Kris Klebs Just another weblog A missionary doctor here who is familiar with Ian’s situation did a short historical write up from his perspective to send to the people he knows. I’ve shared it below for those who like details.
Many who now receive these updates only began hearing about Ian near the end of this crisis. In order that you might appreciate what God has done in response to fervent worldwide prayer, the following report is provided:
Ian Turnbull is the 12 year old son of Ken and Lisa Turnbull. Eleven days ago, Ian developed "galloping malaria" (my expression)that in only 60 hours developed into cerebral malaria despite being on the latest antimalarial drugs from the first temperature spike.
With his first hallucination he was taken to a local private clinic where he was correctly diagnosed with threatened cerebral malaria and appropriate IV treatment was begun. I came in to see him when he arrived at the clinic and my exam was normal except for absent reflexes in the lower extremities. I expected he would respond well to the treatment ordered by the Mozambican physician, but Ian’s protozoans seemed to disdain even the IV quinine being thrown at them, and over the next 12 hours he not only became comatose but developed signs of advanced gastrointestinal and renal (kidney) injury as well – all within 72 hours of his first fever and while receiving the best antimalarial drug regimens, something which in my limited experience with malaria is inconceivable.
He continued to worsen and by the time another 12 hours had passed he had lost 50% of his red blood cells in one 24 hour period, if the lab tests can be believed. I was summoned by the parents to see Ian again 12 hours after they checked into the clinic and it was obvious at that point that he was in mortal danger. Arrangements were made to have a jet ambulance fly in from Johannesburg 2000 miles away(just to satisfy curiosity, such an ambulance run costs $40,000, paid up front. There was insurance in place for this, thankfully).
By the time the ambulance arrived, Ian was even more critical, and by the time he arrived in the pediatric ICU in Johannesburg he was still worse. He received excellent intensive care in Johannesburg but after three days of unconsciousness Ian’s doctor began preparing Ken and Lisa for the worst outcome. That is when every effort was made to seek prayer for Ian from around the world, with many encouraging responses coming back just from my personal efforts, not counting what all the other missionaries were doing.
And appropriately, that is precisely when the "but God" part of this story became manifest. Could it be mere
coincidence that within a few hours Ian opened his eyes for the first time and recognized his parents? Though he was barely able to make any response, this was the first positive sign after 5 and one half days of progressive discouragement. At this stage it was by no means certain that Ian had escaped permanent brain injury, but the prayers for Ian kept increasing and God continued to answer until Ian made it back to where he is today!
Ken and Lisa, and all the rest of us who love Ian and our own children who are exposed to the same risks as Ian on the mission field, are grateful beyond words for what God has granted. We thank Him for His mighty deliverance; for providing a perfect, righteous Savior in whose name repentent sinners can approach their Creator with confidence; and for rich promises about answered prayer that give hope when no one else has any to offer.
But at this point, we especially want to thank the many people who took the time to pray and to even send words of encouragement for the afflicted. How thankful we are for people who know their way to the throne of grace and who will pray for total strangers in their time of need! We know you do it in part because the love you have for Christ you lavish upon His unworthy servants, the missionaries.
As prayer has been offered up by many these past days, may we now lift our voices in praise to God from whom all blessings flow!
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble. I will answer thee, AND THOU SHALT GLORIFY ME." Psalm 50:15
