Below is an update on Esther and also a prayer request for John and Mary Gray, missionaries to Papua New Guinea.
Esther Lockhart Please continue to pray for Esther Lockhart and family, missionaries to Brazil. Here is an update on Esther's condition:
This morning - (I assume this first update was written Tuesday) Although Esther was doing a little better this morning when you called, she got worse as the day went on. She hasn't been out of bed except to go to the restroom, and that alone is painful and exhausting. I [Jeremy] plan to try to get her to the good hospital in the morning unless she takes a major turn for the better. She has much abdominal pain and has been fevered for several days now. Ulcerative colitis can cause other complications like toxic megacolon, and I don't want to risk those just hoping it will go away. Anyhow, just keep praying. She is in much pain and so weak she can hardly talk more than to answer a few questions. Will let you know what happens as I can.
This evening - (received this one tonight)
Here is a quick update on Esther. I (Jeremy's mom) was able to talk with Jeremy briefly this afternoon. Esther is in the hospital and will be there overnight and maybe longer. The doctor thinks that Esther has a bacterial infection in her colon rather than just her ulcerative colitis. He has her on strong antibiotics, pain meds, and IV’s since she had dehydrated again just since Monday. Jeremy will be spending the night with her and the Duarte girls are watching the kids.
So many of you have responded in letting us know that you are praying and have put them on your church prayer list. What a blessing! Thank you so much for your concern and for upholding them in prayer during this trying time.
John and Mary Gray
John and Mary Gray are the sponsoring missionaries for Dad and Mom in Papua New Guinea. Mary Gray has been battling breast cancer that spread to her liver and lungs. At this time they are very low on funds. In Australia, the hospitals do not allow the bills to become very large. They expect bills to be paid, or no more treatment is given. Along with Mary's condition, John has been suffering with typhoid and hepatitis. He required emergency treatment while in Australia, so this had added to their difficulties. Please keep them in prayer. Mary had begun to respond to treatments, so please pray that they will be able to continue them if that is the Lord's will. John Gray was given 3 medications to help with his typhoid, but his liver was not able to handle these medications due to his hepatitis. So please remember his health in prayer as well. You can read about their ministry at www.johnandmarygray.com
Thank you for your prayers.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.