Mark 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.