For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Leigh Clement. I’ve had many people ask me if and how I’m related to Smiley. Well that depends on how you define related. My Mom and Dad moved into a house on Lancaster Avenue many years ago. They had no idea that they were moving in beside such a wonderful family – the Howell’s – Marshall, Margie, Barry and Bryan. And they had no idea that the Howell family would become as close as family to all of us. When I was born and then later Blair, Smiley and Bryan had 2 little sisters and we had 2 big brothers. We thought they were so cool! I always told everyone that I was related to the Howell’s. Blair and I attended every Howell reunion, so I thought that made us family.
As I got older, I realized that the reunion attendance didn’t make us family, but something much better and longer lasting. You see, we have always loved each other like family. There has never been a time in my life that they weren’t there for me. That’s good enough for me to call him my brother!
From the time I started driving, Smiley always took care of my tires. It’s a pretty good perk, I thought, to have your brother own a tire store. I can’t remember how many times he rescued me by coming to wherever I might be with his air tank in order to get me to Wholesale Tire so he could fix whatever was wrong. But Smiley didn’t bring his air tank to me just because he loved me – he did that for everyone! I know he helped many of you in the same way! What a nice guy!
Smiley chose a career in a service industry – service to others. And he was so great at it! You can’t be in the business that Smiley was in and not be a people person. Let’s be honest, none of us wants to spend money on a set of tires. But tires are a necessity, and when you bought your tires from Smiley, you knew that you were getting good tires and getting them with that good ‘ole hometown service! Smiley loved his tire store, but mostly he loved his customers. Thanks to all of you who have been such loyal customers to Smiley for so many years.
There are lots of words that can be used to describe Smiley Howell. I won’t even try to list them all. His youngest son, Luke, has started a list of such words. It’s a pretty long list with words like strong, courageous, and Christian, and I know Luke has not finished with it yet.
Smiley’s journey has been a tough one this past year, especially the past few months. He endured such intense pain – such pain that none of us can even imagine. He worked through that pain until his body just wouldn’t allow him any longer. He was in and out of hospitals. He fought so hard the entire time. He was not willing to give up on life without a fight. That fight took him to Korea. But he couldn’t have made that trip without the help of a lot of people. This community pulled together like no one has ever seen. Smiley’s miracle trip was truly a miracle. Even though doctors were not able to heal Smiley’s body, I believe that this trip was part of a bigger plan – God’s plan. Lives were changed through Smiley’s story – his story of courage, of strength, and mostly of faith! Smiley’s trust in His Lord was made known to so many people. I truly believe that God was always in control of Smiley’s life – and all of us were put into his life for a purpose. God used a wonderful man to reach so many hearts. I’m so proud to have had the privilege to know and love Smiley!
Today, I would like to share with you a poem that I’ve written to Smiley. I’ve only written poems for 2 other occasions – my Dad’s retirement and my sister and brother-in-law’s wedding rehearsal. Both of those times were special and both were celebrations. Today is also special and it is also a celebration – a celebration of Smiley Howell.
So here’s my poem – it’s simply titled “Smiley”:
“Smiley”
Barry Marshall Howell or “Smiley” as we like to say;
We’re all gathered here together to celebrate your life today.
You were born in Greer - Marshall and Margie’s first son;
They brought you up in this Church and loved you a ton!
You grew up and operated Wholesale Tire;
Helping other people was always your desire.
We always thought that you would never wed;
But then you met Patty,
And the phrase “We’re getting married!” is what you said!
You married in Charleston in 1984,
And your love for her grew every minute, more and more.
Then along came Logan, Tyler, and Luke, the apples of your eyes;
Now they’re 21, 18, and 14 – my how time flies.
They know how much you loved them and how proud you were too;
For you were always there for them, teaching them what to do.
From band concerts and sports events to academics, too;
As long as they gave their best, that’s what was expected by you.
You’ve always been a loyal Greer High Yellow Jackets fan;
And what a proud moment when you saw Luke coming out of those stands!
All of your boys are way too young to lose their Dad;
But they know you’ll be looking over them during the good and the bad.
You’ve left them a great legacy to pass on to their sons;
To never give up, the Lord decides when your work here is done.
Just as you loved your family, you loved your friends, too;
Please tell God that we all need His help to go on without you.
You lived your life to the fullest, and that we all know;
You worked hard and played hard and smiled as you did so!
One of your favorite things to do was go to a NASCAR race;
With Rich-Man, your buddies, and a full Schlitz case!
And we can’t forget your Gamecocks, you were such a loyal fan;
But that never got between you and your Clemson friends, Richard and Stan!
Card playing on Wednesday nights was a routine for years and years;
Those guys will miss you terribly and probably play now with a few tears.
2008 proved to be a very difficult year for you;
The cancer, the heart problem, and that bad infection, too.
No matter what was thrown at you, you battled with all of your might;
We all watched in amazement as you put up an incredibly courageous fight.
We named your journey to Korea “The Smiley Miracle Trip;”
Your faith and trust in God was clear - you didn’t hesitate a bit.
I hope you understand now how many lives you’ve affected – just look at all these guests;
Our lives will never be the same - you’ve changed our hearts for the best.
You were such a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend;
And you never stopped loving life, even up to the very end.
We’re gathered here together not to say “good-bye;”
We’re all here in God’s house to say “We’ll see you on the other side!”
I know that you’re in Heaven now, and God has blessed you with His special touch;
But Smiley B, you’ll always be a part of us – for we all love you so very much!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday 11/26
Hey everyone. I haven't written in the last couple of days because we had not received any new information. As you can all imagine, the wait to get Smiley's body back to us has been a very hard one. It seems that the grieving process is being made even harder with this wait.Steve is on the plane right now. He will arrive in Atlanta tomorrow morning (our time), and Marilyn will be there to pick him up. Smiley is supposed to arrive next Tuesday, December 2nd. There is nothing that we can do at this point to speed up the process - believe me, I've tried! I feel comfortable that every possibility has been explored. We just have to be patient. Tonight, after we heard the news that Smiley would not return to us until next week, I started wondering why. Then I remembered that this waiting is once again just a part of God's plan. I can't explain it, and honestly, I don't want to try! But I think that the following verses are very appropriate right now, as we all grieve in the loss of our special friend, Smiley:Romans 5:1-5 ...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.When we wonder why we are having to wait so long in order to pay the proper final respects to Smiley, we all have to put our trust in the Lord. He knows the suffering that we are all experiencing in our loss. He also knew all of the excrutiating pain and suffering that Smiley endured for the past year. He has relieved Smiley of that suffering, and He will help us all through this difficult time. I had the thought that maybe Smiley's body is not supposed to be back here with us yet - God apparantly isn't finished with his miracle trip! I don't know about you, but I'm just going to believe that this delay will only cause many more miracles to happen in lots of lives!My daily calendar had another perfect verse yesterday - just what I needed - so I'm going to share it with all of you. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.Patty, the boys, Margie, and Bryan and his family could not handle the loss of Smiley alone. Neither could any of the rest of us who loved him so much. We're all in this together - that's exactly how Smiley would want it! Thanks again to everyone for the continuous love, support, and prayers! Please continue special prayers for Steve, our angel friend! And when you see him in the coming days, give him extra special hugs and love - he certainly deserves it!!Love and prayers to you all :)I'll be in touch soon...LeighPS - Please visit downtown Greer and buy raffle tickets for your favorite Christmas tree during the Greer Station Festival of Trees. There will be trees at several of the downtown businesses. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1.00 each. There will be a drawing at each of the businesses on Saturday, December 6th, with the winner receiving the tree from the business!Leigh Clement
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Latest Update -- The Glory of Heaven
Hey everyone. My friends, I'm sad to report the news that we have been expecting for a few days. Our dear friend Smiley has departed this life. BUT Smiley is now without pain and with our God!
Luke had the idea yesterday afternoon that they should each talk to Smiley over the phone. Even though they all knew Smiley would not be able to talk back to them, they wanted to talk to him one last time. So, Steve called back around 10:00 pm our time. Each of the boys, Margie, and Patty had their time to tell Smiley how very much they love him. Patty let him know that we would all be okay. She told Smiley to go ahead and close his eyes, go to sleep, and go be with God. Smiley couldn't talk, but he did moan - Patty knew he was telling her that he loves her!
About 3 hours later, Smiley passed away.
This is such a sad day for us - but what a happy day for Smiley!! He is in the place where we all should be striving to get to! And what a reunion he's had today! Marshall has waited a lot of years to see his son again! And we've been wondering if Smiley has gotten in trouble with Bobby and Bo yet! I have no doubt that the Lord is having some great laughs with those guys!!
Smiley fought the fight of all fights. He has been in pain during all of 2008, but he fought so hard. Smiley and Patty's house is full of pictures - pictures of family, friends, and loved ones. There is evidence all around us of this family's love of the Lord! One special hanging that sticks out to me is one in Smiley and Patty's bedroom. It has the letter "B" and under it says the following:
Barry -- Courageous
Only be thou strong and very courageous...that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest
Joshua 1:7
What a perfect description of Barry Smiley Howell!! We are all better people for knowing and loving him!
Please continue to pray for Smiley's family and Steve and his family. We need to always remember the courage that Smiley and Steve have shown during this miracle trip! And what a miracle trip it has been!
May God Bless You all for everything you have done for Smiley and his family! We don't have to stop loving Smiley - we need to keep that love and spread it around - just like Smiley would want us to do :)
Always pray, my friends - always! God is good!
We do not know arrangements at this time. Things will move slower than usual since Smiley passed away in Korea. There are many people working to get the details worked out. I promise I will keep in touch...
Much Love, Thanks, and Prayers to you all :)
Leigh
Luke had the idea yesterday afternoon that they should each talk to Smiley over the phone. Even though they all knew Smiley would not be able to talk back to them, they wanted to talk to him one last time. So, Steve called back around 10:00 pm our time. Each of the boys, Margie, and Patty had their time to tell Smiley how very much they love him. Patty let him know that we would all be okay. She told Smiley to go ahead and close his eyes, go to sleep, and go be with God. Smiley couldn't talk, but he did moan - Patty knew he was telling her that he loves her!
About 3 hours later, Smiley passed away.
This is such a sad day for us - but what a happy day for Smiley!! He is in the place where we all should be striving to get to! And what a reunion he's had today! Marshall has waited a lot of years to see his son again! And we've been wondering if Smiley has gotten in trouble with Bobby and Bo yet! I have no doubt that the Lord is having some great laughs with those guys!!
Smiley fought the fight of all fights. He has been in pain during all of 2008, but he fought so hard. Smiley and Patty's house is full of pictures - pictures of family, friends, and loved ones. There is evidence all around us of this family's love of the Lord! One special hanging that sticks out to me is one in Smiley and Patty's bedroom. It has the letter "B" and under it says the following:
Barry -- Courageous
Only be thou strong and very courageous...that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest
Joshua 1:7
What a perfect description of Barry Smiley Howell!! We are all better people for knowing and loving him!
Please continue to pray for Smiley's family and Steve and his family. We need to always remember the courage that Smiley and Steve have shown during this miracle trip! And what a miracle trip it has been!
May God Bless You all for everything you have done for Smiley and his family! We don't have to stop loving Smiley - we need to keep that love and spread it around - just like Smiley would want us to do :)
Always pray, my friends - always! God is good!
We do not know arrangements at this time. Things will move slower than usual since Smiley passed away in Korea. There are many people working to get the details worked out. I promise I will keep in touch...
Much Love, Thanks, and Prayers to you all :)
Leigh
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thoughts
As I try to process all that is going on, my mind goes to what I once heard a preacher say about someone with cancer. He said that she did not lose her fight, but WON the fight with eternal life. This keeps going through my mind over and over. Those of us here on this earth are hurting and so miss Smiley, but he is pain free! He has a restored body that is more wonderful than ever! Let us all try to remember the happy, positive memories we all have of Smiley. He has touched all of our lives and will continue to do so. We need to all thank God for the opportunity to have known and loved Smiley, he is certainly a precious gift.
Thank you to all who have loved, given, hoped, and most importantly prayed. Please continue your prayers for the family and friends.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will feel no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff , they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
Thank you to all who have loved, given, hoped, and most importantly prayed. Please continue your prayers for the family and friends.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will feel no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff , they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
Update -- Friday 11/21
Hey everyone. The news from Korea is not exactly what we had been hoping for tonight. Smiley is not going to be able to fly home to us. The airline did not deny his flight - Dr. Moon determined that Smiley was not medically able to make the flight.
I want you all to know that I truly believe that Smiley would want things to work out this way. He was very adamant that he did not want his boys to see him pass away from this life. There are so many reasons why Smiley is in Korea at this time. When we took Smiley to the airport for his miracle trip, I wrote of the wonderful spirit that we all felt that day. Smiley was so happy, and it showed on his face! We have such wonderful memories and pictures of Smiley on that day! I will NEVER forget the look on Smiley's face when Patty turned him around in that wheelchair and he saw all of us there - it was a priceless moment! God knew that we all needed to see that hope and happiness in Smiley that day. It will always be great to remember his smiling face :)
It has been so hard for everyone not to worry about Smiley during his fight with cancer, especially during the last few weeks. However, God does not want us to worry, but put all of our trust in Him. The following is one of my favorite verses:
Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers.
God answers our prayers. The outcome may not always be what we want, but it is always what God knows is best! Let's all continue to pray and put our trust in God! He will help us through these difficult days!!
Patty, the boys, and the entire family would like to once again tell you that the love and support that you all have shown and continue to show have helped give them the strength to make it - they know that they are certainly not alone!
Love and prayers to you all :)
I'll be in touch...
Leigh
I want you all to know that I truly believe that Smiley would want things to work out this way. He was very adamant that he did not want his boys to see him pass away from this life. There are so many reasons why Smiley is in Korea at this time. When we took Smiley to the airport for his miracle trip, I wrote of the wonderful spirit that we all felt that day. Smiley was so happy, and it showed on his face! We have such wonderful memories and pictures of Smiley on that day! I will NEVER forget the look on Smiley's face when Patty turned him around in that wheelchair and he saw all of us there - it was a priceless moment! God knew that we all needed to see that hope and happiness in Smiley that day. It will always be great to remember his smiling face :)
It has been so hard for everyone not to worry about Smiley during his fight with cancer, especially during the last few weeks. However, God does not want us to worry, but put all of our trust in Him. The following is one of my favorite verses:
Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers.
God answers our prayers. The outcome may not always be what we want, but it is always what God knows is best! Let's all continue to pray and put our trust in God! He will help us through these difficult days!!
Patty, the boys, and the entire family would like to once again tell you that the love and support that you all have shown and continue to show have helped give them the strength to make it - they know that they are certainly not alone!
Love and prayers to you all :)
I'll be in touch...
Leigh
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Latest Update -- Pray without ceasing!
Hey everyone. There is not a lot of new information to report today. Dr. Moon is still working on getting Smiley strong enough to make the flight home. We all need to pray that the airline will allow Smiley to fly. They have the right to deny him if they think he's unable to fly. Dr. Moon is doing all that he can to help Smiley onto the plane. Smiley and Steve are scheduled to arrive at Atlanta airport on Saturday morning at 9:45 am. I know that we had all hoped to be there with loving arms to welcome them home, but we are not going to be able to do that. At this point, even the family is not going to travel to Atlanta. The reason is that we would not be able to see them anyway. There will be an ambulance awaiting Smiley when the plane lands. The ambulance will be staffed with EMT's and will bring Smiley and Steve back to Greer. We are unsure at this point if Smiley will go straight to Greer Memorial Hospital or home. We may not know that detail until closer to their arrival.
Please pray for these last couple of days in Korea for Smiley and Steve. The treatment that Smiley receives is very important in getting him home to us. And I can only imagine how hard this journey has been on Steve. I admire him so much for all that he has done. Don't forget that he and his family need our prayers also.
Yesterday was a very tough day. It's very hard to hear that someone who we all love so much will not be with us much longer. But please remember that it has been a huge group effort from a God-loving community that even gave Smiley that hope. And I can tell you for sure, he was so happy to have that hope and to have the opportunity to make the trip! Like I've said many times, God has been and still is working through Smiley's miracle trip. The miracle that we had all hoped for - the miracle of Smiley's healed body - hasn't happened. BUT, through the hope of one miracle, I believe many other miracles have taken place. God is so good - He has a plan!
Thank you all for everything! We need to keep working hard on the fundraisers - there are many medical bills to be paid. Don't forget the Bluegrass Concert and hot dog supper TONIGHT at Blue Ridge Middle School! Hot dog supper begins at 5:30! See you all there :)
Please keep praying - pray for God's will to be done and pray for the strength and understanding for Smiley's family that only God can provide!
Much Love and prayers to you all :)
I'll be in touch...
Leigh
Please pray for these last couple of days in Korea for Smiley and Steve. The treatment that Smiley receives is very important in getting him home to us. And I can only imagine how hard this journey has been on Steve. I admire him so much for all that he has done. Don't forget that he and his family need our prayers also.
Yesterday was a very tough day. It's very hard to hear that someone who we all love so much will not be with us much longer. But please remember that it has been a huge group effort from a God-loving community that even gave Smiley that hope. And I can tell you for sure, he was so happy to have that hope and to have the opportunity to make the trip! Like I've said many times, God has been and still is working through Smiley's miracle trip. The miracle that we had all hoped for - the miracle of Smiley's healed body - hasn't happened. BUT, through the hope of one miracle, I believe many other miracles have taken place. God is so good - He has a plan!
Thank you all for everything! We need to keep working hard on the fundraisers - there are many medical bills to be paid. Don't forget the Bluegrass Concert and hot dog supper TONIGHT at Blue Ridge Middle School! Hot dog supper begins at 5:30! See you all there :)
Please keep praying - pray for God's will to be done and pray for the strength and understanding for Smiley's family that only God can provide!
Much Love and prayers to you all :)
I'll be in touch...
Leigh
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Today's Update...Remember God is with us all!
Hey everyone. I don't exactly know how to write this one. We've gotten some bad news from Korea. Steve and Dr. Moon called Patti around 1:00 am this morning. Smiley is alive, but things aren't looking so good. The doctors have been working on the stem cell harvesting, but tests show that Smiley's liver and kidneys are starting to shut down. Tests lead Dr. Moon to believe that the cancer has spread to his pancreas, which is most likely the reason for the liver and kidney failure. There is nothing more that they can do for Smiley. Dr. Moon is going to try to get Smiley back home to us. He will give Smiley blood, platelets and stem cells in order to try to get Smiley's body strong enough to make the trip home. We will know more details later on, but hopefully Smiley will be back this weekend.
Please pray that Smiley will be able to make it home from Korea. I still believe that Smiley's miracle trip has not been in vain. He so wanted to make that trip - throughout his illness, Smiley has given it his all. Thanks to everyone for giving it your all for him. Smiley's journey is not over - he needs our prayers now for his safe return trip. For reasons none of us can understand, it is not God's will for the doctors in Korea to heal Smiley's body. But I believe that it was God's will for Smiley to make the trip to Korea as part of his journey. I know that hearts and lives have been changed, and lots of us have grown closer to God. We all need to remember the leap of faith that Smiley took. We can all learn from that. Smiley loves the Lord and trusts in Him. We must also depend on our trust in Him, especially during these most difficult times.
Please look at your prayer bracelets often today and pray for Smiley, his family, his doctors, and Steve. We all just want him back home. And when the time comes for the Lord to take Smiley to his final home, like we said to him at the airport, we still won't say "goodbye", but "see you later!"
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Love, thanks and prayers to you all :)
I will be in touch as soon as we know further information or plans...
Leigh
Please pray that Smiley will be able to make it home from Korea. I still believe that Smiley's miracle trip has not been in vain. He so wanted to make that trip - throughout his illness, Smiley has given it his all. Thanks to everyone for giving it your all for him. Smiley's journey is not over - he needs our prayers now for his safe return trip. For reasons none of us can understand, it is not God's will for the doctors in Korea to heal Smiley's body. But I believe that it was God's will for Smiley to make the trip to Korea as part of his journey. I know that hearts and lives have been changed, and lots of us have grown closer to God. We all need to remember the leap of faith that Smiley took. We can all learn from that. Smiley loves the Lord and trusts in Him. We must also depend on our trust in Him, especially during these most difficult times.
Please look at your prayer bracelets often today and pray for Smiley, his family, his doctors, and Steve. We all just want him back home. And when the time comes for the Lord to take Smiley to his final home, like we said to him at the airport, we still won't say "goodbye", but "see you later!"
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Love, thanks and prayers to you all :)
I will be in touch as soon as we know further information or plans...
Leigh
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Update today! November 18th
Hey everyone! Well, it’s Tuesday night in Korea, and the doctors have been harvesting Smiley’s stem cells for over a day now! They will continue to do so through Wednesday and then begin the treatment on Thursday! With my limited scientific knowledge, I understand that on Thursday, the doctors will begin putting the harvested stem cells back into Smiley’s body. They have pulled the “good stuff” from his blood and harvested it so that they can put more “good stuff” back into his body! The doctors there would probably love to hear my explanation!! Anyway, Smiley is a little weak since they had to take blood. When they are able to start the treatment on Thursday, he should get a little stronger each day. They will have enough stem cells for 8 treatments. Then the doctors will take more blood and repeat the process. But when they take the next round of blood, Smiley’s body should be stronger and it should not leave him so weak! Thursday can’t get here fast enough!!
Patti was able to talk to him again last night! They are keeping him comfortable and controlling the pain, so he’s always groggy when he talks with her. She continues to tell him how much everyone loves him and that there are so many people praying for him!
I think there is going to be a story in the Greenville Journal this week. It is published on Friday, and the reporter told me that it is delivered to some homes, but it is available at grocery stores for free! The story will talk about Smiley and his miracle trip, but it will also focus on how people are having to go out of the country to receive needed medical treatment. Pick up a copy and read about our wonderful friend! Just one more way that Smiley and his tremendous fight are working for the good of others!
Patti wanted me to be sure to express her gratitude to everyone for the support and prayers during this difficult time. She has been overwhelmed and touched so deeply by the outpouring of love for Smiley and his family! She is still running around town getting things taken care of related to the trip – even though Smiley and Steve have made the trip, there is so much still to do! Of course, it was very hard for her to send him across the world in the condition that he was in when he left. But it was Smiley’s wish – how could she or anyone else deny him this chance! She anxiously awaits the call from Steve each night, praying for a good report. Patti has been able to stay strong throughout this time because of the love and support that she and her boys have received from you all! Thanks!
I thank God every day for the work He is doing in all of our lives. I think we are all better people for going through this trying time with Smiley – I know I am. It makes my heart so happy that so many people have been touched by the story of one man and his courage! I have always believed that there is a reason for every single thing that happens. How we react is what’s important. God has given us the ability to make decisions, and I am so proud of how everyone has reacted to this cause! Although we all hate to see our friend go through such pain, I believe that Smiley will come home to us a healed man! God has given Smiley the opportunity to be with these doctors in Korea. Thanks to all of you for following Smiley’s journey!
Keep praying, my friends! God hears our prayers, and I can’t help but believe that God is smiling upon Greer, SC and the way everyone has come together to do good in His name! He is also smiling upon Seoul, Korea and watching over our dear Smiley!
Love and thanks to you all :)
I’ll be in touch…
Leigh
PS – More t-shirts and prayer bracelets are on the way! Hope to see everyone at the Bluegrass Concert & hot dog supper on Thursday at Blue Ridge Middle! It will be my first Bluegrass Concert – I can’t wait!
Patti was able to talk to him again last night! They are keeping him comfortable and controlling the pain, so he’s always groggy when he talks with her. She continues to tell him how much everyone loves him and that there are so many people praying for him!
I think there is going to be a story in the Greenville Journal this week. It is published on Friday, and the reporter told me that it is delivered to some homes, but it is available at grocery stores for free! The story will talk about Smiley and his miracle trip, but it will also focus on how people are having to go out of the country to receive needed medical treatment. Pick up a copy and read about our wonderful friend! Just one more way that Smiley and his tremendous fight are working for the good of others!
Patti wanted me to be sure to express her gratitude to everyone for the support and prayers during this difficult time. She has been overwhelmed and touched so deeply by the outpouring of love for Smiley and his family! She is still running around town getting things taken care of related to the trip – even though Smiley and Steve have made the trip, there is so much still to do! Of course, it was very hard for her to send him across the world in the condition that he was in when he left. But it was Smiley’s wish – how could she or anyone else deny him this chance! She anxiously awaits the call from Steve each night, praying for a good report. Patti has been able to stay strong throughout this time because of the love and support that she and her boys have received from you all! Thanks!
I thank God every day for the work He is doing in all of our lives. I think we are all better people for going through this trying time with Smiley – I know I am. It makes my heart so happy that so many people have been touched by the story of one man and his courage! I have always believed that there is a reason for every single thing that happens. How we react is what’s important. God has given us the ability to make decisions, and I am so proud of how everyone has reacted to this cause! Although we all hate to see our friend go through such pain, I believe that Smiley will come home to us a healed man! God has given Smiley the opportunity to be with these doctors in Korea. Thanks to all of you for following Smiley’s journey!
Keep praying, my friends! God hears our prayers, and I can’t help but believe that God is smiling upon Greer, SC and the way everyone has come together to do good in His name! He is also smiling upon Seoul, Korea and watching over our dear Smiley!
Love and thanks to you all :)
I’ll be in touch…
Leigh
PS – More t-shirts and prayer bracelets are on the way! Hope to see everyone at the Bluegrass Concert & hot dog supper on Thursday at Blue Ridge Middle! It will be my first Bluegrass Concert – I can’t wait!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Keep Looking!
When you read the updates, scroll on down, the updated announcements are down there. Yard sale totals as well as the information on the Bluegrass Concert Thursday night!
Happy Monday and may God bless each of you!
Monday Update! November 17th
Good Monday morning everyone! I have some exciting news about Smiley! When Patti talked with Steve late Saturday night, the doctors were having to give Smiley more blood and were unsure if they were even going to be able to start the stem cell treatment. They have to be able to get enough good blood from him to be able to have anything to work with. I know that’s not a very scientific explanation, but that is how my non-scientific brain understands it! Steve called last night with very encouraging news. Smiley’s blood has improved, and they were going to start the stem cell harvesting within an hour or two of when they called!! I believe that Smiley simply making it to Korea was the first miracle of Smiley’s miracle trip. I feel like we have just experienced the second miracle! I truly believe that there are many more to come, and I know you all have been praying for those miracles!
Throughout this journey, Smiley just wanted a chance. Korea was his only hope for that chance, and it took two very brave men to make this trip – Smiley with his very sick body and Steve with such a great responsibility. I’m so proud of both of them!
The doctors will be harvesting the stem cells for the next two days. He will actually be receiving the treatment in his body on Thursday. Please pray that Smiley’s weak body can continue to fight hard for the next couple of days. Once they begin treatment, hopefully he will begin to feel better each day!
We have a story here to tell, folks. A wonderful man from little ‘ole Greer, South Carolina is now a billboard for Christ! No matter what happens to Smiley’s body – and we are hopeful he will come back to us a healed man – God has been working in such special ways through all of this! I have already seen Smiley and his battle affect a stranger at the Atlanta airport. She gave us her name and number because she wants to be there with us to greet Smiley when he walks off of that airplane! I have no doubt that she has been praying for Smiley since last Wednesday. Every time I close my eyes, I have an image of Smiley walking off of the plane in a few weeks, with hundreds of us there to greet him! I have even dreamed about it! It’s always the same. And every single time I have that image in my mind, I pray that God will make that dream come true. I know that the doctors in Korea are the ones physically treating Smiley, but I believe that God is the only one who has the power to heal him.
Kathy Waters said something to me at the yard sale Saturday that is so true. She told me how thankful she is that this experience has fostered new friendships and rekindled old ones. Bill Hughes and I had the same conversation at the bank the other day. Wow! In our busy lives – and I’m the worst of all – we all get too busy to stay in contact with our friends like we should. Like God wants us to. It is only fitting that Smiley, a friend to all of us, has brought us all back together. Please, let’s continue to stay close as a God-loving community!
As always, please continue your prayers for Smiley, his family, and Steve! God hears our prayers!
Thanks to everyone who is making Smiley’s miracle trip possible! Remember the Bluegrass Concert and hot dog supper this Thursday at Blue Ridge Middle School! See you there!
Love and prayers to you all :)
Leigh
Throughout this journey, Smiley just wanted a chance. Korea was his only hope for that chance, and it took two very brave men to make this trip – Smiley with his very sick body and Steve with such a great responsibility. I’m so proud of both of them!
The doctors will be harvesting the stem cells for the next two days. He will actually be receiving the treatment in his body on Thursday. Please pray that Smiley’s weak body can continue to fight hard for the next couple of days. Once they begin treatment, hopefully he will begin to feel better each day!
We have a story here to tell, folks. A wonderful man from little ‘ole Greer, South Carolina is now a billboard for Christ! No matter what happens to Smiley’s body – and we are hopeful he will come back to us a healed man – God has been working in such special ways through all of this! I have already seen Smiley and his battle affect a stranger at the Atlanta airport. She gave us her name and number because she wants to be there with us to greet Smiley when he walks off of that airplane! I have no doubt that she has been praying for Smiley since last Wednesday. Every time I close my eyes, I have an image of Smiley walking off of the plane in a few weeks, with hundreds of us there to greet him! I have even dreamed about it! It’s always the same. And every single time I have that image in my mind, I pray that God will make that dream come true. I know that the doctors in Korea are the ones physically treating Smiley, but I believe that God is the only one who has the power to heal him.
Kathy Waters said something to me at the yard sale Saturday that is so true. She told me how thankful she is that this experience has fostered new friendships and rekindled old ones. Bill Hughes and I had the same conversation at the bank the other day. Wow! In our busy lives – and I’m the worst of all – we all get too busy to stay in contact with our friends like we should. Like God wants us to. It is only fitting that Smiley, a friend to all of us, has brought us all back together. Please, let’s continue to stay close as a God-loving community!
As always, please continue your prayers for Smiley, his family, and Steve! God hears our prayers!
Thanks to everyone who is making Smiley’s miracle trip possible! Remember the Bluegrass Concert and hot dog supper this Thursday at Blue Ridge Middle School! See you there!
Love and prayers to you all :)
Leigh
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Update -- Sunday, November 16th
Hey everyone. Sorry I didn't send an update yesterday. There wasn't much new to report, and we were all very busy with the yard sale. Patti was able to talk to Smiley late Friday night and again last night. He was very groggy from the pain medicine, but he was able to speak to her. She told him how very much everyone in Greer loves him and is pulling for him! They gave Smiley the platelets on Friday, the blood transfusion on Saturday, and they were scheduled to give him the protein treatment on Sunday (it's already night time again there!) When Patti talked with Steve last night, he told her that they were having to give Smiley more blood. They are now trying to make a decision on whether or not the stem cell treatment can be done on Smiley. Obviously, this news was very disturbing to Patti. She has been unable to get in contact with Dr. Moon by phone, but she sent him an email. Hopefully, he will call her soon to further explain everything. I misunderstood that Dr. Moon had already arrived back in Korea; however, he is still in Florida - communicating with the other doctors and staff about Smiley. He is scheduled to travel back to Korea soon. We need to pray that Dr. Moon will have a safe trip to get to our Smiley.
As I am no doctor, I don't fully understand all of the medical procedures and am unable to explain them all to you. I do know that it is very critical that they be able to start the stem cell procedure as quickly as possible. They are unable to do so at this time because Smiley's body is simply not at a point to do so. As we all know, Smiley's health is very critical. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for everyone who is taking care of him in Korea. Also, please say special prayers for Steve Berry. What a difficult situation that he is in - he doesn't have all of us to lean on and talk all of this out with, so we need to make sure that we continue to lift him up in prayer.
I know that the support and prayers for Smiley and his family are so far-reaching! Please continue to pray for our dear friend and his family. Each day, I am more amazed at how God is working in the lives of so many through Smiley's battle. I have a calendar that has a different Bible verse each day. It's so incredible how the perfect verse seems to be there on the day that I need it most! I want to share with you all the verse of today, the day that we are all more anxious about Smiley's health than ever:
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Of course, we are all anxious and worried about Smiley. However, Smiley took a huge leap of faith to get on that plane to Korea. We must all follow his lead and keep our faith in the Lord. He is a great God, who knows what is happening to Smiley's body before it even happens. Please, let's all continue to support Smiley, his family, and each other! God has given us this opportunity to come together for Smiley, but in His name! Wow, what a blessing!
Thanks so much to all who contributed to the yard sale - those who organized the event, those who donated items, those who purchased items, and those who stopped by for support!! It was a wonderful success - once again, an opportunity for us to unite for a great cause! I think it was only fitting that the yard sale be moved to a place of worship! The rain was around just long enough for us to need to move the sale, but the sunshine soon arrived! For those of you who were unable to attend, the amount of items donated was breath-taking, filling the gym at Memorial Methodist Church!!
Have a blessed Sunday! I will be in touch as soon as we receive more news from Korea...
Love and thanks to you all :)
Leigh
PS - Don't forget the Bluegrass Concert and hot dog supper - this Thursday, November 20th - at Blue Ridge Middle School! Hope to see you all there!
As I am no doctor, I don't fully understand all of the medical procedures and am unable to explain them all to you. I do know that it is very critical that they be able to start the stem cell procedure as quickly as possible. They are unable to do so at this time because Smiley's body is simply not at a point to do so. As we all know, Smiley's health is very critical. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for everyone who is taking care of him in Korea. Also, please say special prayers for Steve Berry. What a difficult situation that he is in - he doesn't have all of us to lean on and talk all of this out with, so we need to make sure that we continue to lift him up in prayer.
I know that the support and prayers for Smiley and his family are so far-reaching! Please continue to pray for our dear friend and his family. Each day, I am more amazed at how God is working in the lives of so many through Smiley's battle. I have a calendar that has a different Bible verse each day. It's so incredible how the perfect verse seems to be there on the day that I need it most! I want to share with you all the verse of today, the day that we are all more anxious about Smiley's health than ever:
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Of course, we are all anxious and worried about Smiley. However, Smiley took a huge leap of faith to get on that plane to Korea. We must all follow his lead and keep our faith in the Lord. He is a great God, who knows what is happening to Smiley's body before it even happens. Please, let's all continue to support Smiley, his family, and each other! God has given us this opportunity to come together for Smiley, but in His name! Wow, what a blessing!
Thanks so much to all who contributed to the yard sale - those who organized the event, those who donated items, those who purchased items, and those who stopped by for support!! It was a wonderful success - once again, an opportunity for us to unite for a great cause! I think it was only fitting that the yard sale be moved to a place of worship! The rain was around just long enough for us to need to move the sale, but the sunshine soon arrived! For those of you who were unable to attend, the amount of items donated was breath-taking, filling the gym at Memorial Methodist Church!!
Have a blessed Sunday! I will be in touch as soon as we receive more news from Korea...
Love and thanks to you all :)
Leigh
PS - Don't forget the Bluegrass Concert and hot dog supper - this Thursday, November 20th - at Blue Ridge Middle School! Hope to see you all there!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Bluegrass Concert and Hot Dog Supper
Fundraiser this Thursday night, come out and enjoy music, food, and fellowship!
Thursday, November 20th
5:30 pm
Blue Ridge Middle School
Cost -- $10 concert and meal
For more info call
BRMS @ 355-1900
YARD SALE RESULTS
What a successful day! Thanks to all who got the yard sale organized and helped make it such a success. Thanks to all who donated their items and time.
Grand Totals:
Yard Sale -- $3519.13
T-shirts, stickers, bracelets -- $2008.00
and general donations
Total -- $5527.13
Signed Greer Football Raffle Winner -- John Stewart
Please continue praying for Smiley and his family. Keep checking for updates, we will post them as soon as we get them!
Friday, November 14, 2008
November 14th Update!
Hey everyone – it’s me again! Here’s the Friday update on Smiley: Steve called Patti a little while ago, and she also talked to Dr. Moon. Smiley is still in ICU at the Daerim St. Mary’s Hospital. He is resting well. He is sleeping most of the time because of the pain medicine. They are going to be giving him blood, platelets, and a protein treatment (I can’t pronounce or spell the name J) today. Dr. Moon did not want to start the stem cell treatment yet because he did not want Smiley’s body to go into shock. He felt like Smiley needed the blood transfusion before they started the other treatment. He wants to take it as slow as he needs to in order to do what’s best for Smiley. They will start the stem cell harvesting at some point after Smiley has the blood, platelets, and protein treatment.
Steve told Patti that the hospital is very modern and clean. He has been very impressed with the hospital, doctors, and staff! He assured Patti that they are taking very good care of Smiley! Steve has been able to fellowship with the other Americans (the 14th floor of the hotel is made up of American patients and their families that have come for medical care.) Steve met a guy from Atlanta, and he helped Steve get an international cell phone. I’m trying to work on a way that Steve will be able to get in touch with Patti more often without it being so expensive. When Smiley starts getting stronger and better, I want to make sure that he can talk to Patti and the boys as often as he wants without having to worry about the cost! The plan for all of that is in the works! For now, Steve is just going to call once a day to give updates. Of course, he will call more often if there are changes to report or any news that Patti needs to know right away. I promise to pass along the information as soon as we receive it each day!
IMPORTANT BREAKING NEWS J: There is a blood drive today at Blue Ridge High School in the auxiliary gym during school hours. The BRHS ROTC holds a blood drive each month, and today’s blood drive is for Smiley. If you go, please tell them that you are giving blood for Barry M. Howell (Smiley). Please take time from your day and donate blood for Smiley. He had to have many blood transfusions over the past few weeks, and the family will receive credit towards the cost of that blood if you make sure to donate in Smiley’s name! Thanks!
Also, don’t forget the yard sale tomorrow at Wholesale Tire from 7:00 am until :) We will have t-shirts, car stickers and prayer bands (someone called them “prayer bands” yesterday and I think that is a very appropriate description of the bracelets!!) All of these items are a great way to financially support the Howell family, but they are also great ways to remind us of Smiley and to pray for him each day!!
God’s will continues to be done through Smiley Howell. What a wonderful representative from Greer, South Carolina to be in Korea. I know that God’s spirit that we all felt so strongly at that airport is also affecting people who have come in contact with Smiley and Steve in Korea. Keep the faith – I am confident that God is working miracles in people’s lives through this experience. We may never know how many hearts have been changed through Smiley and his miracle trip! The effect is surely spanning the globe!
I want to share a verse with all of you. I have a journal that a friend gave to me when Dad had his heart surgery in May. I used it to write down information about his surgery and to keep up with phone numbers of friends and family. I pulled it out on Wednesday because I thought it would be the perfect place to keep all of my notes, phone numbers, and email addresses that I need during Smiley’s trip. The page that I turned to had the following scripture: Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. I highlighted it. Smiley has not given up his fight with cancer. We must all continue to work together to do good things. I promised Smiley that I would work hard for him while he was gone. I thank each and every one of you for working hard, too! We are all so blessed to be a part of such a special cause, in such a special community, for such a special man. Let’s not give up, but continue to do God’s work in all that we do!
Please continue praying for Smiley, Steve, and Smiley’s family! I know you will!!
Love and thanks to you all :)
I’ll be in touch…
Leigh
PS – See you all tomorrow at the yard sale – don’t worry, the rain will stop – I just know it!!
Steve told Patti that the hospital is very modern and clean. He has been very impressed with the hospital, doctors, and staff! He assured Patti that they are taking very good care of Smiley! Steve has been able to fellowship with the other Americans (the 14th floor of the hotel is made up of American patients and their families that have come for medical care.) Steve met a guy from Atlanta, and he helped Steve get an international cell phone. I’m trying to work on a way that Steve will be able to get in touch with Patti more often without it being so expensive. When Smiley starts getting stronger and better, I want to make sure that he can talk to Patti and the boys as often as he wants without having to worry about the cost! The plan for all of that is in the works! For now, Steve is just going to call once a day to give updates. Of course, he will call more often if there are changes to report or any news that Patti needs to know right away. I promise to pass along the information as soon as we receive it each day!
IMPORTANT BREAKING NEWS J: There is a blood drive today at Blue Ridge High School in the auxiliary gym during school hours. The BRHS ROTC holds a blood drive each month, and today’s blood drive is for Smiley. If you go, please tell them that you are giving blood for Barry M. Howell (Smiley). Please take time from your day and donate blood for Smiley. He had to have many blood transfusions over the past few weeks, and the family will receive credit towards the cost of that blood if you make sure to donate in Smiley’s name! Thanks!
Also, don’t forget the yard sale tomorrow at Wholesale Tire from 7:00 am until :) We will have t-shirts, car stickers and prayer bands (someone called them “prayer bands” yesterday and I think that is a very appropriate description of the bracelets!!) All of these items are a great way to financially support the Howell family, but they are also great ways to remind us of Smiley and to pray for him each day!!
God’s will continues to be done through Smiley Howell. What a wonderful representative from Greer, South Carolina to be in Korea. I know that God’s spirit that we all felt so strongly at that airport is also affecting people who have come in contact with Smiley and Steve in Korea. Keep the faith – I am confident that God is working miracles in people’s lives through this experience. We may never know how many hearts have been changed through Smiley and his miracle trip! The effect is surely spanning the globe!
I want to share a verse with all of you. I have a journal that a friend gave to me when Dad had his heart surgery in May. I used it to write down information about his surgery and to keep up with phone numbers of friends and family. I pulled it out on Wednesday because I thought it would be the perfect place to keep all of my notes, phone numbers, and email addresses that I need during Smiley’s trip. The page that I turned to had the following scripture: Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. I highlighted it. Smiley has not given up his fight with cancer. We must all continue to work together to do good things. I promised Smiley that I would work hard for him while he was gone. I thank each and every one of you for working hard, too! We are all so blessed to be a part of such a special cause, in such a special community, for such a special man. Let’s not give up, but continue to do God’s work in all that we do!
Please continue praying for Smiley, Steve, and Smiley’s family! I know you will!!
Love and thanks to you all :)
I’ll be in touch…
Leigh
PS – See you all tomorrow at the yard sale – don’t worry, the rain will stop – I just know it!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Update...He's There!
Hey everyone. Just wanted to give you all an update on Smiley. They arrived safely in Korea. It is now after 10 pm over there. Smiley had an okay trip, but the long flight was tough. He wasn't able to move around as much as he needed to. He is in the hospital now - he is in critical condition. They have put him in ICU in order to be able to give him the best care possible. Smiley was in critical condition before he took the trip - the doctors here just did not call it that. Dr. Moon did have to go ahead and take his trip to Florida. Patti has just talked to him. He assured her that Smiley is being taken care of by the best team of doctors and nurses. He is not there right now, but he is in constant contact with them regarding Smiley's health. The staff at the hospital know exactly what they are supposed to be doing to keep Smiley out of pain and comfortable. Right now, their goal is to get him stronger and get him ready to start treatments. In the morning (tonight for us), they will begin the stem cell process. They have to harvest the stem cells. The stem cell process can be started now - it does not depend on Smiley's strength. Dr. Moon will return to Korea in a couple of days. When he returns, he will hopefully be able to start the additional treatments for Smiley.
We all knew that the trip would be tough on Smiley's body. What we all need to remember and hold on to is that Smiley was in very, very bad shape here, but there was nothing that doctors here could do for him. Although he is in critical condition, he is now in a hospital with doctors and staff that can begin trying to help him. Right now, Smiley is where he wished to go - a country that has given him hope.
I believe in miracles. Like I've said before, Smiley, like all of us, is in God's hands. We, as his family, friends and community that love him so much, have provided the opportunity for God to work a miracle in Smiley if that is His plan. There is a reason for all of this to happen - Smiley's illness, Smiley's suffering, Smiley's courageness and fight, Smiley's faith in God through all of this, the community outpouring of support, Smiley's trip to Korea, and hopefully Smiley's healing in Korea. None of us understand any of it, but it is all a part of God's plan. We cannot lose any faith now. Please pray more than ever for Smiley. And please pray that God will bless his doctors in a special way as they treat him.
Please continue to pray for Smiley's miracle! God hears our prayers and Smiley feels our prayers! Keep Smiley's family in your prayers - this is a very hard time. Sometimes our faith is tested in ways that we can't imagine. This is one of those times for Smiley's family and they have let their faith shine!
Also, please pray for Steve. He is understandably frustrated, and it is even more difficult with the language barriers. He has met some fellow Americans at the hotel. He is going to try to get some rest, and he will be back at the hospital at 8:00 am their time to see Smiley. What a courageous man that Steve Berry is! We all need to remember what a wonderful sacrifice he is making on this journey to help out his friend!
Hope is not lost, my friends! I believe in all my heart that Smiley willl proudly walk off of that plane in December - a healthier man with an unbelievable story to share!
We probably won't have any other information until later on. I will email as soon as I know of any updated news. Keep praying!
Love and thanks to you all :)
Leigh
We all knew that the trip would be tough on Smiley's body. What we all need to remember and hold on to is that Smiley was in very, very bad shape here, but there was nothing that doctors here could do for him. Although he is in critical condition, he is now in a hospital with doctors and staff that can begin trying to help him. Right now, Smiley is where he wished to go - a country that has given him hope.
I believe in miracles. Like I've said before, Smiley, like all of us, is in God's hands. We, as his family, friends and community that love him so much, have provided the opportunity for God to work a miracle in Smiley if that is His plan. There is a reason for all of this to happen - Smiley's illness, Smiley's suffering, Smiley's courageness and fight, Smiley's faith in God through all of this, the community outpouring of support, Smiley's trip to Korea, and hopefully Smiley's healing in Korea. None of us understand any of it, but it is all a part of God's plan. We cannot lose any faith now. Please pray more than ever for Smiley. And please pray that God will bless his doctors in a special way as they treat him.
Please continue to pray for Smiley's miracle! God hears our prayers and Smiley feels our prayers! Keep Smiley's family in your prayers - this is a very hard time. Sometimes our faith is tested in ways that we can't imagine. This is one of those times for Smiley's family and they have let their faith shine!
Also, please pray for Steve. He is understandably frustrated, and it is even more difficult with the language barriers. He has met some fellow Americans at the hotel. He is going to try to get some rest, and he will be back at the hospital at 8:00 am their time to see Smiley. What a courageous man that Steve Berry is! We all need to remember what a wonderful sacrifice he is making on this journey to help out his friend!
Hope is not lost, my friends! I believe in all my heart that Smiley willl proudly walk off of that plane in December - a healthier man with an unbelievable story to share!
We probably won't have any other information until later on. I will email as soon as I know of any updated news. Keep praying!
Love and thanks to you all :)
Leigh
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
He's Off!
Smiley made it safely to Atlanta and was seen off by family and friends. He and Steve are on the plane now headed to Korea. When they land, the doctor will be there waiting for them.
Keep praying! More updates to come as soon as we hear from them.
Pictures will be coming soon from the fundraisers. Thanks to all!
Keep praying! More updates to come as soon as we hear from them.
Pictures will be coming soon from the fundraisers. Thanks to all!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Prayer Night
Thanks to all who came out tonight on such short notice for the Community Prayer. Prayer is so powerful, keep praying.
Tuesday night prayer opportunities! Greer First Baptist, Prayer Chapel
Tuesday nights, 9 pm
A group gathers every Tuesday night to pray and everyone is invited to join in to pray for Smiley and any other prayer concerns.
Questions, contact Jay Craft.
Tuesday night prayer opportunities! Greer First Baptist, Prayer Chapel
Tuesday nights, 9 pm
A group gathers every Tuesday night to pray and everyone is invited to join in to pray for Smiley and any other prayer concerns.
Questions, contact Jay Craft.
Amazing!
This is truly amazing! Monday night, $1911.00 was raised at the Pizza In Fundraiser. Tonight (Tues.), $3596.00 was raised for the Smiley Howell Miracle Fund. The grand total for the 2 nights is $5507.00!!! WOW! Thanks to all who came out and supported this fundraiser. A HUGE "thank you" goes to Pizza Inn, Don and his staff. They worked very hard the past two nights!
Community Prayer Tonight!
I know this is short notice, but we are going to have a community prayer time tonight, 8:45 pm, at Memorial Methodist Gym.
PLEASE spread the word quickly, we want to come together to lift Smiley up before he leaves tomorrow.
This will not be long, but prayer is so powerful!
PLEASE spread the word quickly, we want to come together to lift Smiley up before he leaves tomorrow.
This will not be long, but prayer is so powerful!
Memorial Methodist Gym
8:45 pm
TONIGHT
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16
God is amazing!
God is amazing! David Roberts with Northern Anderson County EMS has volunteered to transport Smiley, Patti, Steve, and Ashley (hospice nurse) by plane to Atlanta tomorrow! This will prevent Smiley from having to ride in a car for 3 or more hours.
God certainly has his hand on all that is happening! Please continue to pray for a safe trip to Atlanta, Korea, and the treatment in Korea. We also need to pray to thank God, praise Him, for his marvelous works! We are so grateful for what He has done and what He will continue to do.
See you at Pizza Inn tonight! 5 pm - until
God certainly has his hand on all that is happening! Please continue to pray for a safe trip to Atlanta, Korea, and the treatment in Korea. We also need to pray to thank God, praise Him, for his marvelous works! We are so grateful for what He has done and what He will continue to do.
See you at Pizza Inn tonight! 5 pm - until
T-Shirts
We have sold most of the t-shirts but are getting another large order in Friday. You can purchase these at the football game Friday night or the Yard Sale/Bake Sale Saturday at Wholesale Tire.
Pizza Inn -- Monday Night
WOW! Greer really came out to show support for Smiley and his family. There was a record crowd at Pizza Inn Monday night and we hope to do it again tonight (Tues.). We sold t-shirts, bumper stickers, and took donations. Between all of that and the percentage from pizza sales, $1911.00 was collected for the Howell family! Thanks to Don and his crew at Pizza Inn and everyone for supporting this! Come out tonight, we want another record night.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Fundraiser this Saturday
There will be a findraiser this Saturday at Wholesale Tire, Smiley's tire store. It is a Yard Sale and Bake Sale. Any and all donations are appreciated.
Saturday, November 15th
7 am - until
Wholesale Tire, Yard Sale
Contact: Kathy Waters 901-8102
Shauna Stephens 354-3819
What a Day!
Smiley and Steve will be leaving from Atlanta Wednesday morning, 11/12, at 10:45 am. This is a direct flight to Korea. Keep up the prayers for a safe trip and blessings to Dr. Moon with treating him. Dr. Moon has cancelled a trip for this week so Smiley can come early. God is good!!!
PRAYERS NEEDED
Patty and the family are working very hard right now to try to get Smiley to Korea ASAP, before Sunday. They spoke with the Korean doctor this morning and he wants him there sooner than Sunday, as each day is critical.
Please say a prayer that Smiley can get to Korea safely and get treatments this week. Please also pray for the family, this is a lot of work and stress, well worth it, but they need our prayers too!
God Bless You All!
Please say a prayer that Smiley can get to Korea safely and get treatments this week. Please also pray for the family, this is a lot of work and stress, well worth it, but they need our prayers too!
God Bless You All!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Sunday Update
Smiley was taken back to the hospital late last night. He was admitted and given some blood today, this helped him a lot. Hopefully he will be going home Monday. Hospice will be coming in to help him get his strenght back so he can be ready for the trip. They will also be showing Steve helpful things that he will need to know to help Smiley on his trip.
Please continue to pray that Smiley and Steve will get to Korea safely and for the doctors to heal Smiley. They need ALL our prayers!
Come out to Pizza Inn Monday and/or Tuesday night for the fundraiser. We will be selling t-shirts for $20 and bumper stickers for $5. Both of these items are awesome!
Have a great start to the week and I will be posting as soon as I have any updates.
God bless you!
Please continue to pray that Smiley and Steve will get to Korea safely and for the doctors to heal Smiley. They need ALL our prayers!
Come out to Pizza Inn Monday and/or Tuesday night for the fundraiser. We will be selling t-shirts for $20 and bumper stickers for $5. Both of these items are awesome!
Have a great start to the week and I will be posting as soon as I have any updates.
God bless you!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Money Raised at Greer Game
WOW! The total raised last night at the Greer football game was $1520.00. This amount came from t-shirt sales, bumper sticker sales and donations.
Thanks to all who helped! Thanks to JoHannah Joines for getting the awesome t-shirts together, they look great! Thanks to Leigh and Kevin Gregory for getting the bumper stickers, they are perfect!
Both of these items will be sold at Pizza Inn Monday and Tuesday nights. The t-shirts are $20 and the bumper stickers are $5.
Mark your calendars for November 20th. There will be a Bluegrass Concert and Hot Dog supper at Blue Ridge Middle. The cost is $10 for the concert and supper. More details to come.
Thanks to all who helped! Thanks to JoHannah Joines for getting the awesome t-shirts together, they look great! Thanks to Leigh and Kevin Gregory for getting the bumper stickers, they are perfect!
Both of these items will be sold at Pizza Inn Monday and Tuesday nights. The t-shirts are $20 and the bumper stickers are $5.
Mark your calendars for November 20th. There will be a Bluegrass Concert and Hot Dog supper at Blue Ridge Middle. The cost is $10 for the concert and supper. More details to come.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Join us in prayer and raising money for Smiley as he sets his sites on a trip to Korea. He will be there for 5 weeks getting treatment.
T-shirts and bumper stickers will be sold at the Greer High Football game tonight 11/7 as well as Monday and Tuesday nights at Pizza Inn. There will be a fundraiser Mon. and Tues. nights 11/10 and 11/11 at Pizza Inn in Greer, bring your family out and support Smiley!
Thanks for all of the love and support of the Greer community, what a true blessing from God!
T-shirts and bumper stickers will be sold at the Greer High Football game tonight 11/7 as well as Monday and Tuesday nights at Pizza Inn. There will be a fundraiser Mon. and Tues. nights 11/10 and 11/11 at Pizza Inn in Greer, bring your family out and support Smiley!
Thanks for all of the love and support of the Greer community, what a true blessing from God!
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