[Epley Update] April 17, 2006

[Russ and Flossie Epley]

Dear praying friends,

I never know what I will find when I go to the hospital each day to see 
Russ. Today I found his bed tilted up almost 45 degrees. He has been 
flat on his back for 2 1/2 weeks so this was a surprise. While at first 
I thought this might be good news, I soon realized he was put in this 
position (even though it isn't easy on his head) because he was having 
so much trouble breathing.

He has now had pneumonia for two weeks and it is not healing quickly. 
The tube that went from his mouth into his wind pipe and into his lungs 
had to be removed because it had partially collapsed. They replaced 
that tube with another tube that goes in his nostril and through his 
wind pipe into his lungs. (His other nostril has a tube that goes into 
his stomach for feeding though they are not able to use it at this time 
because of his ulcer).

Russ is back to being flat on his back again. I was thankful to be able 
leave his bedside tonight knowing that he should be able to continue 
breathing.

Again God's timing is perfect. March 2 Russ had surgery to remove large 
polyps in his nose and sinuses. Without having had this surgery they 
would not have been able to insert the tubes in his nose that he now 
has.

A curtain separated me from Russ while they inserted the new tube. As I 
heard him struggle to breathe I prayed fervently for him but also for 
those we love who are struggling to breathe spiritually. As frightening 
as it is to not be able to breathe physically, not breathing 
spiritually has eternal consequences and is actually a more serious 
condition. We so desire to see people put their faith in Christ!

My sister left today. I am so grateful that she could be with me for 
the past two weeks. What a blessing it is to have my brother and 
sister-in-law, Tim and Jeannie Johnson, nearby. In addition we have 
many friends of various nationalities encouraging me.

Today I received very good news. My dear friend Yuki Usui's husband 
just had surgery to remove a tumor in his chest. The report came back 
today that it is not cancer. We praise God for this answer to prayer.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Russ!
Flossie Epley