Where Have You Gone Barry Milazzo? Update From All The King’s Horses Ministry

At the risk of sounding like Simon & Garfunkel, I doubt you’ve wondered, “Where have you gone Barry Milazzo … a nation turns its lonely eyes to you …” Even so, in this newsletter I will tell you why you haven’t heard from us in many months. I will update you about Bryson’s battle against blindness, and my personal war for clarity and function against an insidious force known as post-concussion syndrome. I will then tell you how King Jesus is using it all for His glory, and the furtherance of His Kingdom, enabled by your ongoing support and prayer for this Ministry.

Before I tell you these things, I ask each prayer warrior of this ministry to please take 5 minutes to view a video recently produced for this ministry by a dear friend, of which Joni Eareckson Tada declared: “I had the opportunity to watch the video of Bryson and it moved me deeply.”

Bryson’s Eyes

My brain-injured son now suffers from a disease known as Keratoconus, which caused him to become blind in his left eye in June 2015. He had surgery on 9/16/15 to replace the cornea in that eye (through the family tragedy of a 5 year old donor). One year after the surgery we are still battling bodily rejection and other complications, and still have a long journey toward full healing and restored vision. Our surgeon is cautiously removing a few stitches during each monthly visit.

On February 25, 2016 (a date now etched in my memory forever), we were informed that the disease is now progressing in Bryson’s dominant (stronger) right eye. To prevent the rupture of that eye (as occurred in the left) we are planning to undergo a newly FDA-approved procedure in an attempt to strengthen the right eye against the force of the disease. At the time of this writing our plan is to wait until the left eye is more stable prior to undergoing this experimental procedure. In the interim, I have been called upon to treat both eyes with various medications seven (7) times per day. This regimen keeps me close to home, causing some people to wonder where I’ve “gone.”

Barry’s Health

The final chapters of my book reveal three (3) severe concussions from physical collapses in 2006, 2011 and 2013. Most doctors believe these collapses were the consequence of many years of debilitation caused by stress and sleep deprivation as the sole 24/7 caregiver to my beloved, brain-injured son. It has also been considered that the liver and blood diseases I’ve battled during the past decade (which are also chronicled in my book) played a role in these collapses.

Whatever the cause, “Where have you gone Barry Milazzo” is indeed an appropriate refrain now, as short term memory and motor control difficulties gain the upper hand for a day or two at a time, and as my ability to perform basic functions becomes severely challenged. On the lowest days I do no more than care for Bryson, and rest as much as possible, in order to survive. When God lifts His hand, my days are very fruitful, and I am out ministering the Gospel.

Our Mission: Power in Weakness

“Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-12

When I’m tempted to complain, amid Bryson’s maladies and mine, that there are just too many doctors in our lives, the Great Physician reminds me that my book is entitled, “All the King’s Horses – Finding Purpose and Hope in Brokenness and Impossibility.” I praise the King who is continuing to use my personal weaknesses and brokenness, and every “thorn” of lingering “impossibility” in my life and family to remind countless individuals in this dark world that there is hope in Christ alone, through His grace alone.

The Lord has given me a powerful story to tell, which is stopping many people in their tracks when they are likewise tempted to complain. Even so, telling the story of my “broken” son, and of my personal brokenness, only has power as God’s Son (who was broken for us all) can be seen. Lifting Jesus up through my story is the passion and the power of this Ministry. Whether the Lord grants me 30 years more to do so (as I believe He will), or 30 more days, I am ever thankful for the privilege, and ever grateful for your prayers and support enabling us to do so.

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” John 12:32

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Partnership Opportunity

The Lord has been clear to me and our Board of Directors that Bryson’s ongoing care and need for human dignity is my first responsibility. It is of no value for me to go out preaching publicly if I do not first care for the broken child entrusted to me. Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). As others observe my ongoing sacrifice and love for my son, along with Christ’s sustaining grace amidst my weaknesses, Jesus is being lifted up to be seen by countless souls who would never darken the doors of a church. People are being saved through this little ministry, and the Lord is causing many to persevere in their faith.

The procedure to save Bryson’s right eye, and many other expenses associated with his care and mine, are “out of pocket” (no insurance coverage) due to the experimental nature of it. Now would be a good time to remember Barry and Bryson and All the King’s Horses Ministry.

Your generosity will enable me to continue providing for my broken son, and lifting up God’s Son through our small but powerful ministry. Please know that I am eternally grateful.

Tax deductible gifts may be made payable and sent to “All the King’s Horses Ministry Inc.” 39-09 Brookside Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410, or online here through the website.