These next posts will probably be brief and to the point. You might wonder why I even bother. One reason is that we have such a great number of people following this, and then praying. The other reason is that now I just have to wait. I might as well let others know what’s going on here. The surgery went very well. They were able to do everything they wanted to do. They removed one very large clot and several smaller ones. The filter is in place, so they do not know where the clots came from. He had very low blood pressure for four hours, so there are concerns regarding the kidneys from that.
There is also now an issue with the head wound. It looks infected today for the first time. The neurosurgeons will aspirate it and may end up going in again and clean it out. That may happen as soon as the cardiac people allow it. Dr. Meyer is dumbfounded by all this and said that he has never seen anything like it. He also commended the cardiac surgeon’s quick work, saying that if it had not been so fast Mike would be dead by now. On the positive side, the swelling in the brain is almost gone and all the blood from the AVM surgery is gone, which explains the great progress he was making in rehab.
He will be on the ventilator for about the next 24 hours. After that they will wake him up and see how his neuorological functioning is. Between now and then we can just wait and pray.
Mike Evans' blog 
We will wait and pray with you, Karla. Thank you for keeping us updated. Adele
LikeLike
Praise God that the surgery went well! We will continue to pray. Barb
LikeLike
We are continuing to pray. God will take care of you! May God give the doctors knowledge wisdom and understanding to help Mike.
LikeLike
Thanks for the update, Karla. It’s good news that the surgery went well. We will keep praying to our faithful and sovereign God – who knows all and never grows tired or weary.
Vickie
LikeLike
I am so glad to hear he’s out of surgery. Praise the Lord for the swiftness of the cardiac surgeon. It is obvious that God is watching over Mike.
Thank you for taking the time to post – I (as well as many others, I am sure) have been anxious to hear!
I know these next 24 hours of waiting will be difficult: May God’s abundant grace and peace be with you……
Love,
Mary Anne for the Kaisers
LikeLike
Dear Karla,
I and my homegroup and pastors are lifting Mike up in prayer. We will pray for you and the children, as well. Thank-you for keeping us posted even as you walk through Psalm 23:4. He is with you. Becca
LikeLike
Bethany and I read your blog after school. We’re praying for you (Mike) and Karla — and the kids. We know you have a long road ahead of you. Hang in there.
LikeLike
Praise God for the good news after surgery! We continue to track Mike’s progress and were fervently praying today. We will continue to pray for his healing and for you Karla. Thank you for keeping us updated!
LikeLike
Praise the Lord for the good news. We will continue to pray earnestly.
Brent, Laurie, and Hunter
LikeLike
God’s people are praying in NY, MO, MS for Mike and your whole family. The prayer chains are circulating as we speak. Thank you God for hope and guarded results. Tell Dr. Meyer prayer is an amazing tool when presented to the Throne of Grace!
Marge
LikeLike
We have all be praying for you and your family!
Whenever I am struggling it is so helpful for me to hear these verses. My hope is that they will be a blessing to your too.
Isa 43 1-3
Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name you are mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
We praise the Lord for bringing him though the surgery safely and ask that his hand continue to be upon him throughout his recovery.
LikeLike
‘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.”
Zeph.3:17
We love you guys and are praying for a complete recovery for our brother, Mike.
LikeLike
We love you, Karla, and your family. We will continue to petition the throne on your behalf. Thank you so much for keeping us updated.
The Bates
LikeLike
I have put your family on our church prayer chain, and have let my friends know. Hang in there!
LikeLike
Aunt Karla,
Just wanted to let you know that me, Mike, and Wendy are all praying for you all a lot right now. Mom and Benj have been keeping us updated by text message. Hope Uncle Mike recovers really soon! We love you all!
Kim Lloyd
LikeLike
Karla, we are just back in the states but have been keeping up with you and praying for you, Mike and most of all your kids. Praise the Lord the surgery went well, God is with you and is doing His mighty work both in Mike and through you by testimony of your “unexplained” peace and strength. Just want you to know we so respect you and Mike and will continue to go before the throne of Grace for all His goodness and amazing love to accomplish His Sovereign will in your lives. Thanks for keeping us informed on Mike’s progress. Edie Lewis (Al too)
LikeLike
Praise the Lord! What an awesome God we have!
Sometimes the filter placement itself can cause clots. I would think it would have happened before now, however. Also, the filter only prevents the clots that travel from the legs. Is it possible he could have a clot in the arm that has little movement? It would explain quite a bit. People usaully do not survive clots to the heart. This is a miracle!
I am sorry to hear about the possible infection. Mike’s entire journey and your strength have been a miracle in itself. There is only one possible answer, GOD.
Lolt of Love,
Kim
LikeLike
Karla,
We have been in heavy prayer today for Mike and the rest of you…. We are sooo thankful for those quick cardiac surgeons! And so thankful that you are still at Mayo to work through this together with them. Thank you for keeping us updated. Even a brief post is so helpful as we pray. We are walking waiting through this with you.
In love and prayer,
Craig & Angie
LikeLike
Karla,
You, Mike and the kids are in our prayers day and night. Mike is so incredibly strong-willed, he’s made it this far.
Remain strong – enjoy seeing your sons this evening.
Karen and I will continue to pray for you and send good thoughts. LeRoy and Shirley want you to know they are keeping Mike and you in their prayers as well.
Thanks so much for continuing to keep us updated.
LikeLike
Karla,
Stay strong, you, Mike, and family are in our prayers! Thank you for keeping us up to date with the blog. It will be amazing to see how God works this out for your good. Dave
LikeLike
We have you in our prayers, Mike and Karla. Thank you for the update and praise God for the good surgeons.
LikeLike
Dear Mike and Karla,
We are standing with you in prayer during this trying but exciting time.
We have experienced that the times when circumstances have been the most “chaotic” and scary, eternal things somehow were more clear-cut than they ever were before in our lives…and what a blessing that is!
I pray that that will be the case with you and that you are savoring the Savior throughout all the apparent chaos.
With love,
the Kepfords
LikeLike
Karla,
We continue to pray for Mike, your family and the medical staff. We appreciate the information you’re providing through the blog and thank the Lord for getting you through another difficult situation.
The Smiths
LikeLike
Dear Karla,
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on how Mike is doing. Mike had the right idea when he said that this is in God’s hands.
We will keep praying for you.
Mark
LikeLike
Way to go, Mike !!! You are the MAN !!!
Stay strong my friend… I have no doubt you will make a full recovery. I am looking forward to that tennis match between you and Eric Craver about 60 years from today. We’ll never hear the end of it if you don’t kick his rear end all over the court. lol
God Bless everyone who is there with Mike and Karla… Don’t think for a minute you are excluded from our prayers.
Thank you all for helping to pull him through.
The Austin, TX Versteeghs
LikeLike
Mike, as I read and prayed through Karla’s blog today I felt the tingle of the Holy Spirit and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is interceding in your situation right now!
Pretty soon we may need to change your name to “Job”. God is allowing all of this for His glory. So many people are watching and praying and coming to the Lord through everything you’re going through.
And now to our God and Father, Prince of Peace, Mighty God to Him be the glory now and forever!
We love you both! Hang in there Karla! We’re with you in spirit. May God give you strength—physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Your buds in Christ, DAWN and PAT
LikeLike
I’m so glad you continue to post. I’m out in Colorado praying for you – especially often today. (HUGS)
LikeLike
Hi Karla,
Thank you so much for keeping us posted through the blog.
Mike and your family continue to be in our prayers. Our church family is also keeping you in their prayers.
The Allison Family (Steve, Karen, Ty, Katie, & Kris)
LikeLike
Now, New Mexico is praying with you guys too!
Krystle (Katie Koch’s roommate).
LikeLike
Here’s the missing pieces to the song Evie sang (written by Charles F. Brown) that I sent almost 2 weeks ago — last weekend seemed calmed compared to this…it seems to be based on the scripture shared earlier today and in a previous blog
CHORUS
When I think I’m goin’ under, part the waters, Lord.
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea.
When I cry for help O hear me, Lord,
and hold out your hand.
Touch my life, still the raging storm in me.
VERSE 1
Knowing you love me through the burdens I must bear,
Hearing your footsteps lets me know I’m in your care;
and in the night of my life you bring the promise of day.
Here is my hand, show me the way.
VERSE 2
Knowing you love me helps me face another day,
Hearing your footsteps drives the clouds and fears away;
and in the tears of my life I see the sorrow you bore.
Here is my pain, heal it once more.
We continue to pray…
Melinda
LikeLike
Dear Karla,
We are waiting and praying with you, including many of my brothers and sisters at Trinity United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. We are raising Mike, you, and all of his caregivers up in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for keeping us posted; our prayers continue regardless!
Tom Tyler
LikeLike
Dear Mike & Karla & family; We are following the needs that you send out for Mike and we are praying with you here in Charles City. We care about you. Love In Christ, Mike & Colleen Downey
LikeLike
Karla,
I am so glad Noel helped me to find your website. I heard earlier today Mike had gone into surgery, and have been anxious all day to hear news of how things were going. Tonight I went back and read your whole saga….whew. What an extraordinary chapter this is for you all. I am sorry this trouble has come upon you, and SO SO thankful for all we know about the deep, deep love of Jesus that comforts and sustains us. “Call on Me in the day of trouble: I will rescue you, and you will honor Me” –Psalm 50:25 This is surely your “day of trouble”; we are calling with you, and can already see that God has clearly been honored in you and through you. O Karla! We love you and Mike, and will continue to pray for you . I send a kiss through the email!
Much love,
Julie and Tom
LikeLike
Karla,
We love you and are praying for you to feel the peace that passeth understanding. Be assured we are praying, praying for Mike. Thank you for keeping all of us updated. It’s a task that is demanding, but it is very much appreciated.
Psalm 73:25-6
In Christ,
Carroll and Kathy
LikeLike
Karla,
Our prayers and the prayers of our church are with you.
May God sustain you through this with His Strength, His Peace, His Understanding, His Joy, and His Ultimate Wisdom.
We are praying.
God Bless You All,
The Hobarts
Bill, Kim, and Kids
LikeLike
Dear Mike & Karla,
This is just a brief note to say that Karen & I are praying for Mike, and for you & your children. Many in the New Hope church family are also praying for you. I have been greatly helped by Ps 63 many times including several days at my wife’s hosptial bed side 7 years ago when I did not know if she would live & never had confidence from God or doctors if she would (God mercifully did choose to raise her up). God gave me grace at that time to believe & experience the truths of this Psalm which says it is written “in the wilderness” / the desert. Verse 8 is especially precious to me for it transcends the medical realities. I pray God will keep on giving you grace to know & feel with David in the “wilderness”/ the desert/ of the hospital & of Mike’s illness – “My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me”. O might the wonderful gracious merciful right hand of God uphold you in this most difficult of times & cause you to cling to Him & fill you with His joy & hope – even through the fear & tears.
your friends in Christ,
Jeff & Karen Whitt
LikeLike
Dear Karla,
Reading the blog this past week has been a little like a guided bus tour of Job chapter 1 as relates to Mike’s body.
While he was yet speaking (while she was writing her blog, there came another and said,
Mike has had some small seizures.
While he was yet speaking (while she was writing her blog, there came another and said,
Mike has spiked a high fever — we don’t know why.
While he was yet speaking (while she was writing her blog, there came another and said,
Mike has contracted an infection in his blood we don’t know from where.
While he was yet speaking (while she was writing her blog, there came another and said,
Mike has a blood clott in his leg.
While he was yet speaking (while she was writing her blog, there came another and said,
Mike has coded and is being prepped for heart surgery.
While he was yet speaking (while she was writing her blog, there came another and said,
The heart surgery went well but…..
Karla, my brother passed through these kinds of days with his son 16 years ago now. He was telling Mike about it while we traveled to T4G this past spring. In the midst of it while standing outside of Children’s hospital screaming at God whether out loud or merely in his mind he doesn’t really remember, he and his wives ‘life verse’ — when they were in high school you had to have a ‘life verse’ and so they had one — but it came to him with power.
Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
My brother heard the Lord say to him through that text– you are so distressed because you are bent on figuring out what all of this is about — well, you can’t, and I told you not to — I told you not to lean on your own understanding — I told you not to try figure it all out. Rather I told you to trust me with all your heart.
Remember this Karla, ‘He did not spare Hiw own Son but delivered Him up for you and for Mike…’
You can trust Him with all your heart and be safe in Him without understanding why any of this is happening.
Shirley and I love you both.
Randy
LikeLike
Karla,
You and Mike and your family in our prayers during this challenging time. We are praying for you that God will sustain you and restore Mike. Psalm 46 has been a great comfort to us personally during the challenging times in our lives. Verse 1 has brought great comfor to us during times such as these. “God is our refuge and strength a very present hlep in trouble.” Verse 10 has also been a comfort, “Be still, and know that I am God….” We will continue hold up in prayer. Thanks too for the updates on the blog. We love you and know that our God loves you even more. Your friends in Christ, Bob & Paula Spilger
LikeLike
Dear Karla,
I am and was so pleased with the results of surgery. After my emotional e-mail yesterday, and after unrelentingly seeking God for you and Mike…like I haven’t since the days of praying for you, babies, and some of your labors. God in His grace did grant me assurance of the outcome of surgery…I immediately fell asleep. I am currently rereading the Blog and I realized how very much Pastor Mike articulated my feeling about walking with God in His grace with all the other health “stuff” He uses to both grow me and open doors for me to reach others. In Christ Alone, Donna Haxton
LikeLike
Karla,
I wanted to let you know that we are praying for Mike’s recovery and peace and comfort for your family. My daughter and I were at a lumber yard yesterday when Joni called about Mike’s emergency. We stopped right there and began to pray. Nothing super fantastic–you have a whole bunch of people doing that. That is a indicative of the lives you have touched.
God is mighty too save!
Garth
LikeLike
I have been following your “Saga” on the Blog—my lst experience with a Blog! In my mind’s eye, the establishment the Blog– while you were you were living ordinary days, which we all take for granted–was God inspired in more that one way. What a blessing that it was well established so that it could be used as a marvelous means of communication during these days of extreme trial.
The following quote, which proved true during my days of trial after losing my lst husband (Eddie Gene’s dad), is also proving true for you. “God does not intend for us to be alone in times of trial, testing and hardship. WE NEED EACH OTHER. Everyone needs family and good friends who can multiply the joy and divide the sorrow.” (author unknown).
It is evident, in the outpouring of so many heartfelt responses, that your family has touched many people’s lives and they want to be “earth angels” for you during this time. And what we can do– no matter where we are located– is pray for all of you who are living through these days “of trial, testing and hardship”. Thanks to the Blog, we know just what the needs of the day are!
LikeLike
Karla and family, Roy and I are praying for you, Mike, and the professionsals providing his care. We pray that God will sustain you all. You are all such witnesses to His power. We pray for Mike’s healing. We are so glad to read the news on the blog. Roy and Pat Patty
LikeLike
Karla and family,
Praying for you and waiting with you. Pryaing HIS healing hand is upon Mike in a mighty and siwft way.
May your faith and trust in HIM be steadfast.
Isaiah 26:3
In Christ’s Love,
Mike Wohlenhaus
LikeLike
Wow, Karla, I missed checking in for one day (Dave got his 45+ stitches out yesterday and I have 3 kids with high fevers) and I am stunned with all that happened. Know that you both are still in my prayers continually. Although I am glad we are not still there I wish I could be there just for you. I am also praying for God’s strength to get you through every moment.
LikeLike
God bless you and keep you through this trying time. My heart and prayers are with you. I can’t wait to hear the sermon Mike is going to preach after going through all of this. God grant you strength and rest as he heals Mike. Love you, Kathy
LikeLike
I am so thankful that Mike is out of surgery and out of the woods for now. I’ve been praying like crazy and believe that God is in control of this. Stay strong you guys and we’ll keep praying back here 😀
LikeLike
Mike, I am glad to learn of the progress in rehab you are making. I can’t wait to hear what smart comments you have to make after this is over. We continue to pray for a you and your family.
The entire Cardinal Family is pulling for you to make a full recovery. Take care
LikeLike