C3 Regional POSTPONED

Because of a medical emergency involving one of my close friends, I have decided to postpone the C3 Regional in Arizona until a later date. Please take a minute to pray for Vanessa Whitwell and her family.

Comments

[Sheri and Kelley]

Ever since I heard about Vanessa being in the hospital, she has been in my prayers. When we heard Ed's update at church Saturday night, my mind kept playing back all of the moments we had shared with Vanessa. My regret is that I didn't get to spend more time with her before the Lord carried her home to be with Him. My favorite memory was the time my daughter, Kelley, and I got the unique opportunity to spend an evening with Vanessa and Yancy through a "grand prize" we won at Bloom. We shared the evening with them eating dinner then shopping at Grapevine Mills mall. They both made us feel very special. We also shared a very special time with Vanessa through a family loss...she took time out of her busy schedule to be with us. She was truly an extension of the Lord. We will forever treasure the brief friendship we shared with her and will deeply miss her. We look forward to one day hearing you sing again in heaven. We love you!

[Brian and Terry Chacon]

We had the pleasure of attending Fellowship Church for three years before moving back to California. Now back in California again is where we heard of Vanessa's passing into His kingdom.

Our first introduction to Vanessa was our first visit to Fellowship Church. Although, it was not your usual face-to-face introduction, we enjoyed it no less. Upon walking into Fellowship for the first time we heard an amazing voice singing. We would later find out it was Vanessa.

Although we later met Vanessa at several Fellowship events, we never had the opportunity to get to know her better. Nevertheless, we always spoke of her based on her infectious smile, her beautiful voice and her seemingly constant participation in every possible event at Fellowship.

Our prayers go out to the Hunt, Whitwell and Fellowship family.

I know in my faith that we should be celebrating but my human spirit gets in the way and struggles with the "why"... many of you are obviously experiencing the same feelings. Perhaps He'll explain it to me someday.

[Troy & Stephanie Gramling]

Ed & Lisa,
We are praying for you guys & lifting up your church and Vanessa's family in our prayers.

[Jennifer]

I do not really know what to say. I am in such shock. Vanessa was an amazing person with a smile that could light up a room. Her love for Fellowship and the Lord showed in all she did. When she gave her testimony at the Women's Retreat in 06', I was so touched that she would share that with total strangers. She knew she had been forgiven and loved each and every woman enough to share something so personal. She made me smile everytime I saw her. She will truly be missed. I will continue to pray for her family and for her Fellowship Family.
God Bless you all. I know Vanessa will forever play a role in our lives.

[Amy Ciecka]

Vanessa has been a role model for me ever since I saw her sing my first time attending Fellowship. I so admired her grace and beauty. Then, as my husband and I went through fertility struggles, we heard her testimony. I just couldn't believe someone could be so on fire for God, that they put aside thier personal wants, and put 200% of themselves into His ministry to others. Yet, there infront of me, was Vanessa. I prayed for that kind of strength every day of my fertility struggle and even now.

Vanessa was truly heaven sent. I thank God for her and her life here on earth. She made me want to be a better Christian. Her Faith in God through her own struggles was such an awesome example for me and my family. I never got to meet her personally, but she touched my life, and the lives of my family. My prayers are with her family and the staff at Fellowship.

[brian]

Sorry to hear of this. I will pray for her.

[John W.]

It's a miraculous show of God's love that He waited until after the last service was completed yesterday evening so that Vanessa's entire Church community could pray together for her, her husband Andy, and her family before he brought her into His mighty kingdom.

With Vanessa, God demonstrated His love. What an honor she has bestowed upon us all.

[Shala]

It is such a tragic day for the family friends of this beautiful person and such a glorious one for Vanessa and God!

As a former member of Fellowship from day one (we have recently moved out of state)and former staff member as well, I did not ever really get to know Vanessa but worked closely with church members and had the opportunity to witness how Vanessa touched people in so many different ways. Without a doubt, she fulfilled her destiny here and carried out Gods plans so vibrantly and graciously!

We will continue to pray for acceptance and healing for her family and thank The Lord for loaning her to us!

[Chandra Klassen]

I work in the Preschool at Fellowship while being a full-time college student. A couple years ago Vanessa was a regular vocal leader at Fellowship when I began attending regularly. Her voice and charisma touched my heart week after week, and she was a big part of looking forward to church week after week.

I remember one morning in church sitting behind her and her husband, and just watching her as she praised God with open arms. I always envied her enthusiasm and extremely beautiful voice. She was a role-model in my life even though I never had the chance to meet her, and she will never be forgotten.

[Cynthia]

I am so very sorry to hear of Vanessa's passing. I will keep the family, church staff and many friends in my prayers. She had a beautiful voice and I will always remember her singing "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day".

[Shawn Baker]

If I could just take a moment to say that after going to F.C. since the days of McArthur H.S. and the singles accross the street. I have met some very nice and wonderful people there. One of them was Vanessa. I too first saw her singing in the praise team. I thought to myself, WOW! what a voice. I think I am not alone in that department. Her version of "Amazing Grace", is the absolute best I have ever heard that song. It has been one of my favorite gospel songs of all time. And her version has ruined it for others attempting to sing that song.
It saddens me to hear about what has happened, and I have been praying about it since (Ed mentioned it) noon on sunday. Ironic I had been combing "The Source" for a copy of her singing that song for the last 6 months.

[Tammy]

My dear church family,

I'm having a hard time wraping my mind on what has happened this past weekend. All I know is that Vanessa's work here on earth has been done and she touched many lives. She of course will be missed by so many!
We know that Heaven is rejoicing with her arrival and she is blessing everyone with her beautiful voice.
God bless you Vanessa and God bless your family.

[Erin]

My heart is breaking for Vanessa's friends and family. I did not know Vanessa personally, but she touched me deeply every time she sang, spoke, prayed. Not long ago I passed Vanessa in the halls of Fellowship. She and I made eye contact and smiled as we both kept walking. I remember thinking then what a beautiful soul she has...A lovely woman full of grace and God's love. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband, family and friends. I will forever hear Vanessa's beautiful voice singing God's praise. I am grateful for the gift she shared during her time here. God bless.

[Richard]

Since hearing of Vanessa's situation, it hurts my heart and stays on my mind constantly. It brings to reality how much we take for granted. I expect to see my wife every day and assume that we are always going to be able to work towards the goals and dreams we have for the future. But God's plan may not be the same as ours.

I've found myself just waking up during the night and Andy and Vanessa immediately come to mind... so I pray. I prayed on the way to work this morning and I pray when I go to get a cup of coffee. Just the possibility that I could be in the same situation with my wife troubles me more than I can truely comprehend. I hurt for Andy.

Please keep us posted of the situation. I wish I could be there to somehow help and to just know... but I completely understand the families wishes for privacy.

Vanessa is just one of the many talents and blessings of Fellowship and one of the reasons I love Fellowship so much. Thank you.

[Rhonda Stallings]

I am not a member of your wonderful church since I am a member of my local church in Coppell, but I attend when I can because I love the leaders of your church and everything Fellowship stands for, especially Vanessa. She is a pure, beautiful soul and an amazing gift from God. When I think of your church and the incredible journey you have taken others on, I think of her. She personifies everything good and glorious, just as your church does. Simply put, Vanessa makes others want to celebrate life just as Christ did...My heart is with you all, and may God's love and peace be with you.

[Buddy Cremeans]

Ed, Lisa, and FC team,

Every experience we have ever had with Vanessa from long distance to up close has left us feeling valued and appreciated. Vanessa personified class, grace, leadership, and her joy rubbed off on everyone!

We are praying for you and the Whitwell family. We know they are your dear friends.

Buddy and Debbie

[Larissa]

Jesus said, "Which is easier to say, your sins are forgiven or take up your mat and walk?" In the same way that we believe Vanessa has been forgiven of her sins we ALSO believe that she has been healed! The same spirit that RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD lives in her and WILL quicken her mortal body. By His stripes she IS healed. We need only to believe that what God said is true - and I do! I can't wait to hear that beautiful voice singing in church again soon.

[Jackie]

I heard about Vanessa’s status on Saturday and never would have thought that her life was coming to an end. She was such a wonderful lady. She had a singing voice like no other, her battles in life were so real and helped so many, she was beautiful not just outwardly but inwardly as well. I have known her for along time and can truly say that she will be missed tremendously. My heart is very sad for her husband and family that are left behind at this time. God took her in such a peaceful state.

God hears all our prayers and comforts us in such a time as this.

[Kelly Beck]

I was touched by the first time I ever heard Vanessa sing at FC. I introduced myself to Vanessa recently at the Nail Salon in Colleyville and told her I have been attending FC since 98. She was so warm and thoughtful as always. We had a brief but nice conversation and I told her how wonderful it was to hear her sing at Fellowship.
This situation has brought my husband and I closer together during a trying time.
God is using you Vanessa even now.

We love you and are praying for you, the family and Andy.

God be with you...

[Amy Waddell]

We lift this family up to you God. Only you can bring them the supernatural peace that can give them comfort during this tremendous loss. We praise you for the example that was set in Andy and Vanessa and we thank you for the legacy that was left behind. Be with her family here forward, your angels are watching over them. Use this broken time to bring others to know you...we know that's what it's all about.
In Christ we pray,
amen

[April]

I attend IBC and learned of Vanessa's situation yesterday during our Bible community. I was shocked & saddened, having sung with her on the FC praise team years ago. She has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard, and God has most certainly used her in amazing & powerful ways. I've been in prayer for her and hoping for a miraculous recovery. The songs I most recall her singing have been gladdening my heart for the past 2 days: "Praise the King, Praise the King, Let it Ring, Praise the King." Please know that your brothers & sisters in Christ are praying for you all. Another special prayer goes out to the FC leadership and worship teams. In His love...

[kel majors]

Joy Girl you always kept me smiling...I love you! kel"]

She's been there. God knows, she's been there.
She has seen and done it all.
She's a woman. She knows how to dish it out or take it all.
Her heart's as soft as feathers, still she weathers stormy skies.
And she's a sparrow when she's broken, but she's an eagle when she flies.

A kaleidoscope of colors, you can toss her around and round.
You can keep her in your vision, but you'll never keep her down.
She's a lover, she's a mother (cash), she's a friend, and she's a wife.
And she's a sparrow when she's broken, but she's an eagle when she flies.

Gentle as the sweet magnolia, strong as steel, her faith and pride.
She's an everlasting shoulder, she's the leaning post of life.
She hurts deep and when she weeps, she's just as fragile as a child.
And she's a sparrow when she's broken, but she's an eagle when she flies.

She's a sparrow when she's broken, but she's an eagle when she flies.
Oh, bless her lord.
She's an eagle when she flies.

[shawn lovejoy]

Praying for you and your team...

[Charles and Delores]

Our prayer is that God wraps his arms around
Vanessa's family and husband and that he gives them the peace that passes all understanding..I have been there and experienced the hand of God holding us up at our time of loss..He is a graceous God and he cares that we are all sad because we will miss her.Like a ship that leaves one port we are waving good-bye and on the other side Jesus and all the heavenly host are welcoming her home..I can only imagine..

[Lacey]

Vanessa and her family are in my prayers. I only met her once, but remember her as being one of the kindest hearted people I met at Fellowship. I'm praying for that miracle because there's much continued good work for her to do on this Earth yet!