God is in Control!

 Hi friends and family,

As we step into this important week, our hearts are full of gratitude. We are so thankful for your continued prayers, for the nearness of God, and for the countless ways you’ve surrounded Louie and Marianne with love. They feel the weight of what’s ahead, but also the peace of knowing the Lord is already in every detail.

This Tuesday morning, Louie will undergo a major surgery in Santa Clara. He and Marianne will head up on Monday to get settled and prepare. The surgery will last about 8–12 hours, and here is what the incredible team of doctors will be doing:

• Neck surgery to remove the cancerous lymph node and any other lymph nodes that may be affected

• Removal of the tumor and damaged bone behind his ear, then replacing it with healthy tissue from another part of his body

• Rebuilding the area around his head, ear, and neck with a tissue “flap” for coverage and healing

• Removal of the eardrum and ear canal (but this will not affect the nerve)

We are praying specifically that the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the contained area it seems to be in and that the bone damage from past radiation is minimal. Please also join us in praying that Louie will have as few side effects as possible and that his hearing can be preserved.

We praise God that the most recent CT scan showed no spread into the skull and that all signs continue to point to this cancer being curable.

In the days leading up to surgery, family and friends have gathered to pray over Louie and Marianne, and even the elders from their church came to lay hands and pray. God has been near in so many tangible ways.

We are so thankful that Louie and Marianne’s son, Mike, is flying in tonight to drive them to Santa Clara, stay with Marianne during the surgery, and he will also be there for a few days while Louie is recovering. What a blessing to have him there during this time! 

We also want to praise God for Marianne’s mom and Louie's bonus mom, Nita. Even as she faces cancer herself, she continues to pour out generosity and care for her family daily. Her humble love and strength carry forward the legacy of her husband, Martin. What a testimony of faith and selfless love, we are so thankful for Nita and the many ways she shows the love of Christ!

Today at church, God gave me (Sara) a few sweet reminders of His love. During worship, the man next to me leaned over and told me that the Holy Spirit had prompted him to say, “Keep pursuing and praying for whatever it is you were talking to God about.” My prayer in that very moment was for God to heal and restore every part of Louie’s body and through every miracle His name alone would be praised. What a beautiful confirmation that He sees us and hears us!

And as if that wasn’t enough, our pastor ended his message by sharing the ASL sign for “I love you.” He shared about how his grandfather, who was deaf, influenced him more through his daily actions than words. This was especially meaningful, because many of Louie’s friends and family have been sending him photos of themselves signing “I love you.” Even when Louie has been unable to speak, it’s a way he can still communicate his love for his tribe. God’s timing was so sweet in tying all of these things together today.

Through all of this, we are reminded to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the One who heals, restores, and holds us steady. Louie and Marianne’s prayer is that we would all keep pressing in through prayer, not growing discouraged or asking “Why?” Instead, may we hold fast to the truth that the God we love and serve is still in control. They are trusting Him daily, confident that He is good and faithful, and following His lead one step at a time.

Our prayer is that every part of Louie and Marianne's story would not be for their own recognition, but that God’s holy name would be lifted high and that miracle after miracle would draw many into a saving relationship with Jesus.

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 115:1

How You Can Pray

• Peace for Louie and Marianne leading up to surgery, that there would be no worry or anxiousness

• Wisdom, precision, and steady hands for the surgical team

• That the cancer spread and bone damage would be minimal and fully contained

• For preservation of Louie’s ear and hearing

• For complete healing and a strong recovery following surgery

• For continued opportunities to share the love of Christ with every person Louie and Marianne encounter

Thank you for walking with us through this season. Your prayers, love, and encouragement mean so much! We are trusting God fully and believing He will continue to show His power and faithfulness every step of the way.

Sara