He wants to shout it to the world!

Pastor Gerald Martinez of Joshua's Vineyard Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico gave
us permission to use his full name and to tell his story -- as far as we know it!

A few days ago we received an email that really touched our hearts -- especially Monty's. Pastor Gerald is going through treatments for hepatitis C. Monty has been there and in fact, was one of the first in the nation pronounced "cured." Yes -- cured! Not in the sense of being in remission. The disease is gone -- never to return!

Pastor Gerald is going through this same treatment. It's an 11 month treatment that combines oral medication and shots that one must learn to give themselves. Not an easy treatment and the doctors told us it's equally as rough as chemotherapy! They weren't kidding!

Pastor Gerald started out with his viral load (the amount of virus in his bloodstream and thus his liver) at 25 million -- it should be zero!

When Monty spoke with him the other day they were awaiting the results of testing that is done at the 12 week period. At this point in the treatment you are experiencing some really severe and difficult side effects. Pastor Gerald was a bit "down" and needed the lifting up that Monty was able to give him. It always helps us when we can speak with someone who has been through what we are going through! God works that way and it's amazing!

This morning Pastor Gerald called to give Monty the results of that test. His viral load is 24!!!!!! He was thrilled and so thankful for all the prayers that have been prayed for him. Monty spoke with him at length and told him about this blog. Pastor Gerald said he wanted to shout it to the world and needed ALL the prayers he could get!

So here we are --- let's all get in prayer for this Pastor and for anyone else going through a disease of any kind. We don't need to know the details of the disease -- we know God who is our Almighty healer! He knows the needs and all we need to do is pray!

We thank our own Pastor Dave for sending us the email about Pastor Gerald and we thank God for the healing that has already taken place and we thank Him ahead of time for the healing we know will take place in the future!

In the meantime -- Monty has another life long friend that he hasn't even met in person!

What an awesome God we serve!

Until next time . . . be blessed and be praying! Susan and Monty