Friday, June 22, 2007

Back Flap

Dan was transferred back to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and will be in surgery today at 11:30 am CST. This 2 hour surgery is to make a "flap" or covering over his back sore. This is done by cutting and rotating good skin and muscle that is next to the back sore over that sore. The surgery is considered non-threatening, but add in the paralysis and the vent, and we are concerned. He will be "out of it" for the rest of Friday and Saturday and be bed ridden at NMH for 2 weeks while the flap area heals. We'd appreciate a special word of prayer for Dan this weekend as you remember him.


Matt, Dan, Emily at Jen's wedding.


It would mean much to us to be able to read part of your prayers for Dan while we wait tomorrow afternoon. Actually, any time you leave a prayer, it will be encouraging to us. "Thanks" :)

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

keeping you in mind buddie, can't wait to see you again. prayin for ya.

Adam

Anonymous said...

Oh, that the Lord would go before each of you today, the doctors, the family and most importantly Dan. I pray that peace will surround you during the waiting and that this will relieve as well as help you Dan in your continued progress. We continue to enjoy reading your progress daily and praise GOD with you for the victories HE is accomplishing in and through each of you. Thanks for challenging each of us in your walk. Father we pray for quick healing and a continued road of recovery. You alone we rest in! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Roberts Family in Washinton State praying for Dan & family

Anonymous said...

Lord,
as Dan and family prepare for yet another challenge, I ask that your peace be with them and your wisdom be with the doctors. I pray that the surgery will accomplish it's objective and that his healing would be without complications. And Lord as the day gets closer when Dan gets to rejoin his family, I pray that you will continue to work out all the details that are needed to make the transition go well.
In His Name,
Amen

Anonymous said...

Please know that you are being bathed with prayer by so many! Your family has been an encouragement, an inspiration, and a challenge to all who read this blog. Ps.139:17-18 "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand."

Anonymous said...

Father, even though we can't begin to understand your plans for Dan. We have placed him completely into your loving, caring arms. Please give him comfort and quick healing as in moves foward to accomplish all the things you have in store for him in the future. I pray that he can rest full in the fact that you are in control and nothing is beyond you. You are the great I AM...yet you are our father who loves each one of us so completly. I thank you for privale of bring Dan and his family before you in prayer. Let them allow the Holy Spirit to minister to them today...to bring peace, and comfort during this time of stress.
Thank you again for the way this family have open thier lives to the world to proclaim that you are real and can be trusted with our lives now and for eternity...Prayers from Northern Ohio

Anonymous said...

Dear Jesus,

I lift precious Dan and his family up to you right now. As Dan enters surgery later this morning please make your peace and presence known to him and each one of his family members and friends.

I pray that you would supernaturally guide the hands of the surgeons, the nurses and every single staff member involved with this procedure.

I pray that the surgery would go smoothly and efficiently. I pray that Dan would recover remarkably well from the surgery.

Thanks for being in CONTROL at all times. Thanks that you know every single detail of Dan's body, mind and spirit. Thanks that you are with Him every step of the way. Please remind Dan that nothing is too difficult for you. May he know that he's in the best hands ever and that you will never let him go.

Isaiah 26:3-4

You keep him in PERFECT PEACE whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

I know that Dan and his family trusts in you today so we have this promise that you will keep them in perfect peace. I pray for this perfect peace in each of their lives today.

In your holy and precious name I pray these things.

Amen.

Anonymous said...

Lord God,
Your perfect Word tells us to cast all our cares on you because you care for us (!Peter5:7). Be with Dan and his family during this time.

Anonymous said...

Gracious, loving Father-I thank you for You loving care over Dan and our friends during these difficult days. Thank You for the progress he has made and for the comfort You have brought to each of them in their own special time of need. I pray that they would feel Your presence with them today as they experience yet another challenge in the healing process of Dan's body and that You would continue to fill them with a peace that can only come from You. Be with Dan this morning and keep his heart calm and his focus on You, that he might "be anxious for nothing, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving bring his requests before You, that the peace that passeth understanding will guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus". Keep Dan strong through the surgery and free of infection during his recovery that he might resume his daily schedule and rehabilitation and soon be home. Father, I pray that the Knudsen family will never feel alone in this time in their life, that they will feel Your very real presence through the lives of the ones they come in contact with. Help each of us to be willing and able, by Your power, to do what we can and is needed to help carry their burden. By Your power and grace I pray that You would grant my petition today. Thinking of you with love and concern, The Brases

Anonymous said...

Jesus, each day we ask that a miracle would happen and Dan would be healed from this spinal injury. That is truly our desire. And, every day we are reminded of your great love to us and that you allow things in our lives that are not what we want knowing that all will work for good. Jesus, I will continue to pray for a miracle because you are a miracle working God, but I also will praise you for all things because you have told us to do this. Today will you give Dan the peace that passes all understanding as he prepares for the surgery. May the surgeons carefully do the necessary things to cover this sore and may it heal quickly. All the complications that perhaps could happen because of his condition and the breathing tube - please take care of those things. I pray that the recovery would be quickly and that with this surgery, Dan would find rest for a long time without a recurring one. You have made us fearfully and wonderfully and we trust you that Dan's body will heal from this surgery. PLease give Bill and Deb and all the family assurance that Dan is OK and this surgery will be a healing experience. Lord, may your love and grace, mercy, tenderness so surround them that their joy will be full and only praise will come forth. For Dan, as the days go by, touch his life with a newness of you. Thank you for his smile, his calm faith in You. Jesus, thank you for all that will be accomplished today.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Refrain

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

Refrain

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Anonymous said...

Scratch:
We are still praying for you DAILY (and many times MORE than daily) here in the cornfields. I just called Sara (my little 7-year-old) who has been faithfully praying for you, and she'll be praying during your surgery. We love you and look forward to seeing you some time.....

Anonymous said...

Father God,I come boldly now before your throne of grace to ask for grace and help for Dan and his family in this time of need. For this precious one I am asking that You reach down and touch his body today in a special way, allow successful surgery, free of complications, followed by amazing healing,with complete and lasting resolution of this problem. Give the family a keen awareness of Your constant presence, and strength for this time of testing. Let them all feel the comfort of resting in the hollow of your hand, covered over and protected. Praise You God for their faithfulness and willingness to bring glory to You in this season of their lives. We cannot change the situation, or fix the problems but we know NOTHING is too difficult for You. Thank you, Oh God for the privilege of prayer. Amen
Bill, Deb, Dan and all--looking forward to seeing how God continues to work on your behalf.

Anonymous said...

Heavenly Father,

We ask for your peace and protection for Dan and his family as he undergoes this surgery. We pray for healing of this area on his back and more comfortable days as a result of the surgery. Thank you for all you have done for Dan over these past weeks and months including the blessing of his sister's wedding. We are confident of your love and care and trust you to do what is best in Dan's life.

Kirsten

Unknown said...

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your provisions and healing and for the peace that you have provided the Knudsens during this time. Lord, please continue to be with them and to be with Dan's healing and recovery during this surgery. Lord, we know that our ways are not your ways and that in the midst of troubles you are able to shine the most. I pray with great gratitude for what you've already done for continued healing and peace and strength for Dan and his "fam". Thank you for allowing me the privelege to pray for them and for laying them on my heart daily. Thank you for providing this medium to connect them to the families that they've never met. In heaven we'll have to get together for a huge celebration... I trust we will all know who we are!:) Lord please use this time to touch the hearts and lives of every single person who does not already know you. You work all things together for good to us who love you. It's so evident that the Knudsen's love you. Please let your unmistakeable presence, love, grace, mercy, power and truth be undeniabley revealed to the medical team of doctors and nurses who care for Dan. We thank you and praise you for all that you've done and trust you for all that you are going to do. All this I pray in Jesus's powerful name. Be blessed today, Knudsen family! He will not leave you or forsake you. Praise the Lord! :)

Anonymous said...

you don't know me, but I have followed Dan's story since the emergency prayer e-mail came from my friend in Puebla, Tim Glessner.

I have been praying for strength, comfort, peace, and of course healing for Dan and for all of you. Thank you for sharing this so personal, and private journey with everyone.

My own 17-year old left Saturday on a church mission trip to Puebla and I have to admit I worried for a minute (maybe more) about what could happen to him. I guess as a mom I'll always worry, but I can't faithfully or effectively serve the Lord if I try to take over for Him in the protection of my children. It is a lesson I have to learn again and again.

We are also planning a wedding this summer and rejoice with you in your recent addition to your family.

I think this is starting to ramble, I just wanted you to know how sorry I am for the accident, how grateful I am to have "met" all of you, and how faithfully I am praying for your family.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Eph. 3:19-21

In Love through Christ,
Neva Topolski

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,
I thank you for Dan and for his testimony for you. We know that you are a Sovereign God and nothing surprises you, not even Dan's accident. Please be with the surgeons during this surgery. I pray for wisdom and skill for the doctors and for strength for Dan. Please give the Knudsen family patience and peace as they wait. Please help Dan's body to heal quickly from the surgery and for the bed sore to heal. And I ask that the doctors, nurses and others involved in his care, as well as other patients and families, will be drawn to you, Lord, because of the testimony of Dan and the Knudsen family.
Thank you for your love for Dan and for all of us.
In the name of your Son,
Amen.

~Tami in Washington State

Dan Gerard said...

Dan, I've been praying for you for the past months. I live in Puebla Mexico and know some of the students that your life has impacted here.

Dear God, I lift Dan up to you. Watch over him during this surgery. I pray that you would heal the sore he has on his back and that the surgery would be a complete success. I ask also for your hand on Dan's life and that he would turn his eyes to you every time things are tough. I pray and that you would give him more than he needs of grace and peace.

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Anne said...

Love you guys, love you guys, LOVE you guys! Praying right now...

Riegers

Anonymous said...

...as always praying praying praying.

Anonymous said...

Lord, we just ask that you continue to help Dan and his family during this trying time. Thank you, Lord, that you are using him tremendously in our lives as we see his continual and increasing faithfulness to you. We ask now especially as he goes through surgery that you protect him God and guide the doctors' hands. We ask this in your Name, Amen

-A prayer from the senior cabin of 2007, Mexico.

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for you, Dan, and want you to know how much you mean to all of us. Thank you so much for your testimony in our lives. You have treasures waiting for you in heaven, and many friends praying for you on earth.
Jason
Puebla, Mexico

Anonymous said...

Dear Dan & Family - Please know there are Cedarville Alum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, praying for you each day. We are praying that God will guide the surgeons hands, that the hospital staff will be caring and understanding, and that the surgery will be successful. Your updates have been both a challenge and encouragement. Blessings to your family!

Anonymous said...

heyy guys im srry i couldnt back to you in time to accually get a van for you but yea deffinetly if you are lookin to buy one than just give me a call dan you are in my prayers you are so strong and you encourage me to keep goin good luck buddy
-donna-

Blessed Mommy said...

praying, praying, praying here in Guatemala! will be there to pray WITH you so soon!!

Anonymous said...

another Cedarville alum praying for you DAILY.

Anonymous said...

Father God,
We just ask for some miracles today. A miracle of real healing so that this sore is never a problem again. A miracle of a surgery without any complications from the paralysis. A miracle of a family full of trust and filled with peace. Give Dan great encouragement at this time after a big goal fulfilled so well. Thank you for so much joy even in the pain. Give Debbie and Bill great encouragement in each other and may they meet this together with courage. We love you all!
In much prayer,
Laura and Matthew

BetterCell said...

........May your Spirit not be broken Dan, but remain Strong and in Harmony within and a part of the Mysteries of Life.
Don't give up.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your honesty about the realities that there are times when you cry, but still acknowledge a God who is loving and kind. "O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are His judgments and His path beyond tracing out. Who has known the mind of God or who has been His counselor? Who has EVER given anything to God that God should repay him? For from Him, through Him and to Him are all things. To Him to be the Glory forever amen." Romans 11: 33-36. Your word help us know how to pray. Love in Christ, Joan from Topeka

Papá to the best 2 said...

Dan, been thinking about you and praying for you all day. I hope you recover extra quick from the surgery and are back up and moving around soon.

Love you

p.s. Enjoy your movies ;-)

Jane said...

Jesus... I lift Dan and his family up to you this evening. Not reading this post until evening, I trust Lord that you have kept Dan safe today. Please calm all hearts as we wait to see how the healing progresses. May you lay your healing hand on the "flap" and allow for a speedy recovery. Jesus, we thank you for all you have done for Dan. We praise you for Dan's kind spirit. Jesus, I thank you for Dan's life and his testimony for you. We praise you Jesus, and thank you for all you have done for each of us. Amen.

Kim said...

To the Lord of all lords and the Kings, we praise you for who you are!
We thank you that there is nothing that is impossible for you. Thank you for the success of the surgery, thank you for the peace that passes all understanding, thank you for going before Dan...
Lord, I pray that as Dan and his family travel this path, that every nurse, every health aide, every janitor and every doctor would see YOUR light in Dan and his families' lives. That through this event, you would make it the catalyst to someone's eternal walk with you.
We love you Lord and thank you for all the blessings you have already given us.
In Jesus Christ Name.. Amen!

Unknown said...

Dear heavenly Father, I praise you that you are the God of our present, our past and our future (Rev 1:8) and i thank you for the assurance that you are caring for Dan today through this surgery. I pray taht you will give him healing to his wound so that he may continue to heal in his spirit and move forward to his future and the plans that you have for him. Please minister to his heart and his mind and grant him a peace that only you can give. Please dear God, strenghthen his body and his heart. In Jesus precious name. Amen

Anonymous said...

Thank you Knudsen family for sharing your journey with us! We may never meet this side of heaven. Your transparency and willingness to share your lives have been an encouragement and inspiration for me as I go through my own valley. I've been following and PRAYING since I first heard of Dan's injury 3 months ago. This is my prayer for your family this evening, but especially Dan!
Lord, thank you for your love and faithfulness to this family! Hold each one close,especially Dan as he recovers from his surgery and give each one strength and encouragement to continue walking with You. Calm each anxious heart and give them the peace that passes understanding. Remind them, when they are sad and discouraged that You have promised to never leave them or forsake them.Your mercies are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness! May this journey bring a blessing to the Knudsen family, especially Dan. May they rise on wings of faith and at the end of their hearts testing With Your likeness let them wake. Jesus guide this precious family through the tempest Keep their spirits staid and sure When the midnight meets the morning Let them love You even more.

Anonymous said...

Father, please give Dan's family peace and rest, and please give Dan healing, so that they can all put the issue of this back sore in the past. Thank you for the wonderful weekend the family had for the wedding, and I pray that more times like that would lie ahead, soon. Amen.

6intow said...

Praying through II Corinthians 4:7-18 for you, knowing that God's all surpassing powering is present in your lives. Praying that despite the pressure you would not be crushed, not feel despair or abandonment. May you feel great confidence that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. Praying that His grace is reaching more and more people through you and that thanksgiving will overflow to the glory of God. That you may not lose heart for these 'light and momentary' (which seem neither light nor momentary) troubles are achieving an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Praying that you will find peace in the eternal this weekend.