Update: CPT Daniel MacArthur Gade

I have just read wonderful news that I would like to share with you. If you are facing doubts, if you are feeling blue, if you are feeling ungrateful, then you need to read this!

Journal

Monday, May 2, 2005 9:19 PM CDT

Dear All-

Today was an exciting day! Daniel was cleared to use crutches. This means he is no longer confined to the parallel bars in Physical Therapy for walking. Please pray that he continues to gain strength and endurance. Knowing Daniel he will use his crutches as often as possible. He's looking forward to the increased freedom crutches will provide. Isn't this great?!!

I had the distinct pleasure of hearing Mrs. Colin Powell speak today. She gave a wonderful, poetic and inspiring challenge. She spoke about hope and the privilege we all have to teach the next generation to hope. She noted that times of difficulty and tragedy are opportunities for new beginnings. It's true. I've found that even on "our" most trying days that trouble is just a chapter in our story. I'm so thankful to know the God of hope that fills me with joy and peace (Romans 15:13) no matter the circumstances so that I can look forward to the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Life isn’t always easy but thank God there’s HOPE!

Praise God for:
1. The chance to use crutches and move around more freely
2. Upcoming move
3. Removal of stitches in Daniel's lip

Please pray for:
1. Increased strength, endurance, and balance
2. Continued healing of Daniel's abdomen, nerves (especially the left radial nerve that controls his wrist), and pelvis
3. Daniel's troops and their mission

Have a great day!

Wendy

For those of you who do not know Cpt. Daniel Gade, I have an obligation to introduce you. He is a brave man who has been through hell and back for us. He is in a lot of pain, but you won't hear him complain. I think it best if his family and he introduce to him.

Daniel was injured on January 10, 2005 at approximately 3:53 pm Iraqi time when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his vehicle. Through the heroic efforts of a great many soldiers, he is now safely back in the United States and has been at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC since January 13th. On January 17th, he lost his right leg at the hip. The Lord has performed many miracles to get him this far. Some small, and some large. Pray for his continued improvement as well as for the soldiers he led.

Before leaving for Iraq, Daniel wrote this in a prayer card for family and friends. It still applies.

Dear Prayer Warriors,

My unit and I were recently alerted for deployment from Korea to Iraq to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. We will serve this mission for the next year. During this time my soldiers and I will face grave danger each step of the way, and our families will face a year without their husbands, fathers, and sons. My wife Wendy and I believe firmly that God's purpose is being served by this unexpected detour in our lives -- there are too many obvious indicators of Him acting directly in this situation for there to be any doubt. Because there is no doubt, we will resolutely face our next, difficult steps with our heads held high and set our feet upon the path He has provided. The most important thing you can provide during this journey is your companionship through prayer. Please allow this prayer card to assist you as you pray for us. We believe strongly that your prayers will have a dramatic impact on lives and this situation. Thank you for standing with us in prayer during this challenge-filled time. Again, we are confident that God's path is clear for us and that we are following His direction in our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God Bless You
Daniel Gade

With men like this protecting us, who can defeat us? With men like this sacrificing so we may remain free, what do we really have to complain about? Do you remember September 11, 2001? It hasn't been that long. I can still see the fire, the panic, the fear that is so strong you taste it. Do not forget. Do not let yourself be pulled toward thinking we are not at war. Our government may not be able to say so one way or the other, but the jihadists already have. Be prepared and pray.