Tale of recovery continues divinely

After multiple interviews and a feature in a major national magazine, Merrily and David Rinehart could easily have said no when another request came.

But this was "The 700 Club," so the couple readily agreed to talk about how their lives have changed since Merrily gave birth to triplets and was then diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago.

While many people would have shied away from the publicity, the Rineharts see it as a way to share their testimony.

The Jackson couple said they want people to know that God provides, and blesses, if you'll only ask him.

"We've been given gifts," Merrily said.

The Rineharts shared their miraculous story with a production crew from "The 700 Club" Wednesday. The segment is scheduled to air during Christmastime, but a specific date hasn't been set.

A crew came from the Christian Broadcasting Network's headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va., to talk with the Rineharts and tape the segment.

Family's faith

A researcher at the network first heard about the couple after Good Housekeeping magazine ran an article about Merrily and her successful recovery from brain surgery. But that article didn't focus as much on the family's faith as "The 700 Club" will.

"There are some stories that you can just tell have a spiritual angle," said Gorman Woodfin, a producer and reporter for the show. "We always highlight that."

The Rineharts know that without faith they wouldn't have managed through their crisis. "We just want to give the glory to God. That's how our family has gotten through," David said.

In just a short time, the Rineharts have learned a lifetime of lessons about faith, prayer and spirituality.

Two years ago, Merrily had just given birth to triplet sons when she began having terrible headaches. Doctors diagnosed a brain tumor that required immediate surgery. But the surgery was a risk, since Merrily could have died.

But she didn't.

In fact, she was able to go home four days after doctors removed the malignant, golf-ball sized tumor. Later this month, she will end her chemotherapy treatment and mark the second anniversary of her successful surgery.

Today she's just happy to be alive. "It's a blessing to be here," Merrily said.

She returned to work as a flight nurse a month ago after taking a leave of absence during her pregnancy. And even that is a miracle, she says, because there are always so many applicants when Arch Air Medical Services has an opening. Another blessing is that her schedule is two 24-hour shifts each week which gives her plenty of time to be at home with the children.

Merrily wanted to share her story so that people realize things can get better if only they'd learn to trust in God and pray. Merrily knows that God can turn the bad into something good -- she's living proof.

"If people looked at my life, they'd have to be stupid not to say it's been a miracle," Merrily said.

Though their lives haven't exactly turned out as they might have planned, there isn't anything they'd want to change, the Rineharts say. "God knew we wanted four or five children, that was our heart's desire. He provided our family in abundance," David said.

God worked everything out according to his schedule. The couple have been married 11 years but spent nearly six trying to get pregnant. After fertility treatments, Merrily gave birth to a daughter, Katelyn. About a year later, she learned she was pregnant again -- with triplets. The boys, Sam, Jack and Clay, recently shared their second birthdays.

The birth of her children was a miracle itself, Merrily said, since the couple wasn't sure they could even have children. But then she got a second chance at life. "I'm so thankful to be alive and be here for my kids," she said.

Merrily and David talked with "The 700 Club" crew, sharing their story amid tears and laughter. The program airs each weekday and includes news and feature segments about how God works in people's lives. "We hear stories like this and it really touches your heart," Woodfin said.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126