Several hundred residents from across the Early and Brownwood area came together Wednesday night to lift an Early High School graduate up in prayer during his time of need.

Wills Setzler is currently undergoing treatment for a rare form of cancer called Ewings Sarcoma which was diagnosed in October of last year.  He and his family are currently in Houston while he receives treatment at M.D. Anderson.

The community-wide prayer for Wills was held at Early Longhorn Stadium where people and pastors from several denominations came together and prayed for healing of Wills from cancer and comfort for his family in this trying time.  After a series of group prayers, those in attendance held a prayer walk around the stadium track and then stopped to join hands in small groups to pray.

In the final prayer of the evening, everyone present joined hands and created a prayer chain that circled the entire football field along the track in an impressive and emotional ending to the event.  Friends of the Setzler family and even some who do not know them joined together as a community to lift them in prayer.

A short message from Wills was read to the crowd which said in part:

“I am humbled to have an event like this held for me.  The prayers and get well cards have been nonstop and make me feel so loved and cared for.  I am so blessed to have friends and family like you guys.  Thank you again so much.  If you know me very well, then you’ll know that I will absolutely never give up.  Some times may be tough and painful, but having a live-strong attitude and such a powerful community of prayer does not allow me to be afraid.”

Those in attendance also wrote messages to Wills and purchased balloons to help raise money to help pay for his medical expenses.  The balloons were released during the event as a tribute.

Wills is a graduate of Early High School and a senior at Texas A&M University where he plans to attend law school afterwards. He loves anything outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and all sports.

Those interested can send Wills a message and follow his progress at his Caring Bridge homepage by clicking here.

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