A few months back Amy and I had to close the doors of our church and have entered a time of transition that we thought would be relatively short. During the time we had the church we were not able to budget for a health care policy being a small ministry the costs were extremely high since we could not qualify for group coverage. 

About 60 days ago it was discovered that Amy had a tumor in her thyroid which is now over 4 CM which for perspective is the size of one half of your thyroid. A second look about 30 days ago show that there has been significant growth and surgery needs to take place in order to avoid a more serious health issue. Amy's labs reveal that her thyroglobulin level (a protien produced by the follicular cells of the thyroid) is near 300 and a normal level should not exceed 3, the doctors we have been speaking with say this is typically an indicator of cancer and the higher the thyroglobulin the more rapidly cancer can spread. As of a few weeks ago the ultrasound looked as though it was all contained in the thyroid area. As time lapses between the diagnosis and surgery that may not be the case. We will likely have to redo all labs and the ultrasound as we can visibly see the increased size of the tumor in the thyroid. 

I am sharing this with you because we are at a critical point in Amy's care. Amy and I have been and continue to trust God in this matter but as the Word says you have not because you ask not. Now to the heart of the matter, because we are self-pay Tampa General Hospital will not allow the doctor to do surgery unless the TGH surgery fees and pre-op labs/ultrasound are paid in full. The doctors surgery fee is separate and he has agreed to accept a payment plan. I want to be clear that Dr. Gary Clayman of the Thyroid Institute at Tampa General Hospital has been very compassionate and gone above the call to try to help get this done. We are attempting to get Hillsborough County Health but we have been told by TGH that they will not allow that to pay for the hospital fees for this surgery. 

We believe the laborer is worthy of their wage and are not asking for anything for free. We have however exhausted every means to get this done and time is becoming critical. Amy's symptoms continue to worsen and we stand in faith as always for God's provision and healing. But faith moves and acts, we are taking a step of faith today to safe Amy's life!

I come today asking for your prayers and that you consider a gift for us to get this surgery done as soon as possible. This is not an elective surgery it is medically necessary and the more time that lapses the more serious it gets. I have been a pastor for over 22 years and I have responded to the needs of many over the years and ask you to consider helping us in this time. We believe because we have laid up our treasure in store in heaven that God can and will bring in to us in our hour of need. 

I know that if you look at only the sum of $20,000 it seems overwhelming. Here is the breakdown of what needs to take place, TGH and Anesthesiologist $14,000, once that goal is hit we can proceed with the surgery. The balance is for surgeon fees, additional labs and a new ultrasound. If everyone of my friends, family and peers in the ministry did something we can reach that goal in no time. 

Here is what I declare over Amy every day: Romans 8:1-2, The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has set Amy free from the Law of sin and death. Romans 8:11, the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in her gives life to her body from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet! She is healed by the stripes of Jesus and as a tithing convent family Malachi says that God rebukes the devourer for our sake! He meets all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus! No weapon formed against us will prosper and every tongue that bring false judgment and accusation will be proved wrong and condemned! 

Thank you for your past, present and continued support as we press forward in God. 

We love you all, 

Pastor Rick and Amy Barker