Today, EJ wrote this and I was so blessed by his maturity and faith in Christ:

"So as you know I got my appendix removed and to keep it short and to the point. It was a great experience. I think through it I have seen that much more of God's providence and my fragility. I got to experience the merciful side of God in a way only few can experience. Being close to death wasn't as nerve racking as I thought only because of one reason. Christ. His death reminded me of how little my pain is compared to his. My burden is nothing. I literally shouldn't worry because Christ did it. I wasn't afraid because to live is Christ and to die is gain. Whether I'm alive or not I am the Lord's. I am Christ's property. So I really was not all that scared. I am not trying to brag in my own bravery because it was only given by the Holy Spirit through Christ's finished work on the cross. So thankfully I'm alive and I feel his grace."

Where most his age would lament, he's able to give praise. PTL. - Julian

I didn't die of toxins killing my intestines due to the rupture of an organ that is the size of my thumb. PTL - E.J.