What a gift!

Sleeping in our favourite park

The work Liz did to coordinate a round the clock prayer cycle is so wonderful.  We already knew many were praying but to have every minute covered feels like we're being ringed by active duty warriors. And many times slots have three and four people in them. We owe you all a debt of love. The times still available are in 15 minute increments from 12:15 am to 1:00 am, 3:00 am and 3:15 am.  Probably need someone on another continent for those :-).

Pain has greatly lessened, nausea has been gone for several days now and appetite is back with a vengeance.  When roving pain threatens, we often call up someone we know with a history of knowing their authority in Christ to command it to back off...as we did tonight. We started whooping and cheering as the pain retreated. So incredibly grateful for every warrior in this battle.

Jordan received his first of five radiation treatments yesterday to minimize the pain in his chest, which appears to have stemmed from a growth in his spine.  He found it so discouraging to be back in the cancer clinic as a patient.  It's like a whole other world again with the unspoken understanding that everyone you see is fighting for their very lives.

Pulling my mind back into line has definitely been the greatest learning curve in this season.  When I found myself suddenly "drowning" in the sorrow of what has been stolen from Jordan, I retreated to listening to truth online...to remind myself that God can be trusted.  He never lies.  He doesn't originate suffering but when He does redeem, it's never wasted.  So in Jordan's words, "God I trust You in the good times and in the bad times."

Meantime

While listening to one of my favourite Bible teachers, I heard something that I don't think I'll ever forget.  He described the space between when we pray and when we see the answer, as the meantime  -so named because it's mean.  It's not easy to have patience when everything seems to be falling apart.  Witnessing Jordan this weekend,  move from crawling everywhere to staying in his room virtually all day because of the pain that the morphine can't seem to touch was almost surreal. And when we did add meds, the nausea kicked up so that his appetite disappeared and the bucket reappeared.  Incredible!

Through it all, friends and family prayed. Friends have become family.  What has heaven witnessed?  These ones have prayed when it was discouraging and the reports were only "It's worse". Some prayed with tears, others with shouts, some couldn't find words so they groaned. We pray because Jesus instructed us to - to pray, to command, to ask.  He is our example.  And He told us we would do greater things because He would move into us if we asked Him to.  Really, every med we give is like a bandage until the Healer gets to the source.  I have no idea why this is taking so long.  Jordan asks me that question at least once a day.  And I don't know.

As we made our way back to the vehicle from a CT scan yesterday, Jordan pulled ahead of us on his power scooter.  Apparently he had spotted an older woman in a wheelchair, outside the cancer clinic. She was outfitted with an oxygen tank while smoking.  Kim and I were quite a distance behind when we saw him stop, put out his hand to her and by the time we arrived on the scene, he was praying for her...telling how important she is to Jesus, and commanding: all disease to leave her body, complete health, and freedom from her addiction (he must have noted the large carton of cigarettes in her chair's pocket).  With tears rolling down her face and eyes wide open, she started to call on Jesus and thank Jordan.  As our family moved away, we could her repeating "I am blessed". It can be humbling to be around Jordan.

Only a Few Slots left for 24/7 Prayer Covering

Dear Prayer Warriors, 

Wow! In just a few days, the 24/7 prayer covering schedule for Jordan is almost complete.   Thank you for coming together in agreement for  Jordan's complete healing!  There are only 20 time slots left out of almost 100.  Thank you for your quick response.  I know this is such an encouragement to the entire Unrau family.

If you are still desiring to fill a time slot, please take a look below at the times that are left and email me a few choices.  Remember that this schedule is Pacific Coast Time.   

Email me at chrisliz@bellsouth.net with your name and the 15 minute time slot in which you can pray daily.  If that time is taken, I will put you in as close to that time as possible.   If you have a question as to when your time slot is, please email me and I will be happy to confirm that to you.  (If you requested a time and you didn't hear back from me, then you can assume that is your time).

In Christ our Healer ,

Liz Barber

AVAILABLE TIMES LEFT FOR 15 minutes of DAILY PRAYER

12:15 am                 2:00 pm               6:45 pm

12:30 am                 2:15 pm               7:15 pm

12:45 am                 3:30 pm               7:30 pm

1:00 am                   5:00 pm               7:45 pm

1:15 am                   5:15 pm 

1:30 am                   5:45 pm

1:45 am                   6:00 pm

3:00 am                   6:15 pm 

3:15 am                   6:30 pm

24 Prayer Covering is more than 1/2 filled!

Dear Friends, 

Thank you to those who responded so quickly over the weekend.  Jordan's prayer covering is more than half of the way complete!  There is power in our agreement in faith and we need to stand in agreement for the complete healing that Jesus took on the cross for Jordan.  What an encouragement for Jordan to know that throughout the day and night, someone is agreeing with him in prayer, and lifting up his family's weary hands in worship and warfare! 

I'm sorry I haven't been able to accommodate everyone's first request for times.  Please take a look at the schedule below and see where you can fill in your name.  Remember that this schedule is Pacific Coast Time.   Email me at chrisliz@bellsouth.net with your name and the 15 minute time slot in which you can pray daily.  If that time is taken, I will put you in as close to that time as possible. 

Words can't express my gratitude to so many of you who have already been praying daily for Jordan's healing.  This schedule is just a way for us to cover him in prayer throughout the day.   Don't forget the prayers of agreement that the Unraus have put on the sidebar of the blog and the website of healing scriptures  www.savedhealed.com/healing.htm  Praying these scriptures of healing is declaration and power.  His Word is truth!  Declaration of His word summons angels to attend and calls Him to attest to His covenant.

Blessings,

Liz Barber

Time	Name	Time	Name
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10:00 am	Filled	10:00 pm	Filled
10:15 am	Filled	10:15 pm	Filled
10:30 am	Filled	10:30 pm	Filled
10:45 am	Filled	10: 45 pm
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11:45 am		11:45 pm

24 Hour Prayer Coverage

Dear Friends of Jordan,

The Unraus have given us permission to organize a 24/7 prayer covering on Jordan's behalf.  It would require many of you to commit to just 15 minutes of prayer a day.  We have heard several testimonies of healing of varying types of cancer, tumors and disease in this past year.  God's kingdom is being established here on earth as it is in heaven.   We believe it is the prayers of the saints which can carry Jordan and the family through these difficult days and the prayers of faith that will see and celebrate his healing. 

If you feel led to make this daily commitment, Think of a time during the day when you can come before His throne on Jordan's behalf.  Of course, some of you are praying throughout the day, but this will give Jordan a covering of prayer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.   (I've found it's a lot easier to never miss your time to pray when you set your cell phone to remind you daily.)  Please select one (or more) time slots (Pacific Time) and email us your requested time slot.    Keep in mind if you are in a different time zone, you will have to adjust and take the time slot of whatever time that is in Kelowna.  You don't need to send us back the whole schedule, just let us know the time that you are requesting with your name.  For example: 

          Liz Barber 9:00 am 

We will put your name in the slot or the closest spot to the one you request and resend the updated chain every few days until we get it almost full.  We need to fill just 96 slots to have full coverage in one day.  (Get your kids involved too.)  Feel free to send this to other friends who will go before the throne and intercede for our beloved Jordy.

Please respond with your time slot to us at chrisliz@bellsouth.net and start praying!   We would like to encourage you during your prayer time to come into agreement in prayer with the things Kim and Darlene have highlighted in the sidebar of the blog. Or click HERE to see the "how to pray" page.

We'd also like to recommend the following web site which has a great list of healing scriptures and notes to guide you in prayer   www.savedhealed.com/healing.htm

Thank you for prayerfully considering this commitment and for all of your prayers and support for the Unraus. 

In Christ our Healer,

Chris and Liz Barber

chrisliz@bellsouth.net

All Other Ground

Fell asleep last night with the hymn "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand" and woke up to it still in my head.

I think I might be shell-shocked.  The assault on Jordan's body has come so fast and furiously with a new symptom in a new spot on a regular basis that we are left reeling.  While we were celebrating millimetres it appears that we are in full retreat mode. Our family room is darkened from the sun because it is so hard on Jordan's eyes.  His movements are more limited than ever due to new pains. So the meds are up as are the corresponding drowsiness.  Yet I'm in no hurry for him to awaken to yet more disappointment and body betrayal.  Two days ago he told me he woke up crying softly.  He kept saying "It wasn't all a bad dream" It is almost 11am and he is still sleeping.  Gorgeous day outside.  Tucker is sitting in the sunshine by the bed and waiting for his buddy to play.

I bawled like a baby after receiving an email wondering what we would like to eat. Kindness still can wipe me out.  Jordan is eating like a bird and feeling oh so full.  So now I'm back to being the bossy mama insisting on one more sip or another bite. Our friend, Jan dropped by peaches from her tree and it seems as if that is what Jordan is living on.  Cut up peaches slide down so nicely.  And milkshakes can slowly be consumed....and I'm eating everything as if to compensate for him....yea stretchy pants!

Kim is out with his dad finding a new mechanic to repair the truck....there was more damage than originally appeared to be.  Feels like a picture of Jordan's body.  If you would see him sleeping, you would think what a handsome, healthy young man.  Kim rented a van to retrieve Jordan's electric wheelchair from the school so he can scoot around the cul de sac with Tucker or around the mall when he is up to it.

It's hard to believe that just last week I was planning on heading back to work for a few days a week - my office is 5 minutes from Jordan's school. My job is a dream one for me:  researching, creating, presenting and training others to speak to middle school to university students regarding healthy relationships and sexual integrity. Kim was starting to reconnect with old clients. It was perfect.

I have asked my husband several times along the way, "What do we do now?".  His answer is consistent - "Keep doing what we're doing - what we know to be true, what Jesus told us to do."

"All other ground is sinking sand"

Up against the wall but still facing the same direction

So done with the word "Ow".  Since our last post our days have been dominated by that word.  Brief reprieves throughout the day occur - but they are fleeting and almost cruel.  And yet without them.....we'd be a mess.  The pain moves randomly but seems to concentrate on his right side - primarily in his eye, which severely impacts his distraction opportunities in the way of computer, movies, reading, everything visual. The nausea seems to be playing a secondary role so that Jordan can eat a bit – important since he has lost over 10 pounds in the last 2 weeks. Needless to say, Jordan has not been attending school.

Yesterday morning I could not stop crying.
So these are the facts we are experiencing.
Which is why we hold on so tightly to the truth.
Truth is truth because it does not change.
We don't even hold on to our faith because it can change.  But Who our faith is in, does not.
And He can handle our moans, groans and tears.  My friend Cheryl directed me to Psalm 56 and I inserted the words cancer, pain, nausea, despair, etc for "enemies".
And yet, when Jordan notices any improvement he shouts out, "Thank you Jesus!". Who does that?  Just makes me tear up again.

Respect

By Tuesday, we had an X-ray and blood work done to see if we could determine the cause of Jordan's symptoms. All the tests came out positive and only the nausea is left.  Only nausea....sheesh!  I so appreciated the our Canuck House nurse who told me she views nausea as worse than pain - pain you can distract or power through.  Feeling like throwing up is consuming. It is so wonderful not to be minimized.

From Kim's and my perspective it looks like withdrawal from one of the opiates he has had in his system for months.  The last two mornings It has taken until mid morning before Jordan has felt well enough to attend school. Yesterday, he needed to come home before the last class since he just ran out of energy.

I so respect Jordan's willingness to keep trying...to push past his fear...to overcome the frustration of feeling behind.  I don't think I'd be going out in public if i was unsure of if I'd need a bucket or not.  Unless his body starts consistently cooperating - as it did a few weeks ago, he may be looking for another schooling alternative.  We so hope not since we see him enjoy being with other people, feeling aspects of normalcy and just getting out of the house for a purposeful day.  But one day at a time.

As I reread friend Chris' email last night, I was reminded from Deuteronomy 30:19-20 to choose life as I cling to Him who is Life.   The last few days I had been feeling like I was simply holding my breath and was hostage to circumstances.  Amazing again to me of what perspective can bring.  It is a privilege to care for my son and to be able to pick him up at a moment's notice when he is "done in" - to watch him overcome obstacle after obstacle time and again.

The leg mass keeps slowly receding - Come On!

Agreeing for All legs healed and whole

Confusing

Wow, I'm writing a lot.  A lot is happening and the last two days have been excruciating...not what we had hoped for.   Yesterday, until early evening, Jordan experienced a ridiculous amount of nausea - lots of bucket time.  Such a shock after Saturday's good health.  This morning, from the moment he opened his eyes, it was a battle.
From chills and feverishness to severe nausea to pins and needles.  So he missed school.  We drove to the parking lot but the nausea was so profound that he decided to wait until it subsided. What to do with fear has become a reoccurring topic.

In working with Canuck House on his meds, we are trying to determine what his body is reacting to.  It's a baffling puzzle that carries very real consequences.

At one point, when Jordan was struggling with sudden pain, he grabbed his legs and yelled "I'm going to trust You God when things are good and when things are hard....when I'm in pain and don't understand!  I'm going to trust You no matter what!" Oh my heart.

An in the calm moments of the storm Jordan tells us he loves us.  Tonight, as he went to bed, he asked what I thought Kim loved to do the most.  When I answered with play guitar and worship, he requested that Kim spend some time doing just that.  How does a 15 year old look past his suffering to consider the needs of his parents?  We must have looked pretty haggard.  We sure felt helpless.

There's always tomorrow.

Compassion

Curry Blake (a favourite teacher on healing) defines sympathy as making someone comfortable in their suffering and compassion as helping someone out of their suffering.  Our tolerance for pain and disease as a family has diminished.  That was evidenced on our drive home from Jordan's aunt Denise's 50th birthday party.

It is important to understand that Jordan's relationship with his aunt is pretty special.  She was a regular visitor during his stay at Children's hospital, acted as chauffeur on several key trips to and from the airport, and played a significant role in caregiving during a particularly traumatic night of vomiting in a hotel room.  It's so true that when someone sees you at your most vulnerable and weak and loves you well, it creates a bond.   So that is the back ground for our drive home. When we rehearsed the evening's events, I mentioned how wonderful it was that Denise could eat all the delicious food.  I reminded Jordan of the celiac disease which has caused her great discomfort, frustration and pain since she was a young woman.
His response came loud and clear from the back of the van where he was lying down.  Jordan began speaking to the disease and commanding it to leave his aunt's body in the authority given him by Jesus.  He spoke to her body and declared it whole and healthy, able to digest any food she would choose to eat.  Frankly, his vehemence and urgency took me by surprise.  But then it makes sense.  He has experienced suffering and is not okay with anyone - especially someone he loves, to be held hostage.  So now Kim and I are agreeing with him - that his aunt's birthday present will be a healed body.

Also, just got a call from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that they have found our truck in West Kelowna – looks undamaged. We’ll get it tomorrow. Nice. Thank you Jesus.

School Day Two and Family Pics

Darlene: Well, we started off the second day of school rocky with nausea so Jordan took a ride round outside for a bit and then entered second period.  And....made it all the way through to the end of the day. And Jordan is able to be tutored in grade 9 Math this semester so he can begin Math 10 with the rest of the class in his new year.  Yahoo! He was exhausted and sore (his back from sitting up so long) but thankful.  His friends are pretty protective and excited for Jordan's milestone.  High fives all around.

Kim: Yesterday, we had a home visit from our great paediatrician, Dr. Tom. At the end, he said, “If there anything else I can do, let me know”. I said that he could pay off our mortgage. We all laughed, but he did say that he would pay off ours after he had paid off his. So that’s great news. We love the intent of the question of "anything I can do", but have found that we are not sure what to say in response. What are the people actually offering? A handshake, a prayer, some groceries or a new truck? So, here is what we have found most helpful – when people offer specific things or a list of things. For example, a few months ago a friend of ours, Kim, offered to photograph our family. We were so excited. Jordan wanted to wait until his hair returned and we wanted Matt and Joel home for our very first family shoot…ever. She is amazing and along with her assistants: husband Steve and daughters Sadie and Chloe (5 and 3), made the whole experience a hoot.

Here are some of the results:

Celebration!

Lookee who attended grade 10 classes this morning?  No nausea to hinder. Jordan's buds were there to greet him as he emerged from the car.  Great guys!  Check out their names, Jesse, Jordy, Jordan and Jordan.  No joke!  And there are still more Jordans in his grade 10 class.  

Jesse, Jordy, Jordan and Jordan

He made it through 3 1/2 classes before he had pain...and it wasn't a huge deal.  He came home early but is looking forward to returning tomorrow.  Huge!  We are celebrating.

When we compared notes with Jordan, we found that just when Kim and I were praying healing for a man sitting near us in the park, Jordan's pain began.  He hasn't had any for days.  That kind of thing only makes us more determined to pray for those who are suffering.

Oh, and did I mention that his leg has 13.5 cm to go?  Yahoo!

Seriously?

Woke up yesterday morning to discover our pick-up truck had been stolen.  It was my Dad's and given to us after he moved to heaven.  Yes, there was insurance on but it was also the mode of transport for Jordan's power wheel chair...sheesh. Yet Kim and I looked at each other and noted how compared to what Jordan is going through, the theft was no big deal to us. Perspective, right?

It has been a roller coaster of nausea and pain over the past three days with lots of commanding and believing.  And tonight – he is feeling much better. He is thanking Jesus and listening to some great worship music and teaching on healing.  He is overcoming.

It is amazing how nourishing Jordan's smile was to us in between his bouts of nausea.  

Decisions

The decision is made; Jordan is choosing KCS, a smaller private Christian school.  It was not an easy decision for Jordan - it just came down to less stress. There are 2 classes of grade 10 - 50 students as opposed to over 800 at the public school he was originally expecting to attend.  His first day is Wednesday since they need Tuesday to bring the teachers up to speed and make the necessary adjustments.

Kim is planning on returning this week to begin to rebuild his consulting/counselling business that he stepped away from at the beginning of the year.  We have been supported and sustained by loving friends and family financially through this journey.  We are sooo grateful!  We have not had to sell our home in the midst of it all to pay bills or try to keep working when our heart was with Jordan. This is our step of faith, believing that Jordan will be able to attend school and not require both of our full-time attention.

Today has been a day of prayer.  Jordan has gone from groggy to violent nausea all day long.  We were so looking forward to a marshmallow roast on the beach since the campfire ban was lifted.  Or a car trip.  Or a boat ride.  Anything fun!

But instead, we get more practice at praying and remaining and believing and commanding - Jordan included.  We are so proud of him.  I would be whining and complaining and looking for sympathy.  He thanks us, tells us he loves us and encourages us to take breaks.  Tonight he changed the bicycle horn protocol:  one or two squeezes means ‘Please come’, lots of squeezes means ‘Hurry and pray out loud while you come so I can hear’. :-)