Comments on: We Must Not Mind A Little Suffering

By: Mark Altrogge

Mark Altrogge — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:17:03 +0000

Hi Michelle,

I have prayed for your son several times this week – he’s on my list – I’m so glad to hear you and he are home. Poor little guy – sounds like he’s really miserable. I’ll keep praying for you guys. I know you know this, but Jesus is greater than all your challenges put together, and he loves you guys more than you know.

By: Michelle W.

Michelle W. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:11:55 +0000

Mark,
We wanted to let you know that we brought our boy home from the hospital last night. We are very grateful to have our family all back under one roof again. He is still in pain and struggling but they feel it can be managed at home. Thank You Jesus! He has been diagnosed with mono, migraines, low thyroid, and a fractured foot (absolutely no idea how he got that-his 6th fracture!). Next week he will be tested for Celiac Disease. Pray for his continued recovery. Pray for our other children-they our pretty much on meltdown after so many days of upheaval. Pray for my husband Kirk and I-that our hearts our revived and our spirits lifted, that we don’t lose faith, and that we clearly see and meet the needs of all our children.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

By: Mark Altrogge

Mark Altrogge — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:09:02 +0000

Michelle,

I’m so sad to hear Jonathan is back in the hospital. I just prayed for him and will continue to. It is so so painful to watch our children suffer. My daughter has had chronic migraine headaches for the last 8 years, since she was 14, so I have some small idea of how hard it must be for you and for your son.

By: Michelle W.

Michelle W. — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:35:03 +0000

My Brother Mark,
Back in the hospital with my sweet boy Jonathan. His symptoms are worsening and pain increasing. We still have little to no answers.
Pray for our boy- that he not become discouraged or weary in his suffering. Pray that if it is God’s will that his pain will subside. Pray for wisdom for his doctors and blessings upon his wonderful nurses.
Pray for our hearts- watching our son hurt is almost more than we can bare. Pray that we will perservere and find the gift of faith and endurance

By: Mark Altrogge

Mark Altrogge — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:36:06 +0000

Hi Michelle,

As I read your comments to my wife tears filled my eyes. I’m so grateful the Lord had mercy on your son, you and your family, and so sad to hear about his suffering. I will pray for him. Sounds like you have a wonderful church and great mom and friends. If I have to go to the hospital I hope somebody brings me a whoopie cushion. Thank you for your kind words.

By: Mark Altrogge

Mark Altrogge — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:47:06 +0000

Hi Erik,

Yeah, I love that quote by Simeon – I try to preach it to myself: I must not mind a little suffering… Thanks for your kind words.

By: Erik

Erik — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:32:27 +0000

Love that Simeon quote! WOW. Thanks Mark for your encouragement/challenge in approaching suffering with an eternal perspective. Soli Deo Gloria!

By: Michelle W.

Michelle W. — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:25:17 +0000

Mark,
You may join us in prayers of praise and thanksgiving!! Our sweet 12 year old boy came home yesterday, Nov. 9, with a diagnosis of mesenteric lymphadenitis-basically infection of lymph glands in stomach lining-a severe case-rare complication of the flu which causes excruciating pain. He is on high doses of antibiotics but is off of morphine and on a high dose of motrin. We are so grateful to the Lord that Jonny is on the mend and thankful to our church family and so many others who stormed heaven with many prayers. Our son experienced the love of Jesus this week through many people- the children’s director who brought him a whoopie cushion, the Junior High leaders who came and made him laugh and smile in the way only they can, his grandma who drove an hour daily just to sit with him, and his foootball team who presented him with a team autographed ball. Sorry for rambling. We rejoice trusting and knowing that God is good all the time and all the time God is good–even when things are so very heartbreaking. Not to be the pithy happy slappy Christian but we truly felt the peace of his providential presence the entire time, even in the midst of tears. Please keep praying on Jonathan’s behalf as he continues praying. Thank you so much for your blog- God has used you to grow me in a mighty way.

By: Mark Altrogge

Mark Altrogge — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:24:45 +0000

Hi Caroline,

Thanks for your comments! What a great Scripture from James – thanks for adding that!

By: Mark Altrogge

Mark Altrogge — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:23:39 +0000

Hi Michelle,

I am so sorry to hear that your son is sick – it sounds very serious. If there is any way I can pray for you guys and your son, please email me or let me know here.