Wild Hope – Going FAR
“Go and make disciples of all the nations” –Mathew 28:19a-
When Solomon and I took this photo last Friday, we were eagerly anticipating that Sarah would be out of ICU that very day after her successful surgery two days before. However, because of the nature and extent of her surgery, she needed to be monitored longer in ICU until her body stabilized.
One complication of the surgery, treatable with medication, is that Sarah’s body began to extremely over-produce urine. And of course she is taking extensive pain medication that needs to be monitored. Now she is ready to be moved to a private room, and we are thankful for the extra days and special care she received from the experienced nursing staff in ICU. Please pray that there will be no setbacks, but Sarah will continue to improve each day.
Sarah has been progressing well, she is able to communicate clearly, her swelling is going down at a good rate, her wound is healing up well from the cranium surgery, she has a good appetite, and she has been cleared to begin walking. However, as they begin to reduce medications to wean her body from dependence, some of the symptoms can seem worse. With the move to the private ward, Solomon will be able to stay with Sarah to help care for her needs and communicate how she is doing, healing, feeling.
Sarah, ready to be taken in for surgery
Wild Hope staff, gathered for prayer
Dr. Shaban sent the tumor to the lab to confirm that it is benign. The weight of the tumor had compressed the optic nerves and vessels for sufficient time that they had become weak and withered. Please pray that God regenerates these nerves so that Sarah’s full vision can be restored over time. Her right eye is still swollen shut, so we don’t know yet about her vision. She seems to be seeing fine out of her left eye.
Sarah, as she was coming out of anesthesia, continues to praise God that He is a good Father, and thanks Him that He is always with her, and never leaves her. Solomon is also filled with hope and praise. Even at this top-level hospital, Solomon still needs to go out and get the food and drink that the ICU nutritionist staff tell him that Sarah needs; he also has to purchase the medications she requires and bring them to the hospital. Yesterday, some he looked for were out of stock. Please pray for God’s provision of strength.
Solomon’s big heart for others doesn’t get switched off as he attends to Sarah’s needs. I saw for myself his ministry of encouragement to others attending sick family members with compassion and radical faith.
If you have words of encouragement and Scriptures that you would like to pass on to them during this time, I know they would be cherished…they have been in tears of thanksgiving already, deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.
At this stage, it is too early to know if the costs of Sarah’s surgery, hospital stay, and follow-up care have been met, but we are confident God is providing, and send you, on their behalf as well as ours, a huge thanks for your support.
YWAM Retreat
For three days this week we are honored to have the YWAM Arusha staff and their families on the Wild Hope land, for what we pray is a Spirit-filled time of healing, refreshment, and relaxation in God’s presence together. We know that since the tragic accident in Arusha that took the life of 11 members of YWAM, including John Mukolwe, the base leader of the Arusha station, the staff has a deep need for times of hope and healing.
Please pray for God to speak through Peter and Philemon as they share devotions (English/Swahili) together each morning. Pray for our staff facilitating the feasting and organizing fun activities on the land for about 50 adults and 25 kids of all ages. Lots and lots of teamwork is required to serve and facilitate this retreat…but our greatest need is for God to be glorified through His work amongst us, so we covet your Spirit-inspired prayers.
Thank you, friends. We so appreciate you reading these updates and lifting these needs to our gracious loving God of all Hope. May your hearts be encouraged as you see His faithful answers.
Tammy (for Peter too)