July 11, 2005

John Leonard Update and Picture

I thought it would be a good idea to put a face with the requests we have been making for John and his family. This picture is from a while ago. If anybody has a more recent shot, I would be more than happy to include it here.

Below is the latest from his nephew Josiah, who has been doing excellent work sending us updates:

We want to thank you for your prayers for John Leonard’s trip to the United States. He arrived by plane on Saturday at 11:30 A.M. and was immediately taken to the Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was immediately put in the ICU. On his arrival at the hospital, the doctors examined him and studied the x-rays and CT scans that were taken in Brazil of his left upper arm, chest, and head. The doctors decided to take him off all medications and sedations in order to see if he would wake up and be able to communicate with the doctors. John woke up around 9:30 Saturday evening. Bev, Marabel (John’s aunt who is a nurse), and I were able to see John with his eyes open and were able to ask him simple questions that he answered with a “yes” and “no” nod of his head. We praise the Lord that He has allowed John to wake up and communicate with us! John’s jaw is broken, and he has a tracheotomy in his throat so he cannot speak with his voice or lips. Communication is used through a chart with the alphabet printed on it. Someone starts with the letter “A” and goes on through the alphabet until John nods when the letter he wants is found. This process is done over and over again until a word is formed. It’s been slow, but it has been very rewarding. John is now using his eyes more for communicating since the chart goes pretty slow. Praise the Lord that he looks much better now than when he was first brought in! But he is still in critical condition. There is concern about pneumonia and some staff infection around the tracheotomy. He has complained of pain in his head and arm, for which he is being given medication. There appears to be some feeling in his chest, right arm, and right leg, but no movement. The doctors are saying that the paralysis in his arms and legs appear to be permanent but please keep praying that God would perform a miracle. Bev and the kids are all doing very well. Most of John and Bev’s family has come up. He seems to be comfortable with the presence of family, but he does need to rest and recuperate his strength. The church in Coquiro Sêco did not close its doors despite much fear in the town. One of the men who John discipled preached last night, and my uncle Pedro, who went down with Grandma Leonard led the service. Please continue to pray for the strength of this church through this trial.

As I was on Google this afternoon looking for more information, I actually came accross the following excerpt from an entry I posted last year:

We request special prayer for the team of some 20 students who will be working with Jim's brother, John Leonard, with the new church he is planting in a fishing town called "Coqueiro Seco" (Dried Coconut Tree). They will be doing street evangelism, Vacation Bible School for youth and children, and evangelistic services. Please pray for God to work in a way greater than we can ask or even imagine.

Coqueiro Seco is where the shooting took place. I do not presume to know God's plan in this ordeal, but one thing is for sure, God is at work in Coqueiro Seco.

Posted by Andrew on July 11, 2005 2:15 PM.

Comments

Posted by: Douglas Porter at July 11, 2005 8:53 PM