Thankful - and I hope it shows

Looking back over the past year, there is so much in my life for which I am thankful.  Yes, there are many things that could have caused me to look back with a sense of agony, but God has taken that which was meant for evil and turned it all into something good (the testimony of Joseph in Genesis).  He has worked all things together for good (Romans 8:28).  I cannot help but praise the name of JESUS no matter what my circumstances are or will be; God is worthy of my praise.

As I prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I look forward to the splenda pumpkin pie, the world's best dressing and dumplings (my mouth is watering, how about yours); but the focus of my mind and heart right now is "what am I most thankful for this year?"  This question stumps me every year, for my list is so long.

I have learned to take one day at a time and to never take any day for granted.  I celebrate the year that God has given me with my family and friends.  Following a life change experience like I had last January, I now desire for my life to have maximum impact every day, every month, every year.  I cannot and will not take any time I have left for granted, but will treasure it all with the joy the Lord brings to my life.

I am thankful for my loving wife, my amazing children, and for the greatest church family in the whole world; but this year, I am most thankful for this moment of time, for this breath, for this thought, for . . . now!  

And I give all my "nows" to the Lord for HIS glory.  This is how I express my thankfulness, not just praying over a meal once a year, but all year long.

What are you doing with your "nows?"

Thankful for all the "nows" God gives me each day.

Bro. Wade

One Nation Under God

Now we know WHO to pray for as our national leaders.

Following an historical vote, our nation once again expressed a division that runs through every community and state.  However, once the vote is over, it is time for the people of our nation, especially the people of God, to come together and pray passionately for our leaders.  We may or may not agree with who was elected, we may or may not agree with the direction they have declared for our nation, but we must unite in order to pray for our leaders.

I am so thankful that I serve a God who reigns over all of us; democrats, republican, independents, texans, americans, all of us.  Now let us show it by our willingness to pray for our leaders as ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

Proverbs 29:25-26

²⁵      Fear of man will prove to be a snare,

      but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

²⁶      Many seek an audience with a ruler,

      but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.

Revelation 1:4 -6 

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, 

and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before 

his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful 

witness the firstborn from the dead, 

and the ruler of the kings of the earth. 

To him who loves us and has freed us from 

our sins by his blood, ⁶ and has made us to be a kingdom 

and priests to serve his God and Father

—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

May we all pray for God to Bless America,

Bro. Wade

Fall Festival - Fun and Exciting

Halloween may have been celebrated by many in our nation, but at First Baptist Church Harlingen, we were celebrating the love of God.  On the night when many focus on evil, we were blessed to be a part of something great that focused on the love and grace of God as it is expressed in this world through the church.

It was so good to see several churches hosting special events to minister to our community.  Every year the family at First Baptist Harlingen uses the evening of Halloween to host our Fall Festival for the families of our community.  Our driving passion is to love the people of our community, and the Fall Festival was one of the many opportunities we have to show it.  

I was so thankful to hear from so many who shared that they truly felt loved by God and the FBC family.  So many were thankful for the event, for the church to offer something of such great quality for their children.  From all that I heard, there is no doubt that the community saw and felt the real love of God through the family of First Baptist Church Harlingen.

Thank you - to all the leaders and servants who gave up so much time and who worked so hard to be sure Harlingen was loved.

a witness of God's love,

Bro. Wade

Safari - in the front yard

One afternoon this week continued the "post-hurricane Dolly" saga around the house.  I was attempting to remove some of the brush around my fence (that was finally being replaced), so the men working on it could get to it easier.  I was trimming some of the large limbs that had broken during the high winds and I was cutting back the bushes that had grown tall, since I had not cut them early in the year due to my heart attack.  All was going well . . .

I had finished with the shorter limbs and had moved on to the final large limbs and high limbs.  So, I took my long pole gas powered chain saw and went to work.  As I began to cut the largest limb, that I had just been shaking very hard to loosen with my bare hands, and which was only about three feet right above my head, I noticed a large brown snake going up the tree (from the spot that I had just been holding).  Needless to say, I was spooked pretty good, so I began to do what any red (let's say blooded) man from the south would do; I chased the snake with my pole chain saw.  Yes, he got away, but not for a short effort on my part, just look at the tree when you drive by and you can tell.

Following my failed attempt to chase down the snake that has been spooking all my neighbors by leaving his skin right outside each of our backdoors, I began to look over my new fence to see if he was in my neighbors yard.  As I was leaning over the fence, a spider decided to bite me on the neck.  Yes, a spider bite right at the base of my skull.

As my head was pounding and the pain was growing, a good friend who is a doctor, gave me great advice - which I followed passionately.  The next morning when I awoke I was just fine.

However, I still believe that snake and that spider were in cahoots with each other.  One to distract while the other struck.  I am just thankful I got the bite from the spider and not the snake.  Anyway, I have already had my snake bite for the year - children's camp - remember.

Life is fun each and every day, be sure to enjoy every step.

Bro. Wade

Midnight Run

I had the privilege of spending most of the night cruising town with the lead officer of the "gang unit" of the Harlingen Police Department.  These men risk their lives every day for the safety of the people in Harlingen.  Their job is difficult, filled with long hours, and one that most would rather avoid thinking about.  They are diligent in their efforts to make Harlingen a safe place for all.

One of the tasks that we have as believers in this city is to pray for the safety and protection of our many servants on the fire and police departments.  The policemen who are on the front lines of the battles for the city need prayer warriors joining them; for we know that the battles we face in our cities is not against flesh and blood, but it is truly a spiritual war.  

The young men and women caught up in these gangs need our prayer - - - they are not our enemy; rather, they have been captured by the enemy and we are to seek their rescue and release.  Once again, these chains cannot be broken simply by warfare in the flesh, they must be broken through spiritual warfare.  As believers, we need to passionately pray for these young people, for those that are being recruited, and for the many families affected.  

Let us take back the city of Harlingen - by getting on our knees.  Let us then seek out these young people who are at risk and who are being recruited by the gangs, and let us rescue them from the traps set before them. 

Let us love and let us pray,

Bro. Wade

Praying in the Rain

With the start of school comes our opportunity to prayer walk our school campuses.  What a blessing to walk around the campuses of the schools in our communities; praying for the many needs during the school year.  Each year our family prays together, but this is the first year that our children all seemed mature enough to prayer walk with Jennifer and I (at least for them to pray and walk at the same time).

Listening to our children pray for their teachers, their principal, the custodial staff, the kitchen workers, their fellow students, and the attitude of the parents was such a blessing to me and Jennifer.  We pray that the prayers of our children will change their hearts and ultimately their actions as they have the opportunity to serve the people they have now prayed for today.

We are so excited to think of how our children will be lights in a dark world this year.  We praise the Lord for the testimony of the many children in our church that love the Lord so much.  We are also thankful for the testimony of the teachers and administrators in our schools that live for Christ each day.  We pray that each one will be used by the Holy Spirit to touch many hearts and lives this year, thus impacting our community with the power of God.

Today may have been a rainy day, but it was a glorious day watching the people of God passionately pray for their community and to do so in a public way by prayer walking (some driving) around the schools.  May God richly bless those who were servants through prayer.

Tomorrow (Monday - the first day of school) I plan to spend a lot of time at the schools greeting parents, praying quietly for many, encouraging the many servants, and loving the children with the love of God.  I cannot think of a better way to spend the day, than to allow God to pour his life out through me in the context of our community.

Joining you in passionate prayer,

Bro. Wade

The silver lining

While a storm can bring many terrible results, God is able to take that which was meant for bad and turn it for good.  When life is turned up side down, the important things come to the top.  It is during this time that many people begin to turn toward God or at least pray to, or open up to God.  When the church recognizes such an opportunity, the community can be served and many lives can be changed for eternity.  It is in such times that the community can clearly see the incarnate love of God expressed toward them.  The church then becomes the embodiment of God's presence and love to the world.

These past few weeks have seen the body of Christ in First Baptist Harlingen be such an example to our community.  We have not only housed mission and disaster relief teams in our buildings, served them meals, and cared for their needs; but we have served our community with our own hands.  Our youth group (and others) filled sand bags alongside city employees before the storm hit.  We worked in yards and homes around the city, having the privilege of leading some into a personal relationship with Christ.  We have given out water, house supplies, and financial assistance to families in desperate need.  

Thank you church family for being the body of Christ - the presence of God in this community.  Thank God for being faithful to us in the midst of a storm, allowing us the privileges we still see in our community to serve others.

Thankful for every opportunity to love and serve,

Bro. Wade

Good-Bye Dolly

What a horrible experience.  No, I was out of town for the hurricane; the horrible part was being out town while my family was in Harlingen during the hurricane.  Not being with those I love as they endured a frightening few days and then to live without electricity for several days following, was so difficult for me.  I wanted to come home, and started to do so on many occasions, but my wife insisted that I stay and finish what I started in Dallas (doctoral seminar only offered once per year).  

God taught me so much in my seclusion in Dallas.  I learned so much about the priority and privilege of prayer.  I re-learned that the most important thing I could do for anyone is to pray.  Not the last thing to be done, but the first - and the most important.  God allowed me to spend quality time throughout the days praying for my family, my church family, my friends, and for the lost in our communities.

I am so thankful to be in a church family that truly loves my family.  They expressed their love so clearly as they took care of my family in my absence.  The storm brought an opportunity for us to see God's love in such a visible way.  The many visits, phone calls, meals, times of help on the house, and the constant encouragement offered to my family helped me in my absence.  I learned to trust the body of Christ, even with my family.  What a great lesson, not easily learned, but life-changing all the same.

Humbly thankful to be a member of the body of Christ.

Bro. Wade

Snake Bit and Bent Backwards

We had a great Preteen Camp at Zephyr this week.  The sponsors were great and the campers (kids) were exceptional this week.  God blessed us with a lot of rain, at just the right time so as not to dampen our spirits by limiting our activities.  We enjoyed fun and friendships every day.

The worship leaders and camp pastor passionately love Jesus and it was contagious.  They led us closer to the Lord and we were all so thankful for them and the way they praised God and proclaimed His word every time we were together.  They were available to the campers all during the week at meals and around the campus.  What a joy to watch our young people spend time with adults who are in love with God.

There were many in the group who made decisions, some for salvation, some for rededication, and some just taking a giant step closer to God.  As sponsors we were blessed to know that God was using every act of service on our part as a way of blessing so many young people.

The parents thanked us as a church and as sponsors for the blessing of camp for their children.  But we need to thank the parents for sending their wonderful children with us to camp, for it was our blessing to spend that time with them.  

By the way the title of the blog  - - - during camp I was bit by a snake and hyper-extended my back in the inflatables.  What a week to remember.

Church in the Park

What a great fellowship in the Park!!!

It was so great to see so many come to Victor Park for our "Church in the Park."  The games, sports, and swimming were fun for all.  The food was great; we cannot go wrong with Fried Chicken.  The worship was wonderful.  We truly appreciate the praise team from New Wine Church leading us in worship with such great music and talent.  We look forward to joining with them again.  

Praise the Lord for the sweet fellowship we experience at FBC Harlingen.

Enjoying my church family,

Bro. Wade

Vacation Bible School

This year had to be the best VBS that I have experienced in 25 years of ministry.  There was a sweet spirit throughout the church, which I believe was due to the many who prayer walked the church campus early in the morning, late in the afternoon, and throughout the day.  Thank you prayer walkers.  

There were so many volunteers this year that people were not overwhelmed, so the stress level was down, the work load was manageable, and there were fewer problems to work through.  We are so blessed to have the great volunteers in our children's ministry.  Every need was met, every child was loved, every class was enjoyed, and every worker was blessed.  

From the kitchen crew, to the office staff, from the youth group, to our eldest adults; we appreciate every person who served so selflessly.  This past week was truly an amazing adventure as we saw every age group in the community come together to make VBS 08 a huge success.  

Thankful for the servants of the Lord,

Bro. Wade 

Standing on Holy Ground

Partaking of communion together with our group at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, while singing "Holy Ground" with groups from all around the world will be one of my most favorite memories of Israel.  The different languages being sung to the same tune at the same time in such a beautiful place with such a great significance were a reminder of what the Body of Christ really is; a union of believers from all over the world who love and serve Christ.

The trip was filled with many special events and places, including my first time to baptize in the Jordan River.  We enjoyed swimming (or actually just floating, since you cannot swim) in the Dead Sea.  We walked the Cardo (main street) of the old city (Jerusalem) and the path down the Mount of Olives Jesus would have followed on his last trip to Jerusalem before his arrest.  We walked through the garden of Gethsemane, down the ancient streets around the jail where he was imprisoned, and around the Temple Mount on the streets and steps where he walked. 

We spent several days around the Sea of Galilee, visiting Jesus hometown of Nazareth, his ministry center of Capernaum, the place of the feeding of the five thousand, the sermon on the mount, the places he fished, and towns he visited.  We travelled north to see a city gate that Abraham walked through and the place where Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah.  

The journey was truly life-changing.  Those who went now read the Bible with a new revelation of the geography and culture inherent within each story.  It is like reading a new version of Scripture, as the words jump off the page with clearer definitions.  It is truly something to be experienced, since it is impossible to put it into words.

Standing on Holy Ground in the Holy Land,

Bro. Wade

Following the Footprints

As I prepare to leave for Israel soon, I am spending a lot of time researching the places we will visit.  I am reading the biblical passages, reviewing the history books, memorizing the maps, and reminiscing over the photos taken on previous journeys to the Holy Land.  While I pursue this endeavor, I grow more excited each day with the anticipation that I will once again be changed by the events of this journey.  

Each trip to the Holy Land brings new insights regarding scripture, a greater appreciation to God for coming to this earth and living as he did for me, and a humbling of my spirit as I follow the footprints of Jesus and his followers.  I am deeply changed by each journey to Israel and believe that this trip will bring the same results.

Every encounter with God is life-changing; I don't have to travel half-way around the world to experience the transformation that comes from the Holy Spirit.  I appreciate the life-change found in the Holy Land, but oh, how I long for the life-change that comes from a great moving of the Holy Spirit in our church.  Please pray for us to see the footprints of Jesus in the Rio Grande Valley and follow them with passion each day.

Praying for our daily journey,

Bro. Wade

Spiritual Renewal among Men

This week was the last meeting for a discipleship group that I have been leading for over a year.  Each time one of these groups ends, it is a sad time for me.  I have invested a night each week into the lives of these men and I count them as not only friends but fellow journeymen on the path of righteousness.  I have been sharpened as much as I have sharpened, and I have been loved as much as I have loved.  These men have been my accountability group and my prayer partners and not meeting with them each week will create a longing in my heart.

However, as the group ends, I know that the Lord has already begun to prepare my heart to invest in another group of people that he has already chosen.  I will soon join with another group for over a year and will be richly blessed by the journey the Lord will take us through together.  

I also know that the men that I have met with this past year were being prepared by God to disciple others, now they will embark on their new journeys as well.  What an exciting time in our church and community to see how the Lord will work through these men to change so many other lives.

The last three years have brought some great spiritual renewal among the men of FBC Harlingen. I am so excited about the beginning of the Rio Grande Valley IRONMEN.  This ministry will only serve to enhance the great work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the men of Harlingen and the valley.  So many men are ready to plug their lives into something that is filled with life-changing power and great potential.  I believe IRONMEN will be the beginning of just such a movement.

Pray for God to continue to move in the men of FBC Harlingen and the valley.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the lives of the men involved in IRONMEN.

Bro. Wade

Last Day, Great Day

Throughout the week at Champs Camp we have seen God work in the lives of so many children (and their parents). We have had the privilege of loving children who attend churches all over the valley and many children who do not attend any church. We had families from different religions and many denominations take part in Champs Camp. We are so thankful for the outreach to the community and for the opportunity for churches in Harlingen to come together.

We were blessed to see many children trust Christ as their Savior by the end of the week. Their lives have been changed forever as a result of all the love and labor poured into Champs Camp. One girl prayed to accept Christ as her savior on Thursday morning as her mother drove her to FBC; they prayed in the car and by the time she arrived, she was a new person in Christ. What a privilege to share Jesus with these great kids and their families.

Thursday night was a great and glorious night - a little LOUD, but it was great. We were in "standing room only" mode, but the many parents who attended were gracious and patient. The children revealed to us how much fun they have had this week, and our "Champions in Christ" were revealed to us as well. So many children dedicated their hearts and minds to Christ and will be his mighty champions at school and at home.

Please continue to pray for our "Champions" as they re-enter their schools this next week. Please pray for our volunteers, deacons and staff as the follow-up now begins. Please pray for the families that were challenged in their faith this past week. Pray that as they have been challenged and as the first Sunday after Champs Camp is Easter that God will bring many of those families into a closer walk with Christ during this time of year that we focus on Christ and God's love for us.

Thank you for serving in and praying for Champs Camp. It was a GREAT WEEK!

Challenged to be a Champion,
Bro. Wade

First Day - Great Day

The first day of Champs Camp was great; a little windy, but great. We had a few hurdles on the first day, but over all it was a really good day. The numbers were good. 426 children and 0 trips to the hospital. We had to move some of the sports inside because of the high winds, but we were able to see the children enjoy themselves throughout the day.

We were able to see children who did not want to leave their parents tell us at the end of the day how they could not wait for tomorrow to come so they could return to Champs Camp. So many children experiencing the Love of God was quite an overwhelming vision. Seeing the lives of these children change so quickly is our goal; and our goal was truly met on the first day of Champs Camp.

We are so grateful for all the college students and leaders that God has sent as missionaries to the valley, they truly love the Lord and are vessels of his love and grace. Thank you for praying for them. Our many members and friends who are serving in Champs Camp are truly the light of the world. Watching our people hold the doors, direct traffic, cook, serve the meals, clean the rooms, and find ways to love the children in the midst of their busyness, are all ways that we can truly see God in our midst. Thank you for prayer walking and continuing to support our front line soldiers through prayer.

May God richly bless the remainder of the week of CHAMPS CAMP.

Grateful to all who serve,
Bro. Wade

Direction in Life

My six year old son, Aaron, was riding in my truck recently. As we were driving down the road, Aaron made a strange statement to me. He said, "Dad, you and Mom need to get rid of those clickers." "What clickers?" He said, "You know the clickers in your truck and Mom's van." I had to think, what is he talking about? "What clickers?" I asked. His reply was confusing, "You know, those clickers that tell you which way you have to turn." I said, "do you mean the turn signal?" He said, that thing that clicks and tells you which way you have to turn. I then told him that the turn signal did not tell me which way to turn, but that I moved the lever to signal which way I had chose to go. He then looked at me a while and then said, "Naw, that's not right."

Aaron had wanted to go to McDonald's for lunch and when the "clicker" told us we had to go home, he was not happy. He was convinced that I would have taken him to McDonald's if I had control of the truck. It makes since, I love him and want the best for him and since he defined what was best for him as McDonald's then I surely would have taken him there if I could have. So, I must not really have control of the car, that clicker must be telling me what to do.

I believe that sometimes we portray this same image on God. We have decided what is best for us and then believe that God would have surely done for us what we wanted if he were in complete control of our situation. So when it does not work out the way we thought we begin to believe that our circumstances dictated what God could do, or we doubt that God really cares, or we just begin to worry and stress out because are not sure why it did not go as we expected.

Just like a six year old boy, we can sometimes develop a skewed way of thinking about things and then assume that we have to be right because of our opinion and logic. But, just like Aaron, we could be very wrong and refuse to believe the truth, because we already have it figured out.

Also, the question has to be asked; who is in control of your life? Does the Lord control your clicker, or do the circumstances of life dictate to you what you must do and where you must go? Who has control of your life?

May you never look at your "clicker" the same again.
Bro. Wade

Good friends and good fish

Adam and Aaron recently went fishing with some of our good friends in the Arroyo Colorado. They were fishing in the evening off a dock and Aaron caught his first trout. He was so excited and I think the photo reflects that. He was a typical six year old boy who talked the whole time, but was faithful to shush the older boys when they whispered because they were "scaring the fish away with their noise."

The older boys set such a good example of sacrifice and love. They only had one pole on the dock (planned that way by the adult so to keep hooks out of the kids and only in the water and the fish), so they took turns casting and reeling. The older boys would sit back and allow Aaron to take multiple turns without complaining once. They knew that Aaron had never caught a trout and they had, so they allowed him to take many turns in hopes that he would catch a fish. This was probably easier because there were few bites on the line that night, but never the less, the boys were faithful friends.

Our friends, Bill and Randy, made a special effort to take our boys fishing when Jennifer and I could not go. They were faithful to us, to our kids, and to the Lord. True friends are great to have in this world. Jennifer and I are blessed to have many good friends and we are so thankful to those adults and children who are teaching our children what good friendship looks like. Sometimes it looks like a shiny silver fish, but it is always reflected in the smile of a child.

thankful for good friends,
Bro. Wade

Questions Kids will ask

Tonight was a special night at First Baptist Harlingen as we held "Popcorn with the Pastor" during AWANA. I had the privilege of spending time with each of our three main groups of children. The Cubbies started the night of feasting on popcorn and questioning the pastor. These preschoolers were fun to visit with and had some good questions as our time wound down. They were interested in where their family members and pets went when they died. They were quick to tell me verses of scripture that were their favorites. They were also like vacuums sucking in the popcorn. They were such a joy and I was blessed to get to know these children even better.

The Sparks then came to the room and they were live wires. These younger children were quick to ask questions, some even had notebooks with the questions they had written down. They also wanted to know what happened after death, but they also asked many questions about my role as pastor. They wanted to know why I was called "Brother" Wade. They shared their favorite verses of scripture and asked many questions about things I had said in sermons and things they had heard about a pastor's life. It was a joy to share with these inquisitive children.

The TNT group was the last to meet with me, but they came loaded for bear. These older children offered some of the same questions as the earlier groups, but they went a little further. Such as: "Are there days that you do not like your job?" "Why are you a pastor?" "How can we hear God speak to us?" "Why should we love each other?" and many more great questions. It was fun to take time to answer all the questions they shared and it was rewarding to see how they made some great conclusions as a result.

Tonight taught me about the spiritual hunger that our children are experiencing in this world. I am drawn to ask the question "are we listening to the questions our children are asking, or are we always trying to give them answers to questions they are not even asking." Are we listening as much as we are talking?

Trying to be a better listener,
Bro. Wade

Great Morning!!!!

What a joy it was to baptize my daughter Rachel today. She wanted everyone to see her testimony today so that someone might come to know Jesus as a result of her baptism. It was great to have her brothers sitting on a step in the baptistry and her mother on the other side; it truly was a family experience.

Now that my second child has accepted Christ, things change a little in our house. Adam and Rachel both need the constant discipleship for new Christians, and Aaron continues to need our counsel and guidance as he grows up to understand God's love to the fullest potential. We will have to be careful in how we keep Aaron from feeling left out during communion and other special events, but we will just have to rely on the Lord's leadership to help us through it. For now, we will continue to celebrate one of Rachel's most important days in her life.

We are so thankful for all who have partnered with our family to raise our children to love the Lord with all their hearts.

A thankful parent,
Bro. Wade

An Evening to Remember

Last night (February 4) I was blessed to lead my daughter through her decision to accept Jesus as her personal Savior. Jennifer and I sat on each side of Rachel and Adam sat across from us as Rachel prayed and asked God to forgive her and to come into her heart. Her prayer was filled with so much thought, as she has been working through this for many months. It was amazing to see her finally come to understand how her sin had separated her from Jesus and how she desperately needed Jesus to restore that relationship for eternity. The tears in her eyes dropped to the deepest part of my heart as I saw the grace of God pouring over her.

She then called her family, her Sunday School teachers, her children's pastor and preschool pastor and her best friend. She then went to do something to help her older brother and on the way, she looked at me and said, "I can now do many good things to help others because the Holy Spirit is now in my heart." What a great theological statement from a 7 year old.

Thank the Lord for his saving grace. Thank the Lord for all the people he has used to teach Rachel about his love.

a very thankful dad,
Bro. Wade

Back in the Saddle

It was so good to be back in worship with our church family yesterday. I was so blessed to join our friends and church family in praising the Lord. It seemed that the blood was not the only thing that seemed to flow easier since my heart cath. The praise in my heart seemed to flow unhindered as well. The words seemed to pour from my heart and not just my lips. I had many reasons to praise the Lord; one of which was the ability to quickly return to my wonderful, loving church family.

I also enjoyed being in the pulpit, preaching the word. It was as though God were showing me that he was going to continue to fulfill his calling on my life. When you go through a crisis, it is good to know that God is still waiting to use you for his glory on the other side of the crisis. Once again, God has shown himself faithful to me and my family. This past Sunday was filled with many evidences of his faithfulness, thus, it was easy to praise the Lord with all my heart.

With all my HEART,
Bro. Wade

First Day of Rehab

Today was my first day to attend Cardiac Rehab at Valley Baptist Medical Center. The class starts at 7:45 a.m. where I have my blood pressure and sugar tested. It then put on my heart monitor and we start warm-ups. Today I began my exercise with a 20 minute ride on a stationary bike. It was a good feeling, as I have been wanting to get some exercise. I struggled to keep the pace down to the speed they wanted me at on my first day. I actually felt more comfortable going faster, but they were wanting to evaluate my heart rate at the lower speeds on the first few days. All my vital signs are looking great.

I will attend Cardiac Rehab 3 days each week. However, I am looking forward to my leisure bike ride with my kids in the neighborhood, it has become our quality family time as of late and we all enjoy it so much. Rachel asks each day when I can go for a bike ride. It tell her it won't be long.

I truly am enjoying be home with the family each afternoon and night. I told the kids that we are having "family night" for two weeks - they loved the idea.

Once again, thanks for the prayers,
Bro. Wade

Answer to Prayer

I am truly a walking answer to prayer. I have fully experienced the power of God's people praying and believe I am healed today because of it. I have been grateful to be a prayer warrior for others in similar positions, but being on this side of the prayer equation reminds me just how powerful prayer can truly be.

Jennifer and I have been amazed at the number of people who have been praying for us. We wish we could say "thank you" to each person, but it is not physically possible. We were amazed to hear of the many churches in Harlingen, the valley, Texas, Arkansas, and around the world who took the time to pray for us this Sunday morning. The many pastors and teachers who took the time to lead their churches to pray for our family have humbled us by their compassion and love.

Sometimes we never know how much we are loved until we are in a time of need, and our family has truly felt loved. Thank you for loving us enough to pray for us. Thank you for caring enough to intercede for us with the heavenly father.

a Living Answer to Prayer,
Bro. Wade

Overwhelmed with Love

Going through a crisis situation is so much easier if you don't go through it alone. This past week our family experienced this again. We were so blessed to see how the body of Christ responded to us in our time of need.

Many of our friends who are physicians and nurses came to our aid at the hospital in minutes of our arrival and they continued to care for me and my family through the days and nights that followed.

Many of our friends who work at the hospital came to check on us and they cared for Jennifer, which in turn helped me.

Our great and caring ministerial staff from First Baptist Harlingen proved once again that they really care about their church family, and this time it was expressed toward my family.

Many sent emails and text messages around the world in just a few hours, enlisting prayer warriors to stand in the gap for my family. We have heard from so many around the country who have shared their compassion with us.

Still others have provided tangible things, like child care, meals, cards, and plants. Each filling a different need in our lives at just the right time.
Needless to say, we have been overwhelmed with love and we are grateful to all.

Thank you for being Jesus to the Hood family,
Bro. Wade

Tough Day for the Hood Family

Thursday (January 17) was not an easy day for the Hood family. After returning a few emails, eating breakfast, and taking a quick morning bike ride, I experienced a severe headache, some chest pain and tingling in the left arm. After taking some aspirin, Jennifer drove me to the Emergency Room where we began a long journey of discovering what had happened. After a few nitro pills and some other medications to relax my body and reduce my soaring blood pressure, I felt much better and we began to think that I had not had a heart attack. But as evening approached, the proverbial elephant on my chest grew heavier. I then received two more nitro pills and eventually a nitro IV drip was needed to remove the pain. The plan had been to take a stress test on Friday morning, however, the blood enzyme tests revealed that I had indeed experienced a heart attack and the pain revealed that I needed a heart cath by early morning at the latest.

The next morning, my cardiologist performed a heart cath on me and discovered that one of my main arteries was 100% closed. The other vessels were clear so he cleared the blockage and placed a stint. There did not seem to be much damage and the heart was recovering well. I recovered in CCU and then PCCU for two days and was released on Sunday morning.

I will be taking many new medications for the rest of my life, but I am expected to make a full recovery and lead a very normal life. I should be back to regular excercise in just a few weeks. I will take a few weeks off from work, continuing to preach on Sundays, and then adjust back to full time the following two weeks.

It was a tough day for the Hood family, but there was no fear in our hearts, it was just tough for each of us to watch the other having to go through it. God carried us through and he deserves the praise.

Saved by grace and ALIVE by grace,
Bro. Wade