Supporting the Oakley Fam, Today and Beyond

I'm sure you can remember where you were when you found out that Rob Oakley had cancer. For me, it was after ordinary second grade soccer game. To everyone around, it seemed like a normal October day, Rob was coaching with a smile like always. You couldn’t see it from the outside because of his strength for his family, but he had been handed a life-changing diagnosis.

I'm sure you also remember the weeks and months since. When the diagnosis was classified as Stage 4 adenocarcinoma rectal cancer. The Oakley's humble updates, where Amanda will make you cry and inspire you with a worship tune. Telling us just what to say when we go to the Lord as Rob's warriors, "Storming the Heavens," as she says.

Since his diagnosis in the fall, our community has pitched in to shower the Oakley family with acts of service. From providing weekly meals, to keeping a watchful eye on Shelton, Magnolia, and Sawyer, to carpool logistics, to laundry service and lawn care (even Super Bowl tickets!!). Now we look to the beyond. The future is unknown. What ways can we help the Oakley family make sure they have the support they need to make the most of every day together? They value experiences and memories as a family. We can lift other financial burdens in their life to allow them to cherish this time together, and also prepare for the unknown expenses the cancer diagnosis will create.

One of Amanda's favorite verses is "Be Still," but not the one you may be calling to mind. She turns to Exodus 14:14, "The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still." Now it is the Oakleys turn to Be Still and allow our community to generously support them as they face the next phase of this journey. Please join us as we raise funds to cover family expenses like tuition, sports fees and school supplies, and other looming medical expenses, so the family can focus their energy and resources on other areas.

I wanted to share a quote from one of Amanda's updates, and ask that you remember it as you continue to pray for Rob when your words feel inadequate. "Thank you all for walking this journey with us and for being our fierce and loyal prayer warriors. The light continues to shine through the darkness. Through prayer and reflection, we clearly see Jesus, the Light of the World. We speak the name of Jesus as His name is power. His name is healing. His name is life. He is breaking every stronghold and shining through the shadows all around." Continue to be a light in the shadows to the Oakley family. Whether it is through this fundraiser or through prayer or another act of service, help them see God's love personified in our community.