Update 01/26/09

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Thank you for the many prayers on David's behalf. He continues to improve daily. He recently had an EEG (electroencephalogram) and after the review, David's doctor was concerned with some abnormal results. He sent us to see a neurologist that specializes in epilepsy. The neurologist reviewed his results and agreed there were some abnormalities, but said that at this time we should not be concerned unless David begins having seizures in the future. David had had another (and hopefully final) CT scan today, and tomorrow he will have another follow up with his regular doctor. We asked the doctor about his headache pain and he said that David can expect pain for 3 months. Please pray that David will receive a good report from the doctor tomorrow.

Thank you for your prayers during our annual OMS Ecuador business meetings held in Pallatanga. Doug had a great time of fellowship with our fellow OMS missionaries, and the field was updated through the many reports of this past year's ministries. It was exciting to hear how the Lord is continuing to advance His kingdom throughout Ecuador.

This evening, Doug will be traveling 10 hours via bus to Cuenca, where this week he will attend the annual AIEE national church association business assembly. Please pray for good attendance on behalf of the national churches, and for the discussion of several issues related to the organization. We also ask you pray for unity and that relations will be strengthen.

This Wednesday, Cindy's Bible study group will continue with a new study. They are studying Dr. David Jeremiah's new book: What In The World Is Going On? Bernarda is rejoining the group since the birth of her baby. A new gal, Carmen, will be joining the group. Please pray for all the gals as this book is only available in English. Please pray for Cindy as she feels extremely inadequate to teach on this topic. Pray that she would be diligent to do her part and willing to leave the rest to the Lord.

Cindy, Kelly Chambers, Bonnie Shrode, and Liduvina (wife of Pastor Antonio), are planning and preparing a special women's retreat for 5 of our indigenous churches. The event will be held on February 14 with the theme of "Extravagant Love: The Alabaster Jar". We are also busy making plans and preparations for short-term teams that are planning to be here soon:

• Daniel Schertz from Saybrook will be here February 12 - 20,
• A team of 26+ from Pennsylvania will be here 2/26 - 3/12,
• A team from Indiana is working on plans to be here 3/27 - 4/5.

The second semester at the Alliance Academy will begin on this Wednesday. Jonathan is excited about being released from his guided study hall and placed in beginning Spanish. Please pray for him as this will greatly increase his workload.

With the many Christmas activities and David's accident, we were unable to get our update sent out explaining Lucas' recent visit here. However, we have posted it below in on Blog, 12/21/08.

Blessings to You!

Doug & Cindy

Update 01/12/09 - Doctor's Report on David

Dear Prayer Warriors,

David went to the doctor this morning for another checkup. The doctor did another EKG and found that David's heart readings are back to normal. We don't quite understand what got his heart "out of order" but we can officially report that it is back to normal. David has been released to attend school all day beginning Wednesday. He continues to have some restrictions as far as caffeine and physical activity for the next two months. He is scheduled for an EEG on January 20 to check for any possible brain damage. He will have another CT scan at the end of the month and see his neurologist. The doctor concluded his visit with a big hug for David and was quite proud and amazed in how far he has come in two weeks.

This week Doug is attending the OMS-Ecuador annual Field Council meetings in Pallatanga which is about 6 hours south. Cindy feels it is necessary to stay in Quito with the boys while David continues to recover, so she will not be attending the meetings. This week is also the week before semester finals. Please pray that David & Jonathan will be able to focus on their studies and do well on their exams. Pray also for the Field Council meetings, as all the OMS-Ecuador missionaries come together to give their annual reports, and discuss plans for 2009. It's a great time of rejoicing as we witness all that God has been doing in Ecuador.

Thank you for standing with us. We have felt completely covered in prayer - what a wonderful security that is!!!! We stand in awe.

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy

Update 01/04/09

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Happy New Year - 2009!!

"Security is not found in the absence of danger but in the presence of Jesus"

A brief summary of David's accident:
While at the beach on Dec. 31 about 1:00 pm, David fainted and fell down several concrete steps. After he regained consciences, he was screaming with extreme head pain. Our vacation house was filled with missionary doctors, nurses, pilots, and praying saints (all of which we know very well). The doctors there, felt that David's condition would escalate & worsen if we tried to drive back to Quito which could have taken 7-10 hours of driving on a rough, 2-way winding road through the Andes Mountains on New Years Eve. Quito is the closest city with a CT scan which was the only way to find out what was wrong. One of the pilots secured a plane to meet us in Esmeraldas which was an hour from the beach house. The owners of the house, own a 12 passenger van which was quickly turned into an ambulance with red cross signs made by others in the house. We arrived in Esmeraldas they air-lifted David to Quito. When we arrived in Quito, an ambulance was waiting for us at the airport, and they transported David to the hospital ER where doctors were waiting to take him for a CT scan. A neurologist was on stand by and found that David had a bleeding contusion and had fractured his skull. No surgery was necessary but close observations were vital.

A brief update on David's health:
David was released from the hospital on Saturday afternoon, January 3. He continues to have severe head pain that is being managed with medicine. He has an appointment tomorrow with the doctor and will see the neurologist again in February. His physical activity will be eliminated for the next couple of months. For this very athletic and active 16 year old boy, that is going to be the challenge to recovery.

A brief glimpse of God's incredible goodness:
David has been and will continue to be a part of God's perfect plan. Prayers were lifted from the onset of the accident asking God for healing and wisdom on how to treat. I (Cindy) remember looking around the room where David laid moaning with excruciating pain. I saw a group of women and children praying on the stairs. I saw a grandma crying with fear. I saw 3 doctors over David. I saw a group of people waiting for the opportunity to run for what was needed: ice, sheets, duct tape, etc. I saw several men on the telephone contacting people they thought could help. We feel incredibly blessed to have witnessed God's work in action through his obedient people. Ultimately, we witnessed God's divine healing power and favor towards our son. We can begin to understand the sovereignty of our almighty God, but we can recognize His abundant goodness in our lives and give Him the glory and honor for every good and perfect gift.

Whatever is before us in 2009, we have the security that Jesus will be there. "We don't know what our future holds. But WE KNOW WHO HOLDS OUR FUTURE!!" Hallelujah!!

Blessings to You!

Doug & Cindy