According to the doctors in the Ukraine Dad had a stroke as a result of a burst blood vessel in his brain. He has been conscious and responsive throughout. He has not lost all movement and was able to non-verbally answer questions. He shows emotions when Mom and the kids are around.
We covet your prayers and support as we walk through this valley.
Update
As of 9am EST this morning I talked with Mom and she said that Dad was being moved from Nikapol to Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine where there is a more modern medical facility that has an MRI machine. Once that has been completed they will decide how to proceed from there.
Dnepropetrovsk(pronounced Nipapatrosk) is about 110 northeast of Nikapol (approximately 50 miles).
Kyle and Justin should be arriving in Dnepropetrovsk late in the evening Friday.
Evidently they do have some kind of medical insurance as required by the Ukrainian government. I am sure that this is not adequate and we will keep you updated with any financial needs as we become aware of them.
Please forward this blog address to all who are concerned. Please feel free to leave comment for our family, especially Mom. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.
Friday, November 7th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Pam Pinto called us and led us to your site. We are so sorry to hear of this news but excited that it sounds like it was not as bad as it could have been. God is good. He brings us through the tough times and we know the Merrill Clan is praying and thanking God for these trials. We are praying for the doctors too and especially for the open hearts as we know you folks will be witnesses to the Glory of God in all you do and many will be left wondering what makes you so different. May they come to find Jesus through your hearts.
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Christians all over the United States are praying for Stuart and your family.
God is sufficient and can do all things. We will also pray that the proper doctors can be found to alleviate these problems. We pray that hearts may be opened to the gospel and Christians strengthened through this. God be with you, strengthen you and help you stand firmly in His loving watchcare.
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 4:39 am
Dear Precious family in Christ Jesus, Our hearts are so heavy for you all. We have walked this similar path many times. God, Our Father is the “Chief of Staff of Life.” We praise and honor Him for all things because they are all connected, both good things and bad. In them ALL, are hidden blessings. Hold tight to Him and WE ALL will carry you during this difficult and trying time.
In the morning I can try to connect with one of our specialists and see if they can help and check the test results.
We love you all so much and will continue to pray…..Jean Robtoy
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 5:04 am
Valerie and Stuart,
I forwarded the blog address on to many Christians around the USA. Trust and pray the Lord is giving both of you extra spiritual, emothional, and physical strength for the journey.
Stuart, I’ve been in your position and know and feel the frustrations you now face. I pray your body will heal quickly and you’ll completely recover. I went 8 days without medical care after my stroke 34 years ago — so the damage from my stroke was permanent at age 24. These was the days before MRI’s and cat scans. TWO HOSPITALS MISDIAGNOSED MY STROKE. PTL you’re getting help soon enough to make a positive difference in your healing process.
Don Hunt II
Gateway Singers
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
val you are in my prayers and so is the kids and for sure my brother, i pray that god takes care of you all. make sure to tell my brother I LOVE HIM. glen merrill
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Valerie,
Please know that I am keeping Stuart and your family in my prayers. It sounds like even though Stuart is in the hands of medical care in Ukraine, God has blessed him with good care. He’s truly in God’s hands. He will never leave you nor forsake you. God is your stronghold. I will keep up with the blog site to know how best to pray for you all. Post specific prayer requests if you can.
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Valerie and Stuart,
My prayers are constantly with you. The church here is praying for you. We had a special prayer last evening and will again this afternoon that God will work things out for your best and for God’s glory and for the strengthening of his church. I am praying also for those Christians in Nikopol and Minsk who are so close and so influenced by your life and faith in the Lord. I know God will bless everyone in the way only He can do. Val, my heart goes out especially to you and please know that I love you very much. I am so glad things sound better than they did at the beginning. I wish I could be there to help in some way. But God is in charge and that is the best help anyone can have. I know that Christians everywhere are praying for you and will help however they can.
God bless you and strengthen you at this time.
Love, Carolyn (Andy’s mom)
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Valerie and Stuart,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless,
Ruth Elliott Klein
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Valerie and Family,
We love you and appreciate your selfless work on the mission field and we and the church are praying for you.
Ed and Sharon Werner
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
To the family: I will keep you all in my prayers, thank you Judy for keeping me and my family up to date on your family. I pray for speedy recovery and may you all feel god’s grace and healing hands..
Sunday, November 9th, 2008 at 7:10 am
I am keeping the Salem church informed and we are all praying for a full recovery for Stuart. God bless you.
Monday, November 10th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Stuart and Valerie,
We serve an awesome God, the Great Healer,that I personally can atest to and so many others.
You are in our prayers and the Churches here in Tucson and througthout Arizona.
The Lord will bless
gene and Ruthie
P.S. My mother-law Naomi Stoner sends her love to you all.
Monday, November 10th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Kyle and family,
My heart is heavy with all that is going on. There are no words to say but one thing that I’ve learned the hard way is that God is in control and my life is out of his hands. I love all of you! I know God can work a miracle and I will be praying for it. Remember God is in control no matter what!
I love you all!
Rich