I'm back again with two items of breaking news.
1) It's official. The one and only "Rejoice With Me: Stumbo Walk and Munch" is scheduled for Saturday, June 5 at 2:30. We'll meet at Salem's beautiful Riverfront Park by Governor McCall's statue (he's the big fisherman by the river, close to the parking lot). We'll take the newly re-opened walking bridge and head over to the West Salem Great Harvest. It's only a mile. You can do it. We'll take our time.
The fantastic staff at Great Harvest will have fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and coffee waiting for us. We'll hang out there for a while and walk back to the park. If anyone wants to cheat and get picked up at Great Harvest…or skip the walk altogether and just join us for cookies and coffee…that's cool, too. No rules. Just community.
Joanna and I greatly appreciate how you've "walked" with us in this journey, and at this moment of celebration, we'd like to hang out with you.
Join us--rain or shine--June 5 at 2:30. (3:15 at Great Harvest and back to Riverfront by 4:30.)
2) I've been invited to share the story of my recent healing at the Salem Alliance services this Saturday and Sunday (May 29 & 30). It was very kind of the staff to bump the schedule around so that I could do this. I'll look forward to praising God with you for His kind answers to your prayers.
This would be a great weekend to invite a friend. If you've been waiting for an excuse to invite someone to church, this might be the opportunity you were waiting for. There is something powerful about a story…especially a God-story. Bring a friend along and come hear one.
I also have a wedding this weekend to officiate. My voice has been weak in these days so I'm a little concerned about vocal stamina. I appreciate your prayers!
For His Glory,
John



It's the party of all parties!!! Can't wait. God is so good. What a miracle you are. I've never been friends with a miracle before. Isn't there a special handshake or something? I guess we'll have to make one up. Sharing in your joy! See ya Saturday,
Sandy H
I logged on tonight to reply to the first entry and was surprised by the latest. Of course I will pray for the weekend. I will also pray for the West Salem Great Harvest to be able to accommodate the masses that arrive. I am for sure planning on it. I want to meet my fellow bloggers since I missed the first blog party. I already welcomed you home, but welcome home. I am so happy you are back among the adult wing of SAC. I seriously missed you while you were gone. We just aren't the same without you.
Staff coffee was amazing. As we praised God I was brought back to the times when we were in that same room begging for your life. It was so nice to be there touching you and praising God and praying... very meaningful to be there with you. Love you John. Love you Joanna.
Dudster
I hate missing parties/celebrations of this sort and am not happy that I will not be there with you. I will be with you all in spirit though, so have a great celebration!
Love you all!
Randall
You don't know me but I just read all your blog entries from the day of you healing to your most current entry. I had heard of your illness and health struggles from dear friends who attend your church and I am rejoicing with you and your family. We are praying and awaiting for a miracle and healing ourselves. Our 18 year-old-son Matt once a strong, healthy 3-sport athlete has been terribly ill for over a year with a mysterious illness. His symptoms are many and incredibly painful and now is also having difficulty swallowing. Your story gives us hope. Thank you!
Jean Rawlings
Salem,Or
Wish we could be there for the walk and munch celebration. Will be thinking of you next Saturday! Maybe I'll make some choc chip cookies so we can feel connected;)
Love, Misty
In Him with celebration...
Jane Compton
Love and Prayers,Linda Ayres
The part of the story I didn't catch from your sermon 6:30 last night....did your sister get to make you the cheesecake? And did you get to eat some? I couldn't exactly raise my hand and ask during the sermon! (Hey Pastor?!!?) I cried tears of joy listening to your story and there were people all around me crying and laughing and thanking God over and over and over. What a great evening. That's so much for sharing! But I wanna know about the cheesecake!!!
JPS
Knowing that I would be out of town next Saturday and would miss the "Rejoice With Me: Stumbo Walk and Munch" I grabbed a friend on Saturday and we took the walk early (and ate the cookie!) To God be the glory!
We feel honored to have "walked" with you and we will continue to be one of your support teams. : )
Cathi Z. & Fam
Powerful message last night at 5pm. Thank you! Penetrating point about "my present condition is not necessarily my permanent condition" or however you precisely worded it. Thank you!
Susan G.
Daralyn and I were so thrilled to read your ALife testimonial of God's healing you! We rejoice and give thanks with you (and all the brothers and sisters who are praising the Lord on your behalf)!
Such wonderful and glorious news! When I read the latest story, I just had to barge right into the pastor's study (I am the church secretary) with one of our parishers and cry out, "John Stumbo can swallow. He's been healed. No more spitting!" and I just shut the door, trailing off singing a praise song! No more congugating "spit" - spit, spat, sput, spit, spat, sput! Thank You, Jesus! I am so pleased for all of you!! Glory to His Name!
Love you!!