Friends and family,

As most of you know, Luke has been on quite the rollercoaster for the last 13 months. With a big surgery coming this week, would you please join us in praying that this would be the final launch into Luke's recovery?

On Wednesday, February 19th, Luke will be having an open abdominal surgery. During surgery, they will be attempting to take a portion of Luke's small intestine and attach it to his pancreas. If this is successful, it will hopefully prevent any future damage and fix the pancreatic leak that Luke has been fighting. If they can't do that, they will need to remove half of Luke's pancreas and the spleen.

This is not a quick or easy procedure, and Luke still has a very long road ahead of him. Following the procedure, Luke will have about a week in the ICU. We won't know how long his hospital stay will be until we see how his body responds to all that is happening. This will be a long recovery 4 months +, all depending on how Luke’s body chooses to respond and heal.

How can you help?

*Venmo info available at bottom if you'd like to avoid fees

Following the surgery,

One of the best and most practical ways to help support Luke, Naomi, and Hank during this time is by helping with financial needs. Luke is not able to apply for medical leave with work until after his surgery happens, and even then, there is no guarantee of any money coming in quickly for their family. Luke and Naomi will be out of work for the foreseeable future with Luke needing a full time caretaker. They know and trust that the Lord will continue to provide just as He has so faithfully done as they've faced the last 13 months. I know it is a bit cliche, but a little goes a long way. If you are looking for a way to support them during this time, would you please prayerfully consider donating?

Along with this GoFundMe, they would also be very grateful for gift cards to specific restaurants and grocery stores. Please contact me (Marli Johnson), if you'd like to contribute in this way.

Our families have said this from the start, but there are not enough words to say THANK YOU for the endless ways we have been cared for during this very hard time. It is by God's sustaining grace and through the work of His people that Luke has come as far as he has.

There are a few specific verses that Luke and Naomi wanted me to share with you all: James 1:2-4, 12.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

In the midst of trials it can feel nearly impossible to see what God is doing. We are thankful for the ways that the Lord has sustained Luke and Naomi and has allowed them to remain steadfast. Please pray for continued peace and comfort to fill Luke and Naomi as they remember the promises of the Lord. Luke is a husband, father, brother, son, friend, and so much more to many. We are overwhelmed by the prayers and support we continue to experience.

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow! Great is HIS faithfulness to us.

Please contact me if you have any questions or are looking for additional ways to support. You can message me on facebook to get my phone #!

Venmo: Marlijohnson678 last four digits 8573