Christians from around the world have united to pray for Mark Hall, lead vocalist for the Christian worship band Casting Crowns, following the announcement that he will be undergoing surgery due to a recent cancer diagnosis.
The "Who am I" singer posted the sobering announcement via a Facebook message on Thursday afternoon:
"Hey Casting Crowns Family,
I would appreciate your prayers.
Doctors found a solid mass in my right kidney about a week ago. They are 90% sure it's cancer and they are going to remove the entire kidney next Wednesday, March 11th. They believe the cancer is contained in the kidney, which is also a great hope. They will know more once it is out and Pathology can see it.
I'll be in recovery for a month or a little longer because of the surgery. Please pray for healing and for God's peace for my family."
Hall signed the note with his name along with the words "Praising Him in This Storm," a reference to one of Casting Crowns' songs, "Praise You in This Storm," which includes the lyrics, "Every tear I've cried/ You hold in your hands/ You never left my side/ And though my heart is torn/ I will praise you in this storm."
Instantly, thousands of well-wishers, including popular Christian artists Kutless and Michael W. Smith, responded to Hall's request for prayers, "liking" his post and sharing it on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #prayingforMark.
"Join me in praying for my friend, @markhallCC in a battle with cancer. Praying w/ faith for healing! #prayingforMark," Smith Tweeted.
"Please join us in #prayingforMark from @castingcrowns! Praying for the Lord to heal him!" added Christian rock group Kutless.
Popular Christian bookstore LifeWay also expressed their support, writing "Join us in #prayingforMark Hall of @castingcrowns as he faces a potential battle with cancer."
Shortly before sharing the news, Casting Crowns, who recently released their latest album, "Glorious Day - Hymns of Faith," posted a Bible verse on their Facebook page, which read, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7."
Casting Crowns was formed in 1999 by Hall, who at the time was serving as the youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, FL. Over the past decade, Casting Crowns has emerged as one of the most well-loved Christian worship bands of all time. The seven-member group has won both Dove and Grammy Awards, and is the second fastest Christian band in history to have their first two albums certified platinum. Many of their worship songs, including "Who Am I," "Praise You In This Storm," and "East to West" have seen success on both Christian and secular charts.
Following Hall's announcement, Christian news station KSBJ started an online prayer room for those who wish to voice their support for the vocalist and his family.
Reads a statement on the website, "Mark's been an encouragement to all of us over the years. Now, it's our turn to show him how much we care and how much we love him. Join KSBJ in committing to pray for Mark."
You can visit the website and join others in #prayingforMark here.
