Kathy's Miracle

Kathy’s Miracle
As Told By Laura

Monday morning Jenora and Laura were conducting prescreening when they noticed a young girl –early 20s—who came in with a lot of debris on her teeth and an appliance on her lower teeth, that was obviously preventing her from cleaning her teeth properly. She stated how earlier in her life she had been in an accident where her jaw had been broken in three places, thus the need for the appliance to stabilize her jaw. The tarter had built up on a wire behind her teeth so much that she could spin it around like a tube.

Kathy had medical complications which included having a laser ablation to treat an irregular heartbeat. Every tooth was decayed and her mouth was inflamed and infected.

The nurses had Dr. Mickey come and evaluate her condition. Upon examining Kathy and talking with her Dr. Mickey advised Kathy that what she really needed to do was check into a hospital and have all her teeth removed where they could monitor her heart during the surgery.

Kathy’s biggest concern was how all this would be paid for with no insurance. Dr. Mickey shared how every hospital has some discretionary money and suggested she contact the school of dentistry at UK in Lexington to see if they would help.

Laura advised Kathy to contact Andy Cable, the Director of the Powell Co. Health Clinic. Andy was very interested in providing assistance. She called back the next morning and asked Kathy if she could find transportation if an appointment could be arranged. Kathy said her brother could take her.

After the conversation with Kathy Andy shut her door and prayed about the situation. Then she got a phone book and called the dental school. She explained the situation with the woman who answered the phone. The young lady replied, “Well, the dean of the oral surgery department is standing right here. Why don’t you talk with him?” (Amazing! Laura's quote: Those cats don't even talk to their own wives!") Andy related the story once again to the dean to which he replied, “Do you think she could come tomorrow?”

Kathy did see the dean the next day and he emphasized the seriousness of the situation. Arrangements were made for a further evaluation in two weeks after which they will schedule the procedure! When Kathy informed Andy of these developments Andy assured her that we will all be praying for her and asked her to keep us informed of the latest developments.

Kathy, we certainly will!

(photos from Hazel Green tomorrow!)

Hazel Green--the other side of the world

"Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore..."

Friends, we're definitely not in Charlotte anymore! It may not be Ecuador or Israel but in many ways it seems like the other side of the world. Hazel Green is in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky. It's peaceful, quiet, and the air is refreshingly clear. But one important item that is also missing is jobs. There are many people here in great need. Our ministry to the area has been received with arms opened wide. We've seen people from several counties in addition to where we are located in Wolfe County. One comment I heard yesterday was, "This is the first time something has been done for all the people in our county and not just a few." We've seen well over 100 people. God is at work here!

I've been blessed numerous times as I have talked with people about their spiritual condition. I have heard testimonies that have left me wiping the tears from my eyes. There was Doug, a young man who has only been saved about 4 years, but who has a tremendous desire to lead his family in a godly way and see his children experience the love of the Lord themselves. There was Lawrence who, even with a mouth filled with pain from hurting teeth, said, "I love Jesus. I don't miss going to my church even when I can't go anywhere else." There was Melodee whose eyes welled up with tears when I asked about her relationship with the Lord. She said, "I can't wait to get to heaven." Linda told me about two strangers who showed up in the night in her hospital room to pray for her and could only explain their actions by saying, "Lady, you may think we're crazy, but God told us to come and pray for you." Her reply? "No, I've been praying and waiting for you!" This afternoon I met Jason and his mother April. She said, "We've been everywhere and no one will help us." We prayed together and as Jason was taken to be evaluated I saw tears of gratitude running down her cheeks because finally her son was going to get some relief.

This is just a glimpse of some of the lives that have been touched thus far this week. Thank you for your prayers and support. Those of you who couldn't come but who gave, worked and are praying for us--God bless you!!! And keep praying! You'll hear about and see some answers to your prayers this Sunday morning at EBC.

The trailers packed with clothing and other items for use by the people here? It was all unpacked and placed under and around a large tent Monday morning. The majority of the items have already been claimed.

A few prayer requests before I close:
-Susan, wanting to commit her life to Christ, but facing a tremendous obstacle
-Frank, waiting "for the right time" to be saved
-Kenneth, "not ready"
-Kristina, struggling with God trying to get over the loss of a loved one, a miraculous story of being pulled from a creek after a wreck just a few months ago--wanting to overcome her doubts and find God.
-Sheila, "backslidden"
-Clinton, "searching for the truth for 75 years" and still hasn't found it(Him)
-Michael and Michelle, took Bibles home to read the book of John
-many under the influence of drug abuse

Get the idea? Our ministry is needed here! Continue to pray for us for strength, wisdom, patience and love.

I'll have another report with some pics at the end of the week. We love our family and friends back home. Thanks again for what you mean to us!
--Jon and 40+ missionaries