Sept 26, 2011

I called and spoke briefly with Arturo this afternoon.  They were on their way to the clinic for more testing for Marisol.  His cell kept cutting out.  He said to call back tomorrow afternoon after their big meeting with the Dr.s.

Arturo & Marisol: Update Thursday Sept. 15 2011

We called Arturo's cell phone in La Paz today.  He answered from the hospital and handed the phone to Marisol because he was busy recieving a progress report from the Dr's.  It was good to hear Marisol's voice.  She was very happy to be free from pain.  The Dr's wants to install a bypass Saturday.  Later they hope to do some more testing to determine the percentage of function her weakened kidney has.

We will be at our churches camp out until Saturday, then head out to the country again Sat. afternoon for a birthday party.  Will call Arturo again Sunday afternoon and see how Marisol is doing.  The Dr has instructed them to get help with the children, she must not over do it lifting up little Efrain.  Thank you for praying!
L&L

A Family in Need

My brother in Law, Arturo Chavez, works as a full time pastor/elder in a small Gospel Church in La Paz, Bolivia.  He is married to Marisol, they have 2 lovely children Areli, 6 & Efrain 3.  For the past year Marisol has suffered with lower back pain.  They depend upon Gods health care plan, their example of faith has been a great encouragement for many.  In the past few months this discomfort has increased to levels of greater concern.  Visits with the Dr. have prompted many tests and scans, some with frightening implications, but, each time, thankfully, those fears have given way to more commonplace, less urgent explanations.

Yesterday, everything seemed to seemed to hit all at once for this family.  Marisol had had an imaging solution injected in a kidney through a Ureter.  Later she returned home but did not feel well.  At the same time, Arturo had to be at the cemetery because the body of a close family member (deceased 8 years) had to be exumed, witnessed and signed for, as the casket was opened and the remains cremated.  After this difficult experience in the cemetery, Arturo returned home.  Marisol was there resting after the test, but the pain was so intense that she passed out.  Arturo did not tell Marisol where he had gone because he did not want to stress her more with all that was going on.  There is an additional challenge that Arturo handles with gracious patience, he is legally blind.

Linda called her brother yesterday and encouraged him to find his strength in the Lord.  We will be calling again in the next few hours for updates on Marisol's condition.  We are asking you to please pray for our family in Bolivia.  Arturo is concerned about covering this hospital expense, Linda told him "do not worry about that, tend to your wife and children."  "God will take care of this, just wait and see!"  Pray that the Lord would reveal himself to Arturo and Marisol in a most wonderful way that reinforces their faith and shines as a powerful testimony of encouragement for the others in their church, community and family.

Please contact us if you have any questions.  Thank you!
Leon & Linda