Thank you all for your prayers. Amy's tumor markers have jumped, and her health is rapidly declining. Hospice has been called in, and Amy is anticipating her journey Home.
During this time, we would ask that you pray:
1) That God would be merciful to Amy
2) That He would give strength, comfort and peace to Jon, Amy and the children
3) That He would be honored and glorified in the dark days ahead. That His light would be clearly seen by all who come into contact with the family. That people would be compelled to ask the "reason of the hope that lies within us."
Mrs Caldwell, Amy's mother, is traveling to Denver today.
Mom and Dad Bixby will be heading out on the 4th.
While Jon and Amy have not been able to respond to all of the many expressions of love, encouragement and prayer, they are GREATLY appreciated.
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48 comments:
*Sniff* So sad after all this long battle...wish it could have turned out differently....but glad at the strong testimonies of this sweet family. Will continue to pray.
“Our heart shall rejoice in Him.”
Psalm 33:21
Blessed is the fact that Christians can rejoice even in the deepest distress; although trouble may surround them, they still sing; and, like many birds, they sing best in their cages. The waves may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God’s countenance; they have a buoyancy about them which keeps their head always above the water, and helps them to sing amid the tempest, “God is with me still.” To whom shall the glory be given? Oh! to Jesus—it is all by Jesus. Trouble does not necessarily bring consolation with it to the believer, but the presence of the Son of God in the fiery furnace with him fills his heart with joy. He is sick and suffering, but Jesus visits him and makes his bed for him. He is dying, and the cold chilly waters of Jordan are gathering about him up to the neck, but Jesus puts His arms around him, and cries, “Fear not, beloved; to die is to be blessed; the waters of death have their fountain-head in heaven; they are not bitter, they are sweet as nectar, for they flow from the throne of God.” As the departing saint wades through the stream, and the billows gather around him, and heart and flesh fail him, the same voice sounds in his ears, “Fear not; I am with thee; be not dismayed; I am thy God.” As he nears the borders of the infinite unknown, and is almost affrighted to enter the realm of shades, Jesus says, “Fear not, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Thus strengthened and consoled, the believer is not afraid to die; nay, he is even willing to depart, for since he has seen Jesus as the morning star, he longs to gaze upon Him as the sun in his strength. Truly, the presence of Jesus is all the heaven we desire. He is at once
“The glory of our brightest days;
The comfort of our nights.”
We are praying. We love you, Amy, and your family, and you are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
I'm so sad to see this! :( We are definitely keeping your whole family in prayer.
My heart is breaking, and crying out to God for mercy and grace. May He keep you close to Himself and fill your hearts with all that you need for the long, hard journey that lies ahead for all of you.
We love you and are praying.
Melinda Clark, for the FBC Steamboat family
Thnak you Amy
You're welcome Jon. LOVE YOU!!!
I am so sorry, I know in my heart God is good, even in this. I've been following the blog since the beginning and the sadness I feel is overwhelming, though I'm sure not comparable to those who knew Amy. My prayers, as I'm sure were others, have been for her healing. My husband and I have prayed every day for all of you during this difficult time and we will continue to pray for mercy, grace and peace.
In Christ's love and with much prayer, Jennifer & John
As a mom of 8, I have been greatly moved and encouraged in following your posts and journey through this valley. Now my heart aches at the rapid decline of health, but I am rejoicing that Amy is in a win- win situation, whichever path God leads her down. What a blessing that she is looking forward to meeting her Maker and Savior face to face, but I know she has a lot of loved ones to let go of and trust the Lord with here. I will be in much prayer in the areas requested.
I saw this blog linked through Hannah Irving. Hannah took care of our daughter, Macayla, who went Home last May to be with Christ. I ache with you all and you are in my prayers. I also know that hope you have and I am thankful you are sharing it with others. Christ and our prayers are with you in the days ahead.
John and Amy:
As others have, we have followed your journey through your blog. Thank you for the strength you showed in allowing all of us to know what was going on so that we could pray for you and the family. Others have so adequately expressed their thoughts and prayers - I am at a loss to do better. So I just echo all their prayers. Please know that we love you, are praying for you and trusting the Lord to give you all grace and mercy as you go through this most difficult/emotional time.
"Jesus Loves ME this I Know"...Keven and Patti Doan
We're praying up here in Alaska.
Like the others, we are praying, sorrowing, remembering. You all are very near to our hearts right now.
SO SORRY (and that is not the right word to describe the tears running down my face) to hear this!! I've been looking at your blogs for the past couple years...praying and hoping. You have always been a part of my heart from the past. I love you guys - brothers and sisters in Christ! Praise God for the eternal perspective, but saying "goodbye" for a time is NEVER easy even if here on this earth. Amy C.B. you have left an impression on my mind that will NEVER go away of lovely, godly wife and mother a beautiful example to follow. I do remember and cherish the times at your home, your love. Hugs to you and yours, Becky (Hurst)Franklin
Psalm 33:13 says “the Lord looketh from Heaven”. He is looking from heaven ready to welcome one home. I am sure Amy will hear “well done!” What a wonderful legacy you will leave Amy! God is also looking from heaven ready to comfort those loved ones left behind. We pray for God’s grace and strength during these difficult days!
Amy like I told you, your amazing and I love you very much. Whatever Teresa needs, I will be here for her when I'm needed. Enjoy your amazing trip to an amazing place!
We have found our Good Shepherd to be faithful and gentle through the valley...
We are praying for His best for your family...
I just found your blog and have tears streaming down my face as I read this post. I can only imagine what it would be like to be in your shoes. But I know that God is good and that He cares deeply. Will be praying.
Yes, thank you, Amy Christine -- the "other" Amy, for updating the blog here. It was special to read your entry. Praying for you all, too. Here the tears are flowing, also -- but the comfort is so very great. What joy to know our LORD!
Niece Amy has been a remarkable, Godly girl and lady. I admire her greatly.
Am not sure who will be reading these entries on Jon & Amy's end -- but we have kept you in prayer concerning all of this, these many months (yea, years) since October 2008. Shall continue to.
With Deep Caring,
Amy's Aunt Rachel
Amy Christine, thank you for posting.
Jon, Amy, and all the kids;
I've tried writing several times, and words fail me. I'm glad I got to come see you a couple of times. Many here in Minnesota are praying for you.
We love you.
Daniel and family
Our family has been praying for you all since Oct. 2008. My heart truly goes out to your family as I am the same age as you, Amy, and am pregnant with my seventh. We originally found out about you through our wonderful adopted missionaries Kevin and Jessica. We will be praying for the mentioned requests.
To the Bixby family. I've never met any of you, but feel that I know you. You were introduced to me by Amy's cousin, Cynthia Dickens. I just found out the latest news and like so many others, my heart is breaking and rejoicing at the same time. Amy, you have touched my heart in ways I could never express; but I think the greatest is your sacrifice to allow Gilead life. You will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you and your amazing family. God bless.
Amy, Jon, and family, we are praying specifically for the items you asked. May God be glorified in every step of each of our earthly lives, as we all look forward to an eternal home.
Candy and the Trygstads
Praying in Sydney, Australia xx
Praying in Sydney, Australia xx
Our hearts are heavy for you, and we are praying for God's grace for all of you.
Tim, Ruth and family
We have been and will be praying for the family in these difficult days to come. We are missionaries in a village near Krasnoyarsk where Kevin and Jessica work.
In Jesus name I pray God's mercy and grace pours down on this family and He will surely give them the strength to endure the coming days, but we know Jesus is in the miracle business, as I sit here reading about this precious family that I know belongs to Jesus and He to them I pray for total healing in body and spirit and comfort for all to do with this family...In Your Precious Name Dear Jesus we humbly pray Amen
I can't even begin to understand what you are going through. I know God has his perfect plan. I will be praying for all of you.
Sarah Berkley
Have prayed and will continue to pray for healing. May God grand a special grace for Amy and her family with a Peace that only He can give. May God be glorified. Thy will be done, Father
I am praying for you and all your dear loved ones. While this trial saddens my heart, I thank God that we can all rejoice in His great love and the blessed hope of an eternity with Him!
Amy, you don't know me, but I have been following your blog, and praying for you and your family. I'm crying as I write this, but I know, as you do, that "weeping will last for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." You have been such a sweet testimony. We will continue to pray for you, Jon and your extended family in the days ahead. With much love, Becky (Phillips) Wheeler
God bless you AMY! he will be there to hold your loving hands as you enter the gates of heaven to be with our Great father and son...God has a wonderful plan and gift for you in mind, just keep your head up high and keep a that beautiful smile on your face.
Dear Bixby Family,
I met Amy briefly when she went to ABC with my daughter, Jami Hubbs Williams. May our loving Father keep you in perfect peace. Our love and prayers are with all of you.
In Christ Alone,
Mrs. Janet Hubbs
I love you Amy. We are praying for you ,Jon and the kids.
Amanda Stroh
While we are greatly saddened at the most recent update, we are glad to hear of the grace that God has given you all. Please know of our thoughts and prayers for you in the days ahead.
Love,
Jeff & Heather
Jon and Amy and the entire precious family, Our church, Tri-City Baptist in Forest City, NC have been lifting you all before the throne of Grace throughout your journey of Faith. We will continue to do so and thank each of you for your beautiful testimony during these long and uncertain times. May the crowns cast before our Saviour's feet greatly reflect your devotion, adoration and praise when you see Him Face to Face. We too will meet you face to face one day and sing Glad Hosanna's with you in Heaven.
You are Loved beyond measure.
Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Praying here in Michigan for all of you,your in my thoughts all the time.
Jon and Amy - your strength and faith in the face of so much adversity is truly an inspiration. May God give Amy a peaceful journey home and give Jon and the family comfort and more strength in the days ahead. Praying for you all.
Still praying for all you dear ones as you enter the Dark Valley. It is so comforting to know that our dear Savior will be with you all the way, providing strength and comfort. Love and prayers, the Arnolds in Greer, SC
Amy, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers for so long, and will continue to be.
Pamela Killingsworth
(Jami Williams' friend)
I just came across this blog from a friends link on facebook. It is so heartbreaking to know what you and your family are going through. My family is praying for your strength and comfort through this.
Words fail me. But the right ones are found through out Gods Word, and I know from your testimony that they are what you look to for truth and comfort. I'm so thankful I got the chance to know you better that Sunday when we were able to fellowship over dinner. I learned SO much from you and Jon, and your little ones. Lessons I've been incorporating into my own life. But...the grief I feel is beyond expressing. Grace Riegel
Is there a way to contact privately? Marijo Schneider
May God be with you and keep you in his arms of mercy...Our prayers go out to you...Love in Christ
Sherry
Amy,
I am deeply touched by your story. You don't know me, but I have been following your story and praying for you and your family. I too was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in July 2008. I have had chemo and radiation treatments. During that time I prayed daily and felt God's presence along with His loving arms wrapped around me giving me the peace and strength to make it through.
I will continue to pray for you Amy, that God gives you peace.
A Message of Comfort...
Each of us is given
Precious time to spend on earth,
But we know the journey leads
To a home of greater worth.
Sometimes the Father takes us
Down a path not of our choice,
But when it leads to Heaven,
Oh how our hearts and souls rejoice!
And earthly cares all vanish
When at last we hear God say,
"Welcome Home, My precious child,
I led you all the way."
My heart cries out for you Amy, yet at the same time it comforts me to know that soon you will be Home with our Heavenly Father singing, dancing and rejoicing. Free of sickness and pain.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With Love in Christ,
Carrie
Amy, I found your blog when it was linked to a friend's Facebook message. I was touched by your courage and hope. You and your family are in my prayers.
God is sufficient for every need. This quote from Henry Van Dyke has always filled me with comfort. I hope it will do the same for you and your family.
“I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white
sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says; "There, she is gone!"
And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad
shout; "Here she comes!"
And that is dying.”
Henry Van Dyke
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