Friday, February 11, 2011

Update on Emmanuel's Health

For all of you who have assured me that you would pray for Emmanuel during these difficult days, I thank you. But please don't stop! The night before last, the mental/emotional problems caused him to behave in such a way that he would have been sent back to jail had it not been for the quick action of Emmanuel's older adoptive brother-in-law, Marcellin, who is a pastor in Abidjan. Suffice it to say, I am several hundred dollars in debt to one of my missionary friends, who gave Marcellin the money to satisfy the wronged individual. Had that not occurred, Emmanuel would have found himself back in the same horrible jail (see my previous post). Last night, Marcellin gave Emmanuel enough medication so that he slept throughout the night. Marcellin reported to my nurse/friend today that Emmanuel seems to be a bit better this evening. He is beginning to talk more coherently. Please continue to intercede on his behalf. Ask the Lord to heal him, if it would please Him.

This has been a struggle for me, being separated by thousands of miles. Perhaps it would be worse if I were there, but it doesn't feel that way to me. During the day, as I work, I'm able to put this out of my mind pretty well. However the nights are long. I think of him before I go to sleep and each time I awaken.

God's Word has comforted me. This morning in devotions, the passage was about God's concern and care for orphans. Emmanuel certainly qualifies for this kind of care. He has lost both his biological father and mother and his adoptive father.

Hymns have also been my comfort. I want to share one with you that has spoken to me in the past 48 hours.

Be still, my soul--the Lord is on thy side!
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide--
In ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul--thy best, thy heav'nly friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

In the midst of all this, the book advances. I finished chapter six yesterday, putting in some final corrections today. I had written all of it months ago except for a testimony for which I was waiting. This afternoon I finished the first half of chapter 11, going through the end of 2009. Please continue to pray that I'll get it done on time, and that it will glorify the Lord. That is the purpose for writing it. I trust it will accomplish that goal.

I'm grateful for your friendship and prayers. I've been reminded again in these past days how important they are.


2 comments:

Susan said...

How hard to be so far away! I am glad that Emmanuel appears to be making progress. Yes, the words to that hymns are so appropriate and soothing. Continuing to pray!

Linda Sullivan said...

Elaine, continuing to pray for Emmanuel. And for you. Those old hymns still have powerful messages for us. And praying for the work you are doing on the book.