Joyce Update September 4, 2010

Psalm 34:7  The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear
him, and delivereth them.
My dear friends and family, we are thankful to the Lord God Almighty!
We are thankful for your prayers and intercession before God's throne
on our behalf. A  note to inform and comfort as news can travel fast
and sometimes grow out of proportion.
All four of our sons and Stephan, who is living with us for five
months, were involved in a serious bus accident last evening. Although
there were some  fatalities and many very serious injuries, they all
were protected by God and escaped serious injury.
The most severe is Tim, our youngest. He received a deep cut above his
right eye which has been stitched up with no injury to his eye. We
will return to the hospital today for x-rays as he probably has a
broken jaw and thumb.
Mark Alan and Paul, our oldest and second, each received gashes in the
back of their heads. They have both been stitched up and it appears
they are free from any other more serious injury to their heads.
Paul has some bruising and soreness in his neck muscles, but appears
to be free of serious neck injury.
Mark Alan has a swollen area under his left eye but that also appears
to be minimal.
Stephan is injury free. He puts it this way, " I am sorer from the
soccer game the night before."
John, our second youngest, is free of injury other than a welt on his
lower back.
The accident involved the bus and a truck which was loaded with
propane gas cylinders. It was nearly head on, with the collision
occurring at the passenger door corner. Thankfully the cylinders were
empty or so we believe.
Thankfully the boys  were standing up as the bus was overly crowded.
They said most of the seats were partly torn from their moorings and
many of the more serious injuries occurred to those sitting. They feel
the crowdedness was a blessing as it kept them from being thrown any
great distance.
Just after impact the boys said there was a lot of confusion and
screaming. They said there were a lot of odors, including gas, oil and
rubber. They were able to help their fellow passengers exit the bus
and comfort them also.  Although this has been difficult for them and
traumatic for Joyce and I, we are glad they were where God wanted them
and were a help in the time of need. We also trust God will use this
for His will and glory.
This is what occurred in the physical realm in which we live. I want
to share with you what occurred in the spiritual realm  but that will
wait for now.
I do want to say this in closing as a testimony to Jehovah's love and
faithfulness. John was standing on the steps behind the passenger's
door and this area was the area of the fatalities and very serious
injuries. The Lord sent His angel to preserve his life. We testify to
this and thank the Lord!
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Mark and Joyce