Category: Prayer & Updates

Last week, we asked for prayers for Lexie, who had come through an operation to remove a brain tumor. The surgeon had expressed concern that after the operation she might have to learn to walk again. However she is able to walk, and currently is resting and recovering slowly. The diagnosis is stage four metastatic melanoma, which will require constant monitoring and corresponding treatment. Lexie is remaining positive and realistic, knowing her life is in God’s hands. Thank you for your continuing prayers for Lexie, Mark and the family—they are much appreciated.

Cards may be sent to:

Mark and Lexie Ellis

27 Oppermann Drive

Ormeau, Qld, Australia 4208

We are greatly saddened to learn that Michael Ted Persky, son of GCI Dallas pastor Bob Persky and his wife Kay, died on April 7. Ted, who graduated from Ambassador University, Big Sandy, in 1994, was living with his parents in Dallas. They were in the process of purchasing a larger home together, so that Ted’s children would have more room when they came for visits.

Bob reported that Ted had not been feeling well, and everyone had encouraged him to get things checked out. Plans had been made to go to the hospital the morning of April 7. Early that morning when Bob went to see if Ted was getting ready, he found his son lying on the floor. Emergency workers indicated that Ted had passed away at least four hours earlier.

Please pray for Bob and Kay and for their whole family, including Ted’s daughter Hannah (age 6), his son Blake (age 4), and his brothers.

Ted’s funeral is scheduled for April 10 in Justin, Texas.

Cards may be sent to:

Bob & Kay Persky

118 Hummingbird Lane

Justin, TX 76247-5806

As reported in an earlier prayer update, LaVerne Wyatt-Paige, wife of GCI Phoenix pastor Michael Wyatt-Paige, has been battling cancer. Though she had shown remarkable improvement, she has recently taken a turn for the worse and was moved into hospice care a few days ago. She is no longer strong enough to take liquid orally. Michael reports that she may not survive more than a few days. Their two children are with their mother in Phoenix now. Please pray for LaVerne and the entire family.

Cards may be sent to:

Michael Wyatt-Paige

1928 E Highland Ave #104 PMB 200

Phoenix, AZ 85016-4626

Last week we asked for prayers for Lexie, who is battling cancer. Since that request, she had a long operation to remove a brain tumor. She spent the night under close supervision in intensive care. The surgeon has told her that, while they have successfully removed the tumor, it was not the primary cancer, which means that the melanoma is still in her system. At this time, they are not able to diagnose the primary source. So Lexie is left waiting for a more complete prognosis, and is not feeling well following the surgery. Please continue to pray for her.

Jerry Backhus, who pastors GCI’s congregation in Hillsdale, New Jersey submitted this prayer request for his wife Joan Backhus.

Joan has been hospitalized at Sloan Kettering in New York City where she is undergoing tests to determine if her cancer has become active again. She is also being treated for fluid retention. Thank you for prayer on her behalf.

Cards may be sent to:

Jerry and Joan Backhus

501 Russell Avenue

Wyckoff, New Jersey 07481

This prayer update is from GCI pastor and district pastor Mike Horchak. It provides a follow up to the request made last week.

The results of Pam’s MRI revealed that the cause of her debilitating pain is a severely herniated disc in her lower neck compressing the spinal cord and surrounding nerves with some degeneration of the spine in that area. She still has a good deal of discomfort and will be receiving chiropractic care and physical therapy in an attempt to avoid surgery. Though the disc situation is quite painful, we are grateful that her problem is not life-threatening, as once feared.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of love and prayer that we have experienced during this time of need. The support was so comforting and encouraging in every way. The body of Christ truly is the conduit by which Jesus can share his love and compassion with us.

Cards may be sent to:

Mike and Pam Horchak

41120 Adelle Dr

Hammond, LA 70403-7539

Lexie Ellis, wife of retired pastor Mark Ellis in Australia (and sister of John McLean), has just been diagnosed with a tumor on the brain. After days of feeling unwell, she was admitted to hospital for tests, which have shown the tumor. The surgeon says it looks like melanoma, and she is on a waiting list for an operation. She has had battles with breast cancer and melanoma in recent times and was clear for 18 months, and she and Mark would much appreciate your prayers.

GCI district pastor Mike Horchak requests prayer for his wife Pam. She has not been feeling well for several weeks, and has grown progressively worse. She is experiencing back pain in her upper left back along with swelling and pain in her left breast. Her mother died just 15 months ago due to a spinal tumor that produced similar symptoms. Pam will be having an MRI soon. Please keep her, Mike and their two children in your prayers—they all are deeply concerned.

Cards may be sent to:

Mike and Pam Horchak

41120 Adelle Dr

Hammond, LA 70403-7539

Last July, LaVerne Wyatt-Paige, wife of Michael who pastors the GCI church in Phoenix, Arizona, had a medical emergency (click here for the earlier report). While doing tests, the medical staff determined that she had advanced breast and brain cancer. Surgery was performed to remove as much of the brain tumor a possible and she began a regimen of chemotherapy and radiation. Her health has continued to decline to the point of unconsciousness about two weeks ago. The doctors informed Michael that La Verne had “hours or days to live.” Prayers when out and after a few days she returned to consciousness, began to speak, regained her sense of humor, eventually began to eat and after a few days was dismissed from the hospital to a care facility for continued recovery.

God has intervened in LaVerne’s life. For that we are extremely grateful! Thank you for your ongoing prayers for her complete recovery.

Cards may be sent to:

Mrs. LaVerne Wyatt-Paige

1928 E Highland Ave #104 PMB 200

Phoenix, AZ 85016-4626

On March 15, GCI member Dr. John Biswas, who directs the Bengali Evangelical Association (BEA), will be leaving on a mission trip to Bangladesh. There is much chaos and political unrest there and so he asks for prayer concerning his safety and for open doors for the advance of the gospel.