East End Baptist Celebrates A Special Birthday

More Pictures Of The Birthday Celebration
Mark, these were taken this past Sunday at East End Baptist Church. The church hosted a very special 1st birthday party. Johan is an amazing young man. When his mother was pregnant the doctors told them that their son would not live to term and that they should end the pregnancy. This young couple chose to go through the pregnancy knowing that their son most likely would not survive birth. When he was born alive the doctors told them that he would only live moments as he had a severe heart defect and only one side of his brain showed activity. Then when he lived those moments they were told hours, then days and after two weeks on life support the doctors told them they should discontinue that support because there was no way he would improve. I became involved while I myself was being treated in Geisinger after my accident. The adoptive grandfather is a brother in the motorcycle club that I am a part of asked if I would pray. I suggested that he take me to them and we all prayed. The ladies of the church sprung into action, taking food to the young couple while they stayed at the Ronald McDonald house and they covered the donation to stay there as well as their stay at other hospitals. That was needed because despite significant pressure they chose to continue they battle. Two weeks became four and then six but Johan fought his way back. He came off of life support, breathing on his own, started eating and after being told that he would never see, started to follow people with his one eye. The baby that was to be aborted turned one on January 6, 2015! He will always face incredible challenges but for those who know him he has changed our lives. I love holding him because I can still see God's fingerprints on him. If you want to make a room of tough old bikers cry mention Johan, if you want to make them pray say he needs it and if you want to make them mad say he "can't"! He is our daily "God sighting"
Pastor Calvin Phillips
East End Baptist Church
Williamsport, PA
Categories: General, Ministries, Region Life ~ Date: 2/4/2015