India Orphanage

Open Arms helped a group of churches and individuals in the support of an Orphanage in India. If you want to continue to support and be involved in this project, here is some more information, courtesy of Bethany MacNeill. How to stay informed: www.trinitywellsville.org – Home page- Link: India Missions Information you can find out information as well be emailing Betty Wood at bettywood@trinitywellsville.org How can I get help? Financially or with my time? Send donations to: Trinity Lutheran Church 470 N. Main street Wellsville, NY 14895 FUNDRAISER When: June 14th 7:30am-10:30pm Where: Gargoyle Park in Olean What: Music, food, and games for children Why: fundraiser to help in the purchase of the land for Sheba and the orphans in Hyderabad, India. ** Looking for churches and Individuals to help and participate. *Looking for a business to cover the cost of renting the park - $450.00

The Remix: Hip Hop Worship

Open Arms Community Church and Grace Lutheran Church are partnering together to start a new worship service. Our goal is to reach out to the hip hop culture in Bradford by creating an exciting and energetic worship service in their own language. Starting April 3, 2008, The Remix will be happening on Thursday Nights at 8 o'clock with live hip hop worship from local hip hop group Panic Attack, and a streamlined video version of Pastor Mike's message from Open Arms.

5th Annual Superbowl Party

The 5th Annual Open Arms Superbowl Party Join us for the big game, bring a dish and drink to pass, and bring the whole family! February 3rd, 6:00 PM You can also join our Chicken Wing Contest! For the "Private Division", for individuals and families, bring your best wing sauce, and a panel of judges will determine if your sauce is good enough to dethrone reigning Wing Champ Merril Strauss of Salamanca. --------------------- Best Wings in Bradford Contest! Open Arms will be hosting its 5th annual Superbowl Party this year, and we would like to invite your restaurant to be a part of our annual wing contest. The event grows each year, with more than two hundred people showing up for wings, football, and fun for the whole family. Over the past several years, we’ve hosted a Buffalo Wing Competition for individuals to bring in their best wing sauce. The informal contest has always been enjoyable and competitive, and the winner basically gets “bragging rights”. We thought this year; we would try something new, and launch a “Professional Division” of the competition. Individuals can still enter their wing sauce in the “Amateur/Private Division”, but we’d like to ask all of the Eateries in town to enter their wings for the Professional Division for some “bragging rights” of their own. Here’s an overview of how the “Best Wings in Bradford Competition” will look. 1. Your business donates a batch of 50 to 100 of their best wings 2. Each donated batch of wings will be displayed with a large poster featuring their business name and information. 3. Each Wing Donor will receive a “Thank You Ad” on our church website for one month. (Our Website received more than 40 thousand visits last year!) 4. A panel of judges to be selected at the party will sample the wings, and pick the winner. 5. The Winner will be announced at the event, and we will send out a Press Release to local media outlets to announce the winner the next day. We also commit that we will NOT release any other ranking than first. No one wants to be known as the “Fourth Best Wings in Bradford” and we have no desire to make anyone look bad! It’s a great opportunity for some public relations and exposure for your business! If you are interested in donating wings and being featured in our contest, please contact Josh Hatcher at 814-331-1721.

Orphanage Crisis

The Compassion Clement Mission in India needs our help! Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville NY has been working with an orphanage in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Trinity has paid a downpayment on a 500 thousand dollar 10 acre parcel of land in India that suits the needs of the mission group. Right now, the mission needs to raise 60 thousand dollars by the end of January. They've pledged an additional 30 thousand dollars in matching funds, and challenged the churches in our region to raise an addition 30 thousand by the end of the month. The orphanage is currently in a two room building, and faces eviction at the end of the month. If the money can be raised, the children will be able to move into temporary housing on the new land. If it is not raised, the children will be kicked out into the streets. Open Arms will be collecting a special offering the weekend of January 26th and 27th, and we will also be accepting online donations on our website. Click this button to give to the Orphanage Crisis Fund If you have any questions, or for more information, please contact Betty Wood: bettywood@trinitylutheran.com or Bethany MacNeill: blpmacneill@yahoo.com

Changing Service Times

Effective January 6th, 2008: Open Arms will be changing our Sunday Morning service times. We will be going to one Sunday service to be held at 10:15 AM. The Saturday Night service will not change. At Open Arms, we are constantly evaluating the work we are doing, and we make frequently make changes in an effort to always become more effective at the work we do. So we are considering this move as an experiment, and we will re-evaluate this in late spring.

Karate Seminar

In connection with the Spiritual Blackbelt Series, Martial Arts Hall of Famer and 4th Degree Blackbelt Kenpo Master Michael Miller will be holding a Seminar Sunday November 18 at 1pm. All are invited and we encourage you to bring your friends and family for fun and instruction. This seminar will be an introduction to the basics of Kenpo Karate and self-defense with an emphasis on Women's and Children's Self-Defense. Millers Dojo will be holding a Women's Self-Defense Seminar in December with David Hebler, Kenpo Master and the creator of the Women's Self-Defense Program.

Kenpo Seminar To Be Held at Open Arms

Local Karate expert Mike Miller will conducting a free seminar Sunday, November 18th at 1:00pm at Open Arms Community Church. The seminar will be an introduction course to many of the benefits involved with martial arts training. Miller says that the seminar is geared toward women and children, although anyone is welcome to come to learn some of the foundations of Kenpo Karate. "American Kenpo Karate: An Introduction to the benefits of martial arts training" will explain some basic Karate positions and self defense movements. Miller says, "Kenpo Karate increases your confidence and self-esteem, instills self-discipline, improves self-control, betters your health and well being through fitness and exercise, relieves stress, and teaches the ultimate method of self-defense. Although Kenpo has much more to offer, these will be the main ingredients involved with this workshop." Miller says that Kenpo Karate is an accessible sport, " Kenpo Karate is tailored to the individual so that any one in the world can do it regardless of age, weight, handicap, etc. You can do it, so come give it a try!" Open Arms and Miller's Kenpo Karate Dojo are working together to host the event in conjunction with the Open Arms Sermon Series for the month of November, "Becoming a Spiritual Blackbelt," about spiritual maturity. Open Arms has featured video interviews of Mike Miller and footage from his karate class during the church services throughout November. Mike Miller is a Fourth Degree Blackbelt and Martial Arts Hall of Famer. More information is available at millersdojo.com

Trunk or Treat Photos

Photos from Trunk or Treat are online at Bradfordtoday.com

Bonfire Prayer Vigil Friday 6pm

Don't forget this weeks prayer and fasting ends with a Bonfire Prayer Vigil from 6pm - midnight at Open Arms Community Church. This is open to the public. Come the whole time or for just a little while. There is praise, fellowship, and prayer for our community, church family, ministry, various needs, and so much more. Come and be God's tool to release His power and promise into these various situations.

Candy for Outreach Oct 27/28

We're encouraging everyone to bring in as much candy as you can through the weekend of Oct. 27-28 for the Soulfest Outreach we're doing in conjunction with Grace Lutheran Church. The Trunk-or-Treat will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church during Trick-or-Treat hours in downtown Bradford. You may still get involved serving the children and families of our community. We're looking for people to help run games and for people to decorate their cars and hand candy out of their trunk.

KidZ Fest!!!

KidZ Fest a free family event!!! Free Food fun games prizes music puppets & more! August 3rd, 2007 at Callahan Park (across the bridge) 2pm - SHOW featuring Crosswalk Ministries 3pm - KIDZ CARNIVAL - for ages 11 and under 6pm - SHOW featuring Crosswalk Ministries

Toddler Church

Toddler Church will be launching August 4th and 5th during the 2nd Sunday Service. NURSERY will be available during Saturday Nights and Sunday Second Service.

Pizza Party

for all Kidzfest volunteers on Wednesday August 1st at 6PM. If you are interested in volunteering or have already been asked to volunteer, please come that night. It's very important to show up, as we will be going over the details about the outreach.

Online Directory

We are in the process of creating an online church directory in our forum. If you are interested in having your information included (it will be in a locked forum, which will only be seen by approved members) please check the master list in the table by the doors of the auditorium at church, or email helgazoe@atlanticbb.net . Make the appropriate corrections to the list, or email the correct information. If you do NOT want your information to be included, please cross off your name on the list, and you will not be added.

Promise Keepers Road Trip

Meet at Walmart Parking Lot in Bradford. Bus Leaves promptly at 8AM, Bring sleeping bags, toiletries, spending money. Registration fee due prior to trip. ($70 adult, $59 kids) Check payable to Open Arms marked Prommise Keepers Reg. Fee placed in offering bag. Thanks

Father's Day Barbecue immediately following the second service this Sunday, June 17th Please Bring a Large Dish to Pass. (We want to make sure we have enough food to go around!) Want to Coordinate what you are bringing? Hop on our Echurch Interact Forum at http://www.openarmsbradford.org/interact/ Drinks and Chicken will be provided.

Internet Sex Crimes Seminar

Internet Sex Crimes Seminar Wednesday June 20 6:30-8:30 PM An Undercover Agent with the FBI Internet Sex Crimes Task Force will explain what Sex Crimes are, How they happen, Warning Signs for parents and teens, and Preventative Steps to protect your family. Open Arms Community Church www.openarmsbradford.org 1289 East Main Street Bradford, PA 16701

Sermon Notes and Study Materials

We have started uploading the Sermon Notes in our "Current Series" Section (http://www.openarmsbradford.org/echurch/current.html), and study notes in the "Document Library" section (http://www.openarmsbradford.org/resources/documents.html) of the website. This material is to help you in further study and to continue the message. Take these notes and study them personally, but also go teach them to others... in a Bible Study, Pastors can use them to preach to their church, teach them to your family and friends, you name it! The point is... go share the message with others. Of coarse we encourage you to watch or listen to the message yourself (http://www.openarmsbradford.org/echurch/media.html) so you can write down things God speaks to you through it as there is more in the message than whats in the notes. God bless and I hope you find these helpful. Please take the time to give us feed back on how you like this resource and how you've used it at mike@openarmsbradford.org

Matthew Gillaspy - The Power of One

Video: One Kindness

Passion of the Christ - Good Friday Viewing

We will be watching the movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST Friday April 6 at 7:30pm. This is open to all who would like to come. Bring friends, family, etc.

C.L.A.S.S. 101 & 201 for April

C.L.A.S.S. 101 will be held at 9am on April 7 (Lunch will be provided). C.L.A.S.S. 201 will be held at 9am on April 14 (Lunch will be provided).

A Kindness Revolution

A little kindness goes a long way. At least that’s what Josh Hatcher believes. Hatcher is the Outreach Pastor at Open Arms Community Church, and he says that recently, he’s had an epiphany. And he thinks it can change the world. “Something is missing in my life, and in the lives of those around me,” says Hatcher, “and I’m not quite sure when, but it’s gone.” That something, according to Hatcher, is community. “We live in a day when people don’t even know their neighbor’s names. To be honest, I don’t know all of my neighbor’s names.” Hatcher says that in January, he was shoveling snow from his driveway, when he thought it would be nice of him to shovel his neighbor’s driveway as well. A couple hours later, he had shoveled all the driveways on his dead end street. “I know that central to my faith is this concept that radical acts of kindness can change the world, and as I shoveled snow, I got to thinking, what if everyone did this? What if 1000 people decided that they would do something nice for someone today? It blew my mind!” says Hatcher. That thought started to take shape as a plan, as Hatcher concocted what he calls a “Big Hairy Idea” to rebirth community in Bradford and beyond. “It’s actually pretty simple. I want one thousand people to commit to do one kind deed a day for another person for a year.” Hatcher thinks 365 thousand acts of kindness would transform the community. “I think kindness is a spiritual encounter, whether you are Christian, Muslim, Atheist, Hindu, or Wiccan. I think everyone holds kindness in high regard, but I think we get distracted sometimes by our own agendas, and it keeps us from really living in community.” After hearing a story on Public Radio about a man whose body sat mummified for more than a year in his apartment, Hatcher was moved to action. “I just thought, there are people within one block of my house who have no one to talk to, no one to stop by to see if they are okay. That would be horrible to be all alone.” A trip to New York City, and a silent subway ride further cemented his convictions. “Sociologists talk about this new trend that they call ‘Crowded Loneliness’. It’s when people are right in the middle of one of the largest concentrations of people on the planet, and they have no one to talk to,” says Hatcher. “Shame on us for thinking we are too good to reach out to the people around us!” Hatcher started work on a website, onekindness.org, where visitors can hop on, and enter their kind deeds for the day. “It’s not about people tooting their own horn. In fact, we screen the deeds and take out any identifying information before they are posted. I just think a centralized place to track those kind deeds would be fun, and it would encourage people to be more conscious and deliberate about showing kindness.” Conscious and Deliberate is exactly what Hatcher is looking for. “Most people already do nice things for other people. Some of us already do them almost every day. What I want is for people to get in the habit of looking for needs around them that they can meet.” He quotes a song by the Rock group Nickleback If everyone cared and nobody cried If everyone loved and nobody lied If everyone shared and swallowed their pride Then we'd see the day, when nobody died “To make a difference, we’ve got to be conscious of the world around us. And we’re going to have to spend some money,” says Hatcher. He says that not all kind deeds cost much, if anything, but he encourages people to look for the needs of those around them that need to be met. “It might involve buying a couple extra cans of soup when you buy your groceries to give to the Salvation Army. It might involve volunteering a few hours at the Friendship Table, or bringing your old maternity clothes to the Twin Tiers Pregnancy Care Center. It might also mean giving away your old car to the young couple down the street that can’t afford to buy one right now. Some of us have little, some of us have a lot, but no matter our station in life, we can all give something.” OneKindness.org is a ministry of Open Arms Community Church, but Hatcher says that doesn’t mean that it is exclusively Christian in nature. “I want this to be an organic thing, rather than an organized thing. I do not want OneKindness.org to be it’s own non-profit, I want it to be a lifestyle that people adopt. But there are advantages to working with a 5013c organization, which is why it’s part of Open Arms.” Hatcher says that he believes Christianity should be all about kindness. “But that does not make this a religious thing, or an exclusive thing. Anyone, whether they follow Jesus or not, can be a part of this. I follow Jesus, and so I try to do what He did. That doesn’t mean that everyone else will. But regardless of your religious preference, the fact is, Kindness is a good thing, and if we want Bradford, and the rest of this world to be a better place, we’ve got to start showing a lot more of it.” He also makes an open apology for a lack of compassion shown by others that share his religious background. “I can’t count how many people that I’ve talked to in the past year that have been hurt by people calling themselves Christians: Christians who have acted judgmentally, selfishly, thoughtlessly, and even cruelly. I want to say on behalf of what Christianity stands for, that I’m really sorry. For some reason, people keep screwing it up. It’s wrong the way that some people act in the name of God. And I think it’s about time that Christians start following Jesus, and quit being mean. There’s no excuse for it.” As for his “pie in the sky” vision, Hatcher says, “I’ve always been a dreamer. I know that I cannot change the world. I don’t have any illusions of grandeur. But if I can make life better for the people around me, and encourage others to do the same, I think the world will be changed, not because of what I did, but because of what we all did.” For more information please contact Josh Hatcher joshhatcher@openarmsbradford.org onekindness.org

Never Ending Food Drive

From now until forever, Open Arms is collecting food to help supply the local food banks (The Limestone Food Pantry, and the Bradford Salvation Army). We're asking that everyone in the Open Arms Church Family chip in by making a commitment to bringing in at least one non perishable item (canned food, soup, boxed food, etc.) each week. Please bring the items to the grocery cart at the back of the Auditorium.

Website Relaunch Coming Soon.

We're working on a re-launch of the Open Arms Website... we've had issues with loading times, and other things.. so we want to make this happen a bit faster and smoother. That being said, there are certain things you need to know. 1. The Forum will be re-done. We're building a new forum, it's not all done yet, and you cannot yet post.. but you will need to register for a new username and password. You can register your new account at http://www.openarmsbradford.org/interact2 The current forum will remain in place until two weeks after the relaunch. 2. if you have not done so already, you need to register an email address with us at our mailing list, so that we can send you a weekly newsletter of all the new things happening at Open Arms. You can register your email at http://www.openarmsbradford.org/list 3. Online Video is coming soon. It's exciting to think that we can now watch the worship service online on demand. 4. We are considering launching a MidWeek podcast...... This might take us a while to roll it out, but the thought was that we would like to offer more spiritual insights and fun listening for you in the middle of the week. Let us know you're thoughts, and what you would like to hear by email. openarms@openarmsbradford.org 5. If you see anything strange over the next few weeks, please be patient, but let us know. You can email us at openarms@openarmsbradford.org

Open Arms Radio

Open Arms has launched an Online Radio Station through FINETUNE.com You can listen to it here... if you want to listen while you work, click play, and then minimize this window, and the music will play. If you are interested in creating more playlists for our station, just send me an email, and I will see if I can give you account acccess. joshhatcher@openarmsbradford.org

Pancake Breakfast

Every Month, Open Arms and Youth For Christ will be partnering together to provide Bradford Teens the opportunity to get together for a PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Second Saturdays from 10:30 -12:30, we'll eat pancakes, watch classic cartoons, play board games, have a brief devotional time, led by various youth leaders, and spend time investing in teens lives. It's free, although pancake batter and syrup donations, along with adult volunteers are needed. Christian teens often go to school feeling like they are the only Christian in the building. This is a great opportunity for kids to build some strong relationships with other Christian kids, so that they can make it through together. It's also a great time for youth leaders to connect with each other, so that we can better reach the teens of Bradford. if you have any questions, contact Larry Petry from Youth For Christ at lawrence.petry@gmail.com

Superbowl Wing Sauce Champion

Congratulations to Merril Strauss for clinching the Wing Sauce Championship this year. (and congrats to Josh Hatcher for second place.)

Simply Sex Part II

Sex is a big deal. Everyone knows it. Sexual attraction and desire is one of the motivating factors for men and women getting married. Sexual frustration is one of the top marital issues, and one that can lead to divorce. Recent studies suggest that one in three marriages has problems linked to a lack of sexual activity. Why is it that so many people can't keep their hands off each other before they get married, but after the honeymoon they rarely touch each other? Why are so many couples dissatisfied with their sex life? Wives pretend to be sleeping or sick. Husbands are resentful. Where did the passion go? We've got problems and God's got answers! Few topics stir passions and emotions more than human sexuality. Last year, Open Arms Community Church sparked water cooler conversations all over the region with their eye opening and frank series on sex. This January, the saga continues as we embark on the journey of understanding sex by God's design and unleash the potential of your sexuality.

Mailing List

We're getting ready to revive our email Newsletter. Make sure you are on our mailing list by signing up at http://www.openarmsbradford.org/list Thanks.

NEW! Update on Justin

Justin is headed out tomorrow for a follow up appointment. Keep him and his family in prayer as they travel. Also, be praying about how you can help them out financially. Each trip costs them between 400 and 600 dollars depending on how long they have to stay. I know they could use some help with the expense. Please give from your heart. ------- Justin is now home. Many of you saw him this weekend. He's sitting still now, he's got some bleeding, and some discomfort. We need to be praying hard for him. He will be heading back next week for a follow up. It could take up to ten more trips for the duration of this process. He's just got a couple surgeries, but all the pre-ops and follow-ups take up a significant amount of travel expense. Please continue to pray that God would provide what the Willoughby's need for this, and ask Him what He would have you give to help them out. ---------- Justin Willoughby is out of surgery. The Willoughby's are staying in New Jersey for an extra day, to make sure there are no complications. Justin says they removed a lot of extra skin from his arms and legs. There are still a drainage tube in his arms, and his legs are a little swollen... he says, "My legs are still fat," but we know they'll shrink down. Justin was interviewed in a New Jersey Newspaper while he was out there. He wants to come home, and misses us all. Let's remember to keep him in prayer.

Sound Board & Computer

We are looking to train people and create a rotation for people to run the sound board and the computer on the weekend services. If you have an interest in this please email the church at openarmscommunitychurch@verizon.net or see Pastor Mike or Don Sipko at church.

Update on Justin Willoughby

SUNDAY: JULY 9th 2006 5:39 PM Justin will be home a little later tonight. He called me this afternoon while he was driving home. He said he can walk normally, and feels great. He will have to go back to New Jersey later on in the week to have his drainage tubes taken out. Marcie Shellhammer from the Bradford Era says that they are working on a story about him. I think it will be in Monday morning's paper. Thanks to all who have been fasting and praying on his behalf. The next surgery will be his arms. I'm not sure when that will be... We'll talk to Justin more about it later. SATURDAY: JULY 8th 2006 9:39 PM Justin will be there one more night. The doctor said that if he lived closer he would feel more comfortable sending him home. But until then he needs to heal up in the hospital. Hopefully, they'll let him out tomorrow. He already had the opportunity to share Jesus with a nurse this morning! He was starting to have a panic attack when I called him, but we prayed and talked and he relaxed. He is lonely, and can't call out. He really wants anyone who can to call him today. The number to his room is 973-429-6610 . The Willoughby's also may have some financial needs when they get back. I trust the people in our church can help support this family. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support! FRIDAY: JULY 7th 2006 5:26 PM Justin is out of surgery now. The doctor's said that they removed 20 pounds of skin, and that means that he'll probably lose 40 pounds total from this surgery after he heals up. There will be more surgeries to complete this process, but the first one seemed to go well. He is in the recovery room now. Diane said Justin was teasing the doctors, which means he's doing well. Keep praying that his skin heals up well, and that he makes it through the recovery process. WESB has been playing soundbytes all day today from his phone interview yesterday. Keep praying for the opportunities to share the gospel that God has been giving Justin. FRIDAY: JULY 7th 2006 11:10 AM I just got off the phone with Diane Willoughby. Justin IS in surgery right now. It's a six hour procedure. FRIDAY: JULY 7th 2006 9:12 AM Justin called around 7 this morning. He threw up and had a sore throat, so he's concerned about whether or not they'll let him do the surgery. He hasn't talked to any of the doctor's or nurses yet. We prayed on the phone that whatever was attacking him would go away. Justin said that the guy from Inside Edition that interviewed him was a Christian, and they took shots of him reading a Bible, and asked him a lot of questions about his faith. They took him to Central Park in Manhattan, took him sightseeing, and took him to a fancy restaurant and bought him a 200 dollar chicken salad. Inside Edition told him they're not done with him yet, and they plan on coming to Bradford later on to interview people here about Justin. His surgery is scheduled for after 10 this morning. Pray that the episode this morning will not stop things from happening. We'll keep you posted later on in the day. THURSDAY: JULY 6th 2006 5:38 PM I spoke with Justin this afternoon. Most of you know that he's in New Jersey for a few days to have the excess skin removed after losing 460 pounds. He also is interviewing today with Inside Edition in Manhattan. Justin had some bloodwork done today, and his enzyme levels were a little high, so they decided to take blood a few times to monitor it. He said he had the opportunity to minister to the ladies who did the bloodwork, and he was able to tell them how he lost the weight (which was nothing short of miraculous) Justin also said he got a call from Diane Herbst, that wrote the article in Teen People, and that contacted the doctor. She had previously asked Justin not to talk about God, she said she didn't believe in "all that stuff." Today she called and asked him, "Do you really think God used me?" and was very open to Justin's response. She told him that since she wrote the article she's seen her career moving forward... and was receptive to Justin's explanation that God has a plan for her life. He asked us to pray for Diane. She'll be visiting Justin tomorrow. He'll be going into surgery in the morning at about 10:45. He asked us to pray that things go smoothly, and that his bloodwork stays in check so that they can continue as planned. The Discovery Health channel will be filming the surgery for air on their network. Justin was also contacted by WESB News today, and he will be on the evening news at 6 PM. God is really using him, and it's really exciting to see how things are turning out. Justin wanted to thank all of you for fasting and praying for him! Let's pray for him online in the Prayer Room. http://www.openarmsbradford.org/interact It would be great to post our prayers and our encouragement to him as well.

New Photo Album Online

We've added an interactive photo album to our site. It's viewable at Openarmsbradford.org/photos You can register for an account, and upload photos of Open Arms people and events to share with the church! Please be sure to share your photos today!

Update on the McAvoy's

Photo by Robin Palmer Thursday, April 19, 2007 On March 30 we met with the doctor and they measured the growth in Mikie's foot. Their concern was that the remaining part of the foot may not grow with the rest of his body... if this were the case then surgery would be required. The report is that the growth plates in his foot are growing at the same rate as the rest of his body, meaning the foot is growing healthy and normally as compared with the rest of the body. His leg bones have continued to heal well and are free from any concern except a bone growth between that tibia and fibia. If this grows at a normal rate it will be of no concern, if it doesn't then it will require a surgical procedure to remove it. Mikie continues to have no restrictions and is active and wild as any 7 year old boy. Thank you for your prayers and know that God has worked a miracle in Mikie's life and you played a part in it. Thanks again. a soldier of Christ 2Timothy 2:3-4 Mike Monday, October 30, 2006 It's been a month since the last update, so I thought I'd better fill in those faithful followers of Mikie's condition. Mikie is continuing to get better and better. He is back to all normal activities. He is running and doing all the normal things boys do with no holding back. He isn't limited in doing anything he wants. His foot and leg are not causing him any pain and he has almost no limp. If you didn't know to look for a limp you probebly wouldn't even see one. Mikie continues to blow me away with his walk with Jesus through all of this and how physically gifted he is in spite of his injury. He doesn't wear the prosthetic. It lasted a day and he refused to wear it. He said it hurt his foot and was uncomfortable. We're planning to connect with the lab and ask them for just a shoe filler instead of shoe-like prosthisis. Thank you again for all your prayers and I hope you'll continue to pray for Mikie and our family. We are where we are at physically and emotionally, because of God's blessings and your prayers. Love to all! A soldier of Christ 2Timothy 2:3-4 Mike Saturday, September 30, 2006 Yesterday morning we went to the doctors. First we went to the prosthetic lab where they fitted Mikie and finished up his shoe insert. It's a little more than we expected... it is a mini-shoe-like insert that wraps around his entire foot and has a little bit of ankle support. The doctor said that he may not like it and get to a place where he doesn't want to use it. He also said that in the future, once Mikie gets bigger and a little further removed from the accident, the prosthetic will just be a shoe filler. He also said that Mikie may prefer to not use it as he's gone a month walking with just the shoe and no prosthetic. From the prosthetic lab we went to see the doctor that has been involved from the start. He continues to be very pleased with Mikie's recovery and says he's doing BEAUTIFULLY and WONDERFULLY. He even was surprized but happy to find that the growth plates and bones in Mikies foot and ankle are having normal growth (growth from normal 6 year old growth, not the healing of an injury) on top of the injuries healing and growing. He said that is not always the case, and this is a very wonderful thing. He also said that all restrictions are lifted from Mikie and he's free to go about normal activities including sports. Little does he know that keeping Mikie from climbing trees, jumping off porches, playing tackle football with his brother, and the like has been very unsuccessful. But, now Mikie can do these things with the doctors approval. The other week, even though on gym restriction, Mikie was playing kickball and some of the observing adults shared with me how exciting it was to watch Mikie come up, kick the ball, and run the bases... to the point that they were cheering. It's so awesome to see how God has worked and to see Mikie doing all these things only 3 and 4 months after his accident. He continues to do better and better in all aspects. He is as BOY as ever, keeping us on edge once again. The plan is a check up in 6 months (March 2007) and a year after that, providing all growth is as expected (which we know it'll be even better). Thanks, again, to the many of you who so faithfully lifted Mikie and our family up in prayer. You are the reason that he and we are doing so well. Through your prayers God's power and promise were released into a very devestating and horrible situation that went beyond the abilities and wisdom of men. Though I do not know all of you I cherish you and your sacrifice and pray God's mulitplied blessings back upon you. And I look forward to the day that I and our family will meet each of you and thank each of you personally in our Fathers Kingdom. I hope to post some recent pics of Mikie here for you soon... I'll let you know. God bless all of you! A soldier of Christ 2Timothy 2:3-4 Mike Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Due to some mix up with the prosthetic lab, Mikie's appointment for September 1 was canceled. We're in process of rescheduling. Mikie is continuing to heal. He is now walking, walking fast, trotting, karate class, climbing trees, and when I'm not looking running and jumping (which the doctors told him not to do). He is amazing everyone... not only with his amazing recovery, but his excitement for Jesus. He is a great example of not letting life get you down. When I look at his foot and leg and see him dancing, laughing, singing to Jesus, happy... it melts my heart. He challenges me with his courage, boldness, passion. The way Mikie is addressing his foot is something else. He seems to have zero inhabition to showing people and sharing his story. A cute but heart wrenching thing that Mikie does is when he stubs his injured foot he said, OH I STUBBED THE NUB. I'll fill you in when Mikie has his next appointment, I suspect it will be September 29. Please continue to pray for all of us. God bless! Friday, August 18, 2006 Mikie got his cast off yesterday. They X-rayed his leg and found the bone growth to be excellent and they said he could go without the cast now. He amazed us by putting his shoe on and started walking! With a hobble of course. Mikie was then fitted in the prosthetics department for his shoe filler and will pick that up on Sept 1st. Mikie will also have a 6 week check up with the doctor on Sept 29th. We took the kids to the Buffalo Zoo after the hospital visit. Mikie walked some, climbed some, and road in his wheel chair while visiting the zoo. Today he's walking everywhere, playing in the swimming pool, and went to the creek to hunt crayfish with his friends and sister. Thank you all for your prayers, gifts, and support. God has used each of you in a wonderful way. I praise God for the miracles we've seen in Mikie and I know it's still not over. Please continue to pray for Mikie as he works through the final phases of healing and getting back to normal activities. Praise God and to Him be all glory, honor, and praise! Friday, July 28, 2006 Mikie went to the doctor today. We didn't know it, but Mikie is FAMOUS among the hospital staff because of his injury and amazing recovery. They X-Rayed and the bones are continuing to grow back quickly. For the degree of how shattered his bones were the bone growth is happening quick. The doctors said Mikie is doing BEAUTIFULLY. He said HE WILL BE ABSOLUTLY NORMAL IN FUNCTIONALITY. The doctor was very excited and pleased with Mikie's recovery. He's used Mikie as an example to a bunch of the physicians. We are scheduled to go back in 3 weeks (August 17) to have the cast removed at which time Mikie will get a prosthetic shoe filler. He is presently in the waterproof cast and has been able to have normal baths (Hallelujah!) and can even go swimming in a pool! Thank you all for praying! Please continue to pray for a speedy and full recovery for Mikie and that his recovery will continue to be a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness to the Hospital staff and the many in our community! Sunday, July 23, 2006 Mikie's doing very well. He is now up and hobbling around, but this is not at a slow limp... no, Mikie is hobbling like he's in a race everywhere he goes. He's going outside and playing. A few days ago I walked outside to find him climbing around on some railings. AAHHHH! Before he got his cast on we caught him on the swingset... talking about freaking us out. As of today he is able to go swimming in pools and take baths in his waterproof cast; and he's excited! By the way, today is Eli's birthday. Two years old! Monday, July 17, 2006 Mikie's sugury went very well and quick. His recovery from the anesthesia was quicker than the nurses expected and we were out of there fast! They removed the external fixator, cleaned the holes, and cast the leg. They also did a stress test on the new bone growth (yuck). The bone growth is sufficient that they said Mikie could start to put weight on the leg as he's comfortable with. In a week he'll be able to swim and bathe. They said they expect him to be in the cast for 4 weeks. We go up in two Fridays for an x-ray of the leg to confirm all is going well. Mikie still struggles off and on with thoughts of the accident and thoughts of what if it had been worse. Keep him in your prayers for both physical and emotional healing. We appreciate all of you who are continuing to lift us up and follow us through to the end of this. God bless you all! Saturday, July 15, 2006 Mikie will be going into surgery on Monday, July 17 at 8am. This surgery will be to remove the external fixator from his bones and after that they'll cast the leg. Pray for a smooth and complication free procedure and that Mikie will recover quickly. Also, pray that he'll not suffer pain from the procedure. I'll update Monday night. Friday, June 30, 2006 Mikie went to the doctor on Friday June 30. The doctor (which is the head of the ortho clinic at Buffalo Childrens) is extremely pleased with Mikie's progress. The bones are continuing to heal nicely and the doctor is planning to remove Mikie's external fixator on July 10th or 13th. We're waiting to hear from them. This procedure is done in the O.R. They will then cast the leg and foot with a water proof cast so Mikie will be able to bathe and swim. He's still not allowed to put any weight on the leg, but a little while after it is cast he will be able to try to start walking. The foot is almost completely healed from it's injuries. He said, Mikie had a devistating injury, but is experiencing an exceptional recovery. He restated that Mikie is doing wonderfully! This is all an answer to prayer! We give God praise and glory! Thank you, to all who are continuing to lift Mikie up in prayer. Please continue your prayers and believe God for wholeness. Mikie is biting at the bit to get playing. Trying to keep him still and in the wheelchair is a battle. He's constantly getting down, scooting around, climbing up into chairs... it's stressing at times, but I know what it's like to have broken bones, so I try to be understanding but make him obey too. Mikie is doing better with the accident, but is still struggling some with the accident and his injuries. Again, please keep him and us in your prayers. Love to all! a soldier of Christ 2Timothy 2:3-4 Mike Wednesday, June 21, 2006 Mikie went to the doctor on Friday June 16th. The doctors were very pleased, even excited to see the progress Mikie’s making (our doctor is reserved and not animated at all, but he was bouncing, waving his hands, and saying Mikie “couldn’t be doing any better”). His foot is healing quickly and Mikie is even moving it on his own. His knee is almost completely healed and his leg has new bone growth in the area that was shattered. They removed all the staples from Mikies foot (around 30 staples with a few stiches). Mikies leg still has the external fixator on it and will continue for a few more weeks. The hope is that in two weeks we’ll be able to plan a date for Mikie to go to the O.R. To have the fixitor removed and have a cast put on the leg. Mikie is in good spirits, but still struggles some with the fact he has no toes, his foot looks different, and he can’t play like the other kids. He still struggles some with the memories of the accident. I ask you continue to pray for Mikie and our family. We are needing Gods wisdom, direction, strength, peace, and provision. Thank you so much and God bless! A soldier of Christ 2Tim. 2:3-4 Mike Thursday, June 15, 2006 To all who have blessed our family with prayers, gifts, encouragement, and support with home & family responsibilities I want to express my deepest thanks. Our family has been through one the toughest experiences we’ve ever faced, but our heavenly Father has carried us in his hands through it all and he has used many of you to be a part of his work in our lives.No amount of words could say thank you enough for everything.We are all learning through this and continuing to see the faithfulness of our God and the victory through Jesus Christ.I would ask that you not quit praying for Mikie and our family. We are continuing to pray for healing and wholeness for Mikie. Please pray for this and that Mikie will not suffer with pain through this healing process. Pray that Mikie will be emotionally healthy as well and keep his joyous, playful, and passionate spirit about him. Pray that Mikie will be at peace in his mind as he has been struggling with thoughts and dreams of the accident (he finally slept all night long the last two nights) and the concern of what others will think about him. He’s concerned that others will think he’s ugly, stupid, or weird. Also, pray that no spirit of condemnation will take root in Mikie’s heart or mind... He’s feeling responsible for the accident. Lastly, Pray for peace for Mikie as he’s struggling with not being able to go play with everyone or do much of anything because he’s in a wheelchair. Pray for our other children... Life has been unstable and chaotic for them the last 3 weeks. I can see them struggling emotionally with all of this. Pray for Marne and me... We are needing quality sleep at night and we are needing wisdom on how to go about life with our new responsibilities. We need to figure out a new schedule and method for everything. Tomorrow morning we go to the Doctor. So, if you would pray for a blessed and good report there for Mikie’s foot and leg, for safe travels, and for our other children to be at peace and comforted while mom and dad are away, again. I appreciate all of you and your role in our victory in this trial. We will continue to keep you updated until we are through this, although the updates my be from day to day or week to week, depending upon the specific needs. Thank you all and God bless A soldier of Christ 2Tim. 2:3-4 Mike Saturday, June 10, 2006 The new McAvoy's are settled in at the parsonage. The old McAvoy's (ha ha) are doing better. Mike will be preaching this weekend. He's had some back pain.. please continue lifting him up! Emotionally, I can tell that all of the McAvoy's are pretty drained. This attack from the enemy has been a drastic one, but Satan did not get his victory. Mikie is still with us, and he will walk again. I saw him yesterday. He's still full of spit and vinegar! Thanks again to all who have volunteered and helped and prayed for this family! Thursday, June 8, 2006 9:20 AM MIKIE's HOME!!!!! Wednesday afternoon, the doctor's said that Mikie was making enough progress to go home. So Marne drove up to Buffalo to pick him and Mike up. They got home in the evening. The new McAvoy's (Mike's brother AJ and his family) are up as well, they're here, and ready to move in to the parsonage to start their new positions. So there was a houseful over there last night. We plan on helping AJ and Shelley move in this afternoon. So if you have a few minutes to spare, come on over to the church sometime after lunch. Again, Mikie is home, and they're making the adjustment's to the new home life. Mikie will need continued prayer that things continue to heal. The McAvoy's have a lot of catching up to do, and emotional healing to do, so please continue to keep them in your prayers. Zoe Hatcher is organizing people to bring them meals. If you are interested, please email her at helgazoe@verizon.net. She'll get in touch and let you know which days are needed to fill. I'm sure there will be other needs as we go along. Thank you all so much for all of your support and help throughout this process. Josh Hatcher Open Arms Community Church openarms@openarmsbradford.org Monday, June 5, 2006 12:30 PM I spoke with Mike today. Mikie is making excellent progress. The drain was removed from his foot. The healing of his knee, leg, and foot are doing very well. Mike says that the doctors will be treating the foot by soaking it for a couple of days, so he will not be coming home right away, but hopefully by the end of the week. Marne is on her way home at this time, and will be collecting all the kids from their various caregivers... Let's keep praying that Mikie can get home to us soon! Saturday, June 3, 2006, 12:00 PM Mikie came out of his surgery just fine. Marne says that the spot that looked irrated had a pool of blood that had collected, and if they had not gone in, it could have become infected. But so far, there has been no infection at all! The doctors put in a drain in the meantime. They will revisit the foot again Monday, and the doctors will have a better idea of when Mikie can come home then. Mikie's wrestling with the pain medication again. I know that when he's hurting, he's quite vocal, and it seems to have been tough on Mike and Marne. Pray that his pain would be managable and taken away alltogether. Marne will stay there in Buffalo through the weekend, and will make a decision about whether to come home or not after the doctors assess Mikie on Monday. Keep praying! Thanks to all who are working together to keep the vision moving forward here on the homefront! -Josh Hatcher Friday, June 2, 2006 3:39 PM Wanna Help? Shawn Murphy and a couple guys from church are going to build a temporary ramp at Pastor Mike's house for Mikie to use with his wheelchair, which he will probably have until the end of July. They will meet at Mike's house tomorrow morning at 8 AM. If you have any questions, you can call Shawn Murphy at 362-6122. No word on how Mikie's surgery went yet. I'll let you know as soon as I know. Friday, June 2, 2006 10:00 AM Mikie has to have another surgery today. The doctors say there is a spot on his foot that looks like it might have debris and the start of some infection. Marne says that Mikie is emotionally pretty upset today, because he's not allowed to eat. They will know later about when he'll be able to go home. So it won't be today, but it still could be next week. Please continue to pray against infection, and for the emotional well being of all of the McAvoys. I can tell from talking to them, that they are all tired, and ready to get back to their life. But we want to praise God for all that He's done so far, and all that He's continuing to do. We're still praying for a miracle! -Josh Hatcher Wednesday, May 31, 2006 11:00 PM I just got back from seeing the McAvoys in Buffalo. We took up all the cards the Children's Church had made for Mikie. (And I found out that all this time, I've been SPELLING HIS NAME WRONG!) Anyway, he is doing very well. We went for a walk around the block outside the hospital with his wheelchair, and he didn't want to go to back to the bed! Mike says there is a chance that he could be coming home as soon as Friday... but more than likely, the first part of next week. We'll trust God that He'll get Mikie home in His time... The doctor says his leg pins will have to be on until the end of July, so that means that he will not be able to bear weight on his leg until at least then. But, he still predicts running and jumping again by the end of the summer! They've also had success in getting his medication regulated, so that his pain is under control. Monday Night, and Tuesday were pretty rough. As each dose would wear off, Mikie would suffer some excruciating pain. But they've been able to keep it pretty well managed since Wednesday Night. I'll be picking up a wheelchair for Mikie tomorrow, for use until then. They are debating whether or not to move Mikie's bed downstairs to the family room for a little while... If they make up their mind soon, I'll put together a few guys who can help with that. Mike and Marne AND Mikie were all very encouraged by all of the cards, the emails, the gifts, the money, and the love that the community has poured out on them. They are very grateful, and very moved by this display of Christ's love. I know that Mike is sitting back and wondering where God is taking this... because we KNOW that God works all things together for the good of those that love Him, and Mikie's story is not only all over Bradford, and McKean County, but all over the world! People are praying for him and sending emails from all over, including CHILE. Please continue to pray that no infection would settle in this little warrior's body. And that his skin and bones would heal well. And continue praying that God would give him a miracle even bigger. I'll say again that I know that God could grow back all of His toes... and while that's the biggest miracle I can think of, we'll take whatever miracle God gives us. But we'll ask for the impossible, knowing that with just a teeny tiny bit of faith, mountains would jump into the sea. Love to all from the McAvoy's! -Josh Hatcher openarms@openarmsbradford.org Monday, May 29, 2006 9:30 PM Again, another good day, and not so good day. I just got off the telephone with Mike. The surgery went very well. The doctors were able to close up his foot and wounds, and everything seems to be healing right along track. They were able to put on an external metal brace for his broken leg bones, and that all appears to be in order. But, the doctor's decided that Mikey was in need of a blood transfusion, and Mike said that he did look a little rough after his surgery. They gave Mikie two units of blood, and he had a reaction. He spiked a high fever, and then his temperature dropped very low, and spiked up to 104 again. His blood pressure went up, he broke out in hives, and his oxygen level went down. They put him in a "step down" unit, which is just below an Intensive Care Unit. He is currently stabilized, and he does have a fever of 100, which is just above normal. Mike said that Shawn and Barb Murphy were there to pray with them through that battle, and they were grateful for the support. Again, Mikey is stable, but we need to continue to pray that the blood is accepted in his little body, and that no infection settles in his foot. The McAvoy's are tired, but good. Keep praying. Post your prayers, and notes to Mikey and the McAvoys online in our prayer room. http://www.openarmsbradford.org/interact I plan on making a trip up this week, and I'd love to be able to print them out and bring them up! If any of you have any cards or letters that you want to send up with me, please email me to let me know. Love you guys. God is good, and he WILL heal this little boy. We're still asking for a bigger miracle than we'd ever expect! Josh Hatcher openarms@openarmsbradford.org Sunday, May 28, 2006 10:30 PM I just spoke with Pastor Mike. Mikey goes into surgery in the morning at 8:30. This surgery will determine whether or not they will close up the foot now, or wait longer. It's an important one, and requires a significant amount of prayer. Mike said that in terms of healing, it was a good day for Mikey, as he seems to be making good progress. He also said that in terms of pain, it was a bad day. As Mikey's meds wear off, he is uncomfortable, and cranky. Mike and Marne have had some struggles with that crankiness today, and ask that we keep Mikey in prayer for that as well. All of the McAvoy's need rest, and patience. Please keep them in prayer. Mike told me that he has been very encouraged to see the whole community pulling together behind his family in this time, and it has moved him. Mike also says he's wrestling with a sinus infection. His allergies were bothering him before he went up, and after a lot of tears, his sinuses filled up. So please keep Pastor Mike's health before the Lord as well. Another thing that Pastor Mike and I wanted to communicate is this. I know we said at first that visitors should wait to be invited.... We really want to apologize if that has offended or hurt anyone. It's not that visitors are not welcome. Pastor Mike says that he and Marne are not at all opposed to visitors. It's just that in a church of this size, and with literally HUNDREDS of people in our church, and THOUSANDS of people pulling for and praying for the family, there's no way that they would be able to entertain all of the people that want to visit. So rather than come across as discouraging visitors, let me just say it this way. The room where Mikey is staying is quite small, and Mike and Marne do have their hands full. They do need our support, and they do appreciate visitors coming to see them. But, we don't want to be overwhelming, and in the way. So if you are thinking about visiting, please be thoughtful, courteous, and prayerful before you decide whether or not to go. Be sure that your presence would be a blessing, and not a hindrance. Another thing that Pastor Mike told me last night, and I didn't get a chance to wr