Sep
13
2009
He’s Back!
My dad went back into surgery this morning around 9:30. We were told last night that it didn’t look good–about a 20% chance of making it through. So you can imagine just how remarkably surprised we were when he came out of surgery at 2:30 this afternoon. The fact that he made it through is a miracle in and of itself.
Tonight he opened his eyes for the first time in a week. He remains in critical condition as he recovers in ICU. The next few days are crucial. Please keep praying.
This has been an emotional week for all of us. We are so grateful to be surrounded by so many friends who love and care for our family. Isn’t the Body of Christ a wonderful gift from God?
I echo what my wife Kim wrote on her Facebook page earlier this evening:
Praising God!! Stephan’s surgery was a great success today! Thank you so, so, so much for your prayers…it will still take all of you these next few days and weeks to keep praying him through this recovery process! Thank you for caring so much for him and our family!
31 Comments
What a day; from great worship, to standing ovations, to text messaging in the middle of a heartfelt and well delivered sermon, to this great update. Thank you for allowing all of us entry into your world at a most vulnerable time…and thank you Jesus for your grace that gives and sustains life! It is in your name that we give thanks for this great news, and continue to pray on behalf of this beloved Pastor/ brother, and his family.
Dear Pastor,
This weekend has been emotional, remembering my dads passing three years ago, I’m so glad I can help you in prayer for your dad.
I feel as if I have grown through knowing you and CRPC. When we get to heaven we will have some stories to swap.
thanks for keeping us informed,
I am so glad for you, our God is a miracle working God. I’ve felt very close to Him this weekend.
the bible says pray without ceasing, I will continue as I go and keep you and yours in mind.
Paul
It is our delight and our privilege to pray [and to continue to pray] for “Dr. T” and for you, our beloved pastor, and for Kim and your children.
The LORD is to be praised! His ears are attentive to our prayers, having compassion, grace and unending love for His saints! His will is being carried out moment by moment, and He is glorifying Himself through it all!He is also strengthening each one of us as these things are played out, ‘working all things for our good and His glory.’ ‘Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bares our burdens.’
One questionable thing: texting during the sermon? I think our full attention needs to be on hearing the Word of God, or am I too old fashioned? Let us put away all things and give heed to the preaching of the Word of God. Hebrews 2:1
Craig Damanti
Easley, SC
What marvelous news! I woke often last night, and each time prayed for Dr. Tchividjian and for you all. Thank you for posting this gift of God. May this be the first of many more miraculous mornigs for Dr. Tchividjian!
Craig, I was not texting during the sermon. Becasue my dad was in surgery while I was preaching and we were told that he might not make it out, I told the congregation that I was leaving my phone on so that if he passed away in surgery, my wife would be able to get a hold of me immediately. My brother texted me during the message to let me know he was OK.
Pastor T, I never imagined that you were texting as you preached. It sounded as if there was just some routine texting going on by others as they listened, on other matters. Now that you have explained the context, I understand. My apologies to all. Once again, this is great news about your dad, and we continue to pray.
Craig Damanti
Easley, SC
“texting during the sermon”… #317 on my list of grievances.
That is great news that his father is pulling through, it is terrible to worry about losing a parent. My father has been in the advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease for many years now, and both of my parents are suffering because of the effects of the disease in different ways. Many times we thought we may lose him. It is a hard roller coaster of emotions.
I was actually very surprised considering the severity of the situation, Pastor T. was preaching yesterday at all. I think everyone would have understood if he chose to not be there and be with his family.
Tullian, I am a friend of your Dad’s who now lives in Philadelphia. Just found out about your blog. I was thrilled to hear the news about your Dad. Positive thoughts and lots of prayers are with Dr T and your family.
Thanks for the updates.
Mary Pat McCarthy
Chaddsford, PA
Wow…what did I start here? Sorry Tullian, or as my kids would say…’Dude!’
Nan- You are the only one who voiced the accurate observation of our Pastor preaching yesterday. I actually commended him in another post for setting such a great example, but I was a bit ambiguous in my delivery. Thank you for acknowledging that which I think sadly can be overlooked. You are so right…most would not have been there under the circumstances. Bless you for your sensitive heart.
And bless you Pastor for the sacrificial display of faithfulness to God and His church that we all witnessed yesterday by your willingness to serve. Larry and I are so charged to be in the New Members class, as we seek God to find our place within the body of believer’s at CRPC.
DUDE! …you’re awesome…Kim too
We will continue to keep your father in our prayers that God will guide him through a complete recovery.
I really enjoyed yesterday’s sermon, last week’s women’s Bible study, and the positive energy in the church. I hope that nothing will stand in the way of what feels like an incredible renaissance at CRPC.
Pastor (your dad & family)
we up here are cheering God for the victory He has won!
An eternal and glorious victory worthy of His Holy Name!!!!!!!!!!
the HCC crew
Our God is truly a God for whom nothing is impossible. It’s so awesome what we’ve seen the Lord do in your dad’s life in the past week. I’ll continue to keep your dad in prayer for a complete recovery.
And I agree with Nan and Robin … I know how difficult it must have been for you to be at church yesterday to preach rather than with your family at the hospital. But already I have heard so many instances of how the Lord used that message in people’s lives. God is going to honor your sacrifice abundantly, I know.
Not to belabor the misunderstood “texting” thread
, but I’ve read of churches who are “twittering” during the sermons now. It’s actually a part of the service with the “tweets” posted on the screens. Guess that won’t be something we’ll be seeing at CRPC. LOL.
So, I’m wondering where “twittering” during the sermon falls on Aram’s list of grievances?
#318…I’m sure of it Sheryl!
Tullian,
We in the Templeton family are all praying for you and your Dad’s recovery as well. I think texting to see if you’re Dad is an awesome thing and I would do the same thing were I in your position. We are to honor the state of our fathers and mothers. When they are in dire straits healthwise we need to have their status with us at all times. I praise you Tullian for never wavering from being at your Dad’s side (even when you’re preaching)when the time called. It is an example that we all could take from.
Praising our gracious God for answered prayers! We continue to come before His throne of grace as we pray scriptually on behalf of your dad and your family. Thank you for your continued faithfulness in preaching the word of God.
He’s in great company (“He’s back!”) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I’ll be back” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8I4zFSipKs), and General MacArthur, “I shall return” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2QyfnUsahc). Of course, nobody does “the Return” better than Christ, “I am coming” (sorry, no video for that one).
Come, Lord Jesus!!
Thank God for the praise report. God is soooo gracious and merciful. We are so thankful that your dad made it out of surgery. It is truly a miracle. I love that! God is in the business of doing the impossible. Our God who parted the Red Sea; gave them the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night is the same yesterday, today and forever!! I stand in awe of Him!! We are continuing to pray that your dad will recover… We are asking God to heal him and that many will come to know Jesus through this powerful testimony of His mercy and love towards your dad and family. Looking forward to the next update. Thank you Pastor T for your love for the Lord. It is evident in your teaching!! Your respect and enthusiasm for His Word is contagious..We are continuing to lift up you and your whole family in prayer. blessings brother!!!
We are all praising God that your father made it through that grueling surgery and will continue to pray that he strengthens and that his body accepts the transplant. I am also amazed by your faithfullness. Most church members would have completely understood you taking the day off to be at the hospital. You turned would could have been time worrying and fretting into a powerful message from the heart. I could feel the comfort God has given you through all this turmoil! Your family is experiencing an unbelievable trial and I admire the gracious way you have handled persecution from fellow believers.
I don’t remember if you said it in your sermon or if I read it in your blog, but you said you need your dad around a little longer. I’ll pray your prayer is answered.
Many more blessings,
Andrea Francke
Hi Pastor Tullian, I’m a missionary in Nicaragua working with an orphanage and surfers on mission. It was just recently that I heard about you from a friend who has been playing your messages on his ipod. We have really enjoyed your messages on Jonah. I was touched by your blog concerning your dad. I’ll be praying for him and your family. I read that you love surfing. We have incredible surf here and if you ever want or need to get away, you’re welcome here anytime. God bless Mark Randall
A portion of this week’s wonderful study by Jim and Becky Dietz for Women of the Word leaped out to me. Ezra chapters 9 and 10. Ezra was lamenting to God the sinful practices of the people of Israel. Shecaniah encouraged his leader Ezra to be bold and hopeful, saying “Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act” (Ezra 10:4).
Dear Pastor Tullian, we are and will be with you and the session. We bring you, your family, the church before the throne of Almighty God in prayer.
Pat Marsheck
Our family continues to pray for Stephan’s health and all of your family’s well-being. May you all experience His rich love and comfort during these difficult days. I am thankful to our Great Physician who is reigning from high even now. God’s rich blessings upon you, Lynna Runge
Praying for you, your family and your precious dad that you will know His presence and know you are treasured by God.(Daniel 10:19)
Praying.
I was in tears on Sunday. God has performed so many miracles lately. Your dad is such a Godly man and God brought him through the surgery that seemed impossible. This is much like you being called to CRPC. It seemed impossible to the world’s eyes and even the expert’s eyes, but in God’s eyes nothing is impossible. He is the great “I am”. Your service on Sunday was so powerful. I believe God is building our local church and is doing some very powerful things. Look at the attendance at worship, bible studies, and new members class. Our family continues to pray for you and Kim and your precious family. You have gone through the fire, but as I told your sister you seem to have a strength now that was not as strong as just a few months ago. That is the work of God!!!!!
Tillian , I worked under your Dad at First Baptist for about 15 years with Life Mangerment, what
a rewarding expericing. My prayers are with you and your family. I hope to be able to hear you proclaim
the Word of God. Your Dad so loves his children. I have no idea if you will receive this or not I
am sure what I am doing. God Bless You as your Dad would say one day my son will proclaim the
words of Christ.
Chris Reed
ReedGrandmama@aol.com
Tullian, I am part of College Church in Wheaton and was looking forward to our time with you. Sorry to hear about the challenges of your dad. I met him in 1962 when he was assisting us as a Youth for Christ Teen Team in Switzerland. We were doing youth evangelism throughout Europe. Stephan was with us nonstop for the three weeks as we did street meetings, school assemblies, and many other venues. He translated for us, encouraged us, as well as ,along with your grandfather, constantly opened more opportunities for us to reach youth for Christ. I do not remember all of the details of our time with your dad and family, but I know that it was one of the most significant aspects of the entire trip. I have thought of Stephan many times through the years as I spent 20+ years in YFC and later Moody. I am grateful for him. I am sure he never knew the impact he was having on those who have observed his life of generosity and commitment. I saw both of these characteristics in him and thank the Lord for how it made an impact on my young life and future ministry. We will continue to pray for you all as you see His hand of direction through it all.
Dear Pastor,
Please keep us updated on your father’s condition. We continue to thank God for his coming through the surgery. We pray continually also for his restoration to health.
Tullian,
I thought about e mailing you about my latest post to your blog and apologizing for my lighthearted comments during such a sobering time in your life but my wife encouraged me to reconsider and make my apology public as my comments were public. She was right. Sorry for my insensitivity.
I am praying for your father (as is my family), and Kim and your kids as we approach this Sunday’s meeting. I still look forward to meeting them. Isn’t God’s timing “interesting”. As if you had enough stress in your life! But then, God is sovereign, and as Corrie Ten Boom used as an illustration, life looks like the back of a tapestry (at least at the moment of trial), but God sees the beauty of the entire masterpiece always. I remember as a youngster, watching my mother work on her tapestries. What senselessness! Colors ended with no clear purpose. How good to know God not only knows where the colors lead but is working from the completed eternal work.
One thing that has comforted me during these last weeks of ecclesiastical stress has been knowing that God is sovereign, even over the sinfulness (including and especially my own) of men. I’m often tempted to think that man’s sin is wrecking God’s plan for me. And yet, God makes “all things work together for good”, even the sinfulness of the world and the church. Hallelujah!
Looking forward to worshiping with you during the next few weeks in particular. I know I posted this before but I think it worthwhile to be reminded of it.
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
to serve the King of kings.
2. Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
and end the night of wrong.
3. Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
her strength unequal to her task;
rise up, and make her great!
4. Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where his feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
rise up, O men of God!
Dick Epps:
I just wanted to say that it was really great to read your post, as it gave great insight into the person and early ministry of Mr. Tchvidjian. I know that many are praying who have never had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Tullian’s father, so thank you again for adding the heart to the name, I was not surprised, but deeply touched. -Robin Revier