Monday, June 18, 2007
- Dave Roberts
The outpouring of prayer and support has been an enormous boost for
Byron and Brenda and their family during this difficult time. The many
visitors who have been able to stop by to offer support, a loving hug or a
brief hello have all been greatly appreciated. It is their perspective, and ours, that this current
situation is a family experience and that we, the family of Montrose Church,
will link arm and arm and take this journey together. For this reason, we request that from here forward you use this blog to get updates on Byron's progress.
As of this morning, Byron as been transferred to the
intensive care unit and he is resting comfortably. He continues to be
completely himself, except for symptoms of discomfort and a lack of mobility on
his left side. One of the scans should a mass on the outside of a portion of
his brain. This is an obvious cause for concern and prayer. The doctors
indicated that there is some good news, and that is that the mass does not
appear to have invaded the brain, but is on the outside. His doctors are
meeting this morning to develop a plan of attack to deal with the problem. We
do not know whether or not the mass is cancerous.
It is fitting that we talked about faith on Sunday. This
strange turn of events offers the ultimate test of faith. Please pray for
Byron and Brenda and their families. Pray also for me and for the staff as
this is a shocking and traumatic event for all of us as I know it is for you.
If possible, please refrain from calling Brenda and Byron.
At the moment, the most important thing they can be doing is resting. One of
the ICU nurses talked to Brenda this morning and let her know that
Byron’s “heart for ministry” means that everyone who comes in
becomes an opportunity for Byron to minister. She went on to say that at the
moment, less stimulation is better. Byron needs to rest (as does Brenda). For
this reason we are currently recommending that people do not visit the hospital
so we can give Byron and Brenda the space they need to rest.
At times like this it is not always comforting to know that
He knows, “the plans he has for us.” We all need to be honest
about that and, acknowledging our fears, place our trust in Him to guide us
through.