A couple of month s ago, one of the cherished Deacons in Christ Image Church, Deacon Mike Rogers, fell ill. While the prognosis was not good, we at Christ Image Church maintained our steadfast belief in prayer and health.

The doctors indicated that he suffered from complete kidney failure and congestive heart failure. As to be expected in the world with a prognosis like that they gave him a very limited amount of time to remain with us. His family, both natural and church, were called and informed that Deacon Rogers would slowly begin to drift away from us until he passed on.

Doing what would be considered normal and natural, people came to say their good-byes, the family began to make the final arrangements, all anticipating a wonderful home going service for Deacon Rogers. The colors were planned, the program was created, it was decided what suit he would be dressed in and who would speak and give his eulogy. All of this normal and natural, given what everyone was told, but as we know God is neither normal nor natural.

The members of Christ Image Church would not simply watch Deacon Rogers pass without lying at the feet of God and speaking on Mike’s behalf. He was visited and talked to regularly and prayed for even more regularly.

In the past week Deacon Rogers, still with us, was tested and it was found that his kidneys are returning to function. This has both pleased and confused the doctors, but is not surprising to any of us with true faith. Deacon Rogers was released from the Drake Center Hospice on May 8, 2009, a day of grace and new beginnings. He was moved to a care facility as he gets stronger, God willing.

While none of us know what God’s plans are for Deacon Rogers. We know that He is not finished with him yet. We will continue to pray and intercede continuously and ask you to do the same. We humbly give praise and honor to the most high God and thank Him for His grace, mercy, and everlasting love.