Sunday Afternoon

Dennis just called to say that Jerry has come out his second surgery, is currently stable and is resting in the ICU unit.   

The goal of the last two surgeries (late last night and this morning) was to stabalize his broken neck--Jerry broke his C3 and C4 vertebrae.   Once the breaks are stable, they can then begin to move Jerry around a bit by changing his resting positions.

Until surgery, he was on a bed that turned his body from side to side.  As he has been conscious and talking, he was carrying on conversations with those on either side as his bed swung him in their direction.  We are all so grateful that his brain was NOT injured...truly something to praise God for in these days.

But now post-surgery, he is going to remain intubated until later this evening so that his body has some additional time to adjust to the repairs made.  Dennis and Katie will be able to see him within the hour, and he will remain in the ICU for quite some time.

Obviously the next 24 hours are critical, and the doctors have warned that the next two weeks will be extremely difficult.  With the extent of Jerry's injuries, he is facing an increased risk of blood clotting, respiratory infection and distress.  

Please join us in praying for the following:

1.  That Jerry's body would miraculously heal.   That he would continue to breathe easily and that he would remain infection free.  Pray that as Jerry comes to terms with what has happened, that he will bring the same tenacity and effort to his healing that he has brought to so many other things.  Pray that he would be filled with hope for his future.

2.  Pray especially for Katie, Jerry's mother, who is struggling very much.  Pray that she would experience supernatural peace, and that she would be able to sleep and eat, as she needs both desparately.  Ask God to surround her with hope and courage as she cares for her son, and let her feel confidence in the doctors and nurses as they care for him too.

3.  Pray for Dennis, as he is talking and sharing with the many family and friends that are calling. Pray that he would find some rest, that he would have the energy he needs, and that he would be certain of God's faithfulness to him as the days go by.

4.  Pray also for the many practical needs that are going to arise.  Gratefully, the MacCallister family does have insurance coverage, but there are many, many costs to be covered--just the costs of food and hotel stays right now are beginning to mount.  Pray that God would supply exactly what is needed each day.  

Later tonight we will post some information on how you can give to the MacCallisters.  A trust account has already been opened, and we will you let you know how to give.  But for now, please join us in praying steadily for Jerry and his family.....they feel these prayers and NEED them.

If you are able, please also email them with notes of encouragement and love--either to their personal emails or by commenting on this blog.  All six MacCallisters will be reading these posts (thanks to wireless internet at the hospital), and all are beyond touched at your kind words and prayers.  Please keep them coming!

Yours,

Marci

marci@redwoodchristianpark.com