cesar update

the way that he hangs on is incredible.

he hasn't opened his eyes in almost a month, hasn't eaten (only by IV), cant shave (hurts too much), winces in pain every few minutes, is losing weight, and his skin is more yellow every time i see him.

yet he claims God's goodness louder and prouder than he ever has.

we visited him with the rhinos recently. we thought it would be a blessing to him, as much as he asks about the rhinos, and prays for the rhinos.  he was slipping in and out of consciousness.  each of the boys prayed for him.  it was one of the sweetest things i've ever experienced.

after each one finished their prayers, i would thank them by name, just in case cesar was hearing them.  when they finished, he started speaking to them - by name - encouraging them one at a time.

the experienced deeply impacted several of the boys. they ask about cesar every day, and pray for him before they eat at the training table.

then this week we visited again with a team from river city church.  the first thing i told cesar when we arrived was that we were coming to pray for him... that he didn't need to feel any pressure to "preach" or share in any way...  just to relax and take it easy.

he chuckled at me... with his eyes shut and his long beard, looking as frail as ever, he somehow laughed at me and said "brock, i appreciate your concern, i know you say that because you love me...  but i want to be preaching God's goodness with my last breath."

he went on to share the most powerful message of hope that i had ever heard him share.  people wept as he spoke.  he sang songs to God, and shouted in pain at the same time.  as we sang a couple worship songs he wept uncontrollably. 

as we prepared to leave, he reminded us how Jesus prayed in the garden.  he asked the Father to take his cup of suffering - but only if it was His will.  in the end, Jesus said "let your will be done, no matter what I have to do, I want your will."

with a smile on his face, clinching and pumping his right fist (the last member of his body that he can move), he shared how proud he is to suffer for a God that is glorified in the suffering.  he recounted numerous stories of people accepting Jesus at his bedside, one that just happened the day before.  he wept as he told the story.

"how could i cry out for healing if my suffering is bringing Him glory?"

he hangs on.  his faith is unshakable.  most amazing thing i've ever seen.