Matt Chandler Update...

This past weekend, the AP wrote an article on Matt Chandler that has been published so far in the following:

• WFAA TV Station, Dallas
• Zimbio, an online magazine
• Stamford Advocate, Stamford, CT
• Hutch News, Hutchinson, KS
• The Tennessean, Nashville, TN
• Houston Chronicle
• The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City
• Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, NH
• Washington Post
• NY Times
• As well as papers in Finland and Mexico

Once released from the AP the article can be edited for length so some are not complete. THIS is the complete one.


This past week at Redeemer Community Church and our home group we have been talking about suffering. Matt has embraced this time of suffering and committed himself to using it to glorify the Lord and spread the Gospel.

A quote taken from the article: "The human experience commonly shared is suffering," said Mark Driscoll, pastor of Seattle's Mars Hill Church and a friend of Chandler's. "If he suffers well, that might be the most important sermon he's ever preached."

UPDATE on Matt

Since I last posted about Matt Chandler a lot has happened.

First off PLEASE watch THIS video before you read further or even if you have no intention of reading further.

After the surgery, Matt was admitted to Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation for speech, occupational, and physical therapy. On December 15 (about 10 days after the surgery), Matt met with doctors to receive the pathology report. The findings of the pathology report revealed a malignant brain tumor that was not encapsulated. The surgery to remove the tumor, the doctor said, was an extremely positive first step; however, because of the nature of the tumor, he was not able to remove all of it.

Words from Matt regarding his Battle Plan and Team:

Let me start by saying, Thank You! The outpouring of love and prayers for my family and me has been so overwhelming that it has moved us to sobs. To see the tangible love of God for us in the saints has been overwhelming and a great comfort…Thanks.

Prognosis: Anaplastic oligodendroglioma

Battle Plan: Radiation and chemotherapy start on Dec. 29, bolstering my system with some homeopathic means.

Dec. 29 at 1 p.m.
Start radiation. This will continue every day for six weeks.
Chemo will be happening right along side of radiation and will go through February, and then we’ll take a four-week break, get an MRI and see where we stand.

The players:

Dr. Karen Fink, neuro-oncologist – Dr. Fink is the quarterback for my team, and she happens to be the Peyton Manning of neuro-oncology. Please pray for her as she monitors my treatment and vitals through all of this. Pray for her wisdom and insight.

Dr. Scott Cheek, radiation oncologist – I enjoy Dr. Cheek very much. He has a refreshing and encouraging personality with a great sense of humor.

Dr. David Barnett, neuro-surgeon – David performed my brain surgery, and it was an amazing success. He is a man of great faith, and I have enjoyed getting to know him as a surgeon and a brother.

Dr. Hammon, homeopathic doctor – He’s working with my other doctors. I have been moved by everyone’s humility and willingness to hear from each other

Prayers:

• My doctors
• That God might glorify Himself in amazing ways through all of this
• The Village Church and our elders
• Complete healing
• Healthy appetite
• Protection from side effects of radiation
• Protection from side effects of chemotherapy
• Peace for my family…specifically my children and their salvation
  • Audrey 7 yrs. old
  • Reid 4 yrs. old
  • Norah 6 ½ months

Christ is All,
Matt Chandler

Matt Chandler Update...

Yesterday Matt had his surgery. It has been incredible to see so many people unite in prayer for Matt. The other night I mentioned Matt in bible study and there were several people who knew him were going to start praying for him when they heard. There have been all across the country and even in other countries praying for Matt. Not only has it been awesome to see so many people trusting the Lord in Matt's situation, but seeing Matt himself completely trust the Lord with what is going on. He and his family have had an incredible attitude... an attitude of we are Yours Lord- Your kingdom come, Your will be done. To quote one of my Bible study friend, "Matt is legit." He isn't about religion, but about the Gospel.


Here is the update from the church:

Matt Chandler recognized his surgeon and was responding well after a seven-hour surgery to remove a brain tumor. The operation started at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

The tumor’s pathology report, originally thought to be available on Friday, is not expected until next week. Doctors were pleased with the surgery, especially after Matt responded to questions in recovery. He will remain in the hospital for a few days before being released. His wife, Lauren, is staying with him. Full recovery is expected to take several weeks.

On behalf of the church, we thank God for Dr. David Barnett, for his skill and thoroughness of the surgery.

Evidences of God’s grace abounded throughout the day, as people from all over the world prayed and fasted. A young woman came to faith through this situation, and time and time again, everyone responded with prayers and testimonies of God’s goodness and mercy.

We will continue to post updates as they become available. Thank you for your continued prayers. Praise God for His grace. Praise Him. Praise Him.

Matt Chandler...

So if you remember... in this earlier post I mentioned Matt Chandler. Since that post was written, Matt has been to the neurosurgeon and will have surgery Friday December 4 at Noon to remove a tumor located in the frontal lobe of his brain. The surgery will be performed by Dr. David Barnett.

Dr. Barnett told Matt that he was positive about recovery but won’t know the full results until the surgery is performed. The doctor was uncertain about the malignancy of the tumor, and a biopsy will be performed as part of the surgery.

Please pray Matt, his wife Lauren, and there three children during this time!

Taken from a letter from the elders of The Village Church:
Certainly pray for Matt’s healing, and pray that he and his family would experience great peace during this time. But don’t stop there. Ask God to reveal what work he plans to do in you, in Matt and in our church through this trial. Although it may be easy to see the hand of the enemy in a situation like this, remember that God is sovereign that he may ordain trials to deepen our faith, draw us closer to him or to accomplish some other purpose. Therefore do not fear.

We continue to rest in the knowledge that Matt is in the sovereign hand of our heavenly Father who loves him immensely more than we can comprehend, and He alone understands the reasons for this trial.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.

Pray...

Meet Matt Chandler. Matt is the pastor of The Village Church in the Dallas area... the church I went to during my year in Dallas... the church that I loved... the sermons that strengthened and matured my walk with Christ...

On Thursday, Thanksgiving, Matt had a seizure and was taken to the hospital where after several tests that discovered he has a small mass in his frontal lobe. He is meeting with Neurosurgeons on Tuesday. Matt is married with three small children. Please pray for Matt and his family!... "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16)

Matt's twitter: Thanks for all the prayers...I have a small mass In my frontal lobe...dye with the neurosurgeon early next week...I am His and confident

Get to know more about Matt, his relationship with God, and what he believes...