David Spears

UPDATE - September 2

Day 102

Psalm 103:1-5 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies you mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

It is 10:30 on Tuesday, September 2, and David is 3 hours into the baclofen test to determine if he is a good candidate for an implanted pump. So far the results are encouraging, though not conclusive. Normally the drug reaches it's peak at 4-6 hours after administration. So pray with us that the effects of the drug would continue to increase over the next few hours. I am sorry that I have not updated the site recently, I am having problems posting updates from my laptop. Pray for our Spiritual nourishment and contentment. Pray for wisdom in decision-making. Please continue to pray for David's recovery - in heart, mind, body, and spirit.

UPDATE:IT IS NOW 2:30 PM EDST - DAVID HAS NOT "RELAXED" TO ANY SIGNIFICANT DEGREE MORE THAN WHAT WAS SEEN AT 11:30 AM. DR. LESLIE DOES NOT THINK THAT THE LEVEL OF RESPONSE INDICATES A PUMP IMPLANTATION AT THIS POINT. IT IS STILL POSSIBLE THAT DAVID MIGHT RELAX MORE OVER THE NEXT FEW HOURS - SO PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY!! AN OPTHAMOLOGIST, DR. MURPHY, EXAMINED DAVID'S DAMAGED EYE - HE SAYS THAT IT IS HEALING WELL AND LOOKS GOOD FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTIVE WORK. HE SAID DR. SIDDENS DID VERY GOOD WORK!!!

Psalm 103:8-18 "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will he keep his anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame: He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him and His righteousness to children's children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them."

UPDATE - September 4

Day 104

Isaiah 12:2-6 “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” Therefore you will joyously draw water From the springs of salvation. And in that day you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth. Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

David had another typical day - he is still "tonal" and had temp fluctuations several times. Right now he is scheduled to come back to Greenville on September 11 - one week from today. Jenny and I have to make many important decisions - please pray for us = for wisdom, understanding, for insight. godly counsel. Please pray for favorable decisions by those who make decisions at hospitals, nursing facilities and insurance companies.

Isaiah 25:1-4 O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. For You have made a city into a heap, A fortified city into a ruin; A palace of strangers is a city no more, It will never be rebuilt. Therefore a strong people will glorify You; Cities of ruthless nations will revere You. For You have been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat.

UPDATE - September 7

Day 107

Jeremiah 31:31-34 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. ;But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying;Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

David had a hard day – he seemed to be in some pain but the source of the pain was not obvious to Jenny or to the medical staff. Jenny believes that he has some sort of upset stomach or intestinal problem. The medical staff gave him something to help “move things along.” Don’t know if this is going to be helpful or not. The oral baclofen had seemed to help relieve his spasticity to some extent and also to help with his temperature fluctuations. But today he was fully “tonal” again. This is exasperating to us.
Please pray for David to experience relief from the spasticity and the temperature fluctuations. Also pray for us as we talk with insurance companies, medical professionals and nursing facilities about David’s future care.

Ezek. 36:24-27 “For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”

UPDATE - September 9

Day 109

1 Samuel 7:11-12 "And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and drove them back as far as below Beth Car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name "Ebenezer", saying, "Thus far has the Lord helped us."

Jenny and I met with David's attending physician and his case manager - overall it was a very encouraging meeting: The Doctor is going to pursue getting insurance approval for some additional work that would greatly help David. The Case Manager is pursuing places in Greenville that can care for David until we can take him home. David has a urinary track infection (UTI) and the infectious disease specialist changed his antibiotic from and oral dose levaquin to IV Rocephine-which will run for 14 days. He seems to be a little better than he was over the weekend - the infection causes his spasticity to increase. It looks like David will not be going back to Greenville until at least next week, depending on the insurance company's response and which, if any, of the nursing centers will take David. Please pray for the Lord to cause the insurance company to look favorably upon our requests. Pray for the infection to be defeated by the antibiotic. Pray that David would have no pain and his spasticity would decrease.

PRAISE: David's temp has stayed relatively low with the oral baclofen - which gives us great hope that it will do the same with intrathecal baclofen. Thank you for all your prayers, notes, gifts, and support in many ways.

Psalm 106:1-3 "Praise the Lord!! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise? Blessed are those who keep justice and he who does righteousness at all times!!"

UPDATE - September 15

Day 115

I am sorry that it has been so long since the last update - this website seems to have developed an allergy to my Apple computer: it will not let me update the site!! I have been typing up and then e-mailing the updates to a friend, but have become very busy the past few days (35 friends from our church came to our house on Saturday to clean, repair and renovate our house - much was done, much remains to be done!!) Also our church had its annual missions conference from last Wednesday through Sunday. Anyway, David is still at Shepherd Center in Atlanta - the nursing facility we had hoped would take him that is near our home told us they cannot take on another "high-needs" patient, especially one who is as young as David (this confused me until she admitted that the State and other authorities more closely scrutinize nursing facilities with young people.) We are talking to another facility that is about 10 miles away. Please pray!! Also, the medical insurance company turned down our request to have the baclofen pump installed in David. We are very disappointed, but not surprised. David is to have Botox injections tomorrow, if the insurance company will pay. Please continue to pray. An occupational therapist measured David in his wheelchair today - and told us that he will require a modified, full size van with a dropped floor. Please pray for us, this is somewhat overwhelming!! We are looking to sell our house and buy or buy another that will better allow us to take care of David. We also will need to buy an appropriate van (probably used, $20-25,000) David has started to have temperature swings again, though not as many nor normally as drastic. We (and the doctors) stay constantly confused as to what is best for David. He doesn't fit any patterns they are used to seeing. Jenny is growing tired and wants to come home but won't leave David (she did come to Greenville for one day last week so we could do some planning and "looking" together)"We are weak, but He is strong" - sometimes hymns just capture the sentiment!!

UPDATE - September 17

Day 117

David is receiving splints on his hands today. His temperature is not fluctuating as wildly as it once did. He still has a great deal of "tonality" (contracted muscles). I don't think I have reported that David received his own wheelchair which was custom-fitted for him. We continue to look for a "transitional place" for David after he leaves the Shepherd Center. We have been turned down by one skilled nursing center near our home that was our first choice. It seems that David is "too young" at 18 and has too many needs for a "skilled nursing center"!!!! We continue to look - another skilled nursing center nearby (about 10 miles from our home) seems more interested, but they have no available beds. We continue to look for better housing and are preparing our home for sale. Please pray for all these details, for David's recovery, and for our Lord to be glorified. UPDATE, OUR MEDICAL INSURANCE HAS APPROVED THE BOTOX TREATMENTS FOR DAVID'S SPASTICITY (THE BOTOX ALLOWS THE MUSCLES TO RELAX). THE DOCS PLAN TO DO THE INJECTIONS THIS AFTERNOON, SO PLEASE PRAY FOR SUCCESS. ALSO, ONE OF THE OTHER SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES IN GREENVILLE THAT IS IN OUR "NETWORK" HAS RESPONDED THAT THEY ARE AT CAPACITY AND CANNOT TAKE DAVID. WE'RE STILL LOOKING.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall make your paths straight."

UPDATE - September 18

Day 118

James 5:10-11 "As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful."

David received Botox injections in a wide variety of muscles this morning. We are waiting for the injections to take effect (the Docs say it will take somewhere between 24 and 72 hours [yes, we know, that is quite a range] for the Botox to relieve the "tonality" in his muscles. Please pray with us that our Lord will cause the medication to be effective. Jenny surprised me by coming to Greenville this morning (what a pleasant surprise!!). We worked on several things related to getting David to Greenville and eventually getting him home. She is returning tomorrow and I will continue to work on things here. Please pray for our patience and endurance. Also pray for the our Lord to give us wisdom and good counsel as we make decisions about what to do with David in the near term, whether to buy or build a house that will be more suitable for taking care of David. Thank you again for your prayers, your cards and notes, your gifts and your love. Our Lord has sustained us in many ways, but these tangible expressions of support and love help us immensely.

Eccl. 7:8-10 The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit. Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools. Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.

UPDATE - September 19

Day 119

Rev. 19:6-9 Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he *said to me, “These are true words of God.”

A skilled nursing facility in Greenville, Laurel Baye, has responded to the Shepherd Center's request for an interim facility to care for David. Jenny and I went there to meet with the admissions director and nursing director. We were pleasantly surprised by their interest in David's case and in their positive outlook. I have been visiting this facility for over 7 years, originally it was a state facility but has been sold in the past 5 years to a private firm (whose owners work in the facility on a daily basis) and they have made extensive changes in the facilities and personnel. They have not made a final decision but are considering it actively today. Please pray that our Lord would providentially guide them and us as a decision is made.

David muscles are relaxing some from the Botox, but they need to relax more. Please pray. Please pray for us as we search for a house or lot that will be more functional in our care for David (plus we made a list of things we need to do to our house to get it ready to sell, and the list is VERY LONG!!! LOL)

Isa. 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

"Praise the Lord!!"

UPDATE - September 20

Day 120

Heb. 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We still have not heard from Laurel Baye skilled nursing facility. This is somewhat disappointing since they had assured us that they would call us whether he was accepted or not. They also said that they would call one of David's "regular" nurses on Friday, but they never called. The Botox injections that David received on Thursday seem to be working - his muscles and joints are much more flexible. Though his progress is slow, we are thankful that he is doing well in many ways and we are hopeful and prayerful about the future. We made some progress today on repairing/renovating the house thanks to the help of some of our congregation members. Please pray for David's recovery in all its phases: Spiritual, physical, emotional, mental!! My dad celebrates his 75th birthday tomorrow!!!

Eccl. 4:9-12 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? EAnd if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

UPDATE - September 22

Day 122

Psa. 66:10-12 For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

Today is the four month "anniversary" of David's accident. Jenny is still in Atlanta caring for David. Laurel Baye skilled nursing facility here in Greenville supposedly met in an evaluation meeting early this afternoon and they promised to call with the decision of that meeting no matter the outcome. We did not hear from them. We are trying to make plans for the future but it is not easy since we are not sure what the parameters will be. Please continue to pray for David's recovery - the Botox did not have much effect on David's tonality. We are still hopeful of improvement in God's time. Pray that the Lord will sanctify this test and trial to David and to us and to the people of God. Please ask the Lord to give us wisdom.

John 10:7-18 So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

UPDATE - September 24

Day 124

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”

We received word this morning that Laurel Baye Skilled Nursing Facility in Greenville (about 8 miles from our home) has agreed to take David on an interim basis. Our insurance will pay for up to 81 days of skilled nursing care, if David needs it that long. David can return to the Shepherd Center if and when he improves to the point that he can contribute to his rehabilitation. We don't know when we will be able to transport David, there are some details to be worked out, but it will probably be within the next few days. Pray for our Lord to go ahead of us, to cause the nurses, doctors, and therapists at Laurel Baye to be kind, skillful, diligent, caring, and wise. Please continue to pray for us as we make decisions about David's long term care:(1) whether we should sell our house and then buy or build OR should we add onto our home, (2) Pray that some agencies will approve assistance for us to care for David long term at home, (3) pray for us as a family that our love for Christ and one another would grow, (4) Pray for David's healing - physically, mentally, Spiritually, and emotionally, (5)pray that our Lord will use this test and trial to grow us, our church, and the greater Body of Christ.

UPDATE: 4 PM: DAVID IS SCHEDULED TO BE MOVED FROM THE SHEPHERD CENTER TOMORROW (THURSDAY, SEPT. 25) AT ABOUT NOON EDST. HE SHOULD ARRIVE AT LAUREL BAYE NURSING FACILITY SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 2:30 AND 3:00 PM. PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THE DETAILS TO BE WORKED OUT. WE ARE SAD THAT OUR TIME AT THE SHEPHERD CENTER IS OVER (ESP. SINCE DAVID DID NOT PROGRESS WHILE THERE) - BUT WE ARE HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE. PRAY FOR SAFE TRAVEL TOMORROW.

Gen. 17:1-5 Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. “No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.

UPDATE - September 25

Day 125

Psa. 40:1-4a I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the LORD. How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust..."

Well, it's hurry up and wait!! We received news this morning that David will not be going to Laurel Baye Nursing facility today. We don't know if that means a delay of a day or two or whether they have decided against letting David come anytime. We are trying to get in contact with them and find out, but so far, no "luck" (as John Calvin would say!!) We have been told there is another facility in the area that our insurance will cover, so we are checking into that facility also (the reason we didn't know of it earlier is that it is listed as in Simpsonville, which is a small town near Greenville, but the case manager in Atlanta didn't know that) Anyway, when we hear something else, I'll update the site.

UPDATE: 3:30 PM EDST: I FINALLY TALKED TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LAUREL BAYE AND SHE CONFIRMED WHAT WE HAD BEEN TOLD EARLIER - THE DIRECTOR OF NURSING WAS SOMEHOW BYPASSED IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS. WHEN SHE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE DECISION TO ACCEPT DAVID, SHE THREATENED TO QUIT IF HE WAS ACCEPTED. SO LAUREL BAYE RECINDED THEIR OFFER AND WE ARE AGAIN LOOKING FOR A PLACE FOR DAVID. MEANWHILE, THE CASE MANAGER AT SHEPHERD CENTER IS VERY BUSY TODAY WITH SEVERAL DISCHARGES AND EVEN MORE ADMISSIONS. SO I DON'T KNOW IF SHE'LL HAVE TIME TO CHECK WITH THE OTHER FACILITIES IN THE GREENVILLE AREA TODAY. PRAY FOR JENNY, SHE IS VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT SHE IS NOT COMING TO GREENVILLE TODAY. PRAY THAT OUR LORD WILL LEAD US TO A GOOD FACILITY CLOSEBY.

Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

UPDATE - September 26

Day 126

Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Jenny and I visited another skilled nursing facility, Summit Place in Simpsonville, which is about 15 miles from our home. We met with the admissions director, the administrator and the director of nursing. They were all kind and seem to be very interested in helping us and David. They will followup with calls to Shepherd Center on Monday and we hope for a decision sometime early next week. Please pray with us for God's best for David and us. We also were surprised when a senior at Riverside High School stopped by this afternoon and asked us if David could be their "charity" for their spirit week competition with another high school. We told him that would be great. He asked us to be at the half-time of the game between the two schools which is in 2 weeks. What a provision from our Lord!!

Rom. 8:28-32 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

UPDATE - September 29

Day 129

1Pet. 2:21-25 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Good News!! We received word today that Summit Place in Simpsonville, SC (about 15 miles southeast of Greenville along I-385) has accepted David. He and Jenny will leave the Shepherd Center in Atlanta about 8:30 am and should arrive at Summit Place about 11 am. Please pray for a safe trip for both. Please pray for us as we make decisions about renovations to our home so that eventually David can eventually come home. Thank you for your prayers and your concern.

1Pet. 3:13-18 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

UPDATE - September 30

Day 130

1Peter 4:1-5 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
More Good News!! We have transported David from Atlanta to Simpsonville, SC. He seems to be comfortable in his room (907) in Summit Place. The staff at Summit place are very interested in learning about and meeting David's needs. We are very impressed so far and hope that all the staff are as kind and diligent as the ones we have met so far. If you want to write David, the address is: Summit Place Skilled Nursing, 807 South East Main St., Simpsonville, SC, 29681. Please pray with us for the relaxation of his muscles, for an increase in weight (even though they are giving him over 3500 calories a day, he is losing weight.) Please continue to pray for his cognitive recovery. Thank you all for your prayers, notes, letters, concern, and support.

Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.