From the Pastor's Desk Posted: Saturday - September 4, 2010

By His Stripes

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for all the prayers that have gone up for Sister Carson and me. Not only has our loving church, Christ Memorial Temple, taken on this burden, but many other churches and friends have let us know of their concern and prayers. God bless you all!

As you may know, a few weeks ago I had a suspicious mole taken off my calf. When the lab report came back I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma skin cancer. This is the most deadly skin cancer with only a 16% survival rate once it gets into the bloodstream and reaches the lymph nodes. The dermatologist's office recommended that I see a specialist in Indianapolis to get a lymph node biopsy and possible extraction. After much thought and prayer, I decided not to go that route. I went to a dermatologist in Florida who is a friend of my daughter Tamara, and she did an excision of the cancer site and sent it to the pathology lab. The results came back completely negative! There were no cancer cells at all in the specimen! Since the first shallow biopsy showed cancer in the margins, it should have been in the second biopsy, but there was none. I consider that a miracle!

At communion last Monday night, I read from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah that states, "By His stripes we are healed". Discerning the Lord's body and blood—the price He paid for our salvation and healing—became even more real to me during that service. He truly is Our Great Physician!

Pastor Carson

IMPC - Indiana Military Prayer Connection Posted: Saturday - September 20, 2008

by Sis. Loretta Parnell

According to a recent article published in the Indianapolis Star, Indiana has the largest single deployment of 4,133 now serving in the Middle East. In 5 years Indiana has suffered 113 casualties. These military men and women have taken vows to serve and protect the USA by leaving their homes, families and country to preserve our freedom.

As Christians we know that "The power behind us is greater than the battles before us." IMPC will be the power behind these brave soldiers. While we have chaplains who give outstanding service, they are so few. We can't go and minister personally but we do have a powerful weapon ... PRAYER!

IMPC was born in my heart as a burden from the Lord to connect with every family in our churches throughout our state who have loved ones in the military. We are asking you to send or post names and information about any military personnel and we pledge to pray daily for each name on the list. As we start this ministry in CMT, we hope that this burden will expand and other churches will unite in this endeavor.

We have a son, Lt. Derek A. Parnell (age 38), a father of two children, serving overseas and he depends on our prayers. "Prayer is a life line that reaches throughout the world." It makes a difference!

If you desire to be a part of this prayer connection, send information about this person (pictures welcome) to:

Christ Memorial Temple
Attn: IMPC
PO Box 4945
Lafayette, IN 47903