Dear friend,

This letter contains a real concern and a practical way you can help.  On February 24, 2009, Shelby Campbell underwent open heart surgery. She did not wake up for 5 days. An MRI revealed moderately severe brain damage somehow occurred.  She is now wheelchair bound, has no control of her legs, and minimal use of her hands and arms. She is unable to speak, or form new memories without extreme repetition.  Shelby now requires constant care and one hundred percent assistance with all tasks.

It is times like these that our hearts are heavy and we cannot speak words like “progress” or “success.”  What a storm Matt & Shelby Campbell (and their family) have faced these past eight months.  I know Jesus most assuredly is their rock in this storm.  When I ask Shelby, “Where is Jesus?” she always points to her heart.  Yet the pain and suffering is so real and so intense.  Recently Matt shared their story to a small group of college students. He prefaced the story with, “I may breakdown here as I have not shared this in its entirety.”  There was not a dry eye during the next hour of sharing.

I am writing you because the story of Matt and Shelby is by no means over. While we continue to pray for healing for Shelby (and one Huron Hills leader wisely prayed for healing for Matt’s broken heart), we can also pray for God to show His goodness and His presence as a sun and a shield to the Campbells.  

Shelby is with us, and we want to help her travel to the hospital, church, small group, and wherever else she would like to go.  Thanks to one Huron Hills leaders’ initiative, we have started the Shelby 100:3 fund.  Our aim is to raise at least $7,000 to purchase an accessible van for Shelby. We are glad to start the fund with $1,003 from two donations of $500 and $503 dollars.  Psalm 100:3 says “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” 

Would you prayerfully consider a gift of $500, $300, $100 or any other amount to assist in this need?  You can simply mail a check made payable to Huron Hills Church, and indicate if you desire a tax-deductible receipt.  Please address the envelope as the “Shelby 100:3 Fund.” All donations will go to the purchase of a van and other needs the Campbells request.  Please pass this on to anyone you know who may assist the Campbells. 

Peace in Christ,

Tony Mlynarek

College Pastor

Huron Hill Baptist

3150 Glazier Way

Ann Arbor, MI 48105

734.769.6299

www.huronhills.org