Tuesday, 11-14-06, 9:30pm
Praying Friends,
For those of us sitting at the hospital, we wait for news as you do. We can go back to see Dustin in twos, pray for him, sing to him, talk to him. Dozens of us have over the past few days. You would be very encouraged by the number of people who have driven in, flown in, slept in recliners, and even stayed awake at his bedside since last Wednesday evening. Of course, we have received word from literally hundreds of people across the country and even around the world who have been praying for him and Leigh Anne and the family. Leigh Anne has been upheld, literally, by the hand of God through the prayers of his people. The Father hears you pray.
Locally, brothers and sisters in Christ have rallied around the Salters in ways that make you proud to be part of the family. You and they have brought honor to Christ and have been a TREMENDOUS support to Leigh Anne especially. They are surrounded. Please don’t stop surrounding them with prayer and your presence. Further, one of the Christian doctors who has been a tremendous source of information and support told us that he had “never seen a better ICU.” So Dustin and his family are receiving the best care.
As for the medical update, the doctors continued the medically-induced paralysis today. As we informed you earlier, this was the last medical intervention left to them, in hopes it would give his brain opportunity to heal and reverse the swelling. They did not see the improvement they had hoped for. It was not a very good day for Dustin. His brain continues to be swollen with no sign yet of reversing.
Where does that leave us? We don’t really know, to be honest. It’s not the worst news possible, but it’s not good news either. We certainly want to ask you to continue to pray. What should you pray for?
- For his brain to stop swelling and brain functions to return
- For Leigh Anne to sleep and to “rest” for the potential marathon ahead
- For the children to be protected from unbelief and the evil one
- For students at TCU and Furman (and elsewhere) who are wrestling with seeing a hero in such a state (many of you, we know — we pray for you!)
- Give thanks to God for his support of the Salters. Again, we have been so encouraged by the Body of Christ being the family of God.
November 15th, 2006 at 9:40 am
My daughter, Evelyn McKinney, is a Furman student to whom Dustin ministers. Two years ago my husband and oldest daughter, Meridith, were in a bad accident and Meridith sustained a “Traumatic Brian Injury”. She had surgery first then the drug induced coma. Her survival was threatened several times and I considered all the possibilities for her ultimate outcome. God was so very gracious and gave her back to us through a recovery that I could barely dare to hope for. At one point during the difficult wait the elders from our church came and laid hands on her to pray. Within 10 minuets of the last “Amen” her ICP’s(swelling pressure)began to drop and continued to trend down. Our whole family is praying for Dustin & Leigh Ann. May God Bless!
November 15th, 2006 at 9:48 am
My husband and I knew Dustin and Leigh Anne at RTS-Orlando. We are now in Macon, GA. We are praying for you guys! May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.
In His Grace,
Stacie & Peter
November 15th, 2006 at 11:18 am
My son John Athon now lives in Washington DC. He met and was mentored by Dustin at TCU. Twenty one years ago, John (as an 18 month old baby) pulled a plugged in hair dryer into the bath tub and electrocuted himself resulting in severe brain trauma. He was put into a drug induced coma to prevent brain swelling. Five days after the incident, he went home with us with no residual problem of any sort. John and our entire family are praying for a similar result for Dustin and his family.
Merrell Athon
November 15th, 2006 at 1:02 pm
thanks for the updates…please keep them coming!
November 27th, 2006 at 9:38 pm
Leigh Ann,
Know that you and your family are being prayed for in Indianapolis, IN. We are old RUF people and have been following and praying for you during this tremendous trial. Our children (ages 5, 7, and almost 9) remember you, your husband, and your family in their prayers. Our hearts go out to you. Know that The Lord is good and his love endures forever.
Stephanie Harper for the Chris Harper Family in Indy, IN
November 28th, 2006 at 11:48 am
conversations with the Lord are not usually harmful, but in grace are helpful to the whole congregation. The Lord may tarry but know Dustin will be called forth in His time.