The week before Christmas, as Columbia residents Brydon and Amy Terrell were looking forward to a Walt Disney World Christmas trip with their three children, Wyatt, Gentry and Waylon, they received some of the worst news any parent could receive.
Gentry, 5, was diagnosed with a Stage IV Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG) brain tumor. Since surgery is not an option, radiation therapy will begin in New Orleans on Jan. 4. At the family’s request, an anointing, prayer and healing service has been set for 6 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 2) at North Columbia Baptist Church, according to Pastor Joe Wiggins.
“Gentry was rushed to the Forrest General Hospital emergency room and after a series of test, the medical professionals told her parents that she had a brain tumor,” Wiggins said. “They were immediately transferred to Oschner’s in New Orleans where further tests revealed that she had DIPG. The prognosis from the doctors is grim, but the faith community of Columbia and elsewhere are asking God for a miracle and believing he can do it.”
Wiggins said the Amy and Brydon Terrell are active members at North Columbia Baptist Church. Gentry’s grandparents, Stacy and Lisa Nolan and Tommy and Teresa Terrell, are also members as are Brydon’s brother, Brant and his family. Amy’s brother, John, is also a member and her sister, Katie, who moved away after getting married, also attended North Columbia.
Pastor Darel Daniels from Improve Baptist Church will be planning and leading the service, according to Wiggins.
“Previously, Amy and her family attended Improve Baptist Church and they still have many friends and family there,” he said. “According to James 5:14-15, the bible says ‘Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.’ The family has asked for this special service. We will pray over Gentry and her family, and anoint her with oil in the name of the only one who can heal her … Jesus Christ. And we will pray believing that God can and will raise her up and save her.”
Wiggins said he us inviting ministers, pastors and priests to take part in the service. He also invites all people of faith to be present as well.
“The family wants this to be a community event,” he said. “The service may be at their church, but all are welcome to be present and pray. Our church family has really stepped up, volunteering to assist with parking and nursery care during the service. We even have a special music group coming to take part in the service. The Crowe Family from Washington Parish, La., came for a revival at our church last year and Gentry really liked them. When I asked if they would come and provide music, they immediately agreed. Plans are underway to live stream the event on the internet and on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.”
Wiggins said he hopes each person comes to the service united in one thought.
“There are so many verses in the Bible about prayer, but tow in particular are James 1:6 and 7 … ‘Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like the wave of the sea driven and tossed in the wind. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord.’ We must be united in our belief that God hears our prayers and will answer … no doubts, no uncertainties. What an incredible opportunity we have to come together as a city, a county and a community to say, ‘God, we still believe you are a God of miracles. The world may mock you, dismiss you, and doubt you, but we believe You can and will bring healing and glorify Your name. We pray for the doctors, nurses, and thank you for the wonderful medical care Gentry has had and will continue to receive, but above all, we want to give you the thanks, praise, the credit and glory for what you are about to do in her life. All healing comes from You.’”
Wiggins said a love offering will be received to help the Terrell family with medical expenses.
For more information, contact Daniels at Improve Baptist Church at (601) 736-4947 or Wiggins at North Columbia Baptist Church at (601) 736-8635.
Pictured Above: A prayer and anointing service will be held Tuesday night at North Columbia Baptist Church for Gentry Terrell. | Submitted Photo
