Appendix C Support
Part One –Some Email Records
After coming to the realization that I had malaria, not just the flu, and that we could not keep our promise to our friends in Rwanda, on Sunday October 31, the second day I was in hospital, this is how Char informed the Rwandans:
October 31, 2010
Gentlemen,
This is Char writing in Ron's behalf.
Little did Ron know his statement "the Lord willing" would have such meaning.
Last Wednesday Ron became very ill and after several days of what we thought was the flu, he was admitted to the hospital yesterday morning here in Tiberius. He has malaria.
You know better than we do the ravages of the disease since this is our first time to go through this process. However, Ron is getting expert treatment and they may allow him to go to Rwanda soon. We are hoping for that!
However, we have canceled our flight for tomorrow because of all the uncertainties. But we will do everything in our power to maintain the schedule by coming later this week, if he is able.
Meanwhile, I will continue to send you updates.
We need your prayers:
. . . for Ron's health since he is still very sick this morning.
. . . for his emotions. He is very, very disappointed to let you down.
We know, however, that God has the best plan in mind. Apparently He was not willing that this schedule go forward as WE planned. Now we are calling on HIM for what HE wants for all of us.
Thank you for your patience with us in this unplanned circumstance and your prayers for Ron.
Most sincerely,
Char
Char also received this email from Dr. Yeol Soo Eim written in Korea on October 31:
Hi, Char
Thank you so much for the news of Dr. Meyers.
I was shocked to read your mail. How is Ron now?
I talked to the President Lee Chang Woo and other pastors about the condition of Dr. Meyers. Does he communicate with you? Since malaria is not commonly well-known here, we don't know much about it. Anyway, we are praying for his recovery. Please let me know the progress of Ron's condition. Also I pray for you and your ministry.
Blessings,
Yeol Soo Eim
On Monday, November 1, Char’s brother John Holmes wrote:
Subject: RE: Malaria Can't Defeat You Ron--God is Greater!
Char-- I really had a good chat with Marilyn and we prayed hard for Ron. Sterling is concerned too. Love, John
John C. Holmes, Ed.D.
ACSI Director, Government Affairs
On Tuesday, November 2, one of the hosts who were to receive us in Rwanda wrote:
Dear Char and Ron, we are very touched by Ron's health situation but the will of God will turn to reality, there is no fear neither discouragement because we strongly believe that our God is in control. We are praying for you all. Let's wait for the good will God our father
Ananias Sentozi
Then Char responded to the Rwandans:
Dear brothers,
Let me copy to this email what I have posted on Facebook for those of you who are not on Facebook. Then I must go to the hospital; I will give you a further report later today.
I am so moved, profoundly touched by your prayers and expressions of concern. You cannot know how much . . . please don't stop.
Ron is now sedated and a tube has been inserted into his lung to help him breathe. This is a very serious development . . . Ron is fighting for his life. The doctor told me this morning that the process is going as planned, but it is going to take time. Well, then, they that wait upon the Lord, not wringing their hands and screaming out of control (as I am tempted to do, believe me) SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH. So, with your help, I am waiting, we are waiting.
Pray this with me: the liar ...is the loser, the lion is the victor. Ron shall not die but live and proclaim what the Lord has done. Though the enemy comes in . . . like a flood the Lord will raise up a standard against him. Though the enemy comes to steal Ron's health, to kill him with this terrible disease and these overwhelming results of malaria, and destroy his ministry and influence in this day of such need for training, Jesus has come to give life and to give it more abundantly.
Our sons are contemplating coming to be with us. Please pray for wisdom: favor if they should come, that they could get here quickly, and understanding and patience if they should not. God has a plan and His plan is good.
How great is our God . . . sing with me . . . how great is our God, and all will see how great, how great is our God. So many are being touched by this difficult process! May the Lord be glorified.
More later,
Char
On Tuesday, November 2, this was sent to Char:
Dear Char,
As you may know, I am a friend of John and Charlene Holmes. I have had so many glowing reports in recent years regarding the way the Lord has used you and Ron in Africa and elsewhere. Therefore, I feel as though I know both of you. We will continue to pray for you and Ron.
Lord, as I sit here at my computer, I lift up to you Ron and Char Meyers. Even though you know their needs even better than I do, I pray that you will continue to intervene in their lives. In your capacity as the Great Physician, I praythat you will cast out that army of parasites from Ron's body. It is also my prayer that you will not allowthe evil one or his angels to interfere or discourage Ron or Char.We know of your promise to "never leave us or forsake us" and that "nothing can separate us from You." However, in our human condition, we can become discouraged, angry or confused. Therefore, I pray that you would continue to reveal yourself to Char during this period of Ron's illness in a powerful and dynamic way so that none of these negative feelings will permeate her in any way. Surround both Ron and Char with your powerful love as well as your divine healing. We all love you Lord and we give You all of the honor and praise. I lift this prayer up in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
Dick DeHaven in Bethesda, MD
On Tuesday, November 2, Char wrote her brother, John:
A couple testimonies,
I have been singing "Rise and be healed in the name of Jesus, let faith arise in your soul." OK. I thought maybe it was for me and this recent health bit, though I am doing well. So I was a little puzzled. Then this came up, and I continue to hear it in my spirit, and the volume is turned up.
When we were in the hospital and the difficult breathing began and the fear in Ron's eyes was growing, I kept hearing, "What time I am afraid, I will trust." So I began to say it over and over aloud, over Ron's body.
The Internet says that malaria is a release of an army of parasites in the body. So I have called on the hosts of heaven to do battle.
Last Friday morning as I was out walking, I realized it was Shabbat Friday and the grocery store is a zoo. I was trying to empty the fridge, but we were joining friends for supper and I needed some stuff. Ah, I realized, if I just had some onions. I was stressing about the traffic jams on the streets (like our Saturday afternoon at the mall) and in the super market. I told the Lord I did not have the strength to face that. As a walked back toward the house, I was amazed to find two onions, a little scuffed, mind you, in the middle of the road and no one around to claim them. So I picked them up and began dancing toward home . . . little did I realize the significance they would have to me of God's attention to detail in our lives, even as we go through hell . . . yea, though I go through the valley of the shadow of death (and that is where we are right now, you think?) HE is with me, His rod and His staff, and His provision of onions, comfort me.
I love you guys. I am so glad you are in touch with Marilyn. I love you guys so much and so appreciate your help and comforting words.
Please stay with me on FB for postings.
Going at noon (it is 10:45 now) to the hospital to see him. Though he is sedated, I need to be there when I am allowed in. Please pray, as I know you are, with faith believing. Help me, as I know you are. I'll give you a report when I get back after 2 here, 8 your time.
HUGS! Hug me, bro, I need it. Maybe Dan and/or Joel will come and I'll get good hugs from them, too.
Char
Then Char responded to Dick’s letter above:
Dear Dick,
I am truly humbled that you would take the time to share with us your concern, and then to pray with us. What a blessing this has been to me, and I will share it with Ron . . . eventually!
Bless you my brother as you are in the service of the King!
Char
On Tuesday, November 2, our son Dan wrote to his friends:
Hello Friends.
I am leaving this evening for Tiberias, Israel, where my father is in critical condition
in the hospital. He was diagnosed with malaria last week, but did not respond well to
treatment, gradually degrading into ARDS, where they had to insert a tube into his lungs to keep him breathing and medically render him unconscious. He is now in stable but critical condition.
Thanks for your prayers. I should be reachable by email, and plan to return on Thursday.
Dan
On Wednesday, November 3, Dan wrote again to his friends:
Here's an update. I have arrived safely, and went to visit Dad. I'm not sure how (and
the nurse doubted us), but I'm pretty sure Dad knew we were there. At particularly
poignant moments in our conversation (like when it was time for us to leave), his
eyebrows would flicker, his head would rock, and his hand would convulse very slightly.
Mom said that was the first time that has happened, and took it as a good sign. The
doctor has also said that the x-rays of his lungs are showing definite improvement. I am cautiously optimistic. Thank you all for your prayers and for your words of
encouragement! God is good. This isn't over yet, but we're moving in the right
direction.
Dan
On Friday, November 5, Char received this:
Dear Char & Ron;
Please know our prayers are with you at this time. Andrew just informed us of Ron's admission into hospital. We have been there with our daughter also gravely ill with malaria when we were in Tanzania and it was a Jewish doctor in Kenya who took her case. His name was Dr. Silverstein a world renowned heart specialist who is also a specialist in malaria treatment. He should be known in Israel.
With all our love, concern and prayers,
Pat & Gerald
On Wednesday, November 3, a new friend wrote:
Ron,
Our prayers are with you.I got a note from Hava and also Steve that you have malaria. I am so sorry and trust that the Lord will bring quick healing soon. I wish we were there to lay hands on you.
Char, I hope you receive our note and send us your e-mail also.
May the Lord give you abundant strength!
Vicky and John
On Friday November 5, Char wrote:
This (below) is our most recent update. I will call you tomorrow, Michael.
God has pulled Ron through this terrible ordeal and he will be fully recovered, according to the doctor tonight! Ron is off the respirator and talking a little, though his throat is very sore and hoarse.
God is so good to us!
Char
On Friday, November 5, Char wrote to Cheryl:
You guys are so sweet.
We live at the address listed below. Since I am not sure when he will be
coming home, I don't know if sending it to the hospital would work. He
will be coming home quicker than you could mail something here . . . I
hope!
Cheryl, Ron is recovering well, the tube is to come out tonight or at
the latest, tomorrow morning. He is very aware of all that is going on,
but still sedated. Next is the recovery. It will take 4-6 weeks for the
recovery, though we should be bringing him home very soon, and he will
rest here.
I am getting copies of exchanges of letters between JHall, JScott,
Dolands, Sterling Brackett, Koops, etc. and I am concerned that they
cannot find us. You know where we are, why haven't they just asked YOU?
Stay tuned, good things are happening.
God is so good to us!
"[He] shall not die, but live, and will proclaim the good things the
Lord has done!"
Char
On Friday, November 5, Char received this response from Cheryl:
Thanks Char, I love your humor! Yes, I understand regarding
communications, it does at times get a little humorous! At least you
know how much you are loved and appreciated - even if at times a little
much:)! Our prayers continue to go out toward continued healing for Ron
and strength for you as well as you navigate this, so glad you are in
excellent hands there in Tiberius! Much blessings, rest, restoration at
this time for two very amazing people, God's blessings, Cheryl
On Friday, November 5, this was sent by one our hosts in Rwanda:
Dr Char, greetings in Christ’s name. I hope God is hearing our
prayers, we are together with you though we are far physically, but be
assured of our prayers. May we know the progress of how Dr. Ron is
feeling? Please update me. You may write or preferably make a call. I am
really under dilemma but I hope we may one day see him face to face!
May the hand of God be up on you all. Mike.
On Friday, November 5, Char and Dan wrote:
Dear Friends,
To those, I contacted earlier, my sincere apologies for not getting back to you sooner.
And to those who may not have heard yet about Ron's bout with malaria, here are some
details.
The following are updates that our son, Dan, who has joined us, has written. Hoping these updates will bring you up to speed with all that has happened here lately. You might want to scroll down and start with the one at the bottom of his postings, then read up. I sure hope this is not confusing . . . I have posted another note at the end after his notes.
Thanks so much for your continued prayers as Ron moves through this recovery process!
Psalm 118:17 "[He] shall not die, but live, and proclaim what the Lord has
done."
Psalm 41:3 "The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."
Our God is an awesome God. And our friends and their fervent prayers have been answered with a resounding YES! Praise the Lord!
======
Hello Friends.
Dad is progressing well, and though he is not able to talk yet due to the respirator, the respirator tube is supposed to come out either today or tomorrow morning. He is able to write, though (which is so much easier than going through the alphabet one letter at a time so that he could spell to us what he was trying to say by nodding or shaking his head, the only thing he was able to do at first), so we are in good communication.
The doctor says that he should experience full recovery. It may take a couple months to get there, though. Turns out he had malaria, which turned into pneumonia, which soon degraded to ARDS, as I discussed earlier. This has been a very difficult experience for all of us, but we are looking forward to him being removed from the ICU any time now.
Thanks for all the prayers. God has heard and responded.
Dan
Char again here: As Ron would say, we are not out of the woods yet, but we are on our way up! HA, in more ways than one! Love all of you and am/are so grateful for your concern.
Friday night update:
We have just returned from the hospital where Ron is recovering after the removal of the respirator from his lung. The doctor told us several times tonight that he is not ill, he is not ill. He just has to recover. Wonderful news! Tho' he is shaky still from the effects of the drugs, and weak and having to whisper, he is going to be restored to full health.
Praise the Lord with us! We are dancing here! Then we are going to go to bed and rest up for the recovery stage! :)
Psalm 25:15 says, My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
With much love,
Char
On Friday, November 5, John Barton wrote with this suggestion:
The Lord is your guardian;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
By day the sun cannot harm you,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will guard you from all evil,
Will always guard your life;
The Lord will guard your coming and going
Both now and forever.
I see some similarities in Ron’s life to that of the apostle Paul. . . . both exceptional men of God, well traveled teachers, hunger to see the lost restored, and now may share the same “thorn in the flesh”.