Patrick B. Pointer Support Fund

Thank you for visiting the GoFundMe page for Patrick B. Pointer. The last twenty-two months have been a medical rollercoaster with more twists and turns than anyone could have predicted. It is with great gratitude, hope, and humility that we, his family, have set up this fund.

If you know our parents at all, you likely know that the guiding light of their lives is their faith in Jesus Christ. As they have faithfully followed in his steps, they have not been strangers to suffering of many, many kinds. Without much surprise, the current medical issues are yet another in their long list of “joys counted in the midst of various trials” (James 1:2). Through much prayer and discussion, believing in the creative provision our God gives us, and as a response to the requests to tangibly help, we (his children) have set up this account for the sole purpose of supporting, blessing, and encouraging our parents as much as possible. In short, the burden they bear is greater than they would ever tell you, and while we’d love to be able to give them full relief, we find ourselves needing the love and support of a community greater than we three.

This present medical story begins in March 2021 when he was hospitalized with a severe case of COVID-19. His recovery was slow and required follow-up treatments and tests. This led to the discovery that his spleen was enlarged to double its size. The resulting blood tests in June 2021 indicated an initial diagnosis of multiple myeloma cancer. While trusting this profound news to God’s will, a PET scan revealed the disappearance of all evidence of the cancer in August 2021. However, this did not include the disappearance of symptoms. A new diagnosis of amyloidosis seemed to provide direction, until just as mysteriously/miraculously those indicators disappeared as well. Since then, there hasn’t been a definitive diagnosis due to contradicting symptoms that rule out whatever the current hypothesis is. Also since then, his spleen has continued its growth so that it is now three times the size it should be. The removal of the spleen is a last resort – hopefully one they will not use. Meanwhile, his symptoms have intensified including battling neuropathy in arms, hands, and legs, temporary blindness, crippling abdominal pain, two more bouts of COVID-19, and more, with months and months of ER visits, blood tests, ultrasounds, invasive procedures, incorrect diagnoses, and 30+ different specialist teams – but NO actual treatments, definitive diagnosis, or clear path forward. The current approach is to continue monitoring, test biopsies, meet with specialists, and try to understand what is actually going on. The hope is that a treatment plan will be created very soon as these medical issues have disrupted every part of daily life, often rendering Pat unable to complete simple tasks, let alone the complex duties and passions he typically pursues.

As you may know, our dad is a pastor and a prolific artist. For the last few years, he has been crafting swords and scabbards for museums, archeologists, historians, and reenactors to supplement his pay as a small rural church pastor. He has made numerous attempts to work in the shop to fulfill clients’ commissions, but in recent months has not had the strength or mobility to do so. Given the changes in his eyesight, he is not able to do detailed work at this time.

Additionally, in the beginning of 2023, he resigned from his job as senior pastor of Manistee Assembly of God, the church he has faithfully pastored for over 20 years. Joanie’s teaching position has been impacted by the constant scheduled and surprise ER visits. Needless to say, not only are the medical expenses rising, but the sudden lack of income is a significant impact.

In all of this, Pat and Joanie have remained faithful to Jesus, faithful to their ministry – which is ongoing despite the change in vocational position, and faithful to their community. Their personal sacrifices are often unknown, and we are praying that God would restore one hundred-fold what has been lost.

The funds contributed to this GoFundMe (see below for other giving options) will go directly to Pat and Joanie to cover:

- Travel expenses – the consistent team of specialists at U of M are five hours away from home.

- Future treatments not covered by insurance – this has been a continual issue with delays that shouldn’t have happened.

- Doctor visits not covered by insurance – as doctor after doctor is left confused by contradicting symptoms, the search for solutions is venturing away from insurance-accepting doctors.

- Daily living expenses – the impact of these medical issues has resulted in a significant loss of income

Would you join us in supporting Pat and Joanie through their current struggle? We are immensely grateful for your blessings of all kinds during this difficult time – words of encouragement, prayers, financial gifts, places to stay near Ann Arbor, and any expressions of the impact they’ve had on your own life.

If you’d prefer to send through Venmo or PayPal, their account info is:

Venmo: @patrickpointersupportfund

PayPal: revpdog (-at-) hotmail . com

You can also send a contribution through the mail if you prefer. Please send us a private message for the address.

To stay up to date, please follow along on Facebook at Fight'n the Fight and Keep'n the Faith.

Thank you so much for your continued support. You are a testament to the goodness of God in the land of the living.

Much gratitude,

The Pointers