[Epley Update] April 11, 2006 Russ Epley

[Russ and Flossie Epley]

Thank you for praying with me for Russ. God is beginning the healing 
work in his body! The last three days were tough but God faithfully 
carried us through those especially difficult days.

While there is much more healing needed, today's glimmers of hope were 
tremendously encouraging. Russ was far more alert today, was not so 
feverish, had fewer grimaces of pain, and TADA...moved his right leg 
unassisted. This is the leg that has been totally paralyzed for the 
past ten days! The doctor was very encouraged with this sign. I am 
thankful that my sister Lorelei and I were able to be there to witness 
it!

Another special blessing was when I leaned on Russ' chest trying to hug 
him. (Not particularly easy to do with side rails, but definitely worth 
the effort!)  Lorelei put Russ' left arm (the one with partial 
functioning) over me as I leaned on him gently. Russ responded by 
rubbing my back.

The doctor said that though it is taking time, Russ is slowing 
recovering from his pneumonia. He also said that Russ' brain is 
functioning well. If he continues to progress, he should be able to be 
taken off the respirator and moved out of ICU in 4 or 5 days. He'll be 
put on a floor where all the patients are suffering from strokes or 
other head injuries so the nurses specialize in that kind of care. Russ 
is receiving outstanding care in this hospital. God was so gracious to 
lead us to the Tachikawa Hospital.

Every Tuesday night Russ has been in the habit of meeting with Jeff 
Haworth to pray for the needs of Christian Academy in Japan. They pray 
for two hours solid. Tonight being Tuesday I prayed with Russ for CAJ 
as he prayed in his spirit. I apologized to Russ for not being able to 
pray for two hours with him but asked God to multiply the prayers. (The 
time I am allowed to be with Russ is limited.)

Every visiting opportunity I spend some time singing to Russ. It's been 
special to have Lorelei here to sing with me. After our visitation hour 
this evening I initiated a conversation with a mother who has been 
visiting her son who appears to have had a head injury in a motorcycle 
accident. She commented on how much she appreciated our singing. I 
expressed my concern for her and then told her briefly about how God is 
giving me peace during this difficult time. We know God is able to use 
any circumstance for His glory and are asking God to use our small 
efforts to draw others to himself.

Thank you for your continued prayers. Progress will likely be measured 
in baby steps but today's progress felt like a leap.

Rejoicing in God's goodness,
Flossie Epley