Many have been praying for the health needs of Pastor Mick Rockafellow of the Lansing, Michigan, Grace Brethren Church. Here are excerpts from an update he sends along:
I wanted to give you a bit of an update. This may help answer any questions regarding my situation.
First I am feeling well. I am able to do my work and carry on the duties of pastor, husband, dad, grandpa etc. I do notice that I get tired a bit easier than I used to. Maybe some of that is getting older 🙂 So physically I have been pretty good.
On Dec. 18, 2006, I was at the liver transplant center at the U. of M. hospital for an initial evaluation and consultation. It was a four-hour visit. Coming out of that visit it was determined that at this time I’m not a candidate for a liver transplant. That is basically due to the fact that I’m not bad enough at this time for consideration to be placed on the list.
I am to keep taking the medications that I have been taking, watching my diet, limiting any strenous physical activity and using a lot of common sense. They were not able to tell me WHY I have the problem. That is disappointing, but at this time, it seems like the reality we have to face.
So Bonnie and I feel a bit better over-all with where we’re at, at this time. We both have mixed emotions about the entire matter, but have turned it over to the Lord, since we know that He is in control.
The doctors feel that if my liver cooperates and doesn’t get worse, that I could go for a few years before a transplant would be necessary. The risks are still great with a transplant and they don’t take the risks until it’s absolutely necessary. I can appreciate that position. However in the meantime, I have to watch all the things I mentioned above.
I will keep seeing my doctors here in Lansing and do follow-up with them. I go back to U. of M. in June to see how things are going and to establish a track record of my situation. In the meantime I will continue to have the esophegal banding procedures. This addresses the veins in my esophagus that can bleed and get serious in a hurry.
So that is my situation for now. I sincerely appreciate the prayers of God’s people and the contacts that I have had. It appears that I’m not critical and for the moment have perhaps stablized for a time.
Just wanted you to know you have a "brother" in Hawaii praying for you. It is not easy waiting sometimes but God has a plan for each of us and I know you already know this but just a reminder.
Please continue to update from time to time as the news warrants and we will keep praying.