September 29, 2005 - Prayer for Erik from Chip Riggsbee

I have been a friend of Lee Melvin since we went through high school together. She sent out an email for prayer for little Erik. I am so very sorry about what's happened in little Erik's short life so far but His creator is watching out for His child and I believe that He will give Erik a full life to enjoy His blessings. I also thank God for blessing you, his parents, with His strength, wisdom, and peace during the time Erik has been ill. May I give you my testiomony? The Lord heals. I know. In 1999 I contracted a spinal virus that was eating up my vertebrae and turning them to oatmeal. This left me in excruciating pain and virtually paralyzed. 3 spinal surgeries were totally unsucessful. By God's leading a Christian couple that my wife and I are friends with recommended an orthopedic surgeon in Charlotte that had operated on the husband's back wih excellent results. We went to the surgeon and he did two surgeries on me and after 3 years of being nearly paralyzed I began to be able to go to physical therapy and to make a long story short the Lord healed me to the point where I could attend Bible College. I received my Associate of Theology with an emphasis in ministry degree this past May. I graduated summa cum laude, and #1 in my class with a 3.99 GPA (all the glory goes to God for this). I don't tell you these things to brag on myself but to give glory to God for the powerful way he can and does turn situations around. He totally turned mine around and I am confident He's on the way to doing the same for Erik. I will put Erik on our church's prayer chain and he will continue to receive intercessory prayer from us. I'll also continue to follow his story which has touched me deeply. I am the parent of two children and while I can't feel what you're feeling because everyone's feelings are different I can imagine how I would cling to the Lord as you have during your child's illness. May God richly bless you and your wonderful family now and in the future. Chip Rigsbee Pawleys Island, SC