9 Jul 2010

Support for Friend with Testicular Cancer

Fred Knott and FamilyFriends -

I would like to bring your attention to a friend and good man that is in need of some support at a difficult time in his life.

My friend, Fred Knott, defeated testicular cancer 10 years ago, but recently was diagnosed with a recurrence of the cancer.  The treatment plan is intensive and very costly, especially since his health care provider has denied coverage, claiming pre existing conditions. Through the Mercy of God I believe that Fred has the strength to fight this disease, as well as the daunting treatment plan, and come out in better health and stronger than ever.  I am asking for a show of support and love for this man that is an incredible father to three girls, a devoted husband, and a great friend.

Friends and family of the Knotts are hosting FEARNOTFEST, an event to raise money to help offset expenses like lost wages, medical bills and other costs associated with this health crisis.  FEARNOTFEST will take place on July 16th, 2010.

Please join us in our support of the Knott family by visiting http://fearnotfest.blogspot.com to make a donation and follow Fred’s recovery story at the Fred Knott Update Page on Facebook developed to share updates and inspiration.

Any assistance you are willing to provide to help us raise funds for this worth cause would be greatly appreciated by those of us organizing the event and especially by the Knott family.  Please Email Me if I can answer any questions.

Kind regards,
Jonesy

27 Aug 2009

Encouragement from Open Chair

I had received some awesome encouragement during men’s group and wanted to give an old-fashioned praise report.  We were discussing Job and as we tend to get sometimes intense and not always careful on our volume.  A man walked up and asked if we had an open chair to which few of answered, yes.  He introduced himself as Frank and explained that his family was in the car, but wanted to join us and asked the time and interval we met.  It was really encouraging to have some confirmation that this group could have a positive influence on others, but also that our often loud moments discussing scripture where not offensive.

Saturday Mornings with the Guys

My old men’s group got back together for the first time in 11 months on Saturday, August 15th after I stepped down from leadership of the group.  We decided to meet at the location where the group was meeting 5 years ago when I first joined, Panera Bread in Oswego.  It was an encouraging seeing 10 of the 15 guys I invited showed up to get this started once again.  This group of men has been through ups and downs and has come back together as though we were always there and had never stopped. I realized this group had really become more than a bunch of guys who meet to discuss the topic of the week or because a church encouraged us to meet regularly to experience community.  We are a group of men from many different churches, if we attend at all, that has and is experiencing real community and not a pulpit buzzword. We have actually grown into each other’s lives and dare I say it have grown to be brothers.

I am looking forward to the early Saturday mornings, once again.