3rd of July 2011 - So as some of you may have already heard, the artist member of the group behind the creation of Extra Credits, Allison Theus, is suffering from severe injuries to her arms and shoulders, of which one side will need open surgery to fix.
Now, a collection has already been set up by the Extra Credits team to pay for Allison's surgery and at this point has been wildly succesful, generating a susbstantial amount which will go a long way to help speed along her recovery.
However, financial support is not the only thing needed for a speedy recovery and in accordance with our best wishes as a community to see her recover swifty, I have decided to set up an online-organised prayer group to pray for her together across the globe at specific times (mentioned further in this post).
Although mainly a Christian endeadour, research studies these days are beginning to show results that suggest praying for clinical patients actually sustantially improves their health. The cause of this, whether it be some kind of placebo effect or genuine divine intervention, remains a mystery, but whatever the case, I believe that our prayers here at the Escapist could do a world of good for Allison, both physically and mentally.
Also, the studies suggest that larger groups have a greater effect, so even though I hope you are already praying for Allison, I urge you to make an extra effort. People from any religion are welcome to join and pray in whatever manner is appropriate to that religion and atheists are equally welcome to join us in this collective effort to improve Allison's wellbeing, praying specifically for a smooth operation and speedy recovery.
The times at which the prayers will be held are:
3.00 am GMT, July the 17th and 7.00 am GMT, July the 17th
These times are specifically aimed at allowing people to pray either in the morning or in the evening, depending on what their global position best allows. The 3.00 am prayer is aimed at American participants to be in the evening between 7.00 pm and 10.00 pm (west to east to coast), on July the 16th (remember that GMT 3.00 am is 1 day ahead of the U.S.).
ALSO REMEMBER to make a note in your calendars. Please tick the box in the "poll" and check back regularly as I will be updating this thread with additional information. I hope to be praying together with you for Allison's operation and recovery soon.
3rd of July 2011 - OK, so it appears that some people have taken issue somewhat by the word "prayer". Therefore I have added a new option for anyone of beliefs disregarding prayer to join in anyway, namely that you should take a moment to silently "wish" Allison a speedy recovery out of the sentiment of the idea.
10th of July 2011 - Well, I have to say that it's good to see so many people come together united in support of Allison's situation. That's quite a prayer group of people who will be partaking on the 17th and even more who have agreed to wish her well at the same time. Thank you very much to all for showing your support.
17th of July 2011 - OK, so the group prayers were earlier today (depending very much on where you live). And I feel it's a good thing that so many of us were able to join together in thought and prayer concerning the recovery of such a valuable member of the Escapist community. I personally prayed at both times, so even if you were the only one to pray in that certain time zone, at least you weren't alone. ^.^
As for from now on, I will be praying on at least one of those two times every Sunday until Allison gets better, so if anyone wants to join me, you are of course very welcome to continue being a part of the prayer group.
Thanks again to everyone for their support and I give a special commendation to all the people to whom prayer is without the bounds of their personal beliefs, but were still respectful on this thread by considering the circumstances. A hat-tip to all.
Now, a collection has already been set up by the Extra Credits team to pay for Allison's surgery and at this point has been wildly succesful, generating a susbstantial amount which will go a long way to help speed along her recovery.
However, financial support is not the only thing needed for a speedy recovery and in accordance with our best wishes as a community to see her recover swifty, I have decided to set up an online-organised prayer group to pray for her together across the globe at specific times (mentioned further in this post).
Although mainly a Christian endeadour, research studies these days are beginning to show results that suggest praying for clinical patients actually sustantially improves their health. The cause of this, whether it be some kind of placebo effect or genuine divine intervention, remains a mystery, but whatever the case, I believe that our prayers here at the Escapist could do a world of good for Allison, both physically and mentally.
Also, the studies suggest that larger groups have a greater effect, so even though I hope you are already praying for Allison, I urge you to make an extra effort. People from any religion are welcome to join and pray in whatever manner is appropriate to that religion and atheists are equally welcome to join us in this collective effort to improve Allison's wellbeing, praying specifically for a smooth operation and speedy recovery.
The times at which the prayers will be held are:
3.00 am GMT, July the 17th and 7.00 am GMT, July the 17th
These times are specifically aimed at allowing people to pray either in the morning or in the evening, depending on what their global position best allows. The 3.00 am prayer is aimed at American participants to be in the evening between 7.00 pm and 10.00 pm (west to east to coast), on July the 16th (remember that GMT 3.00 am is 1 day ahead of the U.S.).
ALSO REMEMBER to make a note in your calendars. Please tick the box in the "poll" and check back regularly as I will be updating this thread with additional information. I hope to be praying together with you for Allison's operation and recovery soon.
3rd of July 2011 - OK, so it appears that some people have taken issue somewhat by the word "prayer". Therefore I have added a new option for anyone of beliefs disregarding prayer to join in anyway, namely that you should take a moment to silently "wish" Allison a speedy recovery out of the sentiment of the idea.
10th of July 2011 - Well, I have to say that it's good to see so many people come together united in support of Allison's situation. That's quite a prayer group of people who will be partaking on the 17th and even more who have agreed to wish her well at the same time. Thank you very much to all for showing your support.
17th of July 2011 - OK, so the group prayers were earlier today (depending very much on where you live). And I feel it's a good thing that so many of us were able to join together in thought and prayer concerning the recovery of such a valuable member of the Escapist community. I personally prayed at both times, so even if you were the only one to pray in that certain time zone, at least you weren't alone. ^.^
As for from now on, I will be praying on at least one of those two times every Sunday until Allison gets better, so if anyone wants to join me, you are of course very welcome to continue being a part of the prayer group.
Thanks again to everyone for their support and I give a special commendation to all the people to whom prayer is without the bounds of their personal beliefs, but were still respectful on this thread by considering the circumstances. A hat-tip to all.
