HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.
Here is an update on Brian and Gilly and also Valerie and John Heard (from Gravesend).
Brian and Gilly
Brian and Gilly are doing very well, and Brian generally feels better now than he has for some considerable time.They are obviously shielding at the moment.
Brian is still living downstairs, but is hoping to get back upstairs again at night soon; he has a stair lift, which is essential now, and has been upstairs recently to try the experience.
His speech is getting much better - particularly when he is praying, when it is usually perfect. Praise the Lord!
As most of you know, Gilly had a gall stone issue a little while ago, and went to hospital. However, it passed successfully and she has not needed to have an operation. She also had food poisoning from eating some dodgy bacon whilst they were visiting some Scottish steam trains in the autumn, and Brian had to do a lot of the driving, so that was fun! However, she is much better now.
Brian's wounds and ulcers are healing slowly but very nicely at long last. The wound where they removed his three middle toes (re. diabetes) on his left foot is 90% healed and that leg is doing well with all ulcers healed, including the horrible hole near his ankle, which is completely healed now. However, both feet are still susceptible to quite a lot of pain, especially during the night. It may be part of the healing process, but this pain is still quite bad, so still an item for prayer please. Thank you very much.
The right leg, where ulcers had joined to produce a very large and very deep ulcer, is now 75% healed. It had gone along the calf from knee to ankle, but it is down to 4 x 6 inches now, is healing nicely, and is a lot less painful. The ulcer on the top of his right foot has completely healed.
He is hoping, after the two conferences this year were cancelled, that the one in Cromer will be back on for next May. Obviously this is not in any way certain at the moment. However, the Lord is providing him with teaching material which could be shared there, and he is very much looking forward to ministering again.
John and Valerie
Valerie had the latest scan results yesterday, with a 'consultation' by video call. The cancers are still stabilised and one, probably the one behind behind the original scar, has decreased in size! Praise the Lord!
Their daily reading that day included Psalm 20:7 'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember (or trust in) the name of the Lord our God' and they found that very relevant and encouraging.
Dementia is still attacking John, particularly his short term memory, and his mobility and stability is currently poor and deteriorating. However, they are speaking and believing life for him as well and are praying for improvement.
Please continue to pray for both of them as well.
Very many thanks.
Much love and blessings
Keith (& Pat)