family freely and unitely."

Prayers answered: On our return from China, one specific request that we made was for new relationships, both with believers and unbelievers. God has graciously answered our requests in both areas. In the last few weeks, God has allowed me to develop a friendship with an unbeliever named Justin. Pray that we will be able to continue this relationship, and that He will soon see His need for Christ.

China: We continue to look forward to our return to China. We praise the Lord for Berean Bible Church in Dublin, OH, and their commitment to support us financially and spiritually. We presently have 10% of our needed support, with more opportunities to share at churches down the road. Pray that, in His time, God will provide the needed support, as well as health for Zoe, so that we can return to China.

You: We give thanks to God for you, who have helped to bear our burdens (Gal 6:2), who have prayed for us so that we would be healed (James 5:16), who have admonished, encouraged, helped, and been patient with us (I Thess 5:14) as we seek to know Christ more fully in our own lives, and make Him known to others. We pray that the Lord will make His face to shine on you.

Your Very Life

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:57:06 -0400

Our first week at home has presented us with new challenges, reminding us of our need to look to Jesus for every step.

Two appointments in recent days have given us cause to praise God again, yet at the same time turn once again to Him in faith. A Friday visit to the pediatrician showed that Zoe has passed her birth weight and grown two inches, encouraging signs that she is growing stronger and stronger before her first heart surgery. Tuesday's visit to the local cardiologist answered many questions that have arisen since we've begun taking care of Zoe on our own, away from all of the helpful doctors and nurses. One thing that he carefully addressed was the serious nature of her asplenia condition (that is, the absence of her spleen). While she is daily taking antibiotics to prevent infection, the doctor stressed the importance of keeping germs away from her. While a cold or bug may be an inconvenience to you, me, or a normal 4-week old, the effect on Zoe could be much more serious. They believe that over time her immune system will strengthen so that she will not be as susceptible to infection, but it is critical that we protect her in these next months. So, don't be offended if we ask you to leave your germs at the door:)

I have jumped back in full force to the internship at Heritage, and Sarah is doing great as a full-time wife and mother. We praise God for continuing to show His kindness to us through the prayers, gifts, and notes of encouragement that you as His Body have sent.

Some requests that we would ask you to bring before our Father:
1. Pray that Zoe would continue to strengthen and resist infection.
2. Pray that Sarah will have wisdom in the best feeding method for Zoe.
3. Pray for our ever-struggling faith--we so easily fear the future, the unknown.

God has strengthened us much in the last two days through His Word. As any parent knows, finding that time in the Word is an incredible battle. Please pray that we would take to heart Moses' words to Israel: "Take to heart all the words I give you today. They are not just idle words for you--they are your very life!"

All previous updates can be found in our journal. We thank you on behalf of Sarah's sister's family. God continues to bless them, and their full story can be found on their family's site, www.walkingworthy.org.

He Has Shown Himself Strong

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:54:30 -0400

In the last few days, God has continued to show His kindness to us in special ways. On Friday, the evening after Zoe's surgery, we asked that you pray for her bowels to wake up and that she would start eating quickly. By Sunday morning, Zoe had her first poopy diaper! After a day of drinking pedialyte (something like Gatorade for newborns), the doctors said she was ready to start on milk Monday morning. Throughout the day, she continued to increase her milk intake and showed signs of good recovery from surgery. As the doctors did their normal rounds on Tuesday morning, they shared some very unexpected, but sweet news--Zoe was ready to go home! Praise the Lord! Her recovery from surgery was much faster than anticipated, she was eating very well, and her intestines appeared to be fully awake. After a long discharge process, the new and improved Farmer family has arrived back in Greenville!

Now that we are home, we face a whole new set of challenges, but our requests are much the same as before.
1. Pray that Zoe will continue to eat well and grow stronger for her upcoming heart surgery (we go back to MUSC January 12 for a preliminary heart catherization).
2. Pray that we will have wisdom in monitoring her day-to-day needs in relation to her heart.
3. Pray that we would not fear the unknown or the future. That we would believe that God is with us, that He provides for us, and gives us all good things.

While the road ahead for Zoe will be quite an adventurous one, with checkups and heart procedures and surgeries marking the calendar over the next 3 years, we continue to seek to trust God. He has shown Himself strong in the past and we are confident He will continue to demonstrate His love toward us.

We give thanks to God for your continued prayers on our behalf

A Successful Surgery

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:51:52 -0400

Our time is limited, but we wanted to share how God worked on our behalf this morning. In preparation for surgery, Zoe was not able to eat after midnight, which provided a lot of mommy and papa time throughout the night ;). After an hour or so of pre-op, Zoe went in for intestinal surgery this morning. At 10:30 am, Dr. Cina called to tell us that the surgery was successful. Praise the Lord for His kindness to us! Zoe is now recovering in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU, where she will stay for the next day or so. After she wakes up, her intestines will remain 'asleep' for a while (this time could range anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks). As long as her intestines remain asleep, she will not be able to eat on her own, requiring her to stay in the hospital on IVs. The doctors have said that once she is off the IVs, eating on her own, and gaining weight, she will be able to go home.

Here are a few things that we are praying for:
1) That Zoe's intestines would wake up soon.
2) That Zoe would start eating quickly and gain weight.
3) That we would not fear the unknown or the future. That we would believe that God is with us, that He provides for us, and gives us all good things.

We give thanks to God for you.

Press on to know Him more.