Samuel Day Two - Prayer Needed
3-30-02 SAMUEL DAY TWO - Prayer needed
Friends and Family,
We are very much in need of your prayers this evening....
We are in a war right now, a war made up of many battles - a battle for Samuel to be physically restored, a battle for the Womble family to be reunited under one roof, a battle for all the Wombles and all other victims involved in the attack to experience emotional, physical and spiritual healings, a battle for God to be glorified in all that is said and done, a battle for satan to be restrained...
As with other wars, there are, have been and will be many battles to fight. God has been and is our Champion. He has led us victoriously through many battles already. We believe the "war" will be won. It has been made clear to us that it is not going to be a quick war for any involved though. There will be many battles, ups and downs. We will win some and it will appear we lose some from our perspective. No matter what happens, the battle belongs to the Lord!
In heavenly armor we'll enter the
land,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
No weapon that's fashioned against us will stand,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
When the power of darkness comes in like a flood,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
He's raised up a standard, the pow'r of His blood,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord.
Our morning report from Rees was filled with hope for a good day for Samuel. He was very encouraged there were no signs of infection and that Samuel appeared to be getting a little more alert. We did take a turn for the worse though. "Samuel had a very bad day." He was in a great deal of pain, extremely agitated, angry and violent. He was emotionally out of control many times during the day and exhibited the lack of control in aggressive ways. The reactions have been very, very intense and physically and emotionally exhausting for Samuel, the family and the medical team.
Samuel is on high dosages of cortisone to keep brain swelling to a minimum. Rees feels the medicine could be contributing to his behavior. The family has had an extremely emotional day! Jeff, Rees and Susan could really use very specific prayers on their behalf. They need God's Grace to sort through and deal with the myriad of emotions they are coping with. Jeff and Rees will be rotating shifts with Samuel until Samuel is able to be emotionally stabilized.
Jeff was able to visit with Samuel's doctor today. The doctor was very pessimistic about Samuel's condition. A culture during surgery revealed a bacteria present in the brain. It is the same bacteria that was found in Samuel's knee. It is a bacteria only found in third world countries, and none of the antibiotics Samuel has been given are able to kill this bacteria. The needed antibiotic has now been added to Samuel's medications, but only 10 - 15% of the antibiotic will be able to penetrate the membrane that encompasses the brain. The doctor did not feel that will be sufficient to keep the infection down. It is his opinion further surgery will be required. The bacteria will be monitored to watch for any growth or spreading. If it does spread, that means another brain surgery for Samuel. The doctors would need to go in, clean out the infection and wound again, and implant the correct antibiotics directly into the brain. We need your prayers. We are asking for the bacteria to die and be obliterated from Samuel's body without any medical intervention.
There were a few bright moments in the day. Cindy was able to spend 3 hours with Samuel this morning. During that time, he was calm and did very well. Following her visit, his behavior intensified to the point that medical staff insisted she be brought back to Samuel's room. Again he was calmed by her presence. Cindy is doing very well and improving daily. She is not well enough to be with Samuel all the time. We are praising God for protecting Cindy from observing these outbreaks, but are praying for calmness and peace even in her absence.
Jeff will be staying with Samuel tonight. Jeff had an allergic reaction today. He has been sick all day and could use a Touch from the Lord. Pray for God's Presence to fill that hospital room tonight. Pray for Peace, Comfort and Healing. Pray that Samuel will have the much needed relief from all the pain - emotionally, physically and spiritually. Pray all of them will be able to get sleep tonight.
Tomorrow morning approximately six couples will join the Wombles and Nickersons for an Easter celebration in the waiting room on Cindy's floor. We pray as they worship our Risen Savior, they will feel His Presence and be able to sing confidently and assuredly that, "I serve a risen Savior. He's in the world today. I know that He is living whatever men may say. I see His Hand of Mercy. I hear His Voice of Cheer. And JUST the time I need Him, He's always near. He lives. He lives. Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives. He lives. Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."
Once again, we want to thank you for your continued prayers and support. All of us pray you have a blessed Easter Sunday. May you know and experience the Living Savior in your heart and in your life. May you feel His Presence all around you. May His Love surround you. May His Comfort and Peace fill your hearts and minds with joy. May God bless each and every one of you.
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He Who promised is faithful." Heb. 10:23
In the Name of the Living Savior,
The Nickersons
