Update on Dad and Justin (Wednesday Night)

We had more encouraging news this evening. Dad had one tube in his left chest cavity and another tube in his right. In the past 24 hours, both tubes have been removed. This will reduce the change of infection. So far he has done well without the tubes. Please continue to pray for continued healing in his lungs.

The medical staff slowly weaned Dad off his sedatives today from 1.5 to 0.5 and now to 0. They are still administrating a higher level of pain medication through the IV. The goal is to wean him off the pain medication over the next several hours (or few days if needed). From what we understand, Dad needs to come off both the sedative and pain meds before they can remove the respirator. This evening (as Mom, Uncle Scott, and I were in ICU with Dad) Mom was talking to Dad and three times he moved his bottom lip like he was trying to respond! Visiting hours are over until morning, so we will look into his improvement tomorrow.

The doctors say that the process for weaning Dad off the medication and removing the respirator will need to be done cautiously and aggressively. Cautiously because you don’t want to move too soon and then have to backtrack. Aggressively because the longer he has tubes in his body the greater the risk for infection. They said it would take a while for him to wake up. Some patients wake up slow and others wake up very slow. We will just need to keep praying for Dad and showing patience.

Please pray:
1. For protection against infection and pneumonia
2. For peace as Dad starts to wake up (if you know him, you know he can tend to react at times)
3. For no long term effects

Justin was in some pain today, but overall had a good day. He was down in the waiting room when I left the hospital. He might get to leave tomorrow (if not tomorrow then soon).

I sleep well in hospitals, so I have stayed over three of the four nights. Uncle Scott said he would stay for me so I could come home with my family. I plan to get some much needed rest in my own bed tonight.

Jonathan and I sang and led a song of worship in the church meeting this evening. Brother Steve really helped us see the truth about Jesus Christ. If you missed it, you missed out. Let’s ALL get in on the mission and support the vision the Lord gave to Dad and to the church. Looking forward to seeing ALL you men at the Wild Game Feast tomorrow night at 6pm. Call 405-634-1454 to purchase a $5 ticket. We hope to see all of you this Sunday at 10am to hear Brother Steve share again.

May the name of Jesus Christ continue to be exalted among all the people. God is using this crisis to advance His kingdom. Look around; is there any other explanation for these blessings but that they are evidence of a Creator who is involved in His creation? If you don’t know Jesus, you need to meet Him. He will change your life.

Take healing for example. God is the great physician. God uses medical science to sustain life - He always has. I guess one reason might be that it is a way for people to help people and show love to each other. But the doctors can’t make Dad better. Even the doctors say that healing only comes with time. Why? Because God designed our bodies to heal. God brings the healing. Pretty cool thought.

Thank you, God, for how awesome you are. You love us so much, and You have given us so much. Please just show us how we can love you back. Thanks for loving my Dad. I know He loves You.

I know Dad would want you to know Jesus and His love, too. Would you believe in Him today?

If you want to talk to a pastor about Jesus, call 405-634-1454. Ask to speak with a pastor about getting to know Jesus personally. Know this, Jesus loves you.