Where the brethren gather together to enthrone the King!
Our Mission: to gather people into the manifest presence of God that they might be transformed.
Prayer for Gary Hopper originally posted February 2005
Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert, with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
We find that we have a great need and leaning on the permission which we have from scripture, we bring our prayer request to you, our precious Praise On Fire Radio listening audience. My husband, Gary, and I received some difficult news over the recent holidays. He has been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. For any of our dear brethren who have faced similar circumstances, you know the wave of disbelief and emotion which washes over you the moment that you hear that report. My apologies that I have been so long in updating our website since way before Christmas, but now you know why.
Over the first few weeks we were absorbing the impact of the news, seeing many doctors and found that we had much to learn in a very short period of time. We immediately began seeking God for wisdom, direction and of course, healing. For my part, that first day, when I could finally speak, what rose up out of my heart was this, “Well, all I know is that I BELIEVE IN THE LOVE OF GOD.” That powerful truth has been our anchor since the first of the year. Truly, God’s love has led us each day and we have received wisdom and the leadership of His Spirit for every decision we have had to make. He led us to wonderful doctors and led us to excellent information about nutrition, which we have implemented and He has graced us to “pray without ceasing”. Gary is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments and another scan will be done in approximately 6 to 8 weeks to test the results of the therapy. Please agree with us in prayer for a good report.
Gary is an elementary music teacher and is greatly loved by all who know him. Thus far he has been able to continue to teach, but I have secured Florida certification as a substitute teacher, so that if it becomes necessary, I will be able to cover his classes and have been serving him as a teacher’s assistant of late to help when he is fatigued. Through it all I have still been able to make daily updates to our Praise On Fire Radio broadcast and my expectation is that that shall continue. From the e-mails I receive, I know this broadcast is touching so many all over the world and it is my deep conviction that it is the Lord’s will for POFR to continue to serve.
We still carry great hopes and vision for this ministry and how we can do more and more to touch you each day. Before Christmas we purchased several new CDs and have plans to be adding more wonderful worship music to the broadcast in the days ahead, as time allows. I believe that as Christians, music which draws the heart to Christ is a significantly important part of our worship journey and relationship with Him. I do not know how I would have survived that last few weeks if I could not have let my heart soar with wings as eagles in adoration to my King, as I sought His face for guidance and comfort. He is enthroned upon our praise and when the King takes His seat upon the throne of our praise, He can move as sovereign to work His grace in our lives. Many of you have been touched in just that way, because you have written to me and told me.
Please commit to pray for us daily during this difficult time.
UPDATE APRIL 2006
By Rev. Jacquie Hopper
Since that time, after much counsel with my family, my mentors and those in authority over me, all agreed that I should set my heart toward pursuing the destiny of God for my life, as a minister of the gospel. I have returned to full time itinerant ministry and am traveling, as He leads, touching the church with the good news of the glory at every opportunity. I have rejoiced at the listeners I have met along the way these last weeks and thank you, with all of my heart, for your continued support that makes it possible for me to go. I love you. Pray for me.
NEWS As most of you are most likely now aware, my dear husband and co-founder of POFR, Gary Hopper, who was diagnosed in January 2005 with esophageal cancer passed away this last Palm Sunday, April 9th, 2006. After 14 cycles of chemotherapy, 58 radiation treatments, a lung biopsy, alternative treatments, prayer from scores of believers around the world and much warfare, I released him into the care of the Lord Jesus, with him still saying to me, “Never Give Up - Never Give In, Jacquie”. What an amazing man. . . .We agreed that if he passed over I would call him back. If he came, there would be rejoicing beyond measure. If not, I would know that he and Jesus discussed it and made a different decision for their own Kingdom reasons. I stayed with him, praying over him after he departed, as I had promised. I breathed into him and called him and back. It was quiet and sweet. After one half hour, he did not return to me and I said, “Amen, so be it”, and worshipped God.
Praise On Fire Radio
Continues in Memorial
To our Founder
Gary Charles Hopper
Born September 27, 1950
Died April 9, 2006
Rev. Jacquie Kirkwood