Singing in a
Foreign Land...
3-21-02 Singing in a Foreign Land...Psalms 137:1-4 "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?"
To give you a little history, the children of Israel were in captivity. The Babylonians had heard of their songs of Zion. They asked them to sing. The Israelites cried out how can we sing about the Lord's mighty works when we are captive in a foreign land......
Frankie shared these verses with us today. She wanted us to tell you that they "are singing songs in a foreign land....because the Lord is with us and He is our grace and strength." They can sing because they do serve a great and mighty God. He is their Comforter. He is their Deliverer. He is their Healer. Praise the Lord for He is good.
Cindy is now out of surgery and in her hospital room. We do not know what was done in the surgery at this time. She was in surgery for 4 hours and in recovery for 2. The doctors have not told the family what was actually accomplished in the surgery. We do know she was awake at the time we received the news and are praising the Lord for that!!
They are all sleeping now. Frankie was up all night last night with Samuel singing to him, holding his hand, talking with him. Samuel has still not awakened. Today was the day of greatest concern for swelling for Samuel. We are thrilled to report no swelling increased today. That is a direct and mighty answer to prayer. The doctors had indicated there would be swelling, the issue was just how much. God is good!
More good reports for Samuel are that all of his systems are still functioning - eyes dilating, heart, etc. The doctors did have to go into Samuel's stomach with a tube today to neutralize the acid. Rees was with him, and everything went well. Samuel also moved his hand to scratch his nose, moved his leg, and said "ouch" when he was pinched. Rees is staying the night with Samuel tonight, and will be there for him when he wakes up. Please know we do need prayers as Samuel should have awakened long ago. Our hope is in the Lord. We continue to pray for a full miracle for Samuel!!!
Frankie wanted us to share that the company is taking excellent care of them. All of their needs, physical and financial, are being met. They have company staff there to be available for whatever they might need. Thank you to the company on behalf of all of us who love Jeff and Cindy and kids.
Frankie also wanted us to share that God's Grace and Strength have been so real to her. Even in the midst of little to no sleep, she has been able to keep going and with a smile on her face and kind words on her lips. In fact, she was ministering to us on the phone as we tried to minister to her. She is thrilled to be there with the Wombles. She said the emotions have been overwhelming.
Frankie had an opportunity to spend 30 minutes alone with Cindy today. It was very special to both of them. Teary-eyed, Cindy was able to tell her story. As they parted with a hug, Cindy told her Mom that "it is okay to cry. It is okay for us to cry." Frankie believes Cindy is doing well.
Emily and Luke are enjoying being with Grandpa and Grandma. Luke was a little upset that "the doctors took Sam's hair off," but decided it was ok once Grandma and Emily talked with him about why the doctors did it. Emily is talking and seems to be processing everything pretty well. She is enjoying learning a little more about the country she's in.
Many of you have asked for an address, information about their location, etc. No addresses have released at this time in an effort to protect Jeff, Cindy and kids from becoming targets and to prevent the media from finding them. There will be an opportunity for all of us who love them to shower them with love and gifts - soon we pray. We are feeling very helpless in all of this too, but we know God is taking care of all the minute details and are trusting them in His Care.
We were also able to have communication with Jeff's Mom and sisters today. They are doing well and asking for your continued prayer support. We are all so thankful for Jeff's protection of Cindy and Samuel during the attack. We were also thankful that Jeff is finally receiving the medical care he needs. He is still in the hospital under observation. No new news on his condition.
All of us want to thank you for your continued prayer and support...
Resting comfortably in His Hands,The Nickersons
