Pastor Jeff Peeler of Community Grace Brethren Church in Everett, Pennsylvania, has sent this unusual but important request on behalf of a man in his church. We pass it along for your careful consideration and prayer. Peeler may be reached at cgbc@yellowbananas.com or by calling (814) 652-5405.
An older gentleman in our church, in his sixties or seventies, is in serious need of a kidney donor. Without it he will have to go on dialysis soon and in all likelihood will not live very long. He is also a diabetic and has had heart surgery in the last five years or so.
He and his wife are also very faithful grandparents, raising full-time one teenaged and one elementary aged granddaughter due to the children’s parents living irresponsible lives. This older couple is about all the stability these girls have in life. They are also faithful and active at Community GBC and other ministries.
As an old military man, Charles is not shy. So he asked me, as his Pastor, could I get the word out about his physical need. You are reading my response to his request. I know this is very unusual, but I don’t suppose it can hurt to ask. If you have a way to make his need known the family would appreciate it.
I do not know a lot about the donor process–but I believe that most people can donate one kidney and do just fine with the one they have left. Of course if they do run into problems with their remaining kidney later in life, they would be in trouble themselves. Donors willingly submit to surgery to donate one of their kidneys at no financial cost to themselves.
Charles has type B negative (B-) blood and I believe that at least type B must be matched and an initial blood test taken to confirm compatibility. His daughter is a match but is unable to donate at this time due to weight concerns. Well, that’s all I can tell you for now. If someone does respond by showing a willingness to consider this genuine act of giving, please just have them contact me and we will take things from there.
Pastor Jeff Peeler
Community GBC
(814) 652-5405