(EL CAJON) Twenty-six-year-old Michael Hendricks, youth pastor at East Valley Christian Fellowship in El Cajon, suffered a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting earlier this week and is now fighting for his life in intensive care.
According to family members, Hendricks remains at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in critical condition in a coma, as his loved ones continue to pray for him.
Ironically, the popular youth pastor, who has a seven-week-old daughter, had loved beekeeping as a hobby and apparently did not know he was severely allergic.
"He's a very holy man, he's a very funny man," said Senior Pastor Jack Forness. "He's a very human man."
"It is ironic because it's what he loves to do: he likes taking care of bees," added Joshua Jamway, a member of the fellowship's youth group.
Hendricks - a husband and father of a seven-week-old baby girl...apparently did not know he was allergic.
"He loves bees and he was retrieving some in Alpine, and in the process he was stung," said Forness, "and as a result of one bee sting, he is on life support."
Before a special prayer service for Hendricks Wednesday night, the church's senior pastor asked Hendrick's wife Kaitlin what to pray for.
"And she said, 'That he'll wake up, "Forness told his congregation, "and then she asked us to pray specifically for movement... so we're looking for movement."
This is a devastating blow especially for the church's teen-aged members, who describe their youth pastor as full of energy and enthusiasm for his job.
"He is an amazing person, just funny... He's a great teacher," said youth member Austin Brinegan.
"He'd just go out of his way to do anything for you, "added member Tyler Rocho.
In an update posted on-line Wednesday, Hendrick's wife reported that her husband's vital signs are showing signs of improvement.
