Class,

Here’s an update on Nathan McClean (right) from his homepage at caringbridge,

Stem Cell Transplant 1 is underway, and we are so glad to be here. We have had most of day 1, today’s medicine. Little man is very full of life, shouting the He-Man mantra, I Have the Power!!! (He-Man is a 1980’s cartoon we bought on DVD at Wal-mart last week). He is Amanda’s son.

There are children in this world whom God loves very much, and whom their parents love very much, that would have no chance if a medical situation like this hit their family. There are families with small children in this world that hardly have enough food, much less the resources to fight something like what Nathan has. I don’t know the answer, but we need to remember the poor people in this world.

We had our first family video conference today: Nana (Lucille), Jordan, and Greta at home, and us up here at the hospital. We would like to thank Dr. Steve Wellum and his Adult Bible Fellowship class at Ninth and O Baptist Church here in Louisville for donating all the equipment to us to do this. This webcam capability is totally going to carry Nathan through the tough times of the coming weeks. We are very indebted to Dr. Wellum’s Sunday School class for this. Thank you very much.

Nathan is on a really tight regime for a few days. He must Tee-tee every two hours around the clock for 4 days. He has to take a clear-water bath every four hours around the clock. He is on a low-bacteria diet, and he is already on many medicines. Anyone entering his room has a special hand-washing procedure, and supposedly (you wouldn’t know it today) visitors/medical personnel to his room are limited. We are so happy to be here.

It doesn’t sound like it as I write this but I assure you, if the path to life dips down briefly into the abyss, you take it gladly. We love our son. Jesus said, “whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” The path to life is never easy, but you would take it, too. Reach the Day.

Go here for more photos of Nathan with his family.

This Saturday, September 29th at 9:45am, we will gather on the church grounds to cheer on our Upward Soccer team, the Jaguars. Our very own Ryan Bishop and Dan Born coach these little machines and are responsible for their outstanding talent and skill.

Emily Williams and Amy Ostrander are preparing a banner for our team. In addition to this work of team-motivating brilliance, we will be supplying bottles of Gatorade and, it is our hope, Chick-fil-a coupons for the children and their families.

If you are planning to join us, please email Emily Williams at butterfly52204@yahoo.com. We will be gathering at the field with orange goals, closest to the main entrance into the church.

Update on Nathan:
Nathan McClean, precious three year old boy from our church, is scheduled to go into Kosair children’s hospital, on Wednesday, September 26th for a stem cell transplant. This is a significant step in his treatment for his cancer - neuroblastoma. He will have to remain in an isolation room for 5-6 weeks. In order to accept the transplant and to wipe out his immune system he will be on very strong drugs. He will be extremely vulnerable to infections. One parent will be allowed to be with him at a time. He will not be able to see his brother or sister, or anyone else for this period of time.

Our Ministry to Nathan:
So, we are going to plunder the Egyptians and exploit modern technology for the happiness of our young friend. We are getting a web-cam for Nathan. In fact, it’s already gotten. Robert Patterson ordered one for Nathan’s laptop and one for their home computer and they are delivered. Early this week we will be confirming their functionality. He got a great price on two that total about $90 and will be setting them up for Nathan.

Your Families Part:
We need about ten couples to contribute $10 to this project. If you and your spouse are willing, please reply to this email and bring a check made out to “Trent Hunter” on Sunday or stick it in the mail to 1603 Canary Place #4, Louisville, KY 40222. If you can contribute more, please indicate this, in case the cost is carried by fewer than ten.

Most importantly, pray with your spouse for Nathan and for his family. None of us are able to understand or to comprehend the struggle and the pain that this family is experiencing, but our Lord does. Pray for the peace and rest than Christ alone can provide.

The recipe for Amy Ostrander’s delectable breakfast pinwheels has been added to the recipe page.

Click here for the recipe

Against her will, Emma Grace was born September 4, 2007 at 7:18pm. Congratulations to Travis and Megan Abraham! Here’s an update from Travis,

I’ve been blown away by this entire birth process. I didn’t sob as
Emma was born, but I did have tears in my eyes, partially because of
the pain I had to witness Megan go through, but also because, when
they clamped Emma’s umbilical cord, she immediately took her first
breath and cried, and it shot straight to my heart.

We are so thankful for those of you who have already stopped by, and
for those of you who are planning on it! Your words have been so
gracious, your gifts perfect, and your prayers sufficient for our
needs. Thank you so much for everything.

We can’t wait to introduce her to you at church soon. She has
piercing eyes, a good strong grip, and when that lower lip quiver gets
started, you know there’s an adorable cry about to burst forth!

Just so you know, we very much welcome visitors! Just give us a call
to let us know you’re coming.

Travis, Megan, and Emma Grace

Stop by the Abraham’s family blog for pictures and updates.