I will be having back surgery on a herniated disk on this Wednesday the 22nd. The procedure will be minimally invasive outpatient surgery on the low back so I will hopefully not have to stay in the hospital. Please pass my prayer request forward to the brethren because I need their help asking for God’s hand to guide the surgeon so the operation will be successful and I can have a full recovery. I would also like to thank the brethren for their prayers and thoughtfulness.

Randall Dunn

An update from the Sabbath announcement in Dallas that Louise Winant was taken to the hospital with a racing heart. Mr. Horchak let us know Saturday night that she is at the Lewisville Medical Center. They are working with meds for control of her heart condition. As of this evening the feeling is that she may be released this weekend. We know Louise is grateful for your prayers.

Also mentioned was a request to please pray for Esmelda Gordillo. This week she experienced some abdominal pain. The doctors have suggested surgery. Please pray for her and her family for healing and guidance in this matter.
Jorge Gordillo Jr.

Jaime had her 6 week follow up appointment with the ENT this week. There has been no change in Jaime's ears and suggests the left Eustachian tube simply isn't working. Both inner ears were filled with fluid at this visit so at least this time there was also something to see as Jaime's hearing has been dodgy the past week+. It is possible Jaime either has enlarged adenoids and/or the left one has even so much as grown into the Eustachian tube. Jaime is to continue her medication routine and see the ENT in 6 more weeks for another check-up and probable pre-op visit. Jaime is then to have tubes inserted with a possible partial or whole adenoidectomy to hopefully fix her hearing problem. If not, then we're back to square one as both medications & the natural options have not really worked.

Jaime is obviously not so keen on surgery and your continued prayers for her would be appreciated. Thanks for keeping Jaime in your prayers, as well as for the cards, e-mails & follow up phone calls for Jaime. They have been deeply appreciated and every one comes with Jaime's same question, "Wow, they're praying my ears get better?" She is truly thankful, as are Sam and I.

Thanks again,
Sam and Shannon

I wanted to give everyone an update. As many know, I have been sick for about a month with sinus problems. I went to the doctor a week ago and because my doctors PA quit, I was seen by another doctors PA. The medicine I was given was not right for my illness and I had allergic reactions to it. The infection continued to spread until the left side of my head was swollen with sores in my mouth. My blood pressure had dropped below normal and I was on the verge of being hospitalized. I went back to the doctor and she said I was on the verge on pneumonia. Because my lungs were clear, that is the only thing that spared me from pneumonia. She put me on some heavy duty antibiotics and steroids and as a result, I am feeling a little better. I did take off some days from work this week to rest. I will not be at church today as the doctor said this crud is going around, turning into pneumonia, and is very contagious. I just wanted to thank everyone for all their prayers on my behalf and to pray that I will fully recover so I can be back at church soon.
Thanks,
Karen Collins

Sylvia's new arm apparatus failed for the dialysis use; artery problem. They tried to put in another stint yesterday for her heart and the medical team decided it was not the best thing to do. She has had others put in before. So, the only other alternative is open-heart surgery, and this is somethng that has been avoided in the past, but now seems like it is the only alternative. She is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. Friday morning (tomorrow). There is no one but her son and God to be with her, and at this point, her son is taking this surgery very hard, and he has asked me to please come and be with him and Sylvia. I will leave here at 2:00 in the morning (dark time) my boys will go with me as they say they can help me "see" the road as we travel. Please pray for Sylvia, for her son, Frank, and for me to have a safe trip with my boys. ~ Sarah Prado
UPDATE 12/18 Sarah called this morning. With the help of her two foreign exchange students she made it Friday morning to Houston by 7:15am. Her sister had gone in to surgery at 7. The operation was completed by 9:10 and then into recovery at 11:30. Sylvia had a single bypass to the heart where two had been expected. All looking good but the doctor says it will be a very long recovery due to her Lupus, dialyses, CHF and other health issues. Concern now is infection during recuperation. Sarah is very thankful for your prayers for her sister. JL

Many of you have prayed for Alice's granddaughter Sidney in the past. Here is an update...
Alice Jostandt has requested prayer for her granddaughter, Sidney. Her seizures have worsened recently, sometimes out of control. Alice adds, "Please pray for Gods mercy for her and for [son] Thad also.
UPDATE: I just talked to Thad. Turns out that after he spoke to me last night Sydney's seizures slowed down. He decided not to take her to the hospital. I am so thankful. Not sure of the time frame but I know that God answers prayers. I am certainly giving Him credit.
Thanks.
love alice