11/20/25 Update from Pastor Alex
My dear congregation—
Well… what a difference a few days can make! Last Saturday morning I was fishing with Samuel, and by Saturday evening I was at MUSC on the cardiothoracic floor. I have often wished to update you more, but haven’t always had the time or the words, and I am especially thankful for David Purser and Carole Ingram, who sent out regular updates.
I’ll try to give a quick update of what’s been going on. On Saturday evening, doctors at Beaufort Memorial noticed a mass in my chest cavity, and they transported me via ambulance to MUSC, where a specialist, Dr. Mayor, could address it. Dr. Mayor and her team have been nothing short of amazing, going to great lengths to handle this in the best way possible. I have literally put my life in their hands, and they have been excellent.
On Sunday, care progressed fairly cautiously and slowly, as the area where the infection was located is very complicated to reach surgically (look up “mediastinum” and you’ll see what I’m talking about!). They wanted to rule out all other options and come up with a game plan for treating this wisely and carefully. However, on Monday evening, as pneumonia began to set in, I felt so poorly that they couldn’t wait any longer, and they rushed me back for surgery to remove the abscess. The surgery took roughly two hours (that’s what I’m told — I was busy having the best nap of my life!).
The surgery successfully removed the infection, and the doctor left a drain in place so that it does not build up again. Once they have determined the cause of the infection and how best to treat it, the drain can be removed and the incision closed. I’m not exactly sure when I might be able to come home, as it largely depends on the cultures they are growing and what those begin to reveal about the type of bacteria we are dealing with.
Right now, recovery is slow, but we’re committed to doing the exercises needed to get out of here as soon as they’re ready to discharge me. I just had a great night’s sleep (for a hospital!) and did four laps around the floor — yesterday I was only able to do two at a time.
The Lord has shown me much through this time, and one of the primary things is just how well this congregation loves their pastor and his family. Stef and I are deeply grateful for every call, text, email, and prayer lifted up on our behalf. I am also deeply indebted to our leaders and how they have stepped up during a very busy week, taking over all the details for Assistant Pastor Candidate's visit. They have been an extraordinary help, as have so many others of whom I may not yet be aware. Thank you all.
I love you, and I look forward to being back with you soon.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Alex
Well… what a difference a few days can make! Last Saturday morning I was fishing with Samuel, and by Saturday evening I was at MUSC on the cardiothoracic floor. I have often wished to update you more, but haven’t always had the time or the words, and I am especially thankful for David Purser and Carole Ingram, who sent out regular updates.
I’ll try to give a quick update of what’s been going on. On Saturday evening, doctors at Beaufort Memorial noticed a mass in my chest cavity, and they transported me via ambulance to MUSC, where a specialist, Dr. Mayor, could address it. Dr. Mayor and her team have been nothing short of amazing, going to great lengths to handle this in the best way possible. I have literally put my life in their hands, and they have been excellent.
On Sunday, care progressed fairly cautiously and slowly, as the area where the infection was located is very complicated to reach surgically (look up “mediastinum” and you’ll see what I’m talking about!). They wanted to rule out all other options and come up with a game plan for treating this wisely and carefully. However, on Monday evening, as pneumonia began to set in, I felt so poorly that they couldn’t wait any longer, and they rushed me back for surgery to remove the abscess. The surgery took roughly two hours (that’s what I’m told — I was busy having the best nap of my life!).
The surgery successfully removed the infection, and the doctor left a drain in place so that it does not build up again. Once they have determined the cause of the infection and how best to treat it, the drain can be removed and the incision closed. I’m not exactly sure when I might be able to come home, as it largely depends on the cultures they are growing and what those begin to reveal about the type of bacteria we are dealing with.
Right now, recovery is slow, but we’re committed to doing the exercises needed to get out of here as soon as they’re ready to discharge me. I just had a great night’s sleep (for a hospital!) and did four laps around the floor — yesterday I was only able to do two at a time.
The Lord has shown me much through this time, and one of the primary things is just how well this congregation loves their pastor and his family. Stef and I are deeply grateful for every call, text, email, and prayer lifted up on our behalf. I am also deeply indebted to our leaders and how they have stepped up during a very busy week, taking over all the details for Assistant Pastor Candidate's visit. They have been an extraordinary help, as have so many others of whom I may not yet be aware. Thank you all.
I love you, and I look forward to being back with you soon.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Alex
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8 Comments
Bob and I have been praying for you diligently and are so thankful for the great care that you have/are getting. Please know that you are very much missed and loved. First Scots is so very grateful/blesed to have you as our pastor. We love you and get well soon.
n
nJan
Thank you for this update. God's great providence and care have been on full display. Your medical team has likely never experienced this level of prayer for their wisdom and actions! We are thankful for their skill and knowledge, and continue to pray for the pathology reports to be conclusive, with a full recovery on the horizon. We are praying that both you and Stefany get as much rest as is possible in the hospital, and look forward to welcoming you back home. We miss you too!
Our prayers are being answered, praise the Lord. It’s so reassuring to read your words Alex, thank you. May blessings and prayers continue to surround you, Stefany and your family. You are missed more than you can imagine!
nSo much love,
nLinda and Chris
We have been praying continuously. Things are sounding pretty positive. We pray that God will bring you home soon.
Alex, we’ve been praying for you and the fam! I’m so happy to hear this update. We’ll continue praying for clarity and speedy treatment!
We at Radiance Pregnancy Care Center have been praying for you! Happy to hear you are improving.
Alex, so sorry to learn of this. My love and prayers for complete healing. You and your family are part of my family.
I am praying pastor. Joy
n2 Corinthians 4:15-18
n15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
n
n16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.