Tribal News: Our village is bustling with activity as most have returned from their farms after the harvest. Women and girls are brandishing stick brooms, washing brushes and gardening knives against the dirt and weeds that have encroached the little meeting house. The men and boys are hunting, gathering wood for cooking and getting homes ready for the swell of visitors! It’s almost time for the Pasalamatan!
Christians from neighboring villages (some traveling as long as 2 days) descend upon our little village to celebrate the harvest and thank the Lord for all that He has provided from their labor in the fields. There will be songs and chanting praises and thanksgiving to the Lord entangled with 36 or more hours praising, praying, eating, dancing, and games celebrating the joy of being altogether as His children.
It’s easy to imagine this is a tiny taste of the time to come! We’ve learned a young Christian couple will also have their wedding around this time. While it saddens us that we are far away and will miss this joyous time, we are so happy for our brothers and sisters as they anticipate this time of the year.
Partner News: Our partners have been out of the village as well. Albert traveled down to Papua New Guinea for some translation training in the Epistles. He has reported that the time was profitable and can see that the Banwaon translation will benefit from all he learned.
Lynne and the children spent the time in the city visiting friends and just getting refreshed away from the village ‘routine’. The kids assured me that school continued but they had great times with the missionary kids that live in town.
Medical Report: Chris had the second surgery on his hand on October 1. We are praising the Lord for the incredible mercies found once the hand was opened. Our surgeon explained that usually scar tissue is considered ‘unfriendly’ tissue. He had prepared Chris’ arm to harvest a tendon to make the repairs but God had other plans! The tendons had indeed pulled apart from the first surgery which is why the finger would not respond to the physical therapy. The surgeon anticipated the ends of the tendon to have retracted beyond use but scar tissueheld all four ends in place right there in the palm. Our surgeon said he had never seen this in all his experience. He “just” freed the tendons from the scar tissue and reattached the original tendons together again!
After this surgery and the required three weeks of immobility for healing, Chris now endures three – four hour physical therapy sessions daily at the hospital. The hand is stubbornly swelling. The same scar tissue that helped before is now causing expected problems as it adheres to the tendons and prevents the hand and fingers from functioning properly. Chris’ left arm is also dwindling due the inactivity since his accident late July.
Our plan at this time is to remain in Manila continuing the therapy sessions and for assessment by his surgeon. This was a difficult decision as we long to go home.
We have praised the Lord for so many acts of Love during this time. Please see the related praise link in the "PRAY for real needs" tab as we “counted our blessings” from this accident.
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