Update as of 9-16-06 9:30am

David called me and asked me to give a preliminary update.

Karen is scheduled to go into surgery in the late morning or early afternoon. The doctor is currently working on another person, and they are waiting for him to finish.

The doctors won’t know much until they begin and are able to make an assessment. The affected portion of Karen's brain controls speech and comprehension.

At this stage there is nothing we can do but pray. And that is no small thing. Rather than a last resort, prayer is our first and most powerful recourse. Rather than mere individual emotional catharsis, it is our gate into the audience chamber of the Most High God, who lovingly and sovereignty ordains whatsoever comes to pass and upholds all things by the power of his Word. David asks all of our friends and family to labor in prayer for Karen because he understands its importance and power. What a blessing and privilege He extends to us, that we can cry into the ear of our Heavenly Father, who through the mediatorial work or our Lord and Savior, hears us as beloved friends and children. What amazing grace He extends to us that we can exchange our burdens for His Peace. If we ask our Father for a loaf of bread, will he give us a stone? Surely, He who has Karen's name engraved on the palms of his hands will not suffer her to loose one hair from her precious head apart from His most loving will. Let us remember His promise that our prayers avail much, while echoing the words of our Savior, "Nevertheless, not my will, but Thy will be done." Amen

David wanted me to list some specific items to remember in your prayers:

Pray that Karen would have peace, be encouraged and comforted.
Pray that God will guide the hands of the Doctors and give them wisdom.
Pray for friends and family members, that they would also have peace and wisdom to know how to best assist.
Pray for the recovery. Even after a successful operation, she will still have to endure the fatigue and hardship of recovering from brain surgery.
Pray for successful rehabilitation.
Pray for yourself, that the testing of your faith might develop perseverance.

We will keep you posted as events unfold. Thank you for your prayers

-Mike Gregg