From Intercontinental Church of God Website:

Greetings to all the church on behalf of the Area Coordinators of the Intercontinental Church of God,

Following many phone calls, the updates from Mark Armstrong, and the worsening condition of Mr. Armstrong, we all collectively felt it imperative to send this urgent message and request.

By now you have probably read the update on the condition of Mr. Armstrong. As Mark stated in his e-mail to the church, “His heart is beating too fast and he is in grave danger.". We also received another e-mail late tonight from Tom Griffith stating, " I just finished a long phone conversation with Mark (Armstrong) and received a very grave picture of Mr. Armstrong's condition in ICU. The doctor has told them that he may not pull through this and that they should "prepare the family for the worst."

We know all of you have been fervent in prayer during these past weeks, and many have privately fasted for Mr. Armstrong's condition. But the time has come that it is needed to call for a collective day of prayer and fasting. Time is of the utmost importance. We are asking that you read this information to your congregations tomorrow and ask if it be at all possible to begin the fast on Sunset at the close of the Sabbath for a 24 hour period. ( Sat. Sept. 13, 2003) We also know and understand that this may not be possible in everyone's situation. Particularly those with their own health problems, or individuals who may be facing situations that may prohibit a fast. If you are not able to fast at this time we are simply asking that each person go to God as fervently and sincerely as possible, so that we as one voice, as His spiritual organism be heard. And that God will grant our petition for his healing.

The scriptures are filled with numerous examples of God's intervention on behalf of His people. There is no reason to believe that He will not intervene now. James 5:15 states, "And the prayer of faith will save the sick". One last thing; before you leave to go to your respective homes this Sabbath, please come together and close out the day in a prayer  that God would grant His healing and mercy upon Mr. Armstrong, Mrs. Armstrong, his family and this church, and that He honor our fast and grant a quick recovery.

Many thanks in advance on behalf of the church for all you do each and every week. We know that mark will keep us posted as we go forward. 

In Jesus name

The Area Coordinators if the ICG

9/12/2003

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From Mark Armstrong:

Today is Tues. Sept. 9, and I think it is necessary that I send an update now about my Dad's situation.

He is still in the hospital, and though we have seen positive signs in regard to the clearing of his lungs and a gradual regaining of strength, I feel that I must now communicate with you again.

His strength is not returning as rapidly as we hoped it would in the days following his release from intensive care.  He has a very painful sore throat, and though his voice returned to near normal for a few days, he is speaking very quietly and only when necessary because of that. The biggest concern now is that the progression toward a return of his strength seems to have slowed.  He is very weak, and tests are being conducted to try to determine why his progress has slowed.  Our family has prayed that God would guide the doctors to do only the right things to assist his recovery, but realize that ultimately only God can truly provide the help and healing he needs.

I'm very disappointed that we have not seen the rapid progress toward leaving the hospital and returning home that I confidently predicted only last Friday.  I believe that the lack of progress demands this interim update both to inform all of you who love and need him, and to ask for your fervent prayers on his behalf.  He remains stable, alert and cogent.  I'm spending all night every night at his side to attend to his needs, and my mom is with him now and all day every day.  He is incredibly precious to us as I know he is to all of you, and I ask that all of you who love him pray that God will relieve his pains and give him the healing he needs.

I know I've not shared every detail or satisfied every speculation.  I can only report what I know for sure, and at the same time respect my parents' wishes for a certain degree of privacy.  The great Creator God knows our needs, and demands our faith.  That is how we intend to proceed. Thank you all again for your love and concern.  I will do everything within my power to care for and encourage him as will my mom. We greatly appreciate the prayers that are going up, and believe in their power.

Our most sincere thanks to all of you,
Mark Armstrong

9/9/2003

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