I wanted and felt it necessary to give you an update on Philip, and also give you some more information so you understand more clearly what he has been through and what is still yet to have done.
Immediately after the operation to remove the tumour, which was done back on the 12th June, Philip then had a complication which was a rare problem, that is, his pressure spiked and it was necessary for the surgeons to perform a second operation to remove a section of skull to allow space for the brain to swell without it being damaged.
So, with two back-to-back surgeries we have been waiting for the brain swelling to go down and for him to go through the resurfacing phase. Within this phase, there are many steps he has to go through, which all takes time and rest. He is still in this phase, and has a long way to go – including a third operation to replace the skull bone.
All this requires time. Nobody can say how long. So I have asked the Board to go ahead and make arrangements for the security and stability of the church to enable it to continue to go from strength to strength and to maintain our focus on the vision that God has given us as a church.
The arrangements are as follows –
- Philip has time off owing to him so the decision has been made to give him a sabbatical for up to a year for further procedures and recovery.
- Haydn will continue as Executive Minister, fulfilling what would have been Philip's normal roles – his primary focus being the weekend services and the running of the Riverview Group.
- I will be at work as much as I can, with the permission from the Board to have the freedom to be with Philip as needed.
On a personal level, our family is standing strong – we are all closely standing together. We are supporting Philip and each other in this battle and journey and really won't quit until we are at the end. Thank you for all your gifts, flowers and cards, I think from now on if you would like to do something to express your kindness and love to Philip and myself, send a card or email with your thoughts and if you were wanting to send something, hold onto the money you would like to spend on us and put it into the offering on a weekend instead, we would love that.
I want to encourage you my church, Philip appointed Haydn last year, with full confidence in him. I know without any doubts, only a great peace and assurance that he is the man for the job at hand. The leadership team – Duane, Penny, Adam, Amanda, Alyson, Paul, Kelley and Haydn, have all stepped up into places that Philip and I had confidence that they needed to and would anyway, and I am sure you would agree with me, as a result, the church has received brilliant ministry and 'will' continue to do so. I trust them implicitly. We all continue to grow in God…have a greater understanding of His love for us, of His power in and through us, and His goodness. Keep your eyes on God as we continue to grow together in Him.
As individual members of the church before God…ask what you can do to grow…what you can step up and do …many of you that are mature in Christ need to step up and become involved in some way… we need you.
Stay in faith and keep trusting, there is grace in the beginning, grace during and grace for the end of any battle, and when we have done all "we stand".
My love to you all,
Heather Baker.
Note: If you wish to send a message of support to Phil and Heather, cards can be posted to – Riverview Church, PO Box 524 Victoria Park WA 6979. Emails can be sent to the following email address: reception@riverviewchurch.com.au