Quick summary if you don't want to read the whole thing:
Ben's condition is such that surgery is absolutely necessary to repair a vegitative valve in his heart. The facilities in Kenya are not good enough, not capable of handling it but he's not stable enough to make it to the states. They're airlifting him to South Africa - the distance being about the same as from Chattanooga to Seattle - so they can do his surgery there. He's in the air right now.
pray for healing, and for him to be able to remain stable during the flight, and for his family (his dad's flying with him, the rest are coming commercially).
More later as it comes available.
Jonathan Bonetti (Covenant) wrote
at 10:15am
Hey everyone, this is an email that my family just received on ben's condition. He really really really needs our prayers right now. Thank you all so much for your response to this. His family is forever gratefull. love you guys. -bonetti
"The last update I received this morning was from Dan's parents:
Following is a letter received from Dan this morning. In addition to this information, we have just talked to Dan. He confirms that Ben is breathing much faster and has been diagnosed with either pneumonia or Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The decision has been made to med-evac Ben as the last hope of saving him. Because no one feels he could make the trip to the States, they are taking him to South Africa. Dan is now trying to make all the arrangements necessary and to find a place to stay in South Africa. Lynda and the children will be flying out commercially, while Dan accompanies Ben. Dan's letter says it all. Thank you for praying. Love, Roy and Judy
Mychal Phillips (New York, NY) wrote
at 10:44am
Hey guys,
Meadowview Church is raising money for Ben...100% of money sent to Meadoview will be WIRED to Ben's family ASAP to help cover costs of medical expenses and the helicopter. PLEASE SEND WHATEVER YOU CAN! Every little bit helps!
Send a check or money with a note inside saying FOR BEN ENTWISTLE.
Meadowview Presbyterian Church
1 Graceway Drive
Lexington, NC 27295
KEEP PRAYING! God's gonna do a miracle!
Erica Dellinger (Appalachian State) wrote
at 11:25am
Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I started a group called Ceaselessly Praying for Ben. Basically it is a page where people can commit to praying for Ben around the clock until we witness a miracle. Please, comment on the discussion board and commit to praying for Ben in 15 min. slots. If we join together, then Ben will be prayed for "Ceaselessly." Please join with me in commiting to praying for Ben unitl he is healed.
Ron Brown (Covenant) wrote
at 12:10pm
The latest information received here at Covenant regarding Ben is that they are prepping him for travel to South Africa for surgery since he is too sick to make the trip to the US. If this information is correct we ought to pray that he will be safe en route, that he would be kept safe through the surgery and that the surgery would be successful.
Lynne Yagel (Virginia Beach / Norfolk, VA) wrote
at 3:39pm
Pray fervently!! It is a LONG way from Kenya to S Africa -- kinda like flying a person from Chattanooga to Seattle because he was too sick to be cared for in the hospitals in Atlanta!!!!!
Rebekah Rineer wrote
at 3:59pm
Praying for Ben as he and his Dad are in the air from NBO to Jo-burg, SA! Praise the Lord for the same hospital and cardiologist from 4 years ago when Ben was in a similar situation with the rheumatic heart disease! Praying for Lynda and the other kids as they wrap some things up in Kenya and then fly down to SA to be with Dan and Ben.
Lord - Your will be done, but we are asking you to do a miracle in Ben's body - even as he is transported to South Africa! Please keep them safe! Please give each member of the family and each doctor peace as they attempt to stabalize Ben! Amen.