Last Wednesday’s nerve block unfortunately did not offer much in the way of relief for Chad. However, after a follow-up consultation with the doctor, we have decided to go through with the surgery as scheduled on the 24th. One reason for this is that the success rate for this surgery thus far is around 90% for either full or partial relief, and up to now no one has suffered an increase in pain as a result. The biggest reason for us to proceed, though, is that we don’t have a lot more treatment options at this point, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.
So please be in prayer for Chad on the 24th! Pray that the surgery would be successful and lead to a complete removal or at least a good reduction of his pain. Pray for his doctor and the staff during the procedure, which should last around 3 hours. And pray for a speedy recovery and that we can return to our ministry among the Tobo in PNG soon. If things go well, we’d like to plan to return at the end of September.
On another note, we’d like to thank you all for your years of love, prayers, and support—financially, emotionally, and spiritually. We know that many of you who faithfully support us have been long-suffering in that we have not had the opportunity to visit and see many of you in person. And due to the circumstances of this time here, it looks like the wait to see many of you will continue until our next home assignment, which we have tentatively scheduled for 2011. It is our fervent desire to touch base with you during that time. Please know that we love each and every one of you and will do our best to come see you!
In the meantime, we’d like to offer some more ways to keep in closer touch: We have a couple of sites for you to visit and post comments. While here in the US, we’ve been adding past updates to them and would like to post more photos and other items. So feel free to check these out:
www.reachestotheskies.com The place to go for reading the most current updates, checking out photos, posting comments (which we would love to receive), and even subscribing to if you like. Also check out our archives, which contain past updates and photos.
www.ntm.org/chad_mankins This is our ministry website. It should have lots of information about our ministry in general, and it too allows for comments and subscription.
Thanks for praying! We’ll keep you posted!
Chad, Janeene, Elijah & Zekey
Zekey, 21 mos old, into mischief as we pack suitcases
Elijah, 4 ½ yrs old, enjoying a day at the beach
3 comments:
Just a brief note to let you know that the Cloke family is praying for you all at this time, and to thank you for this site: His love truly reaches to the skies - just as it also reaches and comforts us in the depths of our pain - what a privilege to share in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings (Philippians 3:10-11)!
--
Gordon, Sarah
Alex, Fran, Lily and Moira
Thanks so much, Clokes! You guys win the prize (sorry it's not a real prize) for being the first to post a comment since we "went public" with the site!
Thanks also for your prayers. We are truly seeing the comfort of God these days--His great Name, I AM, really is apt. I AM the one who brings comfort and peace, I AM _(fill in the blank)__
And He is the One who has used people like you, the Cloke family, to encourage us. Thanks!!!
Wha? How did Gordon beat me? Do I lose my #1 fan status?
Praying for you, Chad! Hope you feel better soon.
Post a Comment