HAPPY BIRTHDAY UPDATE
for
William Goforth
January 21, 2004

Dear Pilgrims, Patriots, and Friends,

The Wheeler and Goforth families had a delightful occasion to celebrate yesterday, January 21, 2004--our grandson William's 2nd birthday. Everywhere we travel on the Mantle Ministries Trail, we are still asked "How is Baby William doing?" Even from dear ones who have never met William face to face. I doubt if we will ever truly comprehend the breadth and the scope of the Lord's plan to garrison so many Prayer Warriors for this length of time on William's behalf.

To answer some of the many thoughtful questions we receive, here is an update from William's mother, our daughter Noelle Goforth...

William has been such a blessing to our family in so many ways. Though his physical progress is slow, we are encouraged over every little improvement we see. He can scoot forward a few inches and in circles. He doesn't hold himself up very well so we are working on trying to strengthen his neck and upper back. Whatever physical challenges he has, he makes up for them with his personality. He has a contagious smile and has a few limited but jolly cooing sounds. His daddy can get him to laugh like no one else can and it makes you laugh too!!!

His mental progress seems to be improving very well. He is very aware of things -- especially where food is concerned. As soon as we ask, "Are you hungry?" he brightens up and starts working his tongue. He'll give a squeal of delight at the sound of the microwave or a jar opening, and whenever we put on his bib.

One of our primary prayer requests still is for William’s eyesight. At times it seems he can see, but other times there is no response. The vitrectomies were successful in that his eyes technically are looking great. The ophthalmologists have diagnosed it as CVI - Cortical Visual Impairment (relating to the brain.) The encouraging thing about this is that he can learn to see. So we take him into a dark room and stimulate response by showing him bright objects, one at a time. He definitely has responded to this.

Yesterday, January 21st, marked William's 2nd birthday! William truly has been such an incredible blessing to our family -- a priceless gift from the Lord. How he brings our hearts such joy through his huge smiles, twinkling eyes, sweet coos, and wholehearted laughs. Two years ago I would have never thought to ask God for a special-needs child and the heart-wrenching months of trial and tears after his birth. But now, I would never trade William for ten thousand "normal" babies! As for the difficult trials, God has proven that His grace IS sufficient and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. It blesses me, nearly to tears when so many people still tell me that their children still pray daily for Baby William! What an encouragement that is, to know that so many of you care. Sincerely, and humbly I would like to thank you. I know God has great plans for our little Miracle Baby.

It is with all our precious Prayer Warriors in mind, that we have preparedthis photo gallery of William's 2nd year, to bring you up to date. In addition, we have recovered all the earliest updates and matched corresponding photos--starting from our very first desperate dispatch for prayer--even before William was born. It is our desire that Baby William's Hope Link would bring comfort and encouragement to others who are faced with insurmountable trials involving life and death issues. For the newly completed archive, click on the Baby William Update-Hope Link.

We remain eternally grateful to each one of you who have continued to be mindful of Baby William in long term intercession for his protection, progress, and healing--and to those who have helped to lighten the financial weight of William's medical expenses in an abundance of generosity, either through the Baby William Fund of Vision Forum Ministries, or individually. May the Lord bless and keep you--close to His heart.

For Thou art my hope, O Lord GOD; Thou art my trust from my youth. By Thee have I been upheld from birth. Thou art He that took me out of my mother's womb. My praise shall be continually of Thee. I am as a wonder unto many; but Thou art my strong refuge" Psalm 71: 1-7.

Little BearLittle Bear & William