From a Pastor's Heart

Dear Friends,

I was born with a birth defect—a bi-cuspid aortic valve, to be exact. What that means is that for the first 17 years of my life, my heart leaked a bit every time it pumped. It wasn't until I was preparing to go to Ball State that my doctor noticed. And though we earnestly prayed for healing, it wasn't until January 12, 1999, that God chose to heal my valve through the hands of a skilled surgeon at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. At that time, I was told I could have up to twenty-five years before I would need to go through that again.

Well, as with many things, I'm always trying to be out ahead of things...except this time, it means that with only 18 1/2 years having passed since my surgery, the time has come to again replace the valve. This need has come up unexpectedly and suddenly, which has its plusses and minuses. Less time to prepare also means less time to worry! This fall, likely within the next five or six weeks (we don't have a definite date yet), I will be once again having heart surgery at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. (I wonder if I can stay in the same room?)

Mount Pleasant's staff and Leadership Council has been incredibly supportive, loving and encouraging as we begin this process, as has our District Superintendent. I will, of course, be working closely with Pastor Rick and the rest of our amazing staff to make sure everything is covered as I go through this time. We covet your prayers, especially as this will put a lot more on Cathy during my convalescence.

I am not fearful of the surgery; my Lord has not failed me in all these years and I know he will not now. I'll be honest: I do not look forward to the recovery, but I know he will walk with me through that as well. I look forward to being on the other side of this, not just to get back to work but to once again have a whole heart with which to serve you and to serve Jesus.

Thank you for your care, love, support and prayers!

Pastor Dennis Ticen