Above all His

turnonthesunshine:

Dear Tumblr friends,

It’s time for y’all to be added to the enormous prayer team that is praying for the Ogden family. No, you don’t know them, but the power of prayer works regardless of relation. My college pastor Chris Ogden and his wife Nikki are expecting their first baby to come at any time. Her name is Adyson :) But here’s the problem. Last Wednesday, Chris rushed Nikki to the hospital because she was in labor at only 24 weeks. If you do the math, that’s only 6 months along. Most of you can guess how dangerous it would be for Adyson to be born so early, before her lungs are fully developed. Read more here:

“I received a phone call from Nikki at 4:48pm on Wednesday, May 30th, one day before our baby girl hit the 24-week mark. She said that she was bleeding and within minutes I was pulling up to our condo to get her to Winnie Palmer hospital. After a short wait, the urgency of our situation became apparent to one of the nurses and we were fast-tracked to seeing a doctor. Nikki shared that she was having pain in her stomach and the reply came, “That is a contraction … you’re in labor.”

Immediately, we were surrounded by medical personnel - poking, pulling, hurried conversations between nurses, and so many questions that we were not prepared to answer. The diagnosis was that Nikki was 8cm dilated, which meant there was no stopping birth. We were expecting to have another four months to get ready for our baby, but those months were turning into minutes.

Nikki was raced on a rolling bed down a hallway, up an elevator, and through a set of double doors. As soon as we got through the doors, an entire team of nurses and doctors began pointing out where to take us and sprung into action - more poking, pulling, and aganoizing questions.

In the midst of all of that, a doctor began speaking calmly to us and checked Nikki’s dilation. He called another doctor in to check as well, and the assessment was made that Nikki was not 8cm, but 4. Nikki begged them to stop the labor and they agreed that it may be possible with the right medication. They began the process of holding off labor and within another few minutes, we were alone with a nurse, and, finally … calm. We were still incredibly scared, but so thankful that there would be a chance of Adyson staying in the womb for more much needed developmental time. A shot of steroids was administered, which would be critical in the development of her tiny lungs.

We called family and what seems to be an international prayer chain was initiated. Nikki’s family was able to come immediately. My family began calling and texting their love and support. By late that night, we were able to begin processing our situation and letting reality hit us for the first time. We had a new home at the hospital and we would be here til Ady was born and long after.”

-Chris Ogden, Adyson’s daddy.

Long story short, be praying for this family! They’re an amazing couple whose strong faith is getting them through this scary time. Pray for Adyson’s speedy and healthy development, Nikki’s health and emotional/spiritual optimism, and Chris’s strength as he stands by. Thanks guys! For more information and updates on the Ogdens, keep up with them here and leave them some encouraging messages of your prayers :) Reblog to get more brothers and sisters in Christ in on this prayer chain!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adysonogden/mystory