Last month, Newcastle brothers Caleb (16) and Clayton Freeman (14) were on their way to a University of Oklahoma basketball game when their car crashed while merging onto I-35.
Thankfully, Clayton sustained only minor injuries and was released shortly after being hospitalized. His older brother, Caleb, however, suffered major brain trauma and is still in recovery, fighting for his life.
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Their father, Jeremy Freeman, is a pastor at Newcastle First Baptist Church, and he’s regularly posted updates on the Pray for Caleb Facebook page along with several specific prayer requests for his son.
“We believe the Lord protected his body but, for whatever reason, has allowed him to be in this place and we’re seeing the Lord do great miracles through him,” said Pastor Freeman, later adding that they’re “believing that the Lord is going to heal Caleb and he’ll walk out of this place, and we want the world to know that it’s God that’s done this.”
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The entire Newcastle community has rallied around the Freemans in prayerful and financial support since the tragedy, and now Caleb’s story is gaining nationwide attention.
Jeremy posted his latest update on Caleb’s progress yesterday, along with a few nuggets of wisdom about the true meaning of biblical hope and how we are called to wait upon the Lord amidst trials:
Hope that is seen is not hope!
Update from Caleb’s dad – 1/21/18Romans 8:24-25 days, “…Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
Caleb’s best friend’s mother reminded me of this passage last night. It is such a powerful truth. God has given us a promise (actually multiple promises) that has filled our hearts with hope…but while we wait to see it fulfilled, we wait for it with patience.
We have talked about waiting and patience from the beginning of this journey, which is quickly approaching 5 weeks. But something about those verses jumped into my heart last night. I think I’ve been talking about waiting and patience, but not really receiving it in my heart. It’s been more like, “Yes, we need to wait on the Lord, but the wait is surely almost over.” The truth is, we don’t know how long we will have to wait…BUT GOD! We don’t know how long we will be here…BUT GOD! We don’t know anything…BUT GOD! So, with hope in our hearts because of the promise of God, we wait!
How should we wait though? This is the question:
1. We wait prayerfully! God wants His people to earnestly seek Him in prayer and in His Word. We must keep doing that! So many are praying, and many around the clock, and we are so very grateful. Please don’t stop. Ed Litton challenged everyone in our church to stop and pray daily for Caleb at 12pm! Maybe you can add that time to your prayer time for Caleb. Let’s all stop at Noon each day and pray for Caleb;
2. We wait expectantly! Hope brings forth a sense of anticipation, and we know God’s hope never disappoints. As we wait, we must wait in faith…believing and expecting God to do what He said He would do. Our hope is anchored in Christ, who we believe will heal and fully restore Caleb;
3. We wait obediently! While we are waiting, God is working, but while we are waiting, we need to join God in His work. We need to daily be looking for opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Pray for us to be faithful in Colorado. Pray we minister and let God use us how He wants. Pray we are obedient to the Lord;
4. We wait joyfully! I love these verses, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But REJOICE insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13).” Pray for us to be joyful in our affliction. Pray the joy of Jesus shines through our lives and circumstances. As I wrote in Caleb’s Bible…we share in Christ’s suffering and we share in His glory! A day of great rejoicing is coming, but we can still rejoice right now. Pray we do!
Caleb had a good Sunday. It was another chill day. We dressed him in his favorite Spurs shirt, got him out of bed a little, and spent good time with him. Brittany got some good sister time with him as well. She has been such a blessing to have here with us. Caleb continues to open his eyes and make noises and sounds with his mouth. We know there is a lot going on inside of him and it’s just a matter of time before it’s all figured out.
Keep praying for his tone to soften…we need arms, chest, and legs to relax.
Pray he gains some weight. He’s lost close to 30 pounds and we would like to see him start gaining some back. He also sweats a lot. Please pray that slows down as well!
Caleb has an MRI tomorrow. Join us in fervently asking God to make the results so staggering that his doctors cannot explain the healing that is taking place.
Keep praying for his speech and mouth. We’d love to see him swallow (we think he is some already) and begin to use some words.
Pray he is responsive in therapy tomorrow. Pray he follows commands, moves his arms and legs, and tracks well with his eyes.
Thank you for praying for Caleb and us. We are counting on you to continue. Please spread the word and rally as many prayer warriors as you can. Thank you so much.
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Please join us in praying for Caleb’s regained strength and speedy recovery.
If you are interested in financially supporting the Freeman family, a YouCaring fund has been set up to help with medical expenses.
 and Clayton Freeman (14) were on their way to a University of Oklahoma basketball game when their car crashed while merging onto I-35.){kind=link}