This will be short and to the point. I have had many ups and downs in the past few weeks. Living with a disease that gives me new symptoms every week is not easy. I have been discouraged as I am having to give up more and more of my independence. Things I never thought I would need are now a part of my life such as a handicap sticker for my car, a quad cane to help with balance, and a bed rail. I need help cutting my food, getting dressed and carrying things.
These are not natural for a man my age. It’s tough to swallow. Please pray for me to continue to have grace and humility.
But the good news is that last week, I was able to attend a conference with thousands of others. Together for the Gospel is a bi-yearly conference in Louisville, KY. I heard messages from David Platt, John Piper, Matt Chandler, Ed DeYoung, Al Mohler, Legan Duncan & CJ Mahaney. I was challenged, convicted and encouraged.
That was the beginning of the week. I finished the week by driving down to Granger, IN to hear Ed Dobson share his story again at GCC. After the service, we had the privilege of eating with he and Lorna at Dena’s brother’s house. This time we laughed a lot as we compared some ALS stories. It was refreshing and let’s face it, we need to find a few things to laugh about.
And so I have been richly fed with the truth of God’s word and I have been encouraged by fellowship with another ALS sufferer who loves Jesus.
I am blessed. And I am ready for another week.
Psalm 121:2: My hope is from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth.
Patrick's Story 
I thank God that He has enabled you to enjoy His many good gifts of fellowship and friendship at T4G and beyond. I know this coming weekend is a very special weeked for you. I am praying that God will be glorified as you proclaim His grace “publicly from the pulpit” of Cornerstone even as you have personally done so through your pilgrimmage with ALS. Blessings.
Patrick and Dena, we are praying for you and your kids. We have such fond memories of meeting you while Chip was an intern at your church so many years ago (2001!!). We stayed in your lovely home and enjoyed getting to know you, your passion for teenagers, and your vested interest in Chip as an intern. Please know that during this season of life, you are daily in our thoughts and prayers. May God’s precious and perfect peace reign in your hearts.
In Him,
Richard and Susan Dean
Patrick,
Glad to hear that T4G was a blessing and that you had another chance to meet w/ Pastor Dobson. I look forward to being able to visit home this weekend before finals week! I have been and will continue to pray for strength, patience for us while you deliver the Word, and that God opens our eyes this Sunday. Also just want you to know that some of my friends here @ GVSU have asked about you and are praying along side us all!
Thanks for being the example you have been to me all these years. Honestly, I don’t think I could have come this far without you! Hope we can chat a bit too before I leave for Chile. If we don’t, not a problem because I know you have been praying with me for this opportunity!
Grace & Peace
Patrick – you bless my heart every time I read your Blog; you are so honest, real and God honoring. Just think of the people you are continuing to encourage to trust the Lord no matter what He allows (or has planned) for their lives. You have an amazing ministry and it was all in His plan (ouch). God is just going to keep using you – even if it’s a different road. Wish we could be with you next Sunday. Cara and David are going to be there so John and I are going to attend two of their boys’ special at their church since they will be in Michigan. Our love and prayers, Ruby and John Heisler
Patrick, That is so good that you were able to spend some time with Ed and also to go to the conference in KY. We have been praying and will certainly be praying for you, as you speak to your church this coming Sunday. Love, Carl & Lori
ME TOO, PRAYING
So glad you could be refreshed by such a great panel of gents… Also that you were able to see Ed Dobson again. I know it must have been good to have someone that truly knows what you are going through. I pray on brother and sister…
To God be All the Glory in this.
Del
Patrick, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God is continuing to use you in an amazing way for His glory!
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
—2 Corinthians 4:8-11
praying for you Patrick and your family
Bea Lovins
CBC Covington
I am continuing to pray for you and your family.
Patrick –
We are all continuing to pray for you and your family, especially as you prepare to speak at Cornerstone this Sunday. There’s also a second tier of people praying for you, many who don’t know you personally. Hang in there, and look for the blessings along this dark path you’re on.
You and Dena are such a blessing and testimony. We continue to pray for you. Keep encouraging!
I have been encouraged by your testimony. Praying for you.
We are right where you are Patrick still praying for you. Would love to hear from you or see you.
Rejoicing reading your message! We continue to pray for you all
In Christ we stand,
Love the Avolio family
Patrick & Family,
I am inspired by your words! My family and I are looking forward to hearing you speak on Sunday morning. In fact, Kiristin is so excited that she has asked every Saturday since the last Saturday in March is it was “tomorrow” that we were all going ot Cornerstone…cute huh?
We are SO looking forward to you sharing God’s Word with us on Sunday. We are praying for you and your family as you desire to bring God glory in your thoughts, attitude, and faith.
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys as always. Luv you mcgold4!
Dear Patrick and Dena, we have been praying for you and the kids. I’m always encouraged by your updates. I’m so thankful for your testimony and your transparency. I’m praying for the message that God has laid on your heart to share regarding God’s Soverignty. I’m so glad that you were able to get away to get refreshed and to be fed and what a blessing to also have someone else that could identify with you and that he was able to encourage you. Keep your eyes focused on the Lord! Press towards the mark. God knows the plans that he has for you and your family!
Love in Christ,
Chris and Janet Rice
Patrick & Dena, As the challenges continue to come, we know God will give you strength. We continue to think so fondly of you and the impact you have had on many lives and know God will use you through this trial. Christopher continues to ask about you and we know God will prevail in his life and it comes from much of your work and love thru HIM. We know God will prevail. Our love to you and your family.
Glenn & Bev Stewart and Family
Glad to know you went to T4G. Since we moved to MD, we have become members at pastor Mark Dever’s church. We are hoping that your sermon is posted online so we can watch it!
Maegen Fariss
Patrick: You are such a blessing to us seniors and we know that the Lord will give you the strength to face each day. God Bless you and your family. You ar in our prayers and thoughts daily. Les and Judy Johnson
Patrick, years ago i visited a church to hear David Ring, an evangelist living with cerebral -palsy(spelling). His message was obvious concerning gods sovereignty and Davids a.nswer to His calling. His speach was challenging to understand but his message has stuck with me for years. I will be praying for you as you prepare for this Sunday.
i AM so grateful Kerry John invited me to hear Patrick..I was in tears most of the service, the music was awessome but the MESSAGE!!! I prayed on the message all day, who do I trust.