Al’s Story

Site created on November 13, 2020

For years I have experienced pressure in my chest when walking uphill. Although the doctors said I was fine, a few months ago brother Ivan and fiancée Jo Meyer witnessed it and urged me to insist on more testing. I did and they did, and it was confirmed that I have several blockages requiring two bypasses. Because Jo and I were planning to marry on November 15 (yes, we did!), and given the nature of my symptoms, the surgeon agreed to wait until November 18. The surgery will be at Spectrum's Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids. Due to Covid concerns, not even Jo will be allowed to visit me.. They estimate I will be hospitalized 5-7 days.

My family will use this site to update you for lifting us up in prayer.  The Scripture passage that Jo and I have adopted is, "This is God's will for (us) who belong to Christ Jesus: Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18b, 16-18a NLT -- my version).

Newest Update

Journal entry by Al Mulder

Dear praying family and friends: 

I can never say I am not in need of prayer; besides, we're told never to say never. Yet, so long as cardiac recovery is going as well as it is, I likely will not be re-posting on CaringBridge anytime soon. 

Given a fairly mild winter, Jo and I are able to walk outside reqularly -- as much as 30 to 40 minutes at a time. Also, this week I have begun one hour of cardiac rehab three times a week until mid-February. Toward the end of these sessions I expect to wear a heart monitor for two weeks, and if my pulse proves steady with no signs of A-Fib, I expect to discontinue blood thinner. My main goal is that after rehab I will be able to walk at Jo's pace (currently we still "stroll" and then I go home and she goes on to take a "real" walk). As to future ministry involvement, I dropped my stated clerk role permanently, but hope to resume reduced roles with Resonate Global Mission and Classis GR East the first of February. 

At the beginning of this heart-repair journey Jo and I adopted the verses, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:18, NLT). Reflecting on where I am today, we could not be more grateful! 

We thank you for your prayers and we thank God for his gracious answers! 
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