Meet Joe!

Meet Joe Brausch. Joe is the father of Russ Brausch, Cathy’s boyfriend. Two weeks ago Liz and and Joe crossed paths in Russ’s driveway and for some reason they were both intrigued with one another. Lizzy commented that Russ’s dad was really cool. (That’s a big deal for our 14 year old to actually think an adult is cool!) One week later Liz was diagnosed with cancer in her bone marrow(Leukemia), something Joe was well familiar with. He was saddened as we all were but promptly insisted to his son that he would like to visit Liz that night. Russ asked us if Joe could visit on the evening of our first full day in the hospital and soon there after Joe entered our room with bible in hand. He shared with Liz that he was deeply saddened to hear about her diagnosis, and then went on to tell his story. (I’m sure I’ll miss some details). In 1997 Joe was diagnosed with an incurable bone marrow disease. He wished it were leukemia because then at least they would have had a treatment plan! He was prayed over, prayed with, and tried to do all the right things to get right with God. Then one day he had an experience that would forever change his outlook on life. Joe found himself in conversation with a man that he claims he really did not know that well. The gentleman challenged Joe with some simple questions: Do you believe that our God is the creator of heaven and earth? Do you believe that that same God created each of us, mind, body, and soul? Joe, from the depths of his being exclaimed “yes”. The gentleman then continued: Do you believe that the same God has the power to heal you? Again Joe answered yes! Without any doubt in his mind Joe sensed God’s healing power and believed he was healed. One week later Joe went in to have the same bone marrow extraction that Liz had and there was no trace of the cancer! Joe is a living example of the power of God through our Lord Jesus Christ! Joe went on to share with Liz that not only was he healed but that he has also been gifted with more strength today than he has ever had in his life! He took out a thick long (6 inches) nail and handed it to Liz. Liz commented on how heavy it was. He then took it back from Liz and proceeded to bend it in half!!! Joe is living proof of God’s healing power and God has placed him in our lives, at this time to sense His healing powers in Lizzy Grace! Exactly one week ago at this time we were faced with the reality that our healthy, energetic, athletic daughter was diagnosed with a bone marrow cancer. Sense that time we have sensed God’s perfect healing power in every moment of every day. I pray too that God might supernaturally heal Liz of any cancer, but I know in the depths of my heart that he can use all things for good and I have seen the outpouring of His love though all of you! Christine and I are deeply grateful. I want to leave you all this morning with a video of our new friend Joe. He stopped by last night and displayed his God given strength by taking a frying pan, that’s right a frying pan and folding it up like a burrito!!! He had some nurses on the floor peeking in our room! Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” God Bless, Randy