The Martins

On Thursday (12/30) Lizzy was visited by a minister (name unknown) from Trinity Heights Baptist Church in Shreveport. The minister had privileges to ICU and was able to go back to be with her. He prayed with and encouraged Lizzy. I believe that he was a tangible representation of all our prayers. Later that evening, Lizzy requested that the feeding tubes be removed and requested a burger, fries, and Sprite. She didn't eat much, but was able to keep it down, which was very encouraging according to her doctors. Then, when her physical therapist came to see her, Lizzy told her she felt like walking. So, with the help of her therapist, she did.

Since she was doing so well, her doctors allowed her parents, Marian and Dennis ( my sister and brother-in-law) to spend New Year's Eve with her. Yesterday, she was moved to her own room. She is maintaining her appetite to a degree, and is in good spirits. She has been fitted for a cast on her right hand to help prevent it from "drawing in" and will have to have skin grafts done in several areas. She is expected to remain in the hospital for at least 2 more weeks. All the staff who has had contact with Lizzy tell Marian and Dennis that she is the most pleasant patient they've had. She rarely complains, even when in great pain. Though she is improving, there is still the need for continued prayer.

Brookwood Baptist Church, also in Shreveport, has offered Marian and Dennis their missionary home for the entire time Lizzy is in the hospital. Thank you to the folks there, in particular, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Collins and Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Welch.

Another concern I would ask you to pray with us about has to do with the legal issues that arise when there is an accident in the work place. Pray that Lizzy's employer will be fair and that her family not be taken advantage of during this time. Marian and Dennis are receiving Godly counsel in the matter. Pray for wisdom on their behalf.

I'll continue to try to keep you updated on Lizzy's progress. Thank you for your prayers.

Update #2

01/10/00 Saturday (1/9) Joyce and I had the opportunity to go to Shreveport to see Liz and her family. I have to say that it was a heart breaking experience to walk in to her room and see her with bandages covering most of her body. Despite the discomfort and obvious pain, Liz was still able to laugh, smile and seem genuinely happy to see us. She's always been the epitome of happiness and cheer. Though there were glimpses of that person in that room, it wasn't the same. The obvious questions of "why did this happen?", "is God punishing me?" and a host of other such questions plague her mind. It is impossible for us to understand or see the big picture at this point in the situation. Trying to remain positive and optimistic about the future becomes more and more difficult. However, the doctors continue to tell them that she's doing great and responding favorably. Liz was supposed to undergo her first skin graft last Friday, but due to the extensive damage to her right hand, the doctors postponed the surgery until next Friday (1/14).

Liz is involved in physical therapy each day from 1:00-2:00 (central). She has requested that you please remember to pray for her the hour before through the hour following therapy as this is a most painful experience. Marian (mother) has asked that you pray continuously, especially at night when the days activities slow and Liz has time to reflect on the situation and her condition.

I've never experienced the pain that she must be feeling. I can't even begin to imagine what she must be going through. There are times when her entire body is in pain and she feels like there will never be any relief. Not until I became a parent, could I fathom a fraction of what Marian and Dennis must be feeling. I know God has a purpose and can work all things to good, Liz knows this as well, but it doesn't make her pain easier to bear.

Joyce and I have a request. I would like you to send us your prayers, words of encouragement and support. I will take these to Liz to let her see that people are praying for her and that God will show Himself to be faithful. If you'll commit to praying for her during the times requested by her and her family, please let us know that, also. Send these to Pray4Liz@aol.com . I am also asking that you take this request to your churches and prayer meetings to share with other believers.

Update to Prayer Request!

Update #2