Welcome to Ben Powell’s guestbook. If you would like to leave a message for me, please use the form below. Your message will be posted immediately. If you arrived here by accident, please take this thought with you as you go… PRAYER WORKS!
For more information visit:
www.ethanpowell.com or www.benjamintpowell.com.
Ben, I admire you and Becky so much. You have taught me so much about faith and the importance of prayer. We all pray in times of crisis but I can honestly say I’m not as good as I should be about praying in good times and I often forget to pray and just say thank you God for everything you do for me. I feel like you are members of my family and I hope I get to meet you some day and I really want to hold Ethan. We love you so much and you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless you and God be with you. We know He’s with you and we know He’s cradling the 3 of you in His tender yet mighty arms. As much as the country has come to love you it’s nothing compared to how much God loves you. Please continue the blog it helps us get to know you better.
I like you a lot
I love you a lot
Be careful, be safe, and be strong,
In Christian Love,
Harold and Peggy Porter
Denison TX
Ben, Becky & Ethan,
Just wanted you to know we’re backing you in prayer today and everyday. God knows the end from the beginning and He will give you the wisdom to make the right decisions through all of this. Jesus said “Ask anything in my name and it shall be done!!!!” You’re fighting a good fight and you’re keeping the faith. Ethan is a winner!
Hi Ben and Becky just wanted to let you know that I am still thinking and praying for you all.. I place all of you into Gods hands everyday.. I am so thankful that you both believe and have faith, just keep on,stay on the path that your on so God can do his job with our little man.. God bless you all Linda
Hi i just wanted to say that i am still praying for Ethan as well as you and Becky. I hope that which ever way you decide to go tomorrow on the treatment that it all goes well. I have faith that it will! I check his website daily, most times 4 to 5 times a day just to make sure that hes doing good still. When you tell us that hes got a fever or sick i get the same feeling in my tummy that i get when its one of my own being ill. Good luck today on all the decisions you two have to make and remember that everyone out here is praying right along with you.
I am so touched by your faith and kindness and grace in dealing with the tremendous stress that you, your wife and baby are facing. I am praying daily for God’s aid in helping your family deal with this illness. Best wishes now and always. I am watching the daily progress with great anticipation for a miraculous outcome. Becky H
Ben,
Thank you so very much for opening your journal for ALL to see. Please know, I have grown so much spirtually since I received the phone call regarding Ethan’s health. Personally, I’m committed to praying for Ethan, yourself and Becky and the entire Powell family.
Ethan’s disease has effected so many people and I think of his aunt’s, uncles, grandparents, etc.
I am a firm believer in God Almighty and his power. I’m a firm believer that Ethan has plenty of prayer warriors and that was demostrated the night we were all praying for him in the chat room when his fever elevated. I like to think of us as “Ethan’s mustard seeds…” We are outsiders that can only support through faith in Christ Jesus, and really isn’t that enough. That’s all we need.
I appreciate you and Becky !
Just know we will continue to pray and trust the Lord
for Ethan’s healing.
The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.
I’ll continue praying, CAM
Just a note to let you know that the prayers for Ethan’s complete cure, your and Becky’s strength and faith to be increasing and the doctors’ decisions to be God led have continued – we just haven’t contacted you because you have so much to do and so little time. We haven’t forgotten you and more importantly, neither has God. We will continue to follow and pray for the journey to Ethan’s perfect health.
Believing in His faithfulness,
M and K at CVC
Dear Ben and Becky ~
Please know that I pray hard for your little Ethan everyday. In my prayers I also pray for you two, his caring young parents.
We are not God, nor do we have His power. But we have His word and His promises, and I BELIEVE that He has great things in store for Ethan one of which is a long bright future here on earth.
May He bless you all.
Always BELIEVING,
Denise Yates / Venezuela
Ben, Amazing how I can feel as though I know you & yet I’ve never met you – I think God does that for us when he calls us family. Anyway, I don’t pretend to have any answers or words of wisdom. I’ve never been through anything close to what you & Becky are experiencing but I have children and I know the pain I feel when they are sick or hurting & so I imagine that you are aching in every bone of your body – but I am so encouraged that your faith remains so strong. You are running the good race and you will complete it. Thanks for being so human and yet so not.
Still praying in Tulsa, OK. after all a wise young man once (ok many times) said PRAYER WORKS!!
I have taken the liberty to contact everyone in my address book to pray for Ethan. I of course pray daily for Ethan. Our family goes to University and my wife Judith works at BPCC.
May God continue to watch over you all.
Michael W. Coston
Hi Ben. I just want to let you know that I am praying for your family and for Ethan daily! I stumbled upon Ethan’s website and it caught my attention. Having an 8 week old myself as well as an 18 month old, I know all about the love a parent has for a child…and I can’t even begin to understand the emotions you and your wife are feeling. Know that here in Ohio, we’re spreading your story and asking for prayers.
And as you say: PRAYER WORKS! God Bless!
Hi! My name is Melissa. I live in Greenville Mississippi. I have 2 daughters, ages 14 & 8.
Three weeks ago my aunt e-mailed me with Ethan’s website. I have been going back to it daily trying to keep up with the updates. After the first time I reed your site I was in tears all day. I couldn’t wait to get home and hug my 2 girls. There is not a day that goes by that I dont thank God for my beautiful healthy girls.
You and your family has touched my heart and moved me beyond words. I love you guys and you are in my prayers.
Ben
I am a friend of Amy Weems (Bonner). I live in WI. Since hearing about your son, I have passed on information to 6 churches and our christian radio station. I have been forwarding your updates to them as well. I feel so encouraged by your strength in this difficult time. It has been hard for you and your family. You have such perserverance. (sorry can’t spell)!! My htoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Hi Ben,
I think this blog is a great idea. I will enjoy reading more about what is going on. Little Ethan has touched my heart.
~Crystal
Your family is a true blessing – We are praying for each and everyone of you. Please know how much your faith has touched so many people like myself. I have been a christian my entire life, but watching you and Becky brings a new light to christianity. Thank you
I would just like to let you know how much of a great guy you are and I am so proud of you…I miss you and I will continue to pray for You,Ethan and Becky!! PRAYER IS THE KEY!!!…because guess what PRAYER WORKS!!
Praying for Ethan! Our God is a mighty God who is able to do so much more than we can ever imagine!
Ben, I appreciate so much the updates and this new info. also. Your pictures are great as well as the other ones. I have those of you and Ethan on my appointed table for you and Becky’s wedding and the baby also. Perfect reminders of someone who means so much to Papaw and me. Our prayers are with all of you as you make such life changing decisions which I know that you will do well. Your’re my writer, Ben. Keep writing and I’ll keep praying because I KNOW For Sure that PRAYER WORK
Ben I love the Lord and pray very often, but when things get rough I start to waver and worry that God is not going to come through. I have read you story on a daily basis and prayed for Ethan feverently. Your strength has gave me so much assurance that God is able to do all that we ask. On yesterday, there was not one lukemia cell and that was simply a miracle. Ethan story has really helped those of us that are easily to waiver when things doesn’t look good. Ethan shall live and not die because I truly belive that this is for God Glory so man can see how mightly and awesome God is.
Hi, Ben!! I have e-mailed Ethan’s prayer site and mailed you & Becky a card. I appreciate you doing this blog (although I’m not real familiar with blogs!!) as a means to hear more on how you and Becky are doing spiritually, as well as personally!! You have a lot of people that care!!
I am the aunt of a young couple that attend church with you and Becky in Shrevepoprt. We moved to the Memphis area from Bossier City ourselves and all of our family are back in S’port!! And we would love to be of any help at all to your family! We are so aware that PRAYER WORKS!!! And the folks at our church are PRAYING for you guys!!
Powell Family- We are praying for you daily. If there is anything you need please let us know. We have added you to our prayer list that we send out to family and friends so they are all praying as well! We know that God can heal Ethan and that prayer changes everything! In His love- Jennifer Rackley (HU c/o ’98) and Family
Dear Ben,
I was about to send up a prayer for you, but then I say the picture of you wearing the LSU jersey. You make it very hard to be supportive of you. ha ha! I realize that what you and Becky and Ethan is no laughing matter, but sometimes in the face of adversity a little laughter can ease the tension. Mine and Monika’s hearts are aching for you and Becky. We can’t possibly imagine what you must be going through on a daily, ongoing basis. Thank God for St. Jude’s. You must take comfort in knowing that you are at the premier hospital in the world, for this type illness. We know this; and you helped me rely on this fact more, prayer works! You have a tremendous amount of prayer going up for you right now, including ours. May God bless you with yet another miracle. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if we can help in anyway. Roger (501)517-2657 Monika (501)517-5558
hey ben. i love you and send all my prayers up with you guys included. I pray for Ethan but I also pray for you and becky and your families. I know this is happening to all of you, and you all need God’s strength and patience and understanding. There is nothing I can say that will make this any easier for you, but please know that I care and would do anything to help. Please encourage Becky to feel free to email me/call me privately if she needs to vent. Sometimes you just need to vent to someone who is not in the situation. I will lend my help anyway I can. If you ever feel like Becky needs to get away for awhile you can call me and I can come pick her up and take her out to eat or to the mall or anything to get her mind a break. I know becky and I know that although she tries so hard to be strong, sometimes she breaks down from the weight of it. I have seen it happen, and for much smaller things than this. She is a strong woman and she doesnt give herself enough credit. Her faith and strength has always been an inspiration to me. It is one of the many reasons I wanted to be her friend. I love you all so much. my number is 870-351-1412 and my email is honeysuckle_n_rain@hotmail.com
Hey Ben, just wanted to say hi, and I’m still praying every day. I love you guys. Don’t forget, prayer works!
Ben,
I have a friend that is a friend of Becky’s sister. She told me about little Ethan after our Ethan was diagnosed Jan. 8 of this year with Leukemia. I have read Ethan’s website from beginning to present and I stay atuned to it throughout the day for updates. Our Ethan – which we call “Big E” – turned 5 Jan. 24. He is doing well and I give all praise to the Lord. I want you to know that we are praying for Little E and your family. I have put his website on Big E’s website so as many people as possible will know about Little E. And of course he is on our church’s prayer list. God is Faithful! There is comfort knowing people are praying. This is just a part of a poem someone just sent me – I will take your name before the Father as I seek His face – And ask Him to enfold you in His arms of warm embrace – There’s no one who can comfort you quite like the Father can – And surely carry you across this dark and frightening span. Know that people you do not even know have not forgotten you and are lifting you up daily!
God Bless You,
Kim Rhodes
Ben, just wanted you to know that you, Becky, and Ethan are in my familys prayers everyday!!!
Hey Ben! I just wanted to let you know that Jamey, Shelby, and I pray for your family everyday. The first thing I do when I get to work is check the website. I have followed you along on your struggle daily. My church prays for you and Ethan is on our prayer list. He is such a beautiful little boy. Our hearts are with you. Love to you and your family, Jamey, Jennifer, and Shelby
PS:I found out you and Jamey are related. Your Grandpa on your mom’s side is the brother of Jamey’s Grandma on his Dad’s side. Small World!!
Hey Ben,
I am a H.U. alumni too and saw the news about Ethan on the alumni directory. I live in Memphis now and am about to graduate from the Harding University Graduate School of Religion with a Master’s in counseling. I live only a few miles from St. Jude and Target House. If you our Becky need help with errands, food, or anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call(901) 276-5566. I would love to help. I have been following Ethan’s story and pray for him often. Your faith is inspirational and I know God has Ethan’s situation under control.
In Psalm 40, David says that God lifted him out of a pit and placed his feet on a solid rock. It is important that He lifted him out and that He placed his feet on something solid. I pray that God will place Ethan’s feet on something solid so that he never falls back into this place of trial. Your family is in my prayers everyday. I have 3 or 4 ladies who faithfully keep up with you guys and pray for you in NW Arkansas. We want a reunion with all of us who love this baby though we have never held or seen him in person.
God Bless, Angie
Dear Ben – My brother, Scott Gatlin is the principal at Jackson Christian School where your brother Grey will be (or either is) teaching. I have a story to tell – it may take a while – my brother contacted me on February 16, to tell me about Ethan – the date is significant because on that date 14 years ago, my two year old daughter, Anna was diagnosed with leukemia – she is an amazing healthy “typical” 16 year old girl today. Now back to the beginning – after having flu like symptoms for several weeks, Anna’s dr. decided to do a cbc and chest xray to make sure she didn’t have pneumonia – well much to my suprise about an hour later I get the news that Anna has leukemia – needless to say my husband and I were in a complete state of shock. We lived in Searcy at the time and the dr gave us a choice between Chilren’s in LR or St. Jude – we chose St. Jude and are so thankful we did. As you know by now, there is no other place on earth like “The Jude” as we refer to it in our home – lol. Anna was diagnosed once we got there with AML – first they thought it was ALL and we were excited (if you can be excited about leukemia) because the cure rate for ALL is so much better than AML. After getting our final diagnosis we began treatment – less than 48 hours after we got there. She went thru 3 rounds of chemo then a “auto” transplant. That was the protocol for AML at the time – once she went into remission, they harvested her own marrow – gave her high dose chemo to kill out all existing marrow and gave her own marrow back to her. If my husband or I or our other daughter (who was three months old at the time) had been a match they would have used us as a donor but since we didn’t match the protocol was to do the auto transplant. We were in Memphis from February until September with just a few weekend visits home during that time. I don’t mean to bore you with all the details – I just said all that to say – I truly know where you are right now – it is all soooo overwhelming – so much information – so many decisions –
One of the most asked questions I think me and my husband got – was “How do you do it?” – I got to the point I wanted to just laugh when people would ask this – it wasn’t as if we had a choice – you simply do what you have to when faced with such situations – people would say “just take it a day at a time” but i feel sure you have figured out by now – its not a day at a time – not even an hour at a time – u take it minute by minute and treasure each minute more than the last.
I have checked your website at least 20 times a day since the day my brother called. Many times I have started an email but the time just wasn’t right (i don’t know if that makes any sense). I know in the beginning its all so overwhelming – I remember the first day at St. Jude seeing all the little bald kids running around – thinking to myself – we won’t be one of them – we will just be in and out of here – well guess what we were one of “them” – when you are at St. Jude you become a part of a much bigger family –
You know they talk about “defining moments” in your life and Anna’s cancer was definitely a defining moment for our family. I kept thinking will we ever be normal again – and the answer is no – not normal the way we were before but there is a new normal.
I apoligize if I have rambled – I want to give you our contact information – and I want you or your wife to please call or email if there is anything we can do for you – those panic attacks at 3 in the morning when you wake up and it hits you all over again – been there, done that – we live in Jonesboro so we are just an hour away – please feel free to ask for anything – we will do all we can to help.
Julie Wyatt 870-919-1611
Hal Wyatt 870-919-1608 (he’s not real good at answering this – but you can leave a message – his email is hwyatt@teleflora.com – he would welcome the opportunity to talk to you – he understands completely the feeling a dad has of not being able to “fix” this)
Thanks so much for letting me ramble – please know your family is in our constant thougts and prayers.
Julie Wyatt
I love you guys. I am continually praying and checking your updates. I know that life can seem depressing at times, but God is there. I know that we are weak sometimes, but God is there to make us strong in his perfect spirit. Life may throw you lemons ( don’t make lemonade), give them to GOD. I love you and though I haven’t seen Ethan personally, I feel like he is mine. I pray daily that God bless the child that I couldn’t have, and for him to keep yours safe. I don’t want you to ever have to feel what I have felt. I pray that God give me your sadness and replace it with HIS unwavering FAITH. I love you~
Ben, This was great. I feel I have all ready know you and Becky by praying for you all and little Ethan. I know God surely has great plans for your family when all this is over. What a trial that you both are going through and i admire your faith too. I was wondering if you received my card with a check in it becausewe have noticed the check has not went through our bank yet and we hope you received it. please let us know okay.
have a blessed day and keep up on your great faith too. With his love,
Tammy
God Is Good All The Time!
Ben-
I want to thank you for sharing your faith and your family. I have never met any of you and yet we are brothers and sisters in the faith. I check updates daily and I am always amazed at what a faith lift I receive from you and your wife’s faith. God is doing amazing things through you both as well as Ethan. I can’t wait for the day when you say you are taking that precious baby home. I already knew PRAYER WORKS but it has been a needed assurance to see and hear it every day.
With continued prayers and love to you all!
HELLO BEN. I JUST SUBMITTED A COMMENT FOR eTHANS gUESTBOOK. i WANT TO TELL YOU AND HIS MOMMY I ADMIRE THE BOTH OF YOU FOR HOW HARD YOURE FIGHTING FOR THAT PRECIOUS ANGEL GOD GAVE YOU. I AM THINKING OF THE BOTH OF YOU AND KEEPING YOU IN MY PRAYERS. KEEP FIGHTING CANDACE & ISABELLA
I have been following your son’s progress and pray for him daily. He is on our church prayer list, so I know he has some powerful prayer warriors praying for him. I know how important it is to talk about your feelings so I think what you are doing is an excellent opportunity to let people know your personal side. Thanks for the many updates and you are so right Prayer does work.
Ben:
Please know I am checking the website at least twice a day and praying for you, Becky and Ethan daily. God can do it when medical science can’t. PRAYER DOES WORK!!!
Ben, what an amazing father you are. Becky and yourself are an inspiration for anybody to look up to. Your faith in God is undeniable and so is the love you have for your son. Ethan is no doubt a fighter. You have all done so well with coping with this devastating news. Prayer is working, I see it every hour when I check the updates!!! All my love and prayers, Tawny.
Pleae know that you and your family are in my prayers daily. Praying for God’s will, and comfort and peace for you and your family
God Bless
Debbie Pickett
Shreveport La
Hi Ben,
Chris and I have been keeping up with your family since I saw the prayer request posted on HU’s alumni letter. We are praying for you constantly and it sounds as though God is working miracles with Ethan. I don’t know if you remember us, Chris, you might, since he introduced you and Becky to each other but I’m just “the wife”. We are living in Memphis now and would love to do anything we can to help in any way we can. Please use the email and contact us and I’ll give you our number. We would love to see you both and will continue to pray for Ethan and for your family. Both you and Becky are so strong and I admire you both for your stamina and courage and faith at this time. Again please let us know how we can help.
In Christian Love,
Chris, Rachel (and Kylee) Kee
Praying for you and your family!!!
Prayer does work!!!
Misty and girls
De Queen, Arkansas
I have never met you or your family but feel like we have been friends for years through your posts. I work at LSUHSC and first saw Ethan on flyers at the hospital. I guess I really don’t know what to say except to let you know that we are all praying and hoping for the best. God will only give you what he thinks you can handle!!! Please give your sweet boy a kiss and tell him we are all rooting for his recovery!!!
Dear Powell Family, I am a teacher at a private school just outside of Memphis. A friend gave me Ethan’s website and my 7th grade students and I have been praying for him. Thank you for the awesome example of faith that you are to me and to these impressionable 7th graders!! We will keep praying because PRAYER WORKS!!!
You and your family are constantly in my prayers. I have placed you on the Hope Church of Christ prayer list and Ethan is listed in our bulletin as well as each time we meet as a church family. I check so many times a day and appreciate the time you take to update Ethan’s progress. My great nephew is from Bossier City and is a success story from St. Jude. St. Jude is an awesome place. Keep your faith and always remember who is holding Ethan, Ben and Becky in the palm of HIS hand. May God bless you always, Debbie Bright
Powell Family,
I pray for you daily and check on Ethan MANY times a day. Know, I have been there, walked in your shoes, and I know the things you are going through. PRAY, BELIEVE, and take every single positive thing that God grants you with and run with it. Every good lab result, blood counts, test, whatever it may be, these are all of God’s Blessings. And before you know it, you take all these things and, and you suddenly REALLY realize how much God is carrying you and providing for you. God Bless you and your family,, tons of prayers in Indiana for Ethan. God has special plans for this little one. BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE, with every ounce of you soul.
Jami Poore (Izak’s mommy)
http://www.caringbridge.com/visit/izakpoore
Hi Ben, Becky, and Ethan,
I just want ya’ll to know that our family has you in our prayers daily. The strength and faith that you have is amazing and a wonderful testiment to everyone. I know in my heart that God isnt finished with Ethan yet. He has something very special for him to do or be when he grows up. Ethan’s testimony in itself will be enough to touch many many people’s lives. Not only are ya’ll on our prayer list at church (First Baptist Bossier) but my 10 yr old daughter made sure you are on theirs in sunday school. She even told her class at school. We want you to know that we hope all goes well and that you can come home soon and we cant wait to meet you some day.
In Christs Love
Susan
Ben I just want to thank you for taking the time do di all of this for us. I know you have lots on your mind but you are special. In doing this you have brought so many people to or back to Our Lord. Me for one. I have always believed but never like I do at this moment. I am much more open to talking to others about Christ. You and your family and most of all Baby Ethan have changed my life
I love you all and maybe someday I can give you a HUG for what you have done for me. I have not loged off the site since I found it that Monday that there were 77 of us there praying for Ethan. We keep you in our prayers and love you all.
Cindy
Baton Rouge
OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD And PRAYERS DO WORK.
Dear Ben,
I do not know you, I have never met you, nor your lovely wife, nor your adorable son Ethan. However, I have been following Ethan’s story for the last several weeks and I FEEL like I know you. I was sent to Ethan’s website thru a prayer chain and I have it bookmarked. I stop in 4-5 times a day just to check in on all of you. I have three children of my own (ages 18, 16 and 12) so I know how strong that bond of love is between a parent and a child and I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through.
You have such incredible faith and I am in awe of you and your wife and how you put so much trust and hope in the Lord.
I just wanted you to know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers ALWAYS and if there is anything I can ever do, please let me know.
((hugs))
Jeanne
Praying for you and your little one because I know PRAYER WORKS!!!
Ally from Grand Rapids, Michigan
You’re Not Alone
by
Brenda Werner
When the hour of trial seems darkest
And your world begins to close in,
And all the storm clouds gather
And you wonder, “Who is my friend?”
Just go outside and fall on your knees
And look to the skies above,
And feel the warmth and healing
Of God’s unending love.
For He is a friend who’ll by you stand
When your soul begins to groan,
For in His Word He’s promised,
I’m here, you’re not alone!
So when the darkness thickens
And you feel yourself giving in,
Just grab that ray of sunshine
And read this poem again.
For on this paper, within these words,
Is love and concern for you,
And prayers that as you read each line
That love will surface through.
For life can be so cruel sometimes
And fill your heart with stone,
Remember at those times,
God’s here you’re not alone!
Just wanted to let you know that I have checked on Ethan and the family several times in the last week or so. I found your site through Jake Raborn’s site. I am a believer in my Jesus and prayer. I will continue to lift you and your family up to our Father.
Lissa
West Monroe
I am so blessed that God has open my heart to Ethan and has renewed my urgency to pray to him. I have Ethan on my mind everyday and many times a day. I know that God has a special plan for Ethan and his special parents. I know that whatever God has in store it is awesome. So I will continue to pray for baby Ethan and his family, and spread the word to everyone I know.
GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!! ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!
Ben,I don’t know you guys.My fellow employees and I check the website all day. We are all praying for you,Becky,and Ethan. My baby “34 years old” was very ill last year. Had a 5% chance of survival. My mother told me “Honey read Psalms 121″. I did…every day..several times a day. He is alive, in school, and doing great. Because you know what? PRAYER WORKS!!!
Minden, La.
Ben
Can I just say you are such a wonderful daddy and an inspiration to me with your faith. I have just found your site and have been in tears because you and your story have restored my faith in prayer. I have forwarded Ethan’s site to my family and friends and have requested prayer from everyone. God Bless you, Becky (an amazing mommy!), and your precious boy Ethan. I will continue to check for updates. God bless you all!
Dear Ben and Becky,
I want you all to know that my prayers are with you. You are very strong I can tell. I feel completely drawn to baby Ethan. He is absolutely adorable. Just have one question: Doing all of these procedures does that mean they have a donor for bone marrow? Thank you for keeping us all posted. We are always waiting for updates.
Love in Christ,
Linda Lowry
Texas
Ben and Becky,
I started to work at BPCC right before Ethan was born. The announcement went out about the birth of Ethan and I was so happy for the blessing that GOD had given you. Ethan is still that blessing. GOD is looking out for Ethan and his wonderful parents who are doing exactly what he needs. I have seen Larry around the campus a few times and always ask him how Ethan is doing. I do not know you and do not know your dad very well, but I wanted to write to let you know that my family prays for Ethan daily, and I check his website several times a day to check his progress. Just know that there are people out here and will help you in any way that they can (me included). Love and prayers go to you, Becky, Ethan and all of your family. GOD is the answer and he is there inside of Ethan everyday.
Hello Ben – I know you have received so many messages. I’m not very good with words, but I just want you and your family to know that you are in our daily, hourly, prayers. What you and your family, and Ethen, are going through has touched me and my family. Our daughter was close to death in 2005. We could not have gotten through it without our faith. You and your family has so gotten it figured out. Your and your family has truly been an inspiration to us. We check on your progess several times a day. We truly wish you and Ethen many happy years together. God is so good!!!! Love, Donna Sparks and Family
Just wanted to let you and Becky know that we are still praying daily for healing for Ethan, and it’s so precious to me that every night our four-year-old daughter asks God to help Ethan get better. I pray God’s peace and strength and daily renewed faith for you and Becky. God is near and He is listening and He cares and He acts on behalf of His children!
Hi, Ben & Becky
I don’t know how to do this blog thing, but I do that God is watching over all three of you, and thousands of people are praying for you. I can’t leave my house without thinking of you when I see YOUR house! You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I know that in a few years little Ethan is going to be running across the street to see me and help me work in my yard. There haven’t been any little boys on this corner since my boys grew up. I can’t wait to have one around again! We almost lost one of our boys when he was 10 (I’ll tell you about it some day when we are all at home here). God had a reason for saving my boy, and he has a plan for yours. We will all keep praying and keep the faith. If you need anything done at your house, just let us know.
Love, Donnis & Ben
Ben, Becky & Ethan,
Thank you for giving us a place in your lives. You have been an inspiration to all … much more than we could ever be to you. I check on Ethan often and pray for GOD’S healing.
Janet
A Concerned Christian in Memphis
Ben,
I love you.
I am proud of you and the faith that you and Becky have.
You are a very special person in my life.
You are a gift of God.
I miss you.
I hope time passes quickly for me.
Kiss mom and ethan for me,
Love,
Dad
Dear Larry & Becky,
I know you won’t recognize our names, but Cal is a first cousin of your Dad & Gerald. We continue to keep informed of Ethan’s situation both through your website and thru Gerald. You are a wonderful Christian family & are always in our prayers. I, too, believe that all things are possible thru Christ, our Lord. Keep on keeping on….we hold great hope for your litle boy! Our love and best wishes for a complete recovery! Pat & Cal
Hey Ben and Becky,
You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. There are thousands of people being reached and encouraged through Ethan’s story. I have a website that I go to almost everyday (it is secular) and every day someone new, who doesn’t even know you has put a message on the bulletin board to pray for you and Ethan because they have heard of your story.
I want to thank you for being so open with Ethan’s condition and story and your own faith. Thank you for using this scary time as a way to share your faith and spread our “good news.” Thank you for being an example to many of what it means to put your faith COMPLETELY in God. Thank you for being confident in your faith that God is Good.
We love you! Lauren Rogers
Ben, I know the power of prayer. My son had a bone infection, twice. He could not walk the first time. My sisters father in law prayed on him when we came from the hospital. I thought it was silly but boy was I wrong. I cried and felt the Holy Spirit that day. He told me if I believed, my son would walk again. He was only 18 months old then. When we had a follow up MRI, the dr. said he was amazed at how the infection had healed. The next time he was struck with the same infection, I said God already took care of this. I looked at is as a technicality for my faith. He is 11 now. And I will never forget his healing. When we have nothing from the world, we can always lean on faith. Stay strong in God.
Hi Ben and Becky,
My youngest daughter was 13 months old when she was diagnosed with kidney cancer. She is now 25, married and living a very normal life. Prayer DOES work and Laurie is proof. Our family is keeping you close with our prayers, praying for Ethan’s recovery,and strength for your endurance during this difficult time. God Bless you all.
hey bro! this is an awesome idea. i miss you so much ben! i cant wait to see you again! you are in my prayers bro. you know that though! i love you so much.
Hey Ben and Becky! I came across this poem and I thought it would put it here for you to read.
God Heals
Remember when you heard the words and your mind went blank? You were in another world…God Heals
Remember in your darkest hours when all that surrounds you is pain and sorrow..God Heals
Remember friend’s prayers, your family’s encouragement, glimmers of hope from everyday angels…God Heals
Quiet…you can hear Him now…always there, yet never this close…God Heals
It’s just another day…yet everything has changed, and you hear yourself say…God Heals
Birds are singing, the sky is a beautiful blue, flowers are blooming…God Heals
Truths that you knew as a child awakened again with new understanding…God Heals
Remember when others can’t, that life is a gift, each day to treasure…God has healed
With love and prayers from The Jena and Dan Kraft family in Forman, North Dakota
I just want to let you know that I am keeping you and your wife in my thoughts and prayers every day and I hope that one day I will be as loving of a parent to my child as you two are to Ethan! It amazes me to see just how much he has progressed in the last 3 months, even if he isn’t out of the danger zone yet. I know that God is looking over all 3 of you at this very moment and is keeping Ethan as safe and healthy as possible. God Bless and I look forward to reading tomorrow’s updates to see what prayers God will answer for you tonight!
No matter what happens to your son, you can take comfort in the fact that God is on your side and he will be with Ethan no matter the outcome of all of this. I will be praying for not only Ethan, but for you and your wife as well. Because of your son, my prayer life has been strengthened, and for that I want to thank you. Continue to put your faith in God, because he will never ever leave you.
Alicia
Gateway Church of Christ
Becky and Ben,
I just left your precious baby boy a message that I can not wait for him to read and use as an example to his children, when he is a father himself, of how mighty our God truely is! In this life we tend to take alot of things for granted. God will always catch us on this and show us what is important. I have three beautiful children that mean the world to me and I thank God daily for them and their health. I know as a mother and a christian that it is soo hard to not question God sometimes. I know we are not supposed to, but in times like these we always tend to ask him WHY. Why my baby? Why us? God has a plan for everything. I believe the day that you and Becky came into this world God knew what he was doing with you. You are two very strong christians that are so strong in your faith that it is amazing!! God knew when he gave you little Ethan what he was doing. He knew that the way he was going to get his word to many around the world was to give you this baby with this illness and use you as his wariors. He could not have picked a better family to give this child to. I am so proud of you and your little Ethan in the strength that you show daily. It is such an inspiration to me and many around the world to actualy see God in action. When we are haveing a down day we can come to Ethan’s site and learn once again that he has made it through yet another day and another procedure with the most positive of outcomes. I am here to tell you as a faithful believer in God that you and your family are helping to make us believers and non~believers open up our eyes and realize just how much PRAYER TRUELY WORKS!!! I am so thankful that I recieved the e~mail that day from my sister that shared your heartbreaking yet inspirational story with me and my family. We all need to hear daily of how God works wonders in lives of people just like us. I thank you for sharing your story of hope with us and I pray daily that this all be over soon. My prayer daily is not only that Ethan and his family stay strong, but also that you may experience the unbelievable joy that your precious gift from God can and will bring into all of your lives. We need more people in this world with a faith in God like you and your family. Good luck in the days to come. We are all going through this with you and your family so never feel alone. I pray that you never question God and that you never let a day go by that you do not thank him for everthing and everyone in your lives. God bless and keep useing your story to bring people closer to our Lord. We love you all. WITH ALL OF OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS~ THE FRASER FAMILY~ RYAN, CHRISTINA, MASON, JADEN, AND RYLEN~ VILONIA, ARKANSAS
Ben, Becky, and Ethen
My neice-in-law works at St. Jude and has told us about Ethen and asked that we pray for him as he is only a few weeks older than her Elliot. We are praying that the Lord will bless you with the strength that you need to make the difficult decisions regarding Ethen’s treatments. God is Great. God will see you thru. We belong to Lost Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Sheridan, Arkansas and will put your family on our prayer list.
In Christ Name,
Vickie D. Sipes
Sheridan, Arkansas
Ben, Becky, and Ethan
Love the videos,like everyone else we check several time each day for updates. I am so proud of you guys for the amazing faith you share with the world. You have touched so many hearts. Hold on to that faith, and remember God is in control.
We miss you all at University, I miss the great hugs from Ben. Give those hugs to Becky. Stay strong. We love you.
The McCartneys
You and Becky have been blessed with a precious gift from God and Ethan has been blessed with such wonderful and caring parents. I am a firm believer in prayer and Ethan and ya’ll are constantly in my prayers. I know that God is always with you and you can count on Him. Thanks so much for keeping us informed on your daily challenges. Keep the faith. God Bless each of you!!
Barbara Gragson
Greenwood, MS
Dear Ben, Becky & Ethan,
Since receiving news of Ethan’s battle, he has been in my prayers. As the grandmother of 11, God has given me more blessings than I deserve. Children are an extention of the Lord Himself. I am so proud of you both for your faith and the ministry you have established through these trials. God bless all of you. And yes, PRAYER WORKS!
Ben, you are doing the right thing by just asking for prayer. That’s the best thing you could have done for your son. I know this is a trying time in lives but, remain strong and know that God is the ‘same’ yesterday, today and forever more. If God brings you to it, He will definitely bring you through it. Sometimes it’s hard for us to understand the mysterious ways of God and why He chooses to use children in some situations but Faith is the key, and I see that your faith is real strong. Faith is not believing God can, but knowing that HE WILL. Keep the Faith and never give up.
Just wanted to let you all know I am among the many who has been touched by your family’s battle and by the faith you are using to fight with. Thank you for sharing your story with so many. I’m sure you would not choose to be in the situation you are in or to be an example by living out faith during your son’s fight for life–but you are making the most out of the situation you are in and I have no doubt that God is honored by that. It is a reminder to all of us to not take things for granted.
Also, we would love to hear more about Ethan’s mommy. We hear about you and Ethan, but not much about his mommy. I’m sure if she is anything like the other mommys I know, she is consumed with being all she can be for Ethan. I hope you all find time to still appreciate each other along with your preciouis son. I have felt lead to pray for you as a couple along with your sweet little guy. I know that prayer does work so I will lift your family up often as I check the websites. Thank you again for sharing your lives. May God bless your family through many more years to come!
For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
When I first got the e-mail from my son’s mother-in-law about Ethan, I was sickened with the news of such a precious gift from God being stricken with such a devastating desease. Then as I read all the testimony you have written I realized that everything will eventually be okay because, YES, PRAYER WORKS, AMEN! I forwarded your web site on and was telling my daughter about it, when she realized that this is the baby on thier prayer list at the church she and her husband attend in Texarkana. How amazing that she didn’t know the details but knew the name. So I showed her the web site and all the photos of little Ethan and how cute he is, so now she has a face to put with the name when she prays as do I. I think that is so important for strangers to have in order to keep this situation close to thier hearts and remember to pray. You are doing a wonderful job at keeping total strangers updated but also by doing that you have a constant prayer going up on Ethan’s behalf. Giant Kudos to you! Remember to lift up your eyes unto the Lord and He will strengthen you.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
KEEP THE FAITH
Showers of blessings to each of you as you walk this path holding onto the hand of our Lord. He will strengthen, help, and uphold you with His righteous right hand. I will be praying all the way. It is my gift to you and your family. Praising God for His loving mercy, grace, peace, comfort, and love. Sending my love and prayers to each of you.
In His love,
Carolyn O’Cain
hey buddy. well i just want you to know that i am proud of you. i dont know if i have ever seen someone with such crazy good faith. im praying for you and becky and ethan always. you guys are cool. yea. and i know this might be hard to grasp sorta, but in a way, you guys are lucky. because of yall, God has changed many a life. God has chosen yall to show his power and mercy through. just remember that this is all happening for a reason. and that reason is to glorify God. i believe yall will be living a normal life like any other family sooner than you might think. the only difference though between yall and normal though is that you will have an amazing first hand story, tailor made to bring people to Christ. i think of God when i think of you guys. i love yall. let me know if i can do something (except donate bone marrow. apparently their kinda picky about me havin a tat.)
luke
One of the pillars of my faith is: “God allows EVERYTHING to happen so that someone has a better understanding of who He is.” Your situation and faith have become the poster on that pillar. You and your family are changing lives for eternity. AA
Beautiful message today. God is ALWAYS in control, and you are serving a greater purpose, one beyond anyone’s imagination unless they have walked the spiritual path like you and I that God has sent us down. God knew what He was dong when He blessed us with such amazing children,, and even more, He knew what He was doing when He allowed for us to be the parents, we were chosen for a reason. Through Ethan and Izak and some amazingly strong and FAITHFUL parents, God’s word is spread, and his Grace and Love proven. I think I told you this before, but Ethan and Izak have a beautiful story to tell the world one day,, they are God’s special Little Warriors. God Bless all of you!!
Jami Poore (Izak’s mommy)
http://www.caringbridge.com/visit/izakpoore
Ben,
My aunt sent me a link to Ethan’s Website and I was so touched by what I saw there. I don’t know you guys but you are an inspiration to me. I am a father of 3 and I can’t even imagine your struggle. I can see that God is using little Ethan in a powerful and mighty way. I feel in my heart that little Ethan has already touched many lives as he has touched mine. I pray for him daily as well as for you and Becky. Each of my children has visited the website and have sent Ethan an email. God is using Ethan in a mighty way. I know that Prayer is very powerful and God is going to continue to strengthen you everyday. You are an inspiration to all Fathers. We held a special prayer for Ethan at Church Sun. nite and I am going to continue to pray for him. God Bless You
Michael McCarthy – Louisiana
Thank you for bringing prayer back into my life. I got so busy with my little ones that I forgot how important it is to thank God everyday for them. My youngest was born on 12/04/2006, the day before Ethan. I read your updates daily and usually cry, not just because Ethan is ill, but because God is working through him to bring prayer back to people like myself. Thank you and God Bless you.
Dear Ben and Becky:
I do not want to ramble and take up much of your precious time with Ethan but I just want to share with you what is going on in Ruston, Louisiana.
Your precious little Ethan and your faith has captured the hearts of children in Ruston.
On Wednesday nights, my 5 year old always request prayer in our class which I teach for Ethan. The girls always prays for little Ethan’s healing. We pray for Ethan daily at my house.
I shared Ethan’s story with my boss’s wife who is a teacher. They were having show and tell at school the other day and one of the first grade students show and tell was a St. Jude’s t-shirt and she shared with her class about Ethan. When show and tell was over, a little boy from across the room came over to the little girl’s desk and told her that he knew about that baby.
God listens to all of our prayers because PRAYER WORKS but the faith of little children is big.
I love the fact that you said this is just an opportunity for God to show himself big and HE IS. God is so good and faithful.
You guys are blessing me daily with the faith and strength that you have. God is healing Ethan and has a plan for his life.
We are praying and keeping up our faith with you guys in Ruston, Louisiana.
dear ben, i pray for ethan and your family every day. words cant discribe how this whole thing has engulfed me i read the updates all the time i know pray works i believe every thing happens for a reason. i believe the reason here is to spread the word of god and how he is always on our side weather we can physically see it or not. i dont have to tell you god is with you. you already know that but please believe i will be with you in my heart every day until little ethan walks out of that hospital with god always protecting him.
ronda hamilton
houston, tx
I do not know you, but I wanted to let you know that I am praying for your family and little Ethan. I have been following Ethan’s progress for a couple of weeks and after your entry today felt the need to comment. I, too have suffered through miscarriages. I had three miscarriages and as you know they are devastating. With my fourth pregnancy, with the help of Heparin, I was able to carry my son to term. He was born two years ago and at first we thought he was healthy. We were so overwelmed to be holding our son after so long! Shortly after birth, his ANC dropped to 100. That is what has struck me with you entries about Ethan, I actually know what ANC is. I had never heard of a neutrophil until my son was born. They thought he was septic or had a serious illness (and mentioned Luekemia). His hematologist, too mentioned that in the future he might have to have a bone marrow transplant and since he had no siblings it would be difficult to find a match. Too make a long story short, the call went out to pray for my son. Many people of many different faiths prayed. He has never gotten sick, even though for the first year of his life his ANC hovered around 100 to 300. His ANC is finally normal and I think the doctor will release him from his care next month. I didn’t mean for this comment to be so long. I can not imagine what you and your family are going through right now. It was hard on us and our son didn’t end up having a serious illness. Please know that my family is praying for you. Take care and God bless.
What a powerful example of patiently waiting on God to do great works in our life. I was reminded not to secretly take on burden that I supposedly put in God’s hands.
Thank you Benjamin and thank you for the precious little miracle that has made all of this possible.
Tami
Ben, Ben, Ben! What a BRILLIANT blog today. I, like so many, have been praying for Ethan and following his daily progress through your reports. I am a stranger to you but some how news of your precious son came to me a few weeks ago and I started praying for him, for you and for Becky. When I first learned about Ethan I thought that I had been found so that I can help heal Ethan and so I immediately started praying faithfully. Now I see that it may be the other way around. His remarkable life (and your remarkable faith) are healing me in ways I cannot express in words. I am overwhelmed by how connected we all are from the innocence of your child.
I endeavor to carry you and your family through this stretch of life and I am thankful to you beyond measure for sharing Ethan with us. His light shines brightly – I can see all the way here in Connecticut.
Peace and Grace, April
Hello,
Someone emailed me your site 2 days ago and I cannot stop reading every update you post. I have sent it to all of my prayer warriors that I know and asking for them to send it to everyone they know as well. I want to say that you have touched my heart by the strong faith you have. I am praying for you and Becky and ofcourse of litte Ethan. I believe in Prayer and I know Prayer Works!
Brenda
Center, Tx.
Our family has been praying for yours every day.
Give that sweet baby a hug from us….What a testimony he will have to share. Thank you for sharing it now with us.
Ben,
I would like to repeat exactly what Harold and Peggy Porter from Denison, Texas stated. You have also taught me a lot about Faith and prayers! I check on little Ethan 3-4 times a day. I am always on the lookout for new pictures as well.
May God be with you.
Wendy Carroll
Austin, Texas
Can’t add much except to say “ditto” to what so many others have said! I’m inspired by your believe in the Word of God!
Ben & Family~ Here is my prayer for you today. You are part of something BIG,,,, REALLY BIG,,, look at how many lives your story is reaching. I LOVE IT!!! GOD IS GREAT!!
~~May today be all that you need it to be, today. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways that you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you, I pray that your territory is enlarged and I pray that you step into your destiny within the ministry. I pray for peace, health, happiness and true and undying love for God.~~ I BELIEVE!!
Jami Poore (Izak’s mommy)
Powell Family – I found your site from an online story of CaringBridge. A site that 18 months ago we had no idea existed, but that has been very much a part of our life for just over a year. I know that you don’t often hear the good stories online, but I wanted to share ours. Our precious daughter Hadyn was born 12/22/05 and like Ethan diagnosed with leukemia at only 10 weeks old on March 11, 2006. That day in the conference room with the doctors, I don’t know that I have ever felt so helpless, but through the strength of our Lord I set here typing this with a happy and healthy 15month old baby girl. She finishted five rounds of high dose chemotherapy in August. The doctors gave us a poor prognosis that day as well, but that was the one and only time us or the doctors ever discussed percentages. Only one decision maker counts in this battle and he will take care of his childred. I will continue to pray for baby Ethan as well as your and Becky. Going through the experience myself I know all to well that it can take as much if not more toll on the parents. Baby Ethan seems happy in his photos as did our daughter Hadyn. Notheing ever seemed to bother her as the continually infused toxic drugs intor her little body. I will spread the word amongst our prayer team here that rallied around my family. He is good and will keep you up when only he can. Details of Hadyns journey can be found at http://www.warman.us. The blessings and power of God we have experienced is indescribable. Keep your heads up and keep fighting.
Dear Ben and Becky,Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers and what a blessing little has become in my life.Take care and always know that God will never put more on you than you can handle,just when you are at the falling point He is their to pick you up again! May God Bless You. Heather
The strength that God is giving you continually amazes me. I won’t say that I can imagine what you are going through; it is beyond my understanding. I do know that God is using your situation to show the world the power of prayer. As strong as your faith is, I know you understand that God did not CAUSE this; all pain comes from Satan. But right now Satan’s plan is backfiring, because Ethan’s battle is inspiring faith and prayer worldwide. Thank you for sharing your wonderful little boy with us.
Know that ya’ll are loved and prayed for every day. Ya’ll are incredible people. What an incredible witness that the world is seeing. Praise God!
Dear Becky and Ben,
Amen! to what A. Ward said…”God did NOT cause this” I’ll not forget the day someone asked me how I could believe in a God that did “this” to my child (Ashleigh). I was sooo angry. I replied that MY God did not do this! My God is the one who blessed her with joy, contentment, an infectios smile, a life that mant times we were told should not be possible. My God has kept her out of hospitals and blessed her with an incredible earthly father to take care of her. That is my God. Yes I have argued with Him re: my ability to handle the situations he has given us…but somehow ALWAYS come back to how He cares for us. Know that even when your faith may wane…prayers of your heavenly family are holding up your arms. May God continue to give the strength and rest you need for each moment.
Precious Ethan, you are in my prayers every day. I know God is watching over you and will protect you. You are in my heart and I look forward to seeing you every day. God loves you.
Ben and Becky,
I am keeping your wonderful family in my prayers and have asked everyone I know to do it also. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. I had my second son on December 30, 2006 and I could not imagine him going through what your little angel is going through. You are both very strong and have such awesome faith in the Lord. Ethan looks like such an angel. I pray for his health and for both of you to stay strong for Ethan no matter what happens. Thanks for keeping us posted and get as much rest as you can. God bless your family and friends.
In my prayers,
Aimee’
Ben,
I just read your FAQs and had to comment. Please do not feel the need to apologize if you don’t update the site or respond individually. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You and Becky need to take care of yourselves phyically (i.e. sleep), as well as spiritually. We are all here to go the distance, my friend. Take care of your little boy, your wife and yourself. Thanks for reminding me that prayer works.
Hi Ben,
Just letting you know I continue to pray for your family daily. Your faith is astounding and so admirable. I have a precious seven month old and every time I look at him I think of Ethan. My mom, Anne Love, who emails you often, both keep each other updated on your posts. One of us is always checking!!! God Bless you!!!
Just wanted to let you and your family know that you are being prayed for. God bless you, becky and ethan has you go through everday and just take one day at a time. I know that God will walk with your through your fires and bring you through to the other side and you will be stronger people for it. God bless you this day and everyday.
Have you guys considered using http://www.caringbridge.org It is completely free and very helpful. I saw in the last update that the badwith is getting expensive and I thought that might help you a little. I have a friend who had a TBI and her mother still uses that site.
We are praying for you guys. God Bless!
I understand the fear and the anguish you and your family are feeling. in 1979, my wife and i had a little boy who was premature by 2 1/2 mo. he was so small, his head would rest on my finger tips and his legs would straddle my wrist at his knees. 2 1/2 lbs. his lungs were underdeveloped and they had to give him high consentration oxygen. (which back then, ment he would surely be blind if he survived at all.) he was not doing well on the formula that the hospital was giving him. the Dr suggested giving him breast milk; so my wife started pumping and freezing the milk to take to the hospital daily. even after gaining 1/2 lb, he only lived 15 days. we went through the same feelings and guilt that you guys are feeling now. the not knowing is the hardest part as you know, and you have to keep the faith and believe that god is working his will and it is out of your hands.
will pray for ethan and the family daily. in Christ, mike copeland.
I understand the fear and the anguish you and your family are feeling. in 1979, my wife and i had a little boy who was premature by 2 1/2 mo. he was so small, his head would rest on my finger tips and his legs would straddle my wrist at his knees. at 2 1/2 lbs, his lungs were underdeveloped and they had to give him high consentration oxygen. (which back then, ment he would surely be blind if he survived at all.) he was not doing well on the formula that the hospital was giving him. the Dr suggested giving him breast milk; so my wife started pumping and freezing the milk to take to the hospital daily. even after gaining 1/2 lb, he only lived 15 days. we went through the same feelings and guilt that you guys are feeling now. the not knowing is the hardest part as you know, and you have to keep the faith and believe that god is working his will and it is out of your hands.
will pray for ethan and the family daily. in Christ, mike copeland.
Our God is truly an AWSOME God!!! Your faith is truly astounding!! I received an email today about Ethan and have spent the last hour reading and praying. I know God will heal Ethan and has such a fantastic plan for his life and also for you and Becky. It is so great to see a beautiful young family so deeply rooted in God and their faith!!! It should be a lesson to us all. Thank you so much for pouring your heart out to us all, it has truly been a blessing and a reminder to me, PRAYER WORKS!!!! I will be checking on Ethan daily and praying constantly for your lovely family!! With all my love in Christ, Lacy
Your faith is amazing and an inspiration. Prayer DOES work and our family is praying for you and Ethan every day.
Hi, Ben:
Ethan has touched so many hearts. Many wonderful, caring individuals have been inspired to register on the National Bone Marrow Registry in hope of finding a perfect match for Ethan. On March 12, a bone marrow screening drive in Ethan’s honor took place at Bossier Parish Community College resulting in 267 who actually qualified and registered; in addition, about $2500 was donated to “Because I Care,” a non-profit organization that subsidizes the cost of labwork involved. This group also provides volunteers who conduct the drive itself.
Since then many people have continued to ask about how and where to register as a marrow donor. In response to this continuing interest, another screening drive in Ethan’s honor is scheduled Saturday, March 31 from 9am – 4pm in the Family Center gymnasium, University Church of Christ, 2045 E. 70th St., Shreveport, LA. This drive is also subsidized by “Because I Care” (Longview, TX).
Hello everybody, this is granddaddy–a letter to my son, but a letter to you also. I sit here in amazement as I read these messages because as a family member, I know “most” of the “whole story.” I know my son, Ben and I know his faith is real. I know my daughter-in-law, Becky and the incredible mom that she is–it’s unreal!. I know people like Judith in the message just above. She is a friend, a sister in Christ, and a cohort at work. But moreover, she is an angel! Our paths seldom cross, yet she has worked on the bone marrow drive as though she is a physical famiy member. Ethan has drawn me to visualize the love that so many of you have for people we hardly know or do not even know. I know of a friend from 40 years ago (and have not seen since) who has rededicated her life to Christ because she was afraid that she could not properly pray for Ethan without renewing her relationship with God. As a former teacher, I know of a student from 30 years ago who has reconnected with the family to offer prayers and services. I know of present student at the college who is on financial aid who sent of his financial resources to a child he doesn’t even know. I know of a group of students at the college who held a fundraiser to assist financially. Our home church, our church….I can’t even begin to say…I have new found friends like Jon Mark and Phil who who drove me miles across Arkansas and into Memphis with only a moment’s notice when I got stranded so that I could get back to my grandson for the suprise stem cell marrow test the next morning. I know of my cohorts at work who fill in without question in my absence while at Memphis. People I don’t even know know stop me on the street to tell me that they are praying for Ethan. I go to public meetings which end with, “Before we dismiss, let’s say a prayer for Ethan.” God bless the little children who pray for Ethan and remind their parents to do so. God bless the children who have used Ethan as their show and tell in the classrooms. God bless the teenagers who express their faith in their actions when there are so many other things that teenagers COULD be doing. God bless the senior citizens who drive miles in the dark and inclement weather as an act of kindness and service to serve the Lord on Ethan’s behalf. The civic organizations and churches that include Ethan as a part of their project of concern for prayer and concern is unbelievable. God has crossed denominational lines, racial lines, even lines of various religions to cause people to take action and know that He is real! Ben and Becky are wearing clothes–nice clothes that were given to them by total strangers becasue they fled to Memphis with just what they had on their backs. I am amazed at the news media who do not report merely on physical conditions but take the “risk” of talking about the power of prayer when it is not politically correct. I was touched by the checker in the Minden Wal Mart who stopped several lines to openly pray for Ethan when talking to my sister-in-law. I am amazed when a young married man went to my children’s home to work on the heating system and repaired it without charge to them because he wanted to do something for Ethan being too far away to help in other ways. I learned later that his wife was elated to tell her mom that, “We were able to help little Ethan with the central heat!”
I realize that as I deal with problems in life that normally would stress me, that my children, Ethan’s incredible parents, are taking care of that beautiful baby with such faith and strength! I thank God regularly for Becky’s parents and family who have been so focused on Ethan. I thank God for a wonderful relationship that that enables su to work together as such an incredible team. Jennifer, Becky’s sister, who wrote the song and her husband, Stacey who cannot visit Becky because their own family requires their attention give me strength all throughout the day with that beautifully inspiring song that they wrote and performed for Ethan’s website. Many people have told me that they are a better person–more spiritual because of Ethan’s illness; I know I am. I was so touched at the bone marrow drive where people I did not even know were taking time off work and their everyday activities to “give of themselves” for MY grandson. My heart almost bursts when I think that someone is willing to give part of their physical body, their bone marrow, to save Ethan’s life. People are actually praying to be that person–many I don’t even know. Words won’t come that I need to tell you how much I am longing for the day when Ethan and I can do the things that Granddads and Grandsons do and take for granted. Beleive me, nothing in Ethan’s life will I ever take for granted. I know God not only has great plans for him but He is using him even now. God bless St. Jude. They are wonderful! But we have to know that God worked in 1.6 million white blood cells already. God worked in Becky and Dr. Haney in Shreveport when Dr. Haney discovered that this perfectly beautiful, seemingly healthy baby had enough white blood cells for 8,000 full-grown adults. Medical science told us that he was at stroke level then, yet here we are almost two months later. God bless Dr. Haney for calling St. Jude on a regular basis in concern for our sweet baby boy. The response was incredible the night Ethan had only an hour of life if his fever did not break and 3,000 people began praying and calling others and now Ethan is sleeping peacefully this morning, two weeks later. You have told us that the things you see from the outside of our family is life-changing, believe me from the inside of the family it is inspiring too. Thank you for joining our family in this battle of faith. You increase my strength daily. There are so many of you who have done so much and I love and appreciate everyone of you. My life will NEVER be same. God bless you all!
In God’s Care,
Larry, Ben’s dad
Hi Ben, Becky and little Ethan,
I found out about precious Ethan from Karen Kingsbury’s website and I want you to know that I am praying daily for you and your family and I’m telling others about Ethan as well. Your blog and Ethan’s website have truly affected me in ways that I can’t even begin to understand! I truly believe that God has good plans for Ethan’s life (Jer. 29:11)!
Stay strong in the Lord!
Allison, Longview, Texas
I ordered a t-shirt this morning, Ben, & will wear it as much as possible to let people know about Ethan. I’m glad y’all are going to be able to take him to the apartment for a few days. How much does he weigh now? He looks plump in the videos & photos. Praying for him every day! Love, Mary Alice Poe
Ben, Becky, and Ethan,
How right you are when you shout “PRAYER WORKS”. I have seen the evidence of how prayer works and how our GOD is still in the business of producing miracles. If you get a chance, ask around St. Jude about another of GOD’s special miracles, Katelyn Atwell. Her story will amaze you…she was sent home on Christmas Eve, 1999, in a coma to die. Praise GOD, HE saw fit to bring her through it all. It has been a long road for her, but she is now a living, walking testimony to our GOD and HIS mercy and goodness. We are still getting updates on her through a prayer chain that I became involved with back in January 2000. Little Ethan is also on that prayer list. You just hang in there and keep the faith, and let GOD take care of everything else.
Love in Christ Jesus,
Dot Washington
Monroe, LA
Ben-
Just checking to see if you have any more info on the bone marrow match drives in Shreveport?
Thanks
Friday, March 30, 1:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m., North Caddo Medical Center in Vivian, Louisiana will be holding a bone marrow donor drive for Ethan Powell. Ethan is the 3 month old son of Ben and Becky Powell. He was diagnosed with leukemia at 8 weeks of age and was given a 15% chance of survival. Today, Ethan is fighting strong at St. Jude’s Medical Center preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Patients, that need a bone marrow transplant, have the best chance of finding a match through a sibling. Ethan is the Powell’s first child so the family is looking to friends as well as strangers to help save their baby’s life. One can be tested and registered on a national donor list by a quick swab of the mouth. This is all the test will involve on Friday, March 30. Ethan’s mom and dad are sharing their testimony of faith and asking for prayers through their website http://www.ethanpowell.com. The donor drive will be held at North Caddo Medical Center’s HealthPlex, 102 Industrial Drive, Vivian, Louisiana (next to Gesipa off of Hwy 1). If one is interested in giving a donation for the drive please contact Mary Murdock at North Caddo Medical Center or there is an account available at Citizens Bank and Trust.
Be the ONE to Save a Life
Bone Marrow Testing
Saturday, March 31, 2007
9:00am – 4:00pm
University Church of Christ
Family Center, Gymnasium
2045 E. 70th St.
Shreveport, LA 71105
Ben, Becky, and Ethan,
I just heard about your sweet little boy today on Love 89 Christian radio in Knoxville, TN. What an amazing faith you have!! Please know that myself and my two boys 11 and 9 will be praying for your family daily, and reading the updates. With God all things are possible! Our children are a true gift from Him.
May God continue to Bless your family,
Suzanne, Tyler and Keith
Ben and Becky,
I just wanted to let you know that my husband, Bryan, and I have been praying for Ethan everyday. The Lord is awesome, and thank you for sharing your lives so openly.
By His Grace,
Sarah
I just received an e-mail today about Ethan and found his website. You and your family – and especially little Ethan – are such an inspiration, I wanted to share some musical inspiriation with you. Mark Roach is the music director at our church, Morning Star in O’fallon Missouri. His music is a blessing to share – http://www.markroach.com Check out “surrounded” and remember, we are surrounded by His grace.
Blessings and prayers your way,
Lisa
HI MY NAME IS REGINA AND I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE TOUCHED MY HEART IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. MY MOTHER WAS MESSING AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND STILL TO THIS DAY IS NOT SURE HOW WE DISCOVERED ETHANS WEBSITE. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO REQUEST PRAYER AT OUR CHURCH ROSEDALE CHURCH OF GOD. “PRAYER WORKS” AND EVER SINCE I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS WEBSITE I HAVE LEARNED TO LEAN ON GOD AND TO HAVE FAITH. MY LITTLE SISTER WAS SICK LAST NIGHT SHE WAS RUNNING A FEVER OF 104.6 AND AS I WAS LAYING THERE WITH HER I LAYED MY HAND ON HER AND SIMPLY PRAYED THE PRAYER OF FAITH. I ALSO ASKED GOD THAT SHE GET A PEACEFUL NIGHTS SLEEP AND YOU KNOW WHAT? WHEN I WOKE UP HER FEVER WAS GONE AND IT IS 9:30AM AND SHE IS STILL SLEEPING . . . .GOD IS SO GOOD AND IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE WELL KNOW THAT WERE PRAYING AND WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY!! GOD BLESS!!
Theres work to do, deadlines to meet;
You’ve got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry
ASAP – Always Say A Prayer
In the midst of family chaos,
“Quality time” is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest
ASAP – Always Say A Prayer
It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather
ASAP – Always Say A Prayer
God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He’ll respond to all your needs
ASAP – Always Say A Prayer
Its like you said, prayer works and I am always saying a prayer for you and your family as well as Ethan.
Hey Ben and Becky! Just wanted to let you guys know we are praying for you daily. Thanks for keeping us so involved in Ethan’s daily battle. We miss y’all and can’t wait until you are able to come home with a healthy boy! We love you!
~Casey and Jeremy Aaron
Again I say THANK YOU so much for taking the time each day to give updates on sweet Ethan! I check everyday all day knowing you have written. PRAYER IS AWESOME and GOD IS AWESOME!!!! There is no other way to describe how much you are being prayed for!
Have a BLESSED day!!
Ben & Becky~
Just wanted you to know that we are still here in Indiana lifting Baby Ethan up in prayer. You all are doing an amazing job. God is GREAT all of the time. Bless you all,,,,
Jami Poore (Izak’s mommy)
http://www.caringbridge.com/visit/izakpoore
Hey brother. I haven’t left a comment here, but I’d like to have on record how amazed I am by both you and Becky. I love you both so much and I pray for you constantly. I writing this so everyone can know that you are really as you appear – amazing servants of faith!
just another prayer warrior who wanted to say – Prayer Works!!
Our prayers are with you and your wife everyday, but today especially. Love, the Ward Family
Ben,
A link to Ethan’s website was shared on a message board for Mom’s that I subscribe to.
I’ve seen the miracle of prayer heal my own sister of (ALL) leukemia, shortly after another sister had died in an accident.
I also know, God has His own purposes.
May God keep you in His Tender care.
Many prayers for your little Ethan, your wife and yourself.
Ben, Becky and my angel Ethan~ (I will get to this in a min.)
I wanted you to know that I have just learned about your story a few days ago. I am doing my best to be a diligent advocate for your family. I am a nurse, and I am around ya’lls age (25) with a set of 2yr old twins and a new born 2/2/07. My husband will be 30 May 14. I do have a bit of post partum depression, but I have been so touch by Ethan’s story. In the 3 days that I have known your story I have purchased 2 t-shirts and a bracelet. I have sent 3 letters to Oprah. The envelopes were decorated with Ethan’s picture and phrases like “Pray hard, because…prayer works. I also e-mailed the local news network. I have contacted the girl doing the donor drive close to my home town (Tupelo, MS drive) to see if I could be of help.
Like I said I am a nurse in labor and delivery and I wear a picture of Ethan by my name badge so that people will ask me who he is and I can tell them your story and ask them to pray for his victory in the fight against leukemia. I have notified all of my co-workers and Physicians. They have all agreed to support your family in prayer. I live approx an hour and twenty-min. away from st. jude’s and I am offering my up stairs of my house to any of your family, if they cannot foot the cost of a hotel. Feel free to contact me by e-mail if you need anything. Again, as a nurse I feel it is my duty to lend a helping hand in your time of need, althouhg I am not directly associated with your sons care. Be assured that I think of him several times aday. I tell everyone he is my angel and please pray for him. I love you and will be here for you if you need me.
Love in Christ,
Samantha M.
I left my computer yesterday and went into a quiet room at work and prayed and cried and prayed and cried for Ethan until I felt that I had said everything I needed to say to God. I couldn’t stop crying because I knew as I was praying that I was only one of probably thousands who were praying at the same time. Now, I’m in tears again because I see the fruit of our prayers. God is good and I believe that Ethan will be fine. Someday, maybe when he’s 12, and running around playing baseball, we can tell him about the community of believers who loved him and prayed him through. That day will surely come. I’m grateful, and I, like the thousands of others will pray until he’s well. I love you guys. Stay strong. Believe or not, your unwavering faith encourages us to never stop believing. With all my love,
Jennifer Rucker
Sycamore View Church of Christ
I heard about Ethan’s story on the news and immediately began to pray. I have done this for Ethan and the rest of your family ever since. I know God is watching over all of you and he will take care of Ethan.
Prayers Do Work,
Stacey Alvarez
I have been following Ethan’s progress since it was brought to my attention back in April. I pray everyday for a full recovery and check Ethan’s site a few times a day to see how he is doing. I strongly believe that prayer works and the more we join hands and pray, the louder we become. Your beautiful family has touched my heart and will forever be in my prayers. Peace be with you.
~Leslie Johnson~
Hi ben, becky, and little “e” I wanted to let you know that I BELIEVE. I BELIEVE that ethan will soon be a normal child. Your cells are engrafting. I BELIEVE that GOD put ethan on this earth not only to bring you and becky joy but to show the world the cure that we have all been waiting desperately to find. I have followed ethans progress for the past couple of months and just recently read back from day one! It is imaginable the ups and downs that you 3 have had to go through. Just remember that everyone is praying for you because PRAYER WORKS!!
I pray for your son to be healed, and share his story with others so they can pray for Ethan as well. A friend of mine is having a benefit concert Saturday January 12,2008 for Ethan.
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Ben – I know you have not updated this site in a long time but I just had to try to reach out to you. Tears have been falling in Connecticut for the past 24+ hours at the news that precious Ethan has gone home. But even with a broken heart, I still BeLIeVe! I BeLIeVe in everything that Ethan (and you and Becky) have taught me so well in the past 14 months. Now my prayers are for you. That you have the strength to endure the worst of times and carry on in your fights against childhood cancer. I hope you feel the collective prayers of the millions who have been touched by Ethan. He reach has been so wide and his healing power continues. Godspeed, April
Hi Ben,
I’ve written to you, Becky, and Ethan many times over the last year since I started praying for little Ethan. What a miracle and a blessing he has been. I am absolutely devastated that he has gone to Heaven so soon. I’ve been crying since I heard the news. I know you are saying to yourself, who is this crazy person who keeps emailing me that I don’t even know? I am a mommy of two (a 3 yr. old and an 8 month old), wife, and teacher. Ethan’s fight brought me back to my faith. I will continue to pray always. May God give you the strength to breathe deeply again without that agonizing feeling in the bottom of your chest. May you somehow find comfort in Ethan’s peace and knowing he is playing all over Heaven with the health and freedom he did not always have here on Earth due to leukemia.
May God help carry you through this unimaginably difficult time.
Love,
Kristin Talty
Ben and Becky,
I don’t know either of you personally, but wish to thank you for sharing Ethan’s life through your post on Ethan’s website. I got connected through a prayer request and followed ya’ll’s story every day. My prayer now is for both of you. I know that God is with you and I BeLIeve that with God you will find strength you need to fight this horrible disease. I saw such great devotion and faith through your love of Ethan and never wavering faith in God. We are all truly blessed to have had you share all of this with us. I still visit ethanpowell.com everyday and find myself a little worried when there is no new post. I pray that God will bless Ethan’s foundation and that you will put an end to this cancer. I watched in amazement the counter rising from thousands to millions to check on Ethan and you guys and that itself is a miracle that so many people reached out to God and to you. Please keep up all of the good work you are doing and know that people deeply care for you and Becky. I pray that God will give you the courage to fight leukemia with all that you can. In Jesus name.
Mr. Powell,
If you visit the above website I think you will find that we have way too much in common. I have some things I would like to share with you. We need not communicate back and forth. If you feel more comfortable without exchanging information and wouldn’t mind reading about my family and our walk through the valley of the shadow of death at your leisure I can send you a few things. I cannot help you. I am more than aware of that. I wish I could. But I can share with you some things that have helped us. There is nothing more hurtful than unfulfilled expectations. I am aware of this. I will say no more here. Please contact me at the email address given if you don’t care to talk.
ed russell
Hello Ben and Becky,
You do not know me, but I feel I have known you for a lifetime. I have lived and felt your joys and unimagineable grief over your sweet little angel, almost since the beggining of his illness. I have prayed alongside my extended family for you and for your family.. for peace and for comfort and healing of your physical, emotional, and spiritual beings.
I dont want to take up any more of your precious time, I just wanted to let you know that you still have a prayer team in Phoenix Arizona who hasn’t forgotten you and is still praying for you.
With all our Love Sherry Ryan and Pam Hammon and families
j
Sorry that J was jsut a test to see if this would work.
Im Elesha and I read your last personal blog and that you were going to be posting somewere else. Is this the place?
I would like to hear what you have to say and hopefelly see you turn a corner in your grief. I have a feeling a lot of things are going on in your life other than the terrible loss of your son. Please let us know youare ok
Elesha
My heart and my prayers are still with your family. I am also curious if you are still blogging, Ben and if so, where we might go to find it?
Ethan impacted my life in a major way and I know I am a better person because of him.
Blessings to you!
You do not know me but I learned of Ethan through his Caring Bridge site. Still praying for you and your family. Ethan was a precious gift from God and I know you miss him. Is this the only website you have with your family updates? I would like to be able to see how you all are doing from time to time.
God Bless.
Kelly
I am sure you don’t come here anymore, but I want you to know I think about you often and have tried several times to find out something about you or Becky on the net. I have a son born the same time as Ethan and there is not a holliday or birthday I don’t ache for your loss. I would like to think there was a happy ending to your story. I just wanted you to know you didn’t fall off my radar.
Ben, You have continued to be in my prayers. How are you doing?
You and Becky are in my heart forever. I pray that each day brings you a little happiness.
You and Becky are still in my prayers. I prayed for your family all through high school and mourned with your loss. I know we’ve never met, but your faith has truly strengthened mine.
Just want you to know that I think of you and Becky often. I hope you find peace and one day are able to smile.
12-08-09
We have not forgotten about Ethan, and we know Ethan would not want us to forget about his mommy and daddy. There are people still praying for you. Please take a moment to let us know how you and Becky are. God is with you.As Christ calmed the wind and the waves may He Bless You through your storm.
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