Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Isaac J. Leino Memorial Fund

Many people have expressed interest in giving in ways other than flowers, so we have set up the Isaac J. Leino Memorial Fund. Money received will go towards Isaac's medical bills and giving back into organizations that have shown us their generosity.

If this is something you'd be interested in participating with, feel free to mail contributions to:

Isaac J. Leino Memorial Fund
c/o C3 Church
8246 Cleveland Rd.
Clayton, NC 27520

We thank you for your continued prayers and support.

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you....

YoQuieroJesus said...

Thank you, continued prayers on their way! {{gentle hugs}}

Anonymous said...

I wanted to let you know that I have followed your family's story for so long. My heart breaks for you, but I also wanted to let you know that through your strength and faith in God I have found my way back to Him. I have been gone for so long, but reading your story and feeling your grace and courage through it all I have found my faith again. So, thank you Issac for bringing me home. You will never know how much your family and your sweet boy has changed my life.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely....Thank you ...always praying.
BB

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all the updated information!

Still praying!

Anonymous said...

Great! Thank you for keeping everyone updated. I'll keep you in my thoughts through this tough time.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss; but I'm somehow happy for you both and for Isaac at the same time. Isaac is smiling down on his beautiful parents now, free from pain and sickness. I continue to pray for your family for peace and comfort during this sad time. Isaac will greet you at heavens door with open arms someday.

Julie said...

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. My heart aches for you. Thank you for the incredible example that you are in your faith and trust in God, even in the midst of your pain. I so wish that I lived close enough to come to Isaac's Memorial Service. Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Anonymous said...

i have not wrote in a long while not because i had nothing to say but because i did not know what to say or how.i am just so very sorry for your loss and hope that there will be some peace for you both in this hard time.i have prayed for you both and baby Issac i have you on my mind alot! i found somethings that may help you right now...
Blessed are those who morn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 nrsv
I will not leave you comfortless:I will come to you.
Jesus, John 14:18kjv
My God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28 niv
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
Psalm 119:28 nrsv

i know its hard but you guys did so awsome!!you are blessed...this story has touched so many people!i can not belive how STRONG YOU ALL ARE that is all thanks to our LORD.I will keep praying for you all!

Gina Witcher / Runnermom4 said...

Jordan & Patience,

I shared about Isaac with my kids and it opened up a great discussion... but my sweet 3 year old Phelicia, even when I am not thinking of it, now prays for Isaac's mommy & daddy every breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime that they would not be sad anymore... of course then I start crying.

You guys are so special. Thank you for blogging every step of this journey even when things were the bleakest, even now... thank you for sharing your life and your story with the world. You guys have so much life to live, and you have already earned the, "Well done my good and faithful servant." Oh, if we all could be so brave and faithful in the eye of the storm. You have brought so much praise to our God.

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan,
I wonder, how many people pulled up the blog on Sunday or Monday, just as we have done daily for months, to check on the little one we all claim as just a little "ours." And how many people, like me, sat at their computers weeping--weeping for you, with you. You are not alone, and yet the pain is also uniquely yours.
Here is a poem for the heart of a parent. It is one that has encouraged me through many trials (be they ever so different from yours.) There may be chunks of it that don't fit your situation, but I'm thinking a line or two might ring true.

The Heart

Its injury is evident
In the fractured chaos of its environment:
A place of nourishment
Now bordering on toxic,
A place of cleanliness
Shrouded with neglect,
A place of warmth and togetherness
Cold and torn apart,
The offshoots of the injured
Tearing at each other like cannibals.
Still, it labors,
Confident in the coming healing.
At times the injury enjoys momentary victory
As the injured falters, wondering
Exactly how to enforce the next beat,
Wondering if the rhythm is just too strenuous.
But when “the injured” becomes “the fallen,”
It falls, not upon dust,
But upon the Great Hand of the Tender Physician.
His fingers sweetly soothe the fallen
Weeding out the loneliness
Braiding in hope, strength, and courage,
And the fallen rises,
Its rhythm restored by His Hand.
The injury is still there,
But less significant,
For now the injured’s awareness rests
On hope, the Physician, and the healing yet to come.


With continued prayers,
Kathy, a friend of grandma Chris

Laura said...

Just wanted you to know that this journey you have had has changed my life and has encouraged me so much.
I am praying for you and i have no words to give you but just know that you are in his hands and he will never let his children go.
Love in Christ,
Laura Russell( friend of Anita Lewis)

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan,

I'm here at work and thinking about you guys. You know, although I've never met you and won't be able to attend the funeral as much as I would of loved to be there, please know that you both our in my thoughts and prayers. It's quite a distance from California.

I've followed Isaac since the begining, and I wanted to see his little face and refresh my mind, with how strong and what a fighter he was and the amazing faith that you both have. I started reading your blog again, and noticed the Isaac was born into this world on a Sunday, and left this world on a Sunday. As I read this, I realized that Isaac and my son had lots in common. You see, they were both born with HLHS, my son was born on a Thursday and left this world on a Thursday. I know today the 8th is Isaac's viewing and tomorrow the 9th is his funeral. Well, my son's viewing was also on the 8th and his funeral on the 9th. And of course, the most important thing, they were both fighters, they fought till the end!

I must say, during the first couple of months after Haniel had passed, knowing that Isaac was doing good, help me deal with the pain of loosing my son. I follow several other kids with the same heart condition, but must say Isaac stold my heart.

I'm pretty sure they are both having so much fun with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

For the days to come, find comfort in Jesus and in all the great memories of little Isaac, you now have your little ANGEL in heaven watching over you guys.

Once again thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.

God Bless You!
Sam, Dianett & Melo

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

Patience and Jordan,
I just wanted you to know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers constantly over the past few days.
It goes without saying that we will be remembering you both, and your families tomorrow as you say goodbye to little Isaac. I know that you will both be holding on to the sure and certain hope that you will be with him again one day, but also appreciate how difficult it is to bid farewell to your little one for the time being. We trust that the day will be peaceful for all of you, and that it will bring you some comfort to know that so many of us, in many different countries and timezones will be remembering you.
I'm attaching a little poem which I really like - it meant a lot to me when we lost our first son Will. I hope it helps you a little in the same way.
With our love,
Alison, Pete and Charlie xxx

'What is dying?'

A ship sails and I stand,
watching til she fades on the horizon
And someone at my side says,"she is gone."
Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all;
she is just as large as when I saw her.
The diminished size, and total loss of sight,
is in me, not in her,
And just at that moment, when someone at my side says "She is gone,"
There are others who are watching for her coming,
And other voices take up a good shout,
"There she comes!"
and that is dying.

Anonymous said...

Sweet Jordan and Patience,
Thank you for sharing with us the story of Isaac for these many months. What a blessing you and Isaac have been in my life. And now my heart rejoices that Isaac has experienced the ultimate healing...but also breaks knowing how much he will be missed. But Isaac has touched so many lives. And Jordan and Patience, your faith during the darkest of days has been an incredible inspiration. May the story of Isaac Leino continue on for years and years to come. And may our loving God wrap you in His arms right now and fill you with His Love and Peace.
In His Incredible Grace,
Valerie in Atlanta

Angel said...

When I saw this I just had to share it with you. What a beautiful picture of the value and impact of every life. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Angel

http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons

Anonymous said...

To a family we have all known through church as well as this blog and have come to include you in our lives.. I can't begin to tell you how I've rushed to sit down to my computer and before i do my thing i check out on this sweet little boy who someway somehow has managed to own a piece of my heart. What joy it had brung to me to hear good news and what sorrow it has brought upon my heart to hear that he has passed. I know that he is with the Savior and free from pain and uncertainty, but nonetheless this is truly a deeply saddened moment. My heart goes out to you and my deepest sympathy. I pray over you unexplainable miracles and numerous blessings to be bestowed upon you and your family in Jesus name - through this tough time it is most important that you grieve and although "closure" seems like a foreign word at the moment, it is most important that you welcome it into your lives/ I will keep praying - as hard as I can and as long as I can..

with tears forming a river down my face, with a heavy heart, and with arms that wish I knew you enough to hold you -

a dear friend.

be blessed. YOu are truly the strongest people I know. With all my love...

a poem for you...

In tears I saw you sinking,
I watched you fade away.
You suffered much in silence,
you fought so hard to stay.
You faced your task with courage.
Your spirit did not bend,
and still you kept on fighting until the very end.
God saw you getting tired.
When a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around you and whispered "come to me".
So when I saw you sleeping So peaceful, free from pain.
I could not wish you back

Anonymous said...

Thank you for being grounded on The Word of God so strongly & confidently that you created a blog to share some of the most personal moments of your lives with complete strangers, such as myself. I know that firm foundation will be what keeps you keeping on.
In His Love,
Jenny

Anonymous said...

Jordan and Patience,

I pray that God overwhelms you with peace and strength. Let Him give you the understanding that YOUR son has impacted a lot of lives.

It is amazing to see the people all over the world who has come together in prayer and to read testimonies of lives changed over a life lived only for 5 months.

We all stand in the shadow of a giant as Isaac has showed us:

How to be strong till the end. Don't give up on the fight, Jesus has called us to be engaged in until He calls us home. Continue out the great commission no matter what the circumstance, no matter what the situation. No matter what the chances of succeeding.

Feel proud in knowing that he has helped changed my life and other's lives. Also, Isaac was clearly a child whose parents had the same strength of courage, faith, love and perserverance.

Thank-you for sharing your son with the world and allowing him to inspire us to be better Christians.

All the glory and honor goes to God in Isaacs life and return home!

May he rest in the arms of the Lord forever!

Love always and your in my prayers,

Christal

Anonymous said...

hey this is elizabeth again. im so sorry to hear about lil isaac. and i will most certainly contribute to his memorial fund. i pray 4 you every day and i know that god will bless you.

love, elizabeth
ps. remember everything happends 4 a reason.

Anonymous said...

Thank you again and again for sharing Isaac with us all. We will sorely miss coming here to this blog to see how he is, but we are so thankful that God has given him a new body without pains and problems. If he had to leave us for a short time, what better place to be than with our sweet Jesus.

We're continuing to pray for you, especially today as you let go of the physical and embrace the spirit. May HIS peace pour out on you today like never before, and also in the quite reflection in the days ahead.

We love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Brother and Sister Leino,
I know you have given so much of your life and love to Isaac and he will never forget that. Neither will his heavenly father--who is with right now. My heart and prayers are with you as you take the next steps of the journey. Thank you for your wonderful spirit and example through all of this.

Lord, bring about very large {hugs} right now to Patience and Jordon. Speak to their ears in your still small voice--I love you over and over again! Amen.

Bethany Emery

Anonymous said...

Patience,
This is your old friend Paul Allen from high school. My wife and I have been praying for you both and Isaac for months....
He is with Jesus...beautiful and perect as ever. Know that a distant friend is near to you in this time.
May Christ and is peace be on you both.

Paul Allen
York,PA

Anonymous said...

Patience,

I have been following your blogs on Issac since before he was born. Eventhough you knew you would have to go through this you continued believing that this was God's plan. Your blogs have touched so many lives that you probably don't even know. I cried so hard when I read of his passing as did Jamie, Sarah, Corinna, Kathy and many of your old friends from AACS and Liberty. You've been such a strong woman in Christ and it has encouraged the rest of us to look at our children as God's children and remember that we are merely caretakers of them while they are here with us. I will continue to lift your family up in prayer.

Anonymous said...

I have folowed your blog from the begining. You were blessed with an amazing child who helped the world to see what true faith and love for God really looks like. you are role models to us all. Your story has strengthened my faith in the lord and has allowed me to truly appreciate my children and my husband and thank God for every moment I have with them. may the lord continue to be with you and give you and yours peace.
The Titus Family

Anonymous said...

I am the mom of a heart baby. Your grace, strength, and courage have moved me deeply as I know well the journey you have been on. Your baby son has touched people around the world, and his life has held incredible meaning for countless people. You are amazing parents, and people, and have given your son a beautiful life and a tremendous legacy of courage and love. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if this will help, but it came to me thru email today, and you immediately came to mind. Praying for your hearts today especially. It's not exactly C3 style, but the message is passionate and spirit filled.

http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?cid=679

Anonymous said...

Jordan & Patience,
I have been a silent supporter until now, but wanted to thank you for sharing your Isaac and your story with so many. I too am one of many whose life you have unknowingly touched through your words and unwavering love for Christ. And like so many others, I too will miss coming to this site to check on you guys. After following your story since before Isaac was born, I feel like you are family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days and months, but please keep us updated on how you both are doing. You have a huge support group, all you have to do is ask!

Love in Christ,
Amy - Raleigh, NC

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan,
I am sending you prayers and big hugs. Your strength has been unwavering, and it will guide you through the tough times.Love Nichole (RT/UNC)

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan, only God understands the why's right now, but it seems He's given you a little slice of understanding. Your hope and patient love is a testament to our Glorious Lord. There is no doubt that Isaac had the perfect parents, as God intended all along. I love you both for your courage. Now God is loving on Isaac in a might way.

Anonymous said...

I cry with you, knowing that God's comforting arms are surrounding both of you. Just as you poured you lives and love into caring for Mighty Isaac, may that come back to you in countless ways. I pray this season will continue to strengthen your relationship and hope in Christ. May this precious child's life on earth continue to be a living testimony of how great the one true God is. Although we don't understand, we trust. Sincere love to you both.

Anonymous said...

To the Leino Family

We share in your sorrow but we also share in the knowledge that Baby Mighty Isaac is truly resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior. He will no longer endure any pain or suffering, but can just simply relax and be loved by our Father above. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers as it is those of us who are left behind that still need to be comforted. And, our prayers are that God will wrap His loving arms around each of you and keep you close and give you His Almighty peace as life moves forward in a different way. Rest assured God is still at the helm but takes us all on a journey that we sometimes don’t understand. KEEP THE FAITH, OUR GOD STILL REIGNS.

We have followed the emails and rejoice in your magnificent faith and confidence in the path you have all traveled. It is obvious that God’s grace and mercy has blessed you with His strength. May God pour out His richest blessings upon you as you continue on God’s journey.

With love and heartfelt compassion,

The Sanderl Family – John, Patti, Jillian and Landon
(Landon’s Grandparents - John works with Patrick at CBN)

For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “ plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Anonymous said...

If I've said once I've said it a hundred times, God totally knew what he was doing when he chose you both to be Isaac's parents. It was so amazing to witness first hand your TOTAL and COMPLETE faith and trust in God's will for your life that you both consistantly displayed each and everyday. It amazes me every time I think of how faithful and strong you guys were in the fact that you COMPLETELY gave Isaac's care and future to God and never took it back to try and fix it yourself. So many times we think we can do something to "fix" things or circumstances in our lives.If we could have the kind of faith that you had in God to heal your sweet baby then I believe this world would be changed. You will never know how much your journey has impacted me and my family. I know that when you first found out that there would be a little Isaac you never could have imagined the events that would follow.God already had the details worked out and because you followed his will for your life and Isaac's, God used all of you to impact thousands of people all over the world. It just reminds me that God wants to do miracles in all of our lives IF we just TRUST and BELIEVE and have FAITH that he WILL SEE US THROUGH. What if we all had this amazing faith in God? Some of us may never know the plans God has for us because we don't have faith enough to follow his will for our lives.God wants to use all of us in the way he used you, we just have to put him first place in everything we do and trust in his word that "he will never leave us nor forsake us".

This is what I've learned through it all, even when you think everything is crumbling and out of control around you, GOD IS NOT! HE IS YOUR STRENGTH when you have nothing left HE fills you up with his love, when it's dark around you, HE is your light, when you feel lost and alone, HE is your guide and comforter,HE IS YOUR EVERYTHING. Thank you both for being such an amazing example of what it means to have unconditional love, strength,faith and God's peace in your lives. You have touch us all whether we are young, old, parents or not...you and your sweet baby Isaac have touch us all in so many special ways. Thank you for sharing your incrediable journey with my family.

With Much Love,
M.Thomas

Anonymous said...

Dear Patience and Jordan,
Life seems so fragile when death makes its final call. God's grace sometimes seems insufficient when you need it most of all. Someday this sorrow will pass away as your family goes on. God's grace will enfold you, giving everlasting strength to carry on. As you grow in knowing and loving God, you realize He feels your pain because he feels your pain. God gave his only son, Jesus, so that each of us could gain the treasure of eternal life for those who follow his Holy Spirit's lead. God's grace is sufficient, no matter what our earthly need.

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan -
I have been thinking about you numerous times since I read your post on Monday morning. I actually can't seem to stop thinking about you both. I have felt so connected to your journey, more than you will ever know. I know that you already know this, but simply said, Isaac changed lives. He touched lives, restored faith, and made others realize the importance of every earthly moment. I pray for your continued strength in moments of extreme sadness. I pray for your continued ministry to others through your constant faith.
May God bless you and keep you -
Jenna
www.carepages.com
PJAngelChild

Anonymous said...

I didn't get to the memorial service but heard about the slideshow. Is there a way for you to post the slide show on this blog. I understand it has pictures we've not seen before. Thanks

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

Dear Patience and Jordan,
Just wanted to check in and say we're hoping you're both holding up ok, and that we're still thinking of you and praying for you all the time. Isaac has made such an impression on us - even Charlie speaks of him a lot. We saw a couple of red balloons floating away in the sky yesterday, and Charlie told me they were on their way up to Heaven - one for his big brother Will, and one for Baby Isaac. Take care of each other, and be gentle with yourselves. We are all here for you, and if there's anything we can do, you only have to ask.
With love,
Alison, Pete and Charlie xxx

Anonymous said...

I wanted to share with the two of you that following your blog has had a huge impact on my relationship with the Lord. As a believer I have had some hard times wondering why God does the things He does. Through following Isaac's life I have constantly wondered why God wasn't performing a miracle. Then just recently while reading about the passing of Isaac it dawned on me that God has used Isaac to strengthen my realtionship with the Lord and helped me to have trust in Him. I can't even begin to imagine how many other people Isaac has brought to the Lord or even planted a lot of seeds. That in itself is a miracle. There is no better place for Isaac to be. In the loving arms of Jesus! God is good and He will continue to use Isaac's life to help people grow and to even come to know Him. God bless you two, thank you so much for allowing me to know how miracalous God is and how he can use one mighty little boy to change the hearts of so many. Harvest Christian Fellowship Riverside, CA kristinbeamon@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I just want to let u know that my families prayers are with u. I'm sorry for your great loss. The Lord has better plans for Isaac. He wasn't ment for this world..God needed another flower so he chose him. I know it doesn't make it any easier, but the man above will help you all the way. The Bible says he will not put more on u than u can bear...I know that sometimes it doesn't feel like it but remember to keep your head high and your faith stronge. And remember we are all praying for you and ur family. God Bless!!!

Anonymous said...

I hope your family is doing well going through such a tragic moment in life. Isaac was a beautiful little boy - please remember him and charish every second he was with you. He is still with you and your family and will help watch over each of you. My heart goes out to you as I have 2 children of my own - a 3yr old boy and 9mon old girl and couldn't imagine what you have been through, but from one parent to another - take care and God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you! Hope and pray you are doing well ...