[Epley Update] April 15, 2006 Russ update

[Russ and Flossie Epley]

Dear praying friends,

He is risen! This was an encouraging day for me because I know our 
Savior lives. I enjoyed attending the sunrise service with my sister 
Lorelei at the international church where my brother Tim is one of the 
pastors. After a great breakfast I went by train over to Shakujji 
Gospel Church and enjoyed participating in a wonderful service there. I 
appreciated so much the opportunity the pastor gave me to speak to 
everyone and have them lead in special prayer for Russ. These dear 
Japanese brothers and sisters mean so much to me.

It took three different trains to get from the church to the hospital. 
One of the trains was delayed because a man collapsed and died. In a 
country with so few Christians, it is likely he was not ready to meet 
Jesus. There are still so many to tell about Jesus. I believe God still 
has work for Russ and me to do in Japan. Please continue to pray that 
God will use Russ' stroke for His glory.

Today as I read Psalm 25 to Russ he raised his hand in a way that made 
me think he was attesting to the truth of what I read. I read him John 
20 for a little Easter service in his hospital room. In the early 
evening Lorelei and Tim's family joined me in singing Easter hymns.

The doctor stopped giving Russ medicine through the tube in his nose. 
This has given him some relief to his ulcer. There is a concern that he 
won't be able to get all the nutrition and medicine he needs through 
just an IV.

My sister plans to return to the US tomorrow. I'll be home alone for a 
few weeks until Joel comes home from college, but God has assured me 
that I'll never really be alone. I am amazed at His limitless supply of 
grace and help.

Some have requested our kids' addresses.

Christie Epley (until mid-May)
c/o Lorelei VerLee
2707 Crossbranch Court
Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Joel Epley (until May 6)
CPO #331
LeTourneau University, PO Box 7001
Longview, TX 75607-7001

My prayer requests remain pretty much the same.
Please pray with me that:
• the ulcer will not bleed new blood and that it will heal quickly
• the pneumonia will heal
• God would relieve Russ'  pain and help him to deal with yet another 
challenge
•  Russ will be able to get the nutrition he needs
• God will help Christie and Joel finish up their school years well 
with God's peace

Thank you for praying with us!
Flossie Epley