Russ Harris Update: From Pastor Matt Froah (First Baptist Church, Bloomfield), Russ’s home church:
Original Post: Here is a new prayer request, and two updates for you to pray for:
1) Russ Harris (retired IARBC pastor, pastored in Norwalk & Russell, currently a member and serving at First Baptist Church in Bloomfield and as pulpit supply for churches around the state).
Russ Harris is recovering from being in critical condition at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City due to recent complications with COVID. Early medical issues were an infection in his blood, very low heart rate, and possible bleeding on the brain.
As of this evening, he is still on a ventilator. His condition has stabilized, though it is still an uphill battle for him. Joann asks for your prayers. She continues to trust and knows God is in control, yet needs our prayers as Russ’ conditions have moved from day by day to moment by moment. Pray for the God of all comfort to comfort Joann and the family and wisdom for those caring for Russ. Also, Joann tested positive for COVID. Her symptoms have not been as serious as Russ’ and she is able to be at home.
2) Ken Van Loon (retired IARBC pastor, most recently at Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton).
Ken had double by-pass heart surgery this past Thursday. They had planned to do triple by-pass surgery but it was not necessary. Talking with his wife Sandy this earlier this evening, she reports that the surgery went very well, the doctors were amazing, and that Ken is doing well. It is possible that he may be able to go home by the middle of next week. There is a long ways to go, but she is praising God for His hand of blessing. The hospital limitation of one visitor per day has been a bit disappointing, but she is trusting God through this challenging time.
3) Darrel Mohler (pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Manning)
Talking with Darrel, he told me that he has been home for a while after a life-threatening bout with COVID. He still has pneumonia in one lung, and a little remaining COVID infection in the other. He is doing much better, is stable, but the recovery is very slow. He asks that we pray for strength and wisdom for both him and his wife Jane through this time of recovery. Jane had tested positive for COVID right before Darrel, and was hospitalized for a few days.
All of these couples are grateful for God’s faithfulness, and for your prayers on their behalf.
Thank you for lifting them up before the throne of grace (Her. 4:14-16).
God bless,
Tim