Pray for Heath – Updates
For those who may have not heard, our beloved Youth Pastor Heath Stoner had a massive hemorrhagic stroke on Sunday afternoon, 4/23/2023, which resulted in lots of excess blood in the brain.
Regular updates are posted below. We ask that everyone pray for a miracle.

If you wish to help this precious family financially, there are several, non-tax-deductible options:
Financial gifts may be brought in or mailed to the church at Community Christian Fellowship (CCF), 15704 State Hwy 110 N, Lindale, TX 75771. (We are keeping an envelope of gift cash/checks and Pastor will hand-deliver to Alisa.)
You may go to any Texas Bank and Trust location and make a deposit into the Heath Stoner BENEFIT account.
Mail any checks to Texas Bank and Trust, PO Box 8, Lindale, TX 75771, Payee: FBO Heath Stoner.
Download Older Updates (4/23/23 – 4/07/24)
May 2025 Update
Well, it’s been hard to write an update after coming back from such a purposeful and rich April in Michigan…and A LOT has happened this May!
I’ve experienced some big lows emotionally –when grief rolls in, or anxiety about the future, and the ongoing tensions in my soul between acceptance & faith—of TRUSTING the Lord with every unknown & the constant letting go of the illusions of what I think I can control—time and time again.
BUT…I’d like this post to focus on the GOOD as opposed to the HARD things, because I’ve been especially thankful and celebrating as I thank God for some pieces of very good news:
Heath had a positive report from Physical Therapy last week: despite the long break from out-patient PT (since
mid-February) … and despite the complete stop to our gym/pool/strengthening routines for the entire month of April…and despite Heath’s frequent unwillingness to accept my ‘encouragement’ in these areas
… his balance and overall strength improved in a noticeable way. Praise God!
Savannah graduated from Tyler Junior College with highest honors & will attend JBU this August!
Heath & I celebrated our 26thanniversary this May! I almost lost him completely a couple years ago…and despite the partial losses that remain in terms of independence, mobility, and communication–the fact that we are LIVING with them—together—at home—is a gift. So I’m treasuring all the things that haven’t been lost—our time together, the chance to continue making memories, & our love for each other.
Wedding bells are coming…Our daughter, Sierra, is engaged! Heath gives her fiancé, Kaden Trigueiro, a strong THUMBS UP (and so do I)—we are so happy for them and thankful to the Lord!
I’m also especially thankful for the pastors and community of people at our church and friends & family near and far—who continue to show up to listen and encourage and offer what help they have to give (repairs on the cars, mowing the lawn, visiting Heath, or sending a gift card or letter in the mail). It’s humbling to feel so much ‘need’ all the time, and to be cared for also.
I pray that whatever place of need you have in your life, that you will be vulnerable in admitting it, and bold in asking the Lord to sustain you –& that you will experience his help in the highs and in the lows–whether through the people he puts in your life, or whether through the grace he gives to endure when answers don’t come in the way or timing you want.
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”
Heath Update March 25, 2025
Next week at this time, March 31, Heath will have completed his first day of Intensive Speech Therapy with UMAP! Thank you all again for the huge ways you have supported and encouraged us along this road.
For the past 5-6 weeks, we’ve been on a break from formal therapies. I think the change of pace has been good for all of us (and our gas tank!) I’ve taken Heath to the gym 3-5 times a week to work with an exercise specialist on stretches and strengthening exercises, and to get moving on the Nustep or walk around in the pool. Spring is in full swing in Texas, so we’ve also spent a bit more time at the park, and driving around town, or playing a few rounds of ping-pong together at random (our table is upstairs where Heath can’t access it, but thankfully there’s one at our church we can use at any time).
Heath is looking forward to seeing his family and old friends while in Michigan and understands that he will be in ‘school’ every weekday.
I’m looking forward to this trip, connecting with family, and learning new ways to help Heath navigate language together…but I will miss my people back in Texas.
I’m not sure what the daily schedule will look like for me—if I will join sessions with Heath most of the time or have ‘downtime’ to myself, but either way, pray for growth in BOTH of us.
I’ll update everyone a couple times while we’re there with any specific things to celebrate and/or pray for.
LOVE
~Heath & Alisa
Update on Heath Feb. 15, 2025 Part 1: The Progress
That’s all for now, folks, I’ll share our biggest barriers & ways you can pray for us in the Part 2 update soon…
Speech therapy intensive update! 1/27/2025
For Heath to have increased comprehension and cognitive function/clarity/organization in his brain.
Heath Update: Monday, December 16
Soon, I hope to write a more personal post about some things I’ve been reflecting on—we’ll see if I can get to it. If not, then expect the next “Heath” update sometime in mid-January after our holiday adventures! Much love!
Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, and care . And here’s some pictures from this month (my girls
were both in their dear friend’s wedding this weekend! Congrats to Adie & Ian
Heath update: 10/11/2024
As always, we remain encouraged by your prayers, messages, and ongoing support in so many ways!!