Dear Armonia friends,
It is with joy that I write to inform you that Josias is due to leave the hospital today. However, he will need to be under a very strict treatment regime as an out-patient for seven months after his respiratory distress syndrome. A clinic near Casablanca will be in charge of the treatment because the doctors want the lesion in his left lung to close up completely. Josias is very happy with this news and has decided to submit himself to the treatment although it saddens him that he won't be able to attend classes at his university for a while. Doctors advise that he should not go over the next 4 to 5 weeks because he remains too weak and that is leaving him out of University for a while.
We praise the Lord for the outcome of his medical care and thank you for all your prayers. We ask you to consider helping us with the medical expenses because we will need to contribute in buying some of the medicines and his transportation. I spent yesterday´s morning at the hospital talking to the social worker and nurse who are in charge of a government subsidy program and they have been convinced that Josias' parents cannot afford to pay. Armonía is a civic association and has not budgeted for this outlay so the hospital will cover the important and expensive medicines. We still need to finalize the details between the clinic and the hospital, and it is probable that we will have to provide blood donations as a type of payback for the services provided. But if everything goes smoothly, we can bring him home today under this new arrangement. If not, we will have to wait until Monday.
You will also be pleased to hear that Pilar is improving slowly having fallen ill last Sunday. Her stomach was seriously hurt by the medicine prescribed earlier this week; we had to return to the doctor for more tests and to change the antibiotics and painkillers. Thank God that they're now working and that she slept better last night. This morning, she was able to have some food which indicates that her stomach is mending. Her fever is lower and I thank everybody for your prayers for her health.
I ask also that you pray about Armonía's resources because the last month has been a difficult time with many unexpected expenses for doctors and medicines. We hope we can recover soon whilst continuing to labor in our other projects around Mexico City and Oaxaca . An update on the summer's activities is coming and we remain thankful in the Lord for the creation of the new Armonia Friends blog (http://armoniafriends.blogspot.com ) in Orlando , a new Armonia Trust administrator in the UK, your prayers, your phone calls and your love.
With love and blessings in Christ.
Saul Cruz
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Armonia Update
Dear friends,
There is good news regarding Josias. While the doctors still do not have a definitive diagnosis, Josias is much better. The lesion discovered in his lung is closing. It originally was observed as the size of an apple, but had shrunk to about half that size as of 5 days ago and to about a quarter of its original size as of today. He is no longer battling spiking fevers. It appears that the strong antibiotic he has been taking is having the desired effect. They have ruled out a number of causes including cancer. All of the test results are not yet in (and could take up to 60 days). It is possible that the lesion was caused by tuberculosis in the past, but so far this is an unproven theory that the doctors have not confirmed.
The doctors do believe that he will be well enough to attend school within a couple of weeks. However, the university has said that because he is now so far behind, they will not readmit him for the current year. The good news is that they will allow him to defer his acceptance until next year and guarantee his admission. The bad news is that they will not refund his tuition already paid for this year, nor credit it to next year's tuition. (That's a loss of about $1800). Please continue to pray for Josias' recovery and direction for pursuing his university education.
Please also pray for Pilar. She has been battling severe headaches and fever. There was some concern that because she had spent so much time with Josias in the hospital, perhaps she had been infected with whatever he has. However, it is now believed to be a rather severe sinus infection. Unfortunately the medicine prescribed for her had such a devastating effect on her stomach that she could not continue to take it. Many tests have been run and others are continuing to be run. (In fact, when I spoke with Saul today, he was in the doctor's office with Pilar). Please pray for Pilar as well as Saul who is taking care of her.
Financially, these events are also challenging for the Cruz family. Please pray for this aspect and consider if you can be a part of the solution.
Greg
There is good news regarding Josias. While the doctors still do not have a definitive diagnosis, Josias is much better. The lesion discovered in his lung is closing. It originally was observed as the size of an apple, but had shrunk to about half that size as of 5 days ago and to about a quarter of its original size as of today. He is no longer battling spiking fevers. It appears that the strong antibiotic he has been taking is having the desired effect. They have ruled out a number of causes including cancer. All of the test results are not yet in (and could take up to 60 days). It is possible that the lesion was caused by tuberculosis in the past, but so far this is an unproven theory that the doctors have not confirmed.
The doctors do believe that he will be well enough to attend school within a couple of weeks. However, the university has said that because he is now so far behind, they will not readmit him for the current year. The good news is that they will allow him to defer his acceptance until next year and guarantee his admission. The bad news is that they will not refund his tuition already paid for this year, nor credit it to next year's tuition. (That's a loss of about $1800). Please continue to pray for Josias' recovery and direction for pursuing his university education.
Please also pray for Pilar. She has been battling severe headaches and fever. There was some concern that because she had spent so much time with Josias in the hospital, perhaps she had been infected with whatever he has. However, it is now believed to be a rather severe sinus infection. Unfortunately the medicine prescribed for her had such a devastating effect on her stomach that she could not continue to take it. Many tests have been run and others are continuing to be run. (In fact, when I spoke with Saul today, he was in the doctor's office with Pilar). Please pray for Pilar as well as Saul who is taking care of her.
Financially, these events are also challenging for the Cruz family. Please pray for this aspect and consider if you can be a part of the solution.
Greg
Monday, October 1, 2007
Hornos
This is the Hornos video Saul put together.
The first song is sung by an Australian called Steve Bevis.
Give it a few seconds if it doesn't come right up. It's a huge file.
The first song is sung by an Australian called Steve Bevis.
Give it a few seconds if it doesn't come right up. It's a huge file.
Josias Update
Dated: 9/29/07
Here is more news about Josias from the Juarez Hospital, Mexico City.
I am glad to tell you that Josias has successfully come through a bronchoscopic procedure undertaken this morning. He was put under a general anesthetic while a bronchoscope was put into his lungs by some of the most important doctors in the hospital. He is now in the recovery room with Pilar and his father where these same physicians will be monitoring his recuperation.
Yesterday, Pilar had a strong conversation with the chief doctor of Josias’ floor, then with the vice-director of the whole hospital and finally with the principal. The three of them were initially in agreement that they did not know what was wrong with Josias but that they would discover more over time. Pilar insisted that Josias should be moved to a more specialized Center for respiratory diseases.
Since the hospital where Josias is at the moment has all the equipment necessary for further examinations they denied this possibility. Pilar threatened to go to higher authorities because it is impossible to accept their denial of their professional duty. The reasons for this problem are that the hospital does not want to lose face by admitting that they can´t do more. It has lots of money and plenty of important doctors but they are too busy with giving grand lectures, teaching students and making a name for themselves. This means that if you are a nobody in this hospital, they let you die.
In contrast, we are reminded of Jesus, who did not fall into the trap of fame as word of his ministry spread and the crowds gathered. Instead, he decided to go to other towns and villages not yet reached, to preach the good news to the poor and welcome all who came to him. What a challenge this is for us at Armonía; to avoid the world pursuit of fame and instead follow in the footsteps of our Lord!
Finally, yesterday the doctors apologized and agreed that more needed to be done. Josias went this morning for the procedure, during which samples of his lung tissue were taken. We pray that this will facilitate some sort of specific diagnosis. They have already told us that they found evidence that when he was younger, he suffered from some sort of pulmonary disease which no-one treated.
Please thank God that all the Armonia communities have been responding to our need for help in looking after Josias for 24 hours a day, every day. Everyone has been praying hard and we invite to you join us in continuing to lift the situation up to God.
We would also like to thank those of you who are trying to help us with the expenses we are experiencing as a result of this. We praise God for your partnership with us.
With love in Christ,
Saul and Pilar Cruz.
Here is more news about Josias from the Juarez Hospital, Mexico City.
I am glad to tell you that Josias has successfully come through a bronchoscopic procedure undertaken this morning. He was put under a general anesthetic while a bronchoscope was put into his lungs by some of the most important doctors in the hospital. He is now in the recovery room with Pilar and his father where these same physicians will be monitoring his recuperation.
Yesterday, Pilar had a strong conversation with the chief doctor of Josias’ floor, then with the vice-director of the whole hospital and finally with the principal. The three of them were initially in agreement that they did not know what was wrong with Josias but that they would discover more over time. Pilar insisted that Josias should be moved to a more specialized Center for respiratory diseases.
Since the hospital where Josias is at the moment has all the equipment necessary for further examinations they denied this possibility. Pilar threatened to go to higher authorities because it is impossible to accept their denial of their professional duty. The reasons for this problem are that the hospital does not want to lose face by admitting that they can´t do more. It has lots of money and plenty of important doctors but they are too busy with giving grand lectures, teaching students and making a name for themselves. This means that if you are a nobody in this hospital, they let you die.
In contrast, we are reminded of Jesus, who did not fall into the trap of fame as word of his ministry spread and the crowds gathered. Instead, he decided to go to other towns and villages not yet reached, to preach the good news to the poor and welcome all who came to him. What a challenge this is for us at Armonía; to avoid the world pursuit of fame and instead follow in the footsteps of our Lord!
Finally, yesterday the doctors apologized and agreed that more needed to be done. Josias went this morning for the procedure, during which samples of his lung tissue were taken. We pray that this will facilitate some sort of specific diagnosis. They have already told us that they found evidence that when he was younger, he suffered from some sort of pulmonary disease which no-one treated.
Please thank God that all the Armonia communities have been responding to our need for help in looking after Josias for 24 hours a day, every day. Everyone has been praying hard and we invite to you join us in continuing to lift the situation up to God.
We would also like to thank those of you who are trying to help us with the expenses we are experiencing as a result of this. We praise God for your partnership with us.
With love in Christ,
Saul and Pilar Cruz.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
OPC Labor Day Clinics
Orangewood Presbyterian Church in Maitland, Florida. (US) held its annual labor day clinic in Armonia's 3 community centers; El Presidentes, Santa Cruz and Jalalpa.
This is the 20th(?) year the group has partnered with Armonia in this endeavor.
A group of about 20 doctors, dentists, translators and workers came for this year's visit.
You can view more pictures here
To those who participated in the trip, feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
Ulyses
This is the 20th(?) year the group has partnered with Armonia in this endeavor.
A group of about 20 doctors, dentists, translators and workers came for this year's visit.
You can view more pictures here
To those who participated in the trip, feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
Ulyses
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
From Saul
Dated: Sept. 21, 2007
Dear Friends,
Here is an update on the various situations in Mexico at the moment.
Please continue to pray for Josias. In spite of being released from intensive care and feeling better and more cheerful yesterday (20th September), Josias's condition deteriorated yesterday evening. He is now very fragile. This morning, doctors were still uncertain about his diagnosis and decided they needed to change his course of antibiotics because they weren't working. They still do not understand what the problem in his left lung is. Please pray for their wisdom and that they would understand the cause of these problems. Pilar has spoken at length with the doctors attending Josias and Daniel, Alejandro and myself have spent the day with him. Ninfa and Abraham (two of the members of the Santa Cruz congregation) were with him during the night as he worsened. Many others have spent many hours with Josias like Eidi and Nico and has been visited by many Christian friends.
Please pray for Josias's encouragement. He has a high fever which is confusing him. The pain he is suffering sometimes causes him to expect the worse. Although the doctors say his heart and will is strong, he is still scared. We really need a diagnosis!
An anonymous friend sent us one hundred pounds to help in the expenses of Josias. Thank you very much!
Another friend has offered an interest-free loan to help Bety and her family to get out of their problem. This is a wonderful response. Pray now. please. that we can find a handle to the problem.
Thank you for your prayers for Pilar and I. My health has improved a lot and my last consultation brought very encouraging news. The pain I have been experiencing has decreased significantly.
Please also pray for the Transformation Course developing at Santa Cruz. This is currently in its second week but even with Daniel's help, some interruptions have occurred.
Continue to pray also for the kids in Oaxaca. I am traveling this evening to visit them tomorrow to see how they are doing and to honour other commitments.
Additionally, we have heard that the people of the Hornos Community are well. Those who had not previously been moved away from mudslide danger have been relocated and are in the same shelter as the others (120 families in total). Laurita, Soccorro and Juan Carlos have visited them and we are preparing some plans to take this work forward. This might mean starting a Bible study in their location or encouraging them to attend the Jalalpa Community Centre. Some of the community have written letters to some of you so please don't forget to pray for them too.
In Christ,
Saul, Pilar and Eidi.
Dear Friends,
Here is an update on the various situations in Mexico at the moment.
Please continue to pray for Josias. In spite of being released from intensive care and feeling better and more cheerful yesterday (20th September), Josias's condition deteriorated yesterday evening. He is now very fragile. This morning, doctors were still uncertain about his diagnosis and decided they needed to change his course of antibiotics because they weren't working. They still do not understand what the problem in his left lung is. Please pray for their wisdom and that they would understand the cause of these problems. Pilar has spoken at length with the doctors attending Josias and Daniel, Alejandro and myself have spent the day with him. Ninfa and Abraham (two of the members of the Santa Cruz congregation) were with him during the night as he worsened. Many others have spent many hours with Josias like Eidi and Nico and has been visited by many Christian friends.
Please pray for Josias's encouragement. He has a high fever which is confusing him. The pain he is suffering sometimes causes him to expect the worse. Although the doctors say his heart and will is strong, he is still scared. We really need a diagnosis!
An anonymous friend sent us one hundred pounds to help in the expenses of Josias. Thank you very much!
Another friend has offered an interest-free loan to help Bety and her family to get out of their problem. This is a wonderful response. Pray now. please. that we can find a handle to the problem.
Thank you for your prayers for Pilar and I. My health has improved a lot and my last consultation brought very encouraging news. The pain I have been experiencing has decreased significantly.
Please also pray for the Transformation Course developing at Santa Cruz. This is currently in its second week but even with Daniel's help, some interruptions have occurred.
Continue to pray also for the kids in Oaxaca. I am traveling this evening to visit them tomorrow to see how they are doing and to honour other commitments.
Additionally, we have heard that the people of the Hornos Community are well. Those who had not previously been moved away from mudslide danger have been relocated and are in the same shelter as the others (120 families in total). Laurita, Soccorro and Juan Carlos have visited them and we are preparing some plans to take this work forward. This might mean starting a Bible study in their location or encouraging them to attend the Jalalpa Community Centre. Some of the community have written letters to some of you so please don't forget to pray for them too.
In Christ,
Saul, Pilar and Eidi.
Praise
Dated: Sept 20, 2007Dear all,
Thank you all for your prayers and your concerns for Josias!
I am happy to bring you the news that Josias was released from Intensive Care today! He is responding to medications, his temperature has dropped to somewhere around 100°, and the bleeding has been stopped. Saul reports that Josias is feeling happy to know that he is getting well.
Please continue your prayers for Josias’ complete recovery.
More good news…
As many of you know Saul has not been feeling well and has been undergoing medical treatment for some time. Today, we were happy to learn that he is also responding well to a new course of treatment and is beginning to feel better, as well. Today, under Drs.’ orders, he was able to go out for a cup of coffee and relax for a few minutes of personal celebration.
Tomorrow morning, when we all enjoy our first cup of coffee, perhaps we can celebrate as well. We can all be happy and thank God for the progress that Saul is making.
Please pray for Pilar Cruz as she is undergoing medical tests. She has recently been found to have an accelerated heart rate and pulse. As all of us know, she is a constant pillar of strength for Armonia – the ministry and the community – as well as the Cruz family, always caring for others. As the Drs. continue to investigate, please pray that she will be able to find peace and the rest that she needs, shielded in the comforting arms of our heavenly father.
God Bless each of you and keep you in Armonia,
Mary Clark
Armonia US