Dear Ones in Christ,
I trust this finds you well and enjoying a beautiful Spring. Some of you may not be aware of what has been going on with us the last couple of weeks. On May first, Gary was on a ladder working on our house. The ladder shifted, causing him to fall on a rock wall below on his front side, then he fell on his back about four feet below to the ground. Paramedics came and had him air evacuated to Flagstaff hospital where they found he had fractures to his sternum, hip, back, and tailbone, and pulled ligaments in his neck. Fortunately, they were fractures not breaks, so no surgery was required. Four days later, he was moved to Rehab in Prescott Valley. He has been in a great deal of pain, and very limited in movement, but we are seeing small steps of improvement. We are not sure how long he will be in rehab. They said in the beginning it could be two to three weeks, and then he’ll need in-home care for awhile. As bad as his injuries were, we are thanking the Lord, as the scripture above says, “For his marvelous kindness” and His protection. I say that because we are all amazed that he didn’t hit his head! If he had, this would be a very different story!
The Lord has been giving him opportunities to share Christ and pray with other men at mealtime. One man who had to have a foot amputated is also named Gary, and Mike, a retired pastor, who had three toes amputated.
Gary had filled in for Brother Steve DeFord for all three services at Hualapai Baptist Church on the Hualapai Reservation on April 21. It was a blessing to be with these dear folk. He was to be there again on May 19th, but now that will not be possible. We would appreciate your prayers for his recovery.
In His love and ours,
Gary & Bev Messick
Gary’s recovery has gone well. His main areas of pain are his back and neck, but he has been able to resume many of his normal work activities.
Realizing it is time to downsize to a smaller home with less upkeep, we have been busy getting it ready to put on the market. Unfortunately, we had a setback on September 17th when Gary became ill and was diagnosed with Covid. He was very sick with much congestion and coughing, but is doing better now.
From time to time, he has filled in for our 88 year old pastor when needed, and is always thankful to help whenever he can.
The end of August, we were saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Connie Wells. We were thankful to be able to fly to Cody, WY. to attend the service. The message was such a blessing; truly Christ was honored, as was Connie.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
*We would appreciate your continued prayers for Gary’s full
recovery from the fall and from Covid
*Wisdom in where the Lord would have us move
*The sale of our house
*Please pray for comfort for Brother Bud Wells and family
Gratefully in Christ,
Gary & Bev Messick