Knee Surgery

Hey Everybody,

Thank you all for your incredible love and support during this hoopla. Besides my knee feeling like it went through a wood chipper I'm doing pretty well.  The surgery went great yesterday, praise God! I went in at 9 and I was definitely nervous.  It turns out I'm quite a sissy when it comes to doctors and the like. If Jessie hadn't  been there to help calm me down I don't know what I would've done. After getting called back to pre-op they put the IV in my hand, shaved my knee, and made me put on the thin and extremely breathable gown. 

After Jessie sang a couple soothing songs to me and kissed me goodbye they carted me off to the surgery room. All I remember is them giving me some "drowsy" drugs in my IV, the room going all crazy, and then waking up with a sore and a freshly operated upon knee. Apparently, I talk very loudly when I'm tripped out on drugs. 

So now I have a brand spankin' new ACL and a repaired meniscus. Even in the midst of throbbing pain and much discomfort, God is making His presence known and is giving both Jessie and I patience and energy to do what we need to do. He might even be teaching us a thing or two through this. :)

Please be in prayer for a quick recovery and pain relief. Note: do not be deceived by the smile in the picture to the left. Jessie told me to smile for the picture, thereby giving off the false impression that I am enjoying myself. We are so thankful for the covering of prayers from family and friends! We love you all!

April Newsletter

           I hope you and your loved ones are doing well!

Redneck Club with Young life

It has been a busy couple of months here at the Meriwether house.  Jessie is finishing up her first year of graduate school and is preparing to do an internship this summer with Noble Purpose Ministries. She will be planning their first annual fundraising gala to raise money for the equipping of Christian leaders around the world.

Personally, I have had my hands full with youth ministry these past few months. In June I am taking over 20 students from Northwest Guilford High School to a Young Life camp at Crooked Creek Ranch in Colorado. It’s an expensive ten-day trip and I have been helping kids with several fundraisers so they can go.

Our church has recently received a donated youth space that we are calling ‘The Hairy’ – it was originally a dog hair salon. I have been working with our youth and some Young Life kids to renovate the space; knocking down and painting walls, and building a stage and a food bar. Work is still being done, but our end result will be an awesome youth meeting space that will allow for greater ministry opportunities and the growth of our youth group.

Getting my head shaved at Young Life Club

Since our lease is running out soon, Jessie and I are looking into moving to Greensboro so that we can be closer to our church and the kids I am ministering to. We have been praying for God to provide a cheap or even free place to live since Greensboro apartments are much more expensive.

I am also learning that youth ministry is a hazard to your health. At Young Life club two weeks ago, I injured my knee playing games with teenage football players who don't know how to control their strength. Two doctor’s appointments and an MRI later, I have an obliterated ACL and a torn meniscus that is caught in my knee joint so that I cannot straighten my leg. Crutches are not my preferred choice of transportation, and they always clash with my outfits. I have surgery scheduled for Friday, April 27^th and am looking at six months until I am fully recovered. Prayers are appreciated!

Doctor's Offices - our favorite places to be!

Our church is very small, and the only way I can continue in this ministry is if you join with us and support us through prayer and financial giving.  In order to pay our living expenses, upcoming medical bills (possibly $10,000), Jessie’s 2^nd year of graduate school ($15,000), and be able to move to Greensboro ($200 extra a month), we need to raise $1000 a month that the church has agreed to match. In my time working with these kids, I am utterly convinced that we are where God wants us and I trust that He will provide, maybe working through you to do that.  

Would you pray about partnering with us?  We are thankful for your friendship and humbled that you would even consider investing in us for the glory of God.