Bethel leader updates fans on his kids' E.coli battle, rejoices over small victories
Bethel worship ministry leader Joel Taylor has been racked by worry after his two kids were diagnosed with the same E. Coli infection, but his faith is helping him get through the ordeal. With God by his side, Taylor is able to rejoice for the small victories his kids are making.
He provided an update on Instagram (@joeltaylor) by posting an adorable video of his kids - four-year-old Addie and two-year-old Jaxon - laughing while in the hospital.
"Addie's feeling MUCH better and slept through the whole night with a dry diaper. She still has a stomach bug but God's turning that around. Today Jax ate a lot (and held it down), he painted, he played with Play Doh, he blew bubbles, and watched Blippi (his favorite show) and laughed the whole time," Taylor wrote. "Now his kidneys need to keep healing...and he needs to pee, in Jesus name Pee! Please keep praying until he's sent home."
In a later post, Taylor was beyond thrilled to share that his son peed - not once, but thrice. "In the last 24 hours Jaxon peed three times, ate all of his meals (and kept it down!), took several steps, and slept through the entire night," he shared. "Miracles don't always look exactly like you want them to. God's timing often doesn't make sense until you look back to see that mountains were climbed and canyons were crossed on no strength of your own. And in that place, when God becomes your only option, you learn that it's a gift that will mark you forever."
Despite the horrible ordeal he faced, Taylor is grateful for one thing - he was able to treasure the time spent with his children more. "Every moment with this boy is a treasure I'll never take for granted again. I've been laying by his side this afternoon just staring at him, full of joy that I get to watch him grow up and fulfill his destiny," he said.
Jaxon has been hospitalized since December 21. A GoFundMe page has already been created for the young boy, and so far, $181,010 has been raised out of its $150,000 goal.