Thankful to be alive and writing to you all!
Many of you may know of my recent illness and recovery, but I wanted to share a little of what God has done through it.
Unexpected trials are places where we see our great need for God. In the last two weeks the Lord has brought me though sickness that was not expected, but it has served, by God’s grace, to draw myself and my family closer to Him.
I came down with sickness shortly after my arrival from Africa, which we thought was from fatigue and overwork. It became something much more serious, when my body succumbed to seizures and unconsciousness. Cerebral malaria had taken root in my brain. Early Monday morning to Wednesday found me unresponsive and my family processing the moment by moment changes.
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| Day 1 & 2: Unresponsive |
During the days of coma I have no memories, but now I know that many prayers were offered up on my behalf from many dear friends, family and strangers. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that God touched my body. Cerebral malaria is a serious and often fatal disease. Many people don't wake up after going into a coma. If you ever have malaria, it is far better to be in Africa (where they deal with it in various forms on a daily basis). Malaria's foreign nature brings a big question mark when encountered in the USA. There is a higher percentage of Malaria fatalities per case in America than anywhere else in the world, due to its rarity. Praising God that I am not among that percentage and that I began to stir and open my eyes in the early morning hours of Wednesday!
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| Day 3: Waking up |
Waking up with a tube in your mouth and the inability to speak is not the most comfortable sensation, but I can testify that from the time I woke up my recovery was rapid. Just the next day I was eating solid food and took my first walk (with the help of a nurse and a walker).
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| Day 4: First solid food |
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| Day 4 |
On Friday I was supposed to be transferred for several days of acute rehab before returning home and these options were being discussed on that day. The physical therapists were amazed that I took a walk without the walker and navigated a flight of stairs (through God's strength and healing). The outcome was that I was too healthy for Acute Rehab and was discharged on Friday the 19th! It truly was a gift to be returning home the day before my 25th Birthday!
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| Day 6: Home!!! |
Those who know me well are probably aware of my propensity for over-work and never wanting to rest. I have experienced what you would call a forced-rest and I have to admit it has been challenging.
This time of home recovery has been sometimes more difficult than sitting in my hospital bed because I feel good, but I can't DO the normal work or exercise that I am used to. In this, God has revealed to me how much I look to what I do, instead of Jesus! God's call has been this:
"You are my child, not because I saw exceptional qualities in you or because you serve Me, but because you were dying in sin and I love you. You are saved through the blood of My Son, not your work or efforts."
I have had days full of faith and others days where doubt has clouded over my head. In all this I am being humbled and becoming more dependent on my Lord and Savior Jesus!
"O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit"
Psalm 30:3
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| Thanking God to be back on my feet with family! |
My family and I are available to travel up through October (when I hope to return to South Sudan). Until then, I would love to be able to travel your way to thank you for your prayers in person and share more of what God is doing, so please let us know if you are interested!
Operation Nehemiah Missions,
Rebuilding the Family, Church & Community
In the
Republic of South Sudan.
P.O. Box 2401 Plainville
MA 02762 USA Phone: 774-254-4336
E-mail: jonlueken@gmail.com PayPal onlighthouse@gmail.com
