The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11
Dear <<First Name>>
A few days after my last update we were faced with a crisis. We had to rush Dr. Miriam to the hospital by ambulance after she passed out in her home and was having extreme difficulty breathing. Praise the Lord she regained consciousness and was able to call for help, however, soon after arriving at the hospital she required CPR and intubation because her heart and breathing stopped. She was diagnosed with a large blood clot blocking the two main arteries into her lungs. Treatment with “clot busting” medications was begun immediately and praise the Lord she responded miraculously well to the treatment! In the midst of this crisis when I was not sure that she would make it, God gave me the above verse. I am so thankful for the strength and peace that He gives us that surpasses all human understanding. Miriam was able to come off the ventilator and regained conscious less than 24 hours after arriving at the hospital. While the private hospital here did what was necessary to save her life, the follow up care was not up to US standards and I was at the hospital each day during her 9 day stay assisting with her care. She is still very weak but continuing to recover well. We are thankful for friends who were able to come and stay with her during the first couple weeks home from the hospital. Please continue to pray for her full recovery and for wisdom as she determines how this will impact her plans and schedule for her remaining time in Ukraine. Pray as well that I will have wisdom and strength as I juggle added responsibilities. While she has told us that she was ready to meet the Lord, we are thankful that He chose to miraculously spare her life. Praise the Lord with us!
Unfortunately, because of Miriam’s illness we had to cancel the trip for the medical student and his wife who were planning to come work with us in January. This was disappointing, but we trust it is a part of God’s good plan. However, we were still able to have our first monthly clinic day in the village of Zarya. We had 22 people come for care and only a few of them were current church members. Many of them were struggling with anxiety and stress and I was able to encourage them to consider turning to the Lord with their anxieties. The pastor and our driver/ evangelist also visited with many people. I was especially encouraged that in addition to the pastor, one of the ladies who is a long-time member of the church was there from the start of the clinic until the end visiting with people. Pray that God will use this new outreach to open hearts to the gospel!
2 full time clinic helpers & driver/evangelist
February 15-16 we will be conducting a training seminar for new volunteers for the ministry of Choose Life. We already have more than 20 who have gone through the application process and are planning to be at the training! We are excited about this great group of new volunteers. Pray for God’s blessing as we prepare, teach and help each one to find their place in the ministry.
Thank you for your prayers for me, even when you do not know what challenges I am facing. I try to give more frequent, short updates on my Facebook ministry page. If you are not a member and would like to be, contact me and I will add you.
