I heard from my sister-in-law today the importance of the consistent support. So many people have not known what to do or say and that’s okay, but don’t let it keep you from sending Mike a note. We have had about 400 original visitors to this blog and even just that has been a big deal for him. We have been reading the comments to him every morning and he has really appreciated it. Don’t stop sending them, even if it’s the same message. He needs to know you are still there. Still thinking and praying. We all love him. Let’s make sure he doesn’t doubt it for a second.
I know that many of you don't know him personally, but don't let that discourage you from sending a note. He has been moved by people he doesn't even know, just because they took the time to comment. Thank you for all your love and support.
35 comments:
Hey Mike
I don't know what to say to someone in your position, there is no words that I can say to make you feel better other than that I am praying for you. Whatever happens trust in God to carry you through.
Ben (I met you a couple times, I'm part of Matt's guys group, the small one yeah anyways)
hey mike
this is your cousin thomas here. there are many things i would like to tell you but that will take more time then now, as i plan to go to bed soon. but i will tell you that i have been praying for you. i have written your name down on my hand and cannot stop thinking about your condition your pain the pain of our family, the pain of your brothers and parents...of friends and of Grandpa and Grandma...
but all this crying out to God does good and when i open up to conversation and am straight with him, he shows me the hope in this situation that is supported by love.....and then i cry at the awesomeness of how God can turn something broken into something beautiful. i see your pictures mike and i read these excerpts from your brothers and acknowledge the fact that they are there with you and that they have hope and still see the beauty in you that God created, and this makes me feel blessed. Blessed to be a part of a family that lives in hope and assurance of victory because of the resurrection of Christ.
mike, these last few days i have not been able to keep from shedding a few tears each day from thinking about pain. When my mom told me that you had been in a bad accident i was just kind of nummed....i didn't know what to think. That night we heard more from aunty julene and my whole family cried in our living room here and realized that we had to be in prayer together sharing in the fellowship of suffering. We prayed and released our concerns and pleads to God and my mom told us something that has really helped me. she said that it is good to share and voice our pains to God and it is good to learn how to struggle in sorrow but it is so important that we do this with an attitude of hope and that we see with the eyes of love and not of fear. that means seeing you and your body and your situation and your future through the eyes of God. your creator and the one who loves you with an unimaginable love. not out of fear that will scare us.
..... but stil that night i had to release more cries to God.... i went for a walk and immediately started to cry.. i wanted to walk to the park and be alone with God but i could not make it. i fell on the grass near the park and cried. (a lady passed by and wanted to help me but i needed to just lay there. Hearing of your broken body and news that grandpa was broken and that grandma didn't know yet, and just imagining the pain of your parents and brothers, and cody, made me so sad.
but i remembered these words from a bible study a little while ago:
(well not exactly as written bu i remembered my thoughts surrounding them)
"The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:18
my prayer was that you would be given the Peace of God. the peace that is above and more powerful then any understanding. any answers.
mike, much of my sadness has come from realizing that you and steve and mathew have been my cousins all my life and since i was a little boy i have always looked up to you three and wanted to do stuff like you guys...maybe that was ride the trike, or listen to similar music or dress similar or similar hair cuts....
and then now your back and neck have broke and i thought that suddenly i could not look up to you.... BUT that is wrong. you will always be my older cousin who i can always look up to and recognize admirable traits that i would like to take on.
it is hard when someone you look up to is hurt.
but..
it has been so great to hear about things like your smoothie meal and dvd watching!....there have even been rumours that you were hitting on the nurses....!?!?
it is so great to see your strong spirit in this journey.
stay strong and keep blessing people around you with this strength.
another beautiful thing was seeing my little brother your little cousin mitch's comments on this web page. it makes it easier to grieve and be bold about telling you all that i want to when i see how bold and genuine my little brother mitch is when he writes on this site to you.
(it was beautiful for me to read that he is praying for you and wants updates on how you are doing)
i hope you have a great day today.
(just wanted to add that...because i really do hope that)
the other day i was walking with my girlfriend to go pick up my bike from the shop (this is the girl who my brothers were bugging me about at aunt julene's house last christmas...her name is emily...we have only been dating for a couple of weeks now....she is a wonderful person and i would love for her to meet you guys sometime.....i showed her pictures from the wedding) and anyways i started telling her more about the new news that we had heard that day about things in edmonton. she asked if i wanted to sit down somewhere and we did so at a community centre in a little stair well. and i told her everything i could think of and she prayed for you, while my mouth could not but my heart could listen and pray along in silence.
(i realize that this is a public thing and that other people can read all this but i like the idea that you get to read this in...because i wanted to share it with you)
here in vancouver i have had so many people ask me about you and your condition. it has been really nice to have people step out there and be genuine about wanting to know more or show that they care for me and those who are important in my life. many people have said they are praying for you and a few have even prayed with me for you. For this i am very glad.
well tomorrow morning i am leading the youth worship team in the morning service and it is pretty much past midnight here so i better get ready for bed.....(and i was thinking i wasn't going to write so much!.....)
let me leave you with two passages that my dad is preaching on tomorrow from pihilippians....the second one made me think of you in your condition and reminded me of the hope that Jesus brings.
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything hrough him who gives me strength."
be content in God and let that contentment show in the strength of your spirit right now as your body recovers.
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers, you whom i love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!"
blessings
prayers of healing
and the peace of God that transcends all understanding, to you and those surrounding you.
with love for my older cousin whom i look up to.
thomas
Hello Mike,
This is Julianna, I intern with Matt at McKernan. Just wanted to encourage you to keep smiling. Glad to hear the breathing situation is going well and that you are keeping food down.
Wishing you that peace your cousin Thomas was talking about. In Him,
~Julianna
Dear Mike,
You don't me all that well, but I'm the daughter of Ben and Bev Thomas who is living in England.
I attend a very small but very loving church and our hearts, indeed, our prayers go out to you. We have a prayer meeting tonight after our service and in the mean time have been lifting you up to God in prayer and in thought. You are never alone.
Always,
Lindsay
Mike I hope this makes you smile ~
My apartment roof is leaking,
There are cockroaches in my shower,
I almost stepped on a rat last night
And a crow pooped on my head this morning
I can’t wait to see you.
We're praying for you Mike, and your family. I am your third cousin on your Moms side ( I think ). My family will think about and pray for you and your family a lot.
Lorriane Shewchuk
Hey Mike, you don't know me but I just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you right now. It sounds like you're handling this very well, though, and I really admire your strength and courage.
I just finished a Bible study in Genesis on the life of Joseph, which is an awesome story because it really shows God's amazing ability to take the most difficult trials and use them for good. It isn't always easy to figure out what God's doing or what His plan is, but He does have a plan. I pray that you would be comforted by that knowledge, and that God would give you a supernatural peace while you're going through this.
-Lisz
"God is our refuse and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."
-Psalm 46
Hey Mike,
It's Ash...I just hope nobody is feeding you ice better than I did yesterday. Hope you get freezies soon or that fun dip you were talking about. I love you lots Mike and am still praying like crazy.
Love: Ashleigh
Steve-
We had the congregation spend a few moments in each service to pray for Mike, you and your family.
Know that you are loved.
Keith.
Hi Mike,
I'm one of Matt's friends and have see you at College and Career a couple times. I just wanted to say...
"What lies before us and what lies behind us are tiny matters to what lies within us!"
Mike, you have Jesus Christ living in your heart. You have the spirit of determination, courage, and hope within you. You have the choice in each moment to look at the positive side. Don't be afraid or ashamed to show tears of pain but don't EVER loose that beautiful smile you have. I'm praying for you.
Your new friend in Christ,
Terri-Lynn
mike and all family
we are praying for you in the east side of vancouver. For all of you, and much for you, mike, for healing, peace, and rest.
Hey Steve, if you guys need anything just let me know, im living about a block away.
email address jrc14@ualberta.ca
seriously anything.
Hi Mike..we continue to think of you and pray for you. We are so thankful that you have such an amazing family and loving friends. Your brothers have enabled us all to reach out to you by putting up this site. We are grateful. Keep smiling Mike....with love, Cindy and Wally
hi guys,
Michael I just wanted to let you know that we love you very much and you are being prayed for. The love and bond that Steve, Matthew and you share is so special and I am blessed to have cousins like you. I am proud to have a family that lives in the hope that Christ offers. Mike the sense of humour you have and your desire to make others feel comfortable around you despite your pain is such a testimony to others. Thank you. Your positive attitude has blessed and touched so many people that you haven't even met. Thank you for letting God work through you even in this difficult time. Chris and I love you guys and will continue to hold your family up in prayer.
please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
we love you
love nadine and chris
Mike,
You know I love you. It is hard to be away from you. Thank you for being just who you are.
-Steve
hey mike,
this is daniel girard, you probably don't know me but i've heard alot about you and you are doing great. keep the good spirits up. i too have been in your situation when i broke my neck in 2003 and all i can tell you is things get better. if you ever need to ask any questions just e-mail me at dangirard1@hotmail.com.
keep up the good spirits
daniel girard
Hey Mike
just wannted to say hi and hope that you are doing all right and best wishes.
hang in there buddy and stay postive.
Amena
Hey mike
just wanted to say hi and herd that yo will be going in for surgery on thursday and i will pray for you and i am sure it will go fine take care hottie
sherraz moghrabi
Hi, nephew,
From Vancouver, even though it is so far away, we are carrying you very close to us. The next time you are here, everyone will say, "Oh... so YOU'RE Mike!!! We love you, and those who have not yet met you are sending love and prayers to God for you. May you know that you are encompassed in love, and may it sustain you. We are certain that God is not finished redeeming this situation yet. So, I pray for you the ability to see what is all around you - the suffering, comforting and healing presence of God's Spirit with you and those who you love. That is the best thing that I know to offer you. It is life and it is what sustains me also. And I stand with you in the knowledge that soon you will be giving Grandpa a bear hug. It is strange how this wakes us up to what is important, what is true. We love you. Peace, Comfort,
Aunt Mary
Hey mike,
you don't know me, but I've heard about you through steve and the church email. Stay strong, you'll make it through this.
'Be Strong and Courageous'
In Christ,
Britney in MI
My prayers are with you and I know that with your determination you're going to come out of this on top. You are on my mind constantly. Love You
Aunt Doreen
Brenda & Neil: I know God will give you all the strength you need for each hour and each decision.
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. -- Albert Einstein
Dear Michael... this is your auntie Julene...your mom and I have shared many things together.. she allowed me and gave me the privilege to love you as my own son...and I have loved you from the day you were born. You have always been so special to me.....you and Steven and Matthew. We are praying for you...that God would cradle you in the palm of his hand and hold you close to Him. ...because He loves you ..and when you need rest.. He would give it to you.. and when you need comfort,..He would give it to you.. and when you need encouragement, He would give it to you....we are here for you Mike..me and uncle Cal, Candice, Leanne and Damien. We love you and your family Auntie Julene
Hi Mike!
I don't really know you, but I go to Storm and I heard all about what happened. I just wanted to drop by and leave a few words of encouragement. It sounds like you are doing pretty good considering everything! It's a miracle that you are alive and smiling. Praise God for that! Sometimes it may seem like God has left you, but remember that he will always be there. And ALL things are possible with God! Stay in good spirits! I am praying for you.
-Mary
Hey Mike,
I am glad to hear that you are starting on some solid foods. Keep up the high spirits. I am going to try come see you this week, probably Tuesday or Wednesday...I will bring you plenty of dvd's.
See you soon
-jeff
Hi Mike,
Steve asked us "unknowns" to leave a note. We are Michael Schnell's parents. Michael invited us to pray for you and your family and directed us to this wonderful blog.
We are honoured to pray for your recovery and strength. Getting to know about you here has been inspiring and encouraging to US! You sound like an amazing young man who never stops caring about others ... and your brother rocks!!!
You've got a mountain to climb. You've got God enabling you to do it and the obvious love of a devoted family. You've got the prayers of many people.
Dave and Mary Schnell
Mike -
Just wanted to let you know that a group of us from Grace prayed for you several times over the weekend. Our retreat is done, but we are continuing to pray. May you know God's strength, courage, love and perseverence during this time.
Trina
Hey Mike...
Just wanted to let you know you have people praying for you down here in Tennessee. We're thinking about you and praying for strength and courage for you and your family...
Adrianne Hau
Hi
Just wanted to say that we are praying for you guys. We have known Grandpa and Grandma Dickau for many years and got to know the Barkers a bit through business and being friends of the Dickaus. We do know what you are going through. My Brother broke his neck when he was 27 years old - married with two small children and now he is 56 years old and has the same witt and humor that he always had. It will not be easy but with the support of family and the trust we know you have in God you will make it through
We love you all and we will keep praying.
Dale & Ella Unland
Michael,
Terrena Rizzoli just emailed me to tell me what happened...
I've been crying since I found out--and yet I'm so happy that you're still here and that you have such wonderful friends and family by your side! Please know that you'll constantly be in my prayers. Though I realize an old teacher is probably the last person you want to see, I'm going to come and see you as soon as I can!
Take care sweetie and stay strong!
Rona (Ms. Mac)
Mike and family
What can I say but my thoughts and prayers are with you. I care deeply for you all.
As a friend-I love you all and am so sorry! I am bringing you before the Lord with a prayer for healing, comfort and strength.
As a Nurse-I feel a deep sense of hurt and sorrow at the suffering you have gone through and the long medical journey ahead of you.
As a mother- I have the deep sorrow at a child being hurt and have such a longing and sense of helplessness at not being able to "kiss and make this hurt go away" I do know a parents love is so deep, unconditional, and endless, but I know of one who's love is even deeper.
As a Follower of Christ- I know that His love is so much deeper than we can even fathom. He has been speaking to me through song (what other way would get through to me better than that- of course!)
He has been giving me a comfort and affirmation of His working through this situation by bringing songs to my mind, I realize this is a long note, but let me share just a couple of the numerous songs He has brought to my mind. (i'll try doing this again...I've already deleted this whole note once as a result of the tears flowing as I think of God's comfort through song pouring out through Brenda's talented and worshipping hands.) Remember this is just a tip of the iceburg of songs.
HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT when our strength is gone, He'll carry us when we can't carry on, raised in His power the weak become strong, His strength is perfect. HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT (wow)
hold me close,let Your love surround me,bring me near, draw me to Your side. And as I wait I'll rise up like the eagle, and I will soar with you, Your spirit leads me on in the power of You love.
Is your burden heavy and you bear it all alone? He is always there hearing every prayer, faithful and true....Reach out to Jesus , He is reaching out to you!
There is no problem to big, God cannot solve it...if he carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders, I know that He will carry you.
You are my hiding place..whenever I am afraid I will trust in you. Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of the Lord.I will trust in You
Jesus draw me close...never let me go Help me know You are near.
and one more...
GOD WILL MAKE A WAY where there seems to be no way, He works in ways we cannot see,He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, draw me closely to His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way, GOD WILL MAKE A WAY.
Mike, Neil, Brenda, Matt and Steve/Lori..
My hope is that once again the Lord will give you a song of your own, and that you will feel the joy of the Lord being your strength.
I love you all and hope to see you Friday.until then..SHERYL
Hey Mike
Im so happy that you have this site so that everyone can keep in touch with you, cause its so good to hear how your doing and to let you know how much we all care for you. i hope you feel better everyday and just know that we all love you so much and know youll get better
ill keep praying for you
love Caitlin Straus
Hey Mike
I know we were never really close or anything but we talked. I was so sad to hear about the accident and I have been praying for you as much as I can. My friend from South Africa that moved here in september was sad to when i explained who you were. She saw you at Mardi Gras and she said "oh no he is like the only hot guy in Lac La Biche" I told her you were still hot lol but she still thinks your the only hot guy she has seen in Lac La Biche. I really hope you get better soon and I have a friend who is going through almost the same thing as you. He was working on a construction site and he fell down one of the holes and he fell 21 feet onto concrete.. and just like you he didn't deserve it. He broke his spine and fractured his skull..he is paralyzed from his nipples down for sure and he is at home on the computer all the time and he can move his arms alot. All you need is time and Gods love and you have all of that plus more..you have all of Lac La Biche that cares about you..I will keep you in my prayers and i hope you get better. If you ever want any Info about my friend his name is Scott and he lives in Ontario. Just let me know and I will for sure tell you more. My email address is drummergrrl_17boo@hotmail.com if you ever wanna get a hold of me about that. God Bless.
Love Lauren Wells
Mike , Good morning.
this is word of prayer, to thank God for your life and all the ways you've brought joy and love to your friends and family. We don't know God's plan but it always greater than we can imagine! We pray for some physical comfort for you and the sense that God is cradling you now, healing your body, so that it will be new again but different than you knew before.
You don't know us , but we feel like we know you. We used to live with Mary and Tim and they are our good friends. Rj has grown up with your cousins. We have been grieving your accident and your injuries, but we will also be rejoicing your recovery, the small ones and the big one.
We like reading about your funny (and bizarre) dreams. Your brothers are doing a great job at this blog thing. You keep on dreaming and know that people are sending their prayers for you and your family.
In faith ,
Laurie and baby Sarah, ( & Bill and Rj)
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