Church family,
The Lord seems to be forming patience and a call to endure in us. This time of uncertainty beckons us to either trust in the Lord, His goodness and His timing or slip into paralyzing anxiety. Throughout the scriptures we read about Spirit-filled courage and a solid trust in the goodness of our God. David writes in Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Please know that as we pray for Matt in this season we are also praying that the Lord be near to you.
Matt will start in-patient rehab on Wednesday, which will include speech, occupational and physical therapy, and will extend his hospital stay between one to two weeks.
His recovery will take longer than originally anticipated, but everyone is encouraged by his daily progress.
The pathology report of Matt’s tumor is still not available from Dr. Barnett. We will continue to provide updates as information is made available; please be patient because updates may not be daily.
Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for him, Lauren and the kids. If you want to send the Chandlers a card, please send it to 2101 Justin Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Your prayers and written notes are encouraging to the family.
Praying in Phoenix.
Praying in Shreveport. I listened to Matt preach when I was a kid in ministry. His intensity pushed me to love God more and preach with greater passion. What a Man of God!
Love your church, your staff and the heart for God that seems to flow continually in whoever is speaking. We listen to podcasts every week and have enjoyed them and been challenged by them over the past year. Now as Matt, Lauren, the kids and your entire family faces this challenge, please know there are friends in Myrtle Beach, SC praying and lifting you up daily.
Praying for you and your family Matt. You are an inspiration to me.
Praying in Oklahoma City. Several members of our Sunday School class have adult children who attend Village and have passed on this prayer request.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m praying without ceasing. Thank you for the updates. It helps to know how to specifically pray.
My heart was touched by Matt´s video. I am serving the Lord in Chile sent from my church in Canada since 1987. I am praying for Matt´s soon recovery and for strenght for his family, taking them to my heart even though I don´t know them personally, as if I knew them all my life. We are one in Christ.
Pastor Maria T. Iglesias
COC Chile
I will continue to pray for the family! I think I’ll send a card today too! I am extremely BLESSED by reading/watching their faith in action! God is being glorified!
Praying in West Columbia, SC! Jesus is enough!
Hey here in the Grapevine-Colleyville area my family has you in our prayers.Some friends and I went to opening day of the new church and it was awesome you guys did a good job on everything.I hope you get better soon so you can come celebrate with us in person.
Praying from the Domimicam Republic.I’ve heard some of his sermons and has been a great blessing.Hoping that God will recover him and restore him to his ministry.Rom 8:28-33
Lifting Matt and family before the throne with several others here in New York.
Praying in Laurel, MD.
Victory Staff is praying for your total healing and lifting up your family. We watched your video at our All Staff Devotions yesterday. You have inspired us.
Praying in Socal . . .
[...] This is the latest from the team at the Village… [...]
Hello,
We are praying for you Matt. My husband had a brain tumor removed 7/2008. God is faithful!! We are seeing continued healing everyday just as you will. We serve an awesome God, with whom nothing is impossible. We will be praying for your family too Matt!!
Jeremiah 30:17 (New King James Version)
17 For I will restore health to you
And heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD,
Praying in Highland, IN. I know Matt via podcasts. Thanks for updates.
Praying in Columbia, MO.
Praying in Anson, Texas..
We’re praying in Seattle, WA. Members at Mars Hill.
Many at Faith Baptist in Youngsville, NC are praying in the name of Jesus for Matt & family.
God is holding you in His mighty hand of healing, Matt. I pray for your whole congregation during this time. Your video was awesomely inspiring. Visited once with daughter and son-in-law. Loved it. Praying for your FULL recovery in Des Moines, Iowa.
Praying in Hanwell, New Brunswick, Canada.
[...] UPDATE – 9 Dec. 2009: Matt will be in the hospital for a few weeks. Please send him a card C/O The Village Church 2101 Justin Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028 December 6th, 2009 | Tags: Chandler, faith, Matt, Matt Chandler, pastor, seizure, surgery, trust, witness | Category: Faithful Shepherds [...]
praying in Florida. Jesus IS enough.
Praying in Cypress,TX.
Praying for you in Perth, Western Australia. Trusting that God’s work for you on earth is not yet finished.
Praying for Chandler family and The Village Body. Your pastor and church has been an incredible blessing to ours. From Lynchburg, VA
Praying in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Matt’s sermons really help me see Jesus and the glory of God.
Praying hard from Louisville with my Sojourn Church brothers and sisters.
Praying out here in Arizona.
Matt’s sermons have made my hour and a half commute a joy over the past months. Several weeks ago, God began to lead me to use that time in prayer, and so I put away the IPod for a bit. Now, once again, Matt, and now his family as well, is a big part of my morning. Praying in Laingsburg, MI
I am from Venezuela and I am praying for Pastor Matt
We serve a great God.
Praying for you and your family here in Sydney. You have been encouraging and challenging myself since you spoke at the Engage conference earlier this year. May God heal you but more importantly may God be glorified in these circumstances.
Praying from Australia. May God be glorified in all!
Praying for you here in Wheat Ridge, CO. (Covenant Presbyterian Church). In God we trust. Charles
Matt’s words have always taught and inspired, but the faith and courage of this mighty man of God is greater testimony than any words. We will continue to pray for his complete healing with confidence that God’s perfect plan will be done.
Matt and Loved Ones-
You are in my prayers in Stuttgart, Germany. God sent your story to me just in time for me to really ponder faith and my committment to loving him and living in ways which please him–Blessings in Christ Jesus!
Berni
Praying from SWBTS.
Praying for you Matt & your family -here in the UK
I have only seen Matt preacher a couple of times when I have attended with my sister and her family, but what an impact he has made on my family’s lives here in Barnsdall OK. Watching the video of Matt and listening to what he was saying has inspired me to not take one moment with my family and friends for granted. Matt, you and your family are blessings to this world!!
Praying for you from Oregon.
We’re from SK, Canada and we listen to podcasts regularly. We pray for healing, patience, and the deep joy of God’s holy presence for Matt in hospital as he recovers. Praying also for their family – strength, endurance, and their community to encourage them as they walk through unfamiliar territory. Praise God for His unfailing love and grace in our lives!
Praying for you in Springfield, Ohio. Praying for your miraculous recovery and lifting up your family.
Matt,
I’ve only seen you preach one time in Durham, NC this year and was impressed with how the Lord has given you great insight to His word. I pray the Lord takes this time and strengthens you and your family. From what I can tell from watching this short video before your surgery I can tell you have already excepted God’s will in your life for the good and the bad. It’s nice to see that you praise Him in the calm and in the storm. God has started a great work in you and plans to continue mold and shape you into a great servant.
Your Brother in Christ,
Patrick
Love you Chandlers! We are praying for you all!
Praying in Austin, Texas. May He breathe His peace into your lungs, Matt.
Praying in Fort Smith, AR. I am a pastor at Fellowship Bible Church. My brother goes to The Village and is keeping me up-to-date with Matt’s status. I am using a quote from his most recent video in an upcoming sermon and will encourage our people to pray.
Praying for you in Connecticut. I have been podcasting you for almost two years and I have learned so much from you.
Matt & Lauren – I have a constant Jesus Christ vigil candle that stays lit continuously for your recovery. Your podcasts have moved me beyond words. Thank you Lauren for your note and Matt for your video; they were an incredible inspiration – This trial will make you come back MORE AGGRESSIVE MATT – I love it when you yell at us !! THANK YOU for what you do..I’m on my knees several times a day lifting you up..All my love and prayers Mary
Thank you for the podcasts that I listen to regularly! I will continue to pray for Matt’s total healing and the strengthening of faith for the entire body at the Village Church.
Carrie
Albany, NY
Praying in Brussels.
As I read this latest report, my heart sank. As I have attended The Village Church, Matt, through his preaching style, his conviction, his passion for the Gospel and for the sinner’s salvation, has spoken truth to me both eloquently and effectively. All I could think of as I read this report was, Why, God? Why Matt? How can this have happened to a man who You use completely as a vessel for You and spreading Your truth? But, the questioning lasted just a moment, as all the many sermons Matt has preached jumped from my memory. God is sovereign. God is good. Not one thing that is currently happening is out of the Divine and Providential Will of God, and nothing, nothing is going to stop God’s glory from shining through and into these circumstances, so although, Matt may be on the bench for a bit, so to speak, God has a plan for Matt, his family, the church, and it is good. Thank you, Matt. God bless you and may He speed His healing.
Praying in Huntsville, AL.
Praying for Matt and the community of the Village right down the road in Euless, TX. Praying Eph 3:14-21–that God would strengthen you in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Praying for you from Israel -
Matt, I am praying for you and your family in New Brunswick, Canada. I listen to your podcasts regularly and have been challenged to a deeper walk with God through your preaching. God has used you mightily to uncompromisingly preach and teach truth according to the Word. I, for one, can testify that my life has been changed and I have gained a deeper understanding of what it means to live for Christ through your passionate preaching. Thank you for your faithfulness and steadfast devotion to God and His people. Your life has touched many lives for Christ. THANK YOU!! I will continue to faithfully pray for you and your family. God Bless you!
In GA praying for Matt and the family. Listened to you today on the podcast coming from the office. Challenged me intensely. “My hope does not come from moral progression.” Man…then you said, “it is not about perfection but intent…what are my intentions?” Thanks man. You are in the midst of suffering and your work continues to produce fruit. May our sovereign Creator hold you and your family in his tender arms.
Peace
Praying in Houston.
Praying for Matt and his family….that our God will be your comfort and strength as He walks with you on this journey. May your faith be strong as you lean on Him and trust His ways….Thank you for your testimony of faith to us all….
Matt, my family and I are praying for you as well. We have some things in common. I have three kids, I am a christian, and I had a Brain Tumor removed in 2002. It was the size of an Egg on my left temporal lobe. I understand what a difficult time you and your loved ones are going through. Remember that everything happens for a reason and all is in God’s omnipotent hands. Please feel free to contact us if we can help you in any way!
Kenny Blair
Praying in Houston, TX.
My wife and I are praying for you here at Dallas Seminary. In your suffering the Gospel is going out. There are a few men that have contributed to my walk with Christ… even though we don’t know each other, you are one of them. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Gospel.
Praying in Sydney, Australia.
Matt & Lauren,
You and your family are in our prayers at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville, Minnesota.
As a nine-year survivor of a brain tumor, I am praying for Matt and complete healing. His testimony in print and in video is are touching, and he is absolutely right that once he gets through this, he will have the gift of looking at life through a new lens. I know that God can and does heal, and He will be glorified in Matt’s journey.
Praying in Rolla, MO. God is enough!!!
We’re praying for Matt, his family and church here down in Perth, Western Australia.
Praying Matt. Really. You’re my favorite preacher! Do not be afaid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord Your God is with you wherever you go.
Just saw Matt’s video on a friend’s facebook and wanted to say that it was a blessing to me and God used it to minister to me. Thank you, God bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you!!! God is the greatest Physician of all, praise Him!!!
praying in houston!
We came to Christ as a family in August 2005. We have been discipled long-distance via podcast and email by Pastor Matt and many others from the village ever since. The Village has been a safe place for us to work out our doctrine of faith. We listen weekly as a family. Our 8-year-old son absolutely loved the series on men…specifically when Matt described the exchange between him and his own son over The Last Samurai. Matt, you have introduced us to John Piper, Phillip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace (I’m giving copies out for Christmas), Grudem’s Systematic Theology, and more. Though it has taken us nearly 5 years, we are nearing our first complete reading of our Sacred Scriptures. Thank you, sir, for filling us with courage along the way. We are praying in Northwest Arkansas.
Praying in Brazil
Praying in Prince Edward Island, Canada!
Praying in Broomfield CO – were very moved by your grace-filled comments before your surgery, shared among Colorado Ridge Church by our pastor Eric Bain.
Praying in London
Matt and his family are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I have not met you, but Ray Pritchard’s blog pointed me to your church’s website. Keep Believing! The Lord is on your side. P.S. my friends in NJ have joined me in praying believing prayers for Matt.
Matt, My husband and I have been listening to past podcasts and have been truly blessed. Our Sunday School class in Topeka, KS is praying for you.
Praying for you Matt and your family in Glen Rose, Texas. Ps. 23:6 Chico and Eva Ukle
Praying for Matt, his family and church body in Shanksville, PA. Matt, your message “My Heart is full…I am Thankful” has spoken to two people I know who are also dealing with aggressive brain tumours. May the Peace that passes understanding be yours.
Just saw Matt’s tweet…good to hear him from him again! Praying about the dizziness.
Lots of people praying for Matt at CrossPointe Church in Norman, Oklahoma. Stay strong, Chandlers, we love you guys!
Praying for you and your family in Clarksville, TN. Thank you for being real and for allowing us the opportunity to lift you, your family and your church family up in prayer. May God’s grace and love be lavished on each of you!!!
Praying, praising, and thanking Him for the incredible vehicle that Matt is. I thank God for Matt being a man of God enough to share his intense love for Him, and to yell at me persistently enough to where it has finally gotten through. Thank you, and praise God.
Praying for Matt and Family from Modesto, CA
Sunday School class @ FBC Sanger is praying for Matt. Praying for the Lord’s will to be done for his recovery.
Hi Pastor Chandler… Grace Community Church in Minden, NV has been praying for you all. I hear you preach on Pilgrim Radio and get home from patrolling and tell my wife all about your sermons. You are right… Christ is better than anything else. United because of Christ- Erick
Matt’s testimony on the video made an impact upon my heart this morning. God bless Matt and his family… I will lift all up in prayer. Thank you, Matt, for sharing your faith in such a powerful way.
Matt– You have been in my prayers from the get go— twitter is amazing!! All the way from Chandler, AZ… But I also know He works wonders thru EVERYTHING…. and HE HAS YOU IN HIS HANDS– saw your posting today– and you get to wash your hair— isn’t that amazing!!!! He has amazing plans for you–and thru it all… He will hold you tight!! You already has your cognitive skills going it looks like– I am praying still— it is benign.. and you are free from it all!! As you are thru HIM!! God bless you and your family!!!! I am awaiting my 3rd brain surgery …. not for tumor– for epilepsy.. so I feel some of your pain… but His love thru it!!
In His Grip,
Heather Siebens @AliveinMe @EpilepsyCures Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
Matt is in my prayers, 7 yrs ago I had brain surgery. I also had to go through rehab therapy. I had to learn lots of the same things again, writing, walking, feeding myself and talking….But you know then I always knew that God was look after me. I am sure Matt has the same, if not more, faith that I did and still do….my daughter gave me a magnet that year for Christmas and It is soooo ture. Courage does not always roar. sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying “i will try again tomorrow” my prayers are with you.
Praying for you all from Philadelphia PA…
Hey Matt my Crew and I are keeping you and your family in our prayers. How great is our God that he can take time for a couple of worms like us!!! Thank you God for allowing Matt to finish his Luke series!!! Love You Man!!!
As a local church body, we are called to be a witness to our Jerusalem. Matt, you have accomplished that through your messages as you tirelessly work to boldly speak the Truth. Rest now, Brother, as our Jerusalem points to Him. As I drive down FM407 the local car wash has a sign for all to see “Pray for Matt Chandler” – there are many others too.. our Jerusalem is being reached!
I have a great appreciation for your God-given strength and your ability to encourage others through this season. With this too, He is being glorified! Thank you for being counted worthy!
Our Ladies’ Bible Study in Gainesville, Virginia is praying for Matt.
I’ve never been to The Village nor have I met Matt in person, but listening to podcasts from The Village has challenged and encouraged me and has deepend my understanding of who God is and who I am in Him. Thank you Jesus!
Matt Praying for you and your family. I am part of the group that you prayed for in Orange beach in July that lost a family member the last night of camp. We love you and are praying for you in Biloxi mississippi
Praying for you and the family…. CS, TX
Praying for you and much love to you all from your podcast listening family in Fargo, ND. Phillipians 4:4-7. Peace.
Much prayer for Matt from Florida. I sit here weeping and asking God that he would take care of one of the brightest minds in the church today. Thank you for being an inspiration to young pasters around the world.
On our knees in the Washington, DC area. We have been and continue to be profoundly encouraged by what the Lord is doing in and through your fellowship.
A Prayer for Matt Chandler… My Friend… Brother in Christ… Servant of God… One of God’s Chosen Shepherds
You are the God of our Fathers… the God of Matt.
You are Jehovah… the Self-Existent One.
You are Adonai… my friend’s Lord.
You are El Elon… the Most High.
You are El Roi… the Strong One who sees Matt.
You are El Shaddai… the Almighty God.
You are El Olam… the Everlasting God.
You are El Berith… the God of the Covenant and the God who keeps His promises to Matt.
You are Eloi… My God, said Jesus and Matt’s God.
You are Jehovah Jireh… the God who Provides for all of Matt’s needs.
You are Jehovah Nissi… the Lord… Matt’s Banner.
You are Jehovah Shalom… the Lord… Matt’s Peace.
You are Jehovah Sabbaoth… the Lord of Hosts and there is no one greater in the universe.
You are Jehovah Maccaddeshcem… the Lord… Matt’s Sanctifier, who is continually conforming Matt to the image of Christ.
You are Jehovah Raah… the Lord… Matt’s Shepherd, who cares tenderly for Matt and protects Matt’s family and all those about him that You have entrusted Matt with.
You are Jehovah Tsidkenu… the Lord… Matt’s righteousness and the One who makes Matt acceptable.
You are Jehovah El Gmolah… the Lord God of Recompense and the One who will restore to Matt and Matt’s family and those about him all that the mouths of the locust have eaten.
You are Jehovah Nakeh… the Lord who smites every physical… every spiritual attack that attempts to invade… and to harm Matt’s body… Specifically smiting the seizure… the mass in Matt’s body and anything else that might be contributing to the seizure.
You are Jehovah Ropheca… God… Matt’s Restorer.
You are the Ancient of Days… Who is from everlasting to everlasting.
You are the Rock of Israel and are so are also Matt’s Rock…
Likewise, you are Matt’s Refuge… Fortress… Shield… Refiner… King… Savior… Righteous Judge… Heavenly Father… the Father of Mercies… the Father of Lights… the Father of Glory… our Salvation and our Comfort.
My prayer… All of Who You are… and all of what You do… I beseech You our God that you rain down Your Blessings, Protection, Healing… on Matt and his family.
For, Lord… your ways are not my ways… and your thoughts are not my thoughts…
For, I do not understand… but neither do I question…
You are loving and true… kind and longsuffering… Holy… wonderful and steadfast.
For you love Matt more than I can ever imagine.
So, I beg You to be You…
So, I beg You to move the rest of us to Glorify Your Name… even in times that may seem downtrodden and tragic to us…
For, You alone are worthy to be Praised…
And another special petition for Matt’s health… I pray that the Shekinah Glory of God may invade every place where Matt is… as You Lord, many years ago, invaded a simple stable.
We Praise Your Name… and the Name of Your Son… Jesus Christ.
In the Name of Him we call Emmanuel…
The One Who shows us what we cannot explain…
The One Who has shown and continues to show us how great the Father’s love is for each of us…
Yes, Matt… God is with you… God is with us…
Indeed, He is with us…
This, I pray for you…
Amen.
I just began listening to Matt a few weeks ago. I have been touched and encouraged much by his ministry is a short time. Praying for his return to the pulpit.
Matt and family…I do not live in your area but I have been following your journey through your website. I am a PT in a rehab center in the southeast, working with patients facing much of what you are encountering. As a provider of care for people with catastrophic and life altering events, it is extremely hard to offer comfort and hope apart from the love of our faithful God. My prayer is that you continue to experience HIS peace through the months ahead and be encouraged that this peace will be a witness to those who are watching and wondering what is the reason for your hope. Your care providers are watching and are finding answers to hard questions that we ask daily by seeing the love and faithfulness of our God expressed to you through your peace and through the Body of Christ. Be encouraged and do not grow weary, Matt and Lauren. Hearts are being touched and redemptively changed through your very real encounter with this trial. I will be faithful to pray for you both!
Matt, you know your ministry has reached many people, but it is just a drop in the bucket to the ones you don’t know about. Over the last 2 years Christ has transformed my family and I through your gift. I can’t tell you how many people I know that are listening and growing through the podcasts i’ve past along. Your video recently reached a while other group.
We are praying earnestly for you, your family, your church and your ministry. May the nation change through your struggle and faith.
We love you in Missouri
Praying in Austin. A barista gave me a disk with Matt’s sermon “Coffee With Granddad” before listening I was pretty pissed with myself and The Church in general. Matt’s preaching swag (style lol) inspired me to seek to learn more about the scriptures, and investigate them beyond the fluff. I remember you saying “don’t cry for me” so I won’t. may Gods will be done.
Chadwick
I’m a podcast listener (follower) in OK! I’m praying. Village Church is one of three churches I listen to during the week during my runs! Praying. Praying. God is good!!!
Matt & Fam- I love all of you. I pray for all of you. I wish I could just wrap my arms around all of you!!
God is powerful, amazing, GOOD. Glory to HIM in the highest. Glory to HIM in all things. He has already used you, Matt, to bring SO much glory to His name…and he just continues to show His face more and more through your life, your struggles, your pain, your joy, your peace.
Praise God for providing his children with worldy examples of his mercy, grace, power, faithfulness, glory… You, Matt, are truly a blessing. As is your precious and faithful wife.
Remembering that He is Sovereign, and asking Him to have mercy on your body.
Many others have offered such great comments that reflect my heart as well. However, I would not feel right if I did not add this bit.
I have been unemployed for over a now. Your ministry has been a light in the darkness during this time. Thank you for making much of Christ, pointing me to the cross and away from myself. I have also enjoyed some smiles from your quirky ways.
For what it is worth, I have heard Beau’s abilities sharpened and grown through this. GOD continues to use all thngs for His glory.
Many of GOD’s greatest have burned the brightest for the shortest time. I pray that shortness is not given to you; but if it is, you certainly have lived up to the brightness! It is for His glory we carry on.
[...] Дата: 17th Декабрь 2009 в 2:21 This is the latest from the team at the Village… [...]
[...] Дата: 17th Декабрь 2009 в 2:32 This is the latest from the team at the Village… [...]
I am a podcast listener from Northern CA. You and Lauren the children,and your church family are in my prayers. We will all be with you on this journey. Praise God