Dear Family and Friends,

Well…we are almost five months into our #healthforlandon journey (after four years of chronic pain) with some improvements but with what still appears like a ways to go.  To say we are fatigued —Landon especially—would be an understatement, but not without hope in our gracious God.  It has been incredibly breathtaking to see the sweet, strong qualities revealed in our precious son through the “mirror” of his putting-one-foot-in-front-of-the other fight through the pain for joy on this overwhelming, disorienting journey.

Even as we continue to navigate long-Covid issues with some success through insightful nutrition and therapy at Spero Clinic, the oral-facial pain and neurological struggles have not reduced much…leading, through a series of God-moments disguised as complications, us to do extensive testing on Landon’s spine.  These MRI, Xray, CT, and other scans consistently indicate upper cervical issues including significant stenosis along with fusion of his top disc (C1) to the lower skull…right where the bright blue wrap is at in above picture. The doctors that we have consulted so far project that these structural issues have likely been present since birth and are, with the physical development alongside the introduction of Covid-related inflammation, seriously constricting blood flow and nerve pathways to the face. (Substantive anomalies, by the way, that no neurological treatment or diet/supplement intervention alone can resolve.)

While the added prognosis and potentially delicate surgery is more than a bit intimidating, we are grateful for the definitive results and are determined to tenaciously believe in Landon’s ordained future by clinging to Psalm 37. Here are three takeaways from Psalm 37 that our Lord is using to steady our little family as it continues to face down a big challenge:

1. Every step in our lives, including the ones that don’t lead to ultimate closure/healing all on their own, is ordered by the Lord.
Ps 37:23 ” “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

“How much longer” is a question that we get ask regularly. We don’t know how long these added steps of testing/treatment and even possibly surgery will take in the second half of 2025, but we know that we are on the right path as the Lord continues to unmistakably order our steps one breath, one day, one treatment, and one consultation at a time.  While we were hoping/praying that we would find all of the answers in the “Natural State,” what we know now about Landon’s spinal issues would have NEVER been discovered without all of the therapy and testing in this place. As the verse says, our responsibility in the twists and turns is to choose to delight in all we learn and experience about the Lord in His way. With this journey about to extend beyond our initial estimate, we have had open our hearts and minds again to yet another regroup/recalibrate phase that will include the following:

  • I am working, with my pastoral and counseling duties, to not be gone from Heidi and Landon for more than 10 days as I support them in anyway possible.
  • Landon does not be appear to be able to attend college or work for the fall semester at a minimum.
  • Heidi will not be able to teach this fall at Wooster Christian School as she supports and advocates for Landon on many fronts.
  • We are relocating as soon as possible our home base for medical consultation and treatment from Arkansas to the New Jersey/New York area where several of our country’s finest spine doctors and clinics exist. We already have several appointments scheduled early in August.
  • Beyond that, we don’t know much else…but will update as we are able.

2. Every need, from the most basic to the biggest setback, is personally met by our merciful God.
Ps 37:24-25 “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

With so much testing/therapy not covered by insurance, we would have been in the poor house a long time ago without divine provision. God is proving that He has got our every need; our job is to focus upon and revel in His perfect “track record.” We want to thank you for all you have done to thoughtfully sacrifice and support us since the end of February.  This “upholding” Lord has used you! The recent birthday blitz of online love and cards in the mail for Landon’s 18th birthday were a fresh dose of encouragement. After asking and receiving so much help earlier this year, we have been extremely reluctant to revisit this need despite the many requests to do so.  In light of the above changes and many who have graciously/repeatedly asked how they can help our family moving forward, here are our thoughts at this point to help you sense how the Lord may lead you to be His tangible support moving forward: (Have to let go of my ego to even list these specifics)

  • With Heidi not being able to teach at WCS (An employer that went above and beyond to be supportive and flexible last school year) and the additional lodging, travel, etc., we have a shortfall STARTING IN AUGUST.
  • Our church (that has sweetly done/absorbed so much for their senior pastor’s family already) is going to pick up our insurance premium that was a part of Heidi’s salary package and obviously key to retain for traditional medicine expenses.
  • We are doing everything we can to keep our overhead to a minimum and increase our cash flow including the redirection of my monthly retirement contributions to our expenses for the rest of this season.
  • This leaves us with a need of approximately $4,000 per month however long this next leg of the journey takes. (Any extra given beyond this amount will help with the actual therapy costs that are starting to exceed our initial estimates.)

With prayer and counsel with others, we have decided to shift in strategy from putting forward another big chunk amount that is difficult to quantify right now and just humbly ask for monthly support. (We will then post at the end of the month how much support has come in and what is needed for the upcoming month.). Any monthly financial support can be designated again as “Health for Landon” and given in the following two ways:

  • By Mail

North Life Baptist Church
2437 Back Orrville Rd.
Wooster, OH 44691

  • Online (Please click to be redirected to our church’s giving platform.)

3. Every descendent in a family (“seed”), including ones worn down by chronic pain like our son, is sustained through their challenges to be a blessing to others.
Ps 37:26 “He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.”

I recently mentioned to our church that we yearn to resume the more familiar/comfortable role of being more of a giver and less of a taker. But for now, this is the humbling, needy season that the Lord has chosen for us. Everywhere I go, people are asking me about and praying over Landon. Many have reached out with similar struggles, and we have, God-willing, been far more empathetic and understanding than we could have ever been before. We truly long for and pray for a breakthrough not just for us but so that God can receive His rightful glory and others can have their faith fortified/hope renewed!

One of my dear aunts recently emailed me words that capture the undeserved and consistently gracious vibe that we get from so many empathic souls, “I have tried to wrap my mind around ALL OF THE ongoing things that you and your wife have to attend to and take care of individually, collectively and a long distance in between.  I realized very shortly that I had no idea what being displaced from my home for any period of time…is incomprehensible to me.  Let alone having a son and spouse who are displaced with him having unresolved health issues to deal with daily.  I pray for you, Heidi, Ian and Landon every time you cross my mind which is often.”

After just getting his head around this next phase of treatment, Landon bravely said to us this week, “I am not worried about this…let’s do it.” A sentiment that we can truly share in only because of the God of Psalm 37! Thank you, in advance, for continuing to stand with our family and especially our dear son through the grinding steps of chronic illness that continue to comprise our God-assigned journey for His glory. As one author put it, “Your struggle is not meant to be carried alone.  One person’s (or family’s) shoulders aren’t big enough for it all.”  We could not keep going without His grace and its frequent expression through your “shoulders” of love, prayer, and support.

Gratefully Yours,

Harley, Heidi, Ian, and Landon Snode