Beej and me on a ski weekend in February, 2005.

What an absolutely incredible weekend!!! We were privileged to have around 100 people come through our home to celebrate with us. I cannot begin to tell you how much of a blessing it was to see all of the faces from around the United States come together for this!

We had family here from Indiana, Texas and Virginia. We saw friends from Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Lebanon (the country), Maldives (the country), Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. We received flowers from friends in Indiana and Florida.

It is so inspiring and humbling to see people take time away from all life's business, just to spend a few minutes and a lot of money to come here! We are so thankful!

As the party was set to get underway, but just before people arrived we got a call from a friend, telling us that one of our students had been hit by a car the night before, and the doctors were concerned about whether or not he would make it.

It seems he was crossing a street and was run into. He was thrown into the windshield of the car that hit him. He had a lower skull fracture, broken leg, collapsed ear canal, multiple other injuries and fluid on the brain. He was not doing well.

People around the United States were contacted to begin praying. People in Mexico where this young man has served on many occasions were contacted and pulled together to begin interceding. Heavy hearts, tremendous concern, and overwhelmed parents were set into motion.

Doctors began procedures, uncertain what the outcome would be. The Throne 0f grace was being bombarded from all over.

Word came that he was showing small signs of improvement, but was still in serious condition.

I felt conflicted about celebrating, knowing one of our own lay fighting for his life two and a half hours away.

As the first guests began to arrive, word came...the fluid on his brain had suddenly disappeared! Doctors were now very optimistic!

As the news spread throughout the US and Mexico, celebrations began. Especially in Mexico. This young man has had an immense impact on the people of that land. They had come together on this day to lift him up in prayer. They were weeping before the Lord for their brother. When word finally reached them of how God was answering these prayers, a celebration ensued!

This young man has a long recovery ahead of him. The thing on his mind is that he has surrendered to serve in Peru this summer. He has averred that he will still make this trip!

I rejoice that he appears to be over the hump and on the road to recovery! I do ask you to join me in lifting him up as he faces a slow recovery. It is easy to become discouraged in this process.

God has spared his life, and most certainly has new and wonderful plans for him. His testimony has just grown in enormous fashion. I Praise God that He has spared this young man, and is bringing glory to Himself through this testimony! Just Awesome!

Thank you Kristin Pieper (Martie's oldest) for being there for the family! For being the spreader of the word and for even finding time to come to my home to share before rushing to the hospital so far away! I know his family appreciates your love and sacrifice and so do we!

Thank you to all of you who traveled so far and made our celebration an unforgettable event! Thank you to those who did not have to travel as far, but still made time to share with us!

We are so blessed!

dad