Monday, Nov. 20, 2:45pm
There is no significant change in Dustin’s condition.
He is off of the sedative and is breathing on his own. The ventilator is unplugged. They do, however have him on a little bit of Oxygen.
At some point, possibly in the next day or so, Dustin will probably be moved from the ICU to a private room. That will happen once the port monitoring his intracranial pressure is removed and the anti-swelling medication is stopped. While being moved from ICU sounds like it would require an improvement in his condition, that is not necessarily the case. There has been no real change in his condition (positively or negatively) for several days now. It seems that we are just waiting …
As we wait …
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4.16).
November 20th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
Leigh Anne,
I continue to pray for Dustin’s healing and for strength and comfort for you and your children.
Love in Christ,
Elizabeth Baxley (member at Redeemer)
November 20th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
Grant, thank you again for posting the updates. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and unappreciated.
November 20th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Leigh Anne,
I took several Furman students this week to Hanoi, Vietnam. One was a Redeemer student and several others were believers. We prayed for Dustin and spoke of him (and the family) often. Dustin was on campus for a short time, but made a big impact!
Brent
November 20th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
A member of Briarwood Church just letting you know many are praying for Dustin and the family.
Waiting is so hard, but God’s timing is perfect.
In His care,
Nancy Christie
November 20th, 2006 at 7:14 pm
Leigh Anne,
My family continues to lift your family up to our heavenly father for the strength you need during this difficult time. The updates are very helpful and we rest in the assurance that our God will not forsake you. Our prayers will continue to flow daily as you stay by your husband’s side. I know this is a very hard time for you.
on Christ whose solid rock we stand,
Rachel Caldwell
November 20th, 2006 at 7:36 pm
Thank you for these updates. I don’t even know you but find myself checking several times a day for any update in Dustin’s condition. My husband and I were both involved in RUF in our college days (many years ago) so even though we don’t know you we feel a connection to your ministry. We will continue to lift up your family in Americus Georgia.
November 20th, 2006 at 7:48 pm
Leigh Ann, Many prayers are being raised up for Dustin, you, and your family in Mississippi. Northpointe PCA in Meridian has all of you in our hearts and in our prayers. May God hold you in His strong and loving arms.
Bob Schwanebeck
Pastor, Northpointe Presbyterian Church, Meridian, MS
Member, Mississippi Joint Committtee on Campus Work
November 21st, 2006 at 8:48 am
Leigh Ann,
Dustin was a teacher in Florida last summer at a retreat that my daughter, Katie, attended. His teaching meant a lot to her, and she commented about how much she admired the Christian family ideal that your family exemplified. We are all praying for Dustin and you and the children. I have notified my Bible study group, and prayer is going up from many brothers and sisters here in Virginia. May God, for whom all things are possible, hold you all in His almighty hand.
November 21st, 2006 at 11:19 am
Leigh Ann,
I knew Dustin from the RUF world. I was a student at OU, so I knew him from many conferences etc. then and have been an intern with RUF for the last two years. He is a dear man, and my wife and I have been and will continue to pray for him and for your family.
In Christ,
Brent
November 21st, 2006 at 12:05 pm
Salter Family,
Along with many brothers and sisters in Christ, I continue to pray and I continue to hope. Our hope is in Jesus.
Jonathan
November 21st, 2006 at 12:17 pm
Salter family:
The lessons from Dustin’s sermon on the doctrine of providence continues to reach into my often disbelieving heart and increase my faith. After pondering the story of Anne Steele and the hymn he referenced, i found another of her songs which may bring some solace to you. You are in our prayers.
When I survey life’s varied scene
Amid the darkest hours
Sweet rays of comfort shine between
And thorns are mixed with flowers
Lord, teach me to adore Thy hand
From whence my comforts flow
And let me in this desert land
A glimpse of Canaan know
Is health and ease my happy share?
Oh may I bless my God;
Thy kindness let my songs declare
And spread Thy praise abroad
In griefs and pains Thy sacred Word
(Dear solace of my soul!)
Celestial comforts can afford
And all their power control
When present sufferings pain my heart
Or future terrors rise
And light and hope almost depart
From these dejected eyes
Thy powerful Word supports my hope
Sweet cordial of the mind
And bears my fainting spirit up
And bids me wait resigned
And oh whate’er of earthly bliss
Thy sovereign hand denies
Accepted at Thy throne of grace
Let this petition rise
“Give me a calm, a thankful heart
From every murmur free
The blessings of Thy grace impart
And let me live to Thee
Let the sweet hope that Thou art mine
My path of life attend
Thy presence through my journey shine
And bless its happy end”
November 21st, 2006 at 12:54 pm
Moving from ICU to a private room is a good sign. When my brother in law was moved to his private room, it unleashes a whole bevy of other professionals to help him as his brain heals. Physical therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists can all begin their evaluation and even some beginning therapys designed to both exercise Dustin’s brain & body as it heals, and to evaluate what the injuries have actually impacted. You will probably see slow, but definite progress over the course of the next days & weeks, and perhaps even miraculous “jumps” as healing takes place. Remember, that whatever visible injuries Dustin has are healing - those you can see. The ones you can’t see are healing as well. God has his hand on this, our brother, and we all share your burden.
My brother-in-law, Charlie Blackwood was the victim of an assault on Oct. 28, and is similarly injured, still in a coma, but we have seen some hopeful signs. We share w/Dustin’s family, a hopeful trust in God’s Providence
November 21st, 2006 at 1:35 pm
Dear Leigh Anne,
We are Scott Fredricks’ parents. They shared with us about Dustin’s injury when it happened and we along with hundreds of our friends are praying for you including African friends in Kenya. They have been following his updates.
Our prayer is for healing for Dustin and abundant grace and wisdom for you!
In His Love,
Alice and Gary