My Story

Life. It’s in the very air that we breathe.

When we are born, life is breathed into our lungs, beginning with our first cry and ending on our final day on earth. We can live months without food, a few days without water, but only a few minutes without air.

The very air we breathe.

As a singer-songwriter, recording artist and worship leader, nothing is more important than the physical ability to draw in air and belt out songs to sing. I’ve been singing for 40 years, led worship services in the music ministry since 1997. Written hundreds of songs, released 18 songs on Spotify and Apple Music in the past 2 years, and plan to release another 5 songs and a new album (God willing) by this summer.

But breathing has become extremely difficult for me lately. The very air I breathe.

In December, I was diagnosed with “end-stage pulmonary fibrosis,” which has dramatically impacted my everyday life. Simple tasks such as walking to the mailbox has become very difficult. Without supplemental oxygen, my body feels like it is running a marathon. In layman’s terms, antibodies in my body are attacking healthy lung tissue, leaving behind scarring, making it difficult to breathe. The scarring is irreversible. Pulmonary fibrosis has no known cause and no known medical cure, other than a double lung transplant. In the next few months, my physician will assess transplant options and timing. But most likely, short of a miracle of healing from God, a transplant within the next 6-24 months is a distinct possibility.

I’ve stepped down from the physical rigors as a worship ministry volunteer at Discovery Church. I now wear an oxygen hose 24/7. My mobility has been limited by having to take an oxygen machine with me everywhere I go, which requires more time and planning to prepare for any trip, large or small. I’ve changed pulmonologists in order to be more medically proactive to slow down the progression of the scarring in my lungs to bide me more time. My new medication is rough on my lower GI, but we’re making adjustments to diet and dosage to compensate.

My wife Andrea and the kids have been very strong and helpful through this dramatic change affecting our family. I am truly blessed by their love. I am also moved by the hundreds of people in our church family praying over me.

In one of these photos, approximately 50 men laid hands on me and prayed for healing this past weekend at the men’s Advanced Boot Camp event. Even though I was still physically able to lead worship while wearing an oxygen tube, my team of 4 consisted of a lead singer, a second guitarist and a drummer, filling out the sound and taking the burden off of me. The songs we sang Friday and Saturday nights were powerful as we led a whole room of men singing praises to the Lord. Even though the enemy may be trying to sideline me by paralyzing my lungs, I will NOT stop praising the Lord. I will not be silenced. Once a worship pastor, always a worship pastor. There is no retirement in God’s kingdom—just a pivot in mission.

During the teaching on Saturday night at Boot Camp Advanced, we learned that we can grow closer to God while we are going through suffering. In this fallen world, God does not create sickness and disease. But through His mercy, He longs for us to grow closer to Him and help us walk through it. It’s in our weakness that God’s power is perfect (2 Cor 12:9). I am at peace through this ordeal, and have faith that God will guide me though this, even though I don’t know how this will turn out. But I trust His sovereignty and His wisdom and will give Him the glory, no matter what.

If you are a prayer warrior—or would like to become one—I would like to invite you to pray for the complete healing of my lungs. Although there is no “medical” cure, anything with God is possible if you have faith. Miracles still happen today. In anything you pray for—your job, your marriage, or any other challenge—if you need more faith, ask God to help your unbelief (Mark 9:24). If there’s anything I can pray for in YOUR life, please let me know via DM.

In the coming weeks and months, I’ll provide updates as they develop. This will likely be long process, so please let’s all keep praying without ceasing (1 Thes 5:17 & Matt 7:7-8). Thank you for joining me on this journey. May we each grow closer to God and learn more about ourselves in the process.

To God be the glory, come what may.

Love,

John