Friday, March 27, 2009

Faithful In Prayer

Today, Ryan Deal found out that he has cancer. Hodgkin's Lymphoma. That is the type of news that knocks the wind out of the lungs of not only the recipient, but an entire family.

When Ryan's mother, Brenda, and I communicated about starting a prayer blog for Ryan and his bride Elanea, Romans 12:12 came to mind. The well known version from the NIV is this blog's theme verse, but it also reads beautifully from The Message.

Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Share with God's people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes.

This blog has been set up as a place for prayer and encouragement. I will be posting updates about Ryan's progress until he and his wife, or his mother, feel able to take it over.

Here is some information written in letter form from Ryan's mother.

Ryan's test results came back today. He has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At this point he doesn't know which stage it is in. Ryan said that he didn't ask questions, he just listened to what the doctor. He has to go to another oncologist on Tuesday, March 31 to determine a treatment plan. His current doctor explained that the treatment would include either chemotherapy (and) or radiation.


Thanks for your prayers and concern. Right now I am asking all of you to please pass this along to all of your friends and family members. It is my hope that people in every state (and even people from other countries) will be praying for Ryan and his wife Elanea.


We all appreciate your support and prayers.
Brenda~

If you are praying for Ryan and placing him on prayer lists, will you please let the family know this in the comment section? I know it will provide encouragement.

22 comments:

Mary Moss said...

I've added Ryan and his family to my prayer list.

Beverly said...

I've added Ryan to several local churches and one in Tenn. Ryan and Aleana are an amazing couple when Ryan was getting his biopsy I was amazed at how strong Aleanas faith was even before the test resaults came back She said "what a wonderful praise message ryan will be able to tell" and He will I pray for you both all day God Bless you and please call if you ever need to talk
Love you guys
Bev

Joules Evans said...

Prayers from Cincinnati.

Jeni said...

A friend directed me to this site. We just found out at the end of January that our then three year old has Hodgkin's as well. It's a very curable cancer, but that does not make it easier when you first hear that word! "Cancer" is scary! We will pray for your healing and that you are comfortable with your treatment plan and doctors.

Anonymous said...

Ryan and Eleana have been a wonderful edition to our extended family. Watching them grow and becoming the loving couple they are and their dedication to the Lord is a wonderful praise! Our thoughts are with them everyday and they are in our prayers as well. May God's love comfort you through his son Jesus and may his angels wings cover you.
Our love to you, Mike and Peggy

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

I was diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin's when I was 19 years old, and I am now 37 with two beautiful children. I know this diagnosis has turned your life upside down, but you are going to get through this. Please feel free to email me with any questions you might have. Because of my diagnosis and treatment, I became a radiation therapist so I've also made a career out of cancer treatment.

I'll be praying for you and your family.

Xandra

Tanya Oteri Montgomery said...

In High School I use to be in homeroom with Elanea! She is such an awesome person in Christ! I will be praying for Ryan and The whole family. ALso I will be putting him on the prayer chain at Shepherd of the Hills!

Anonymous said...

Prayers from Colorado Springs, CO. God is the Great Healer!

Anonymous said...

Definitely praying for Ryan. Sorry to hear this news. Believing that Jesus can heal Ryan - and do a miracle in this situation.

"The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well - and GOD will raise him up." James 5:15

In prayer for you, Ryan.

TJ Reid

Anonymous said...

Hello

Brenda, Ryan, and Eleana. It is Andrea Deal from the restaurant, many years ago. I spoke with Matt and he told me the news. I am sorry for this news. I will keep all of you in my prayers. My thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

I have added Ryan & Elanea to my dad's church prayer list at Brookside Ministries church near Harrisburg, PA.

We love them both and got to know them as we handed the youth group off to them when they started at Walnut Grove. We are agreeing in prayer for healing.
Rachel & Joe Barone.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I am a pastor's wife in Chillicothe, Missouri. I am so sorry to hear you received the news a few days ago of cancer. I will put Ryan and his family on my prayer list.

God is still working miracles!

KIM

Hannah said...

I do not know Ryan, but I do know my GOD!! Hodgkins Lymphoma is just another name that Jesus is Lord over!! I'm standing with this family and claiming health for Ryan!! The blood of Jesus has overcome and we can see the victory that brings!!

Psalm 23
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Praying for you all,

Hannah

Unknown said...

Dear Ryan and Elanea, I hope you will take a moment to read Cancer Baby Momma, an interview of another young person struck with H. lymphoma. It's a story filled with hope for a positive outcome for you and your family. Be strong, and take care of each other. Best wishes and my prayers ....

http://penelopeprzekop.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Our whole church is praying for your complete healing and also peace for your hearts and minds. Do not be discouraged. God works miracles. You two will make a great testimony of God's faithfulness and healing power!

The Marklund's said...

Praying for Ryan, both in NJ and in MA. God is faithful and he will see Ryan through and his family too.

Trinity said...

I too am a minister fighting Hodgkin's and I am praying for Ryan's complete healing.

The Kutzler Family said...

Today is Friday April 3, 2009. I have added Ryan to my own personal prayers and will be adding him to our church's prayers on Sunday morning at Glorious Church of the Poconos (in the process of merging with Life Church of Allentown) in northeast PA. I look forward to seeing a miracle unfold in the lives of Ryan and Aleana. Many will come to know and serve the Lord through this journey Ryan and Aleana are on. Blessings to all.
~Ren

Anonymous said...

I myself hold Ryan Elanea and their families up in prayer. I also added them to a prayer list!

Anonymous said...

God IS! in control!!!

Emily Nixon said...

I am praying for all of those souls afflicted by this circumstance. Dear Ryan, stay strong!

Unknown said...

I am praying!!!!!!