Updates on Brian's condition

The following are pasted from Rebecca and Scott Bleeker's updates.  They are members of Brian's home church- The Church in the Wildwood.

Monday, Aug 10

Dan has asked me to send out an e-mail prayer request for the Devilbiss family.  Today, Brian was doing some painting and had a serious fall.  Tonight, he was flown in to Anchorage (Alaska Regional) due to what the doctors believe is bleeding in the brain.  Please keep this family in your prayers and prayerfully consider what our church family can do to support and encourage Jennifer and the children this week.

Tuesday August 11

Brian was in surgery tonight for several hours.  His condition is critical.  Prior to surgery, he was in a very deep coma.  The swelling and bleeding in his brain was substantial.  The surgeon took a very aggressive approach in an attempt to slow the bleeding and swelling by removing a portion of the skull. 
At this time, Brian has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit.  The surgeon does not know what condition he will wake up in after they decrease the sedation. 
Please continue to pray for Brian's recovery and for Jennifer as she waits.  Also, tomorrow I'll talk to Jennifer and try to get a better idea of what her specific needs are.  I don't think she had any food, clothes, toiletries, books, Bible, or anything with her.  So, perhaps we can put together a nice basket with these items for her if she has a place in the hospital where she can keep them.  I'll send out an update tomorrow with more information on how we can help Jennifer. 

Wed. August 12

Thank you for the overwhelming outpour of love and support for Brian, Jennifer, and their family!  Brian's condition is still critical as he is not completely stable, nor breathing completely on his own.  It sounds like the doctors plan to keep him in a medically induced coma throughout the week in an attempt to allow the swelling in his brain to go down.  I will send out an update if this changes. 
Sonya Vaughn spoke to Jennifer this afternoon.  She is quite overwhelmed by the whole situation and she needs some time to think, pray, and process everything.  At this time, with Brian's condition so critical, please do not visit the hospital or attempt to call Jennifer.  She really just desires time alone right now.  The Elders, Deacons, and their wives will be points of contact for updates and for information on how you can help Jennifer.  If you have a specific message or question for Jennifer, please talk to Sonya as she will be in contact with Jennifer as needed.

Here are some ways that you can continue to support this dear family (and please do!):

-Please pray for Brian's recovery and healing.  Pray that his pain would be limited.  If Brian is able to hear and understand, pray that he would also be encouraged and at peace, resting in the Lord.

-Please pray for Jennifer.  She is very tired, wrestling with nausea and trying to keep food down, and is suffering from substantial back pain.  In addition, she has a lot of decisions to make and many differing advisers.  Pray for her strength and encouragement.  Pray that she would be at peace.  Pray for wisdom as she makes decisions.  Pray for those who are close to her to have wisdom and discernment as they seek to help her and advise her.  Pray that Jennifer would glorify and honor God as she responds to everything that is going on. 
-Pray for Kari Anne and Joseph.  They are staying with their grandmother in Palmer and doing much better today.  Pray that their little hearts would be encouraged to trust in God in this difficult situation.

-Finances are an issue of concern.  Pray for God to be glorified by providing for their needs.  Please consider giving toward the family's need.  Lori Walsh and Lavonne Bennet are collecting funds to put together a basket for Jennifer and they will be giving her a cash gift.  If you'd like to contribute cash toward Jennifer's immediate needs, please talk to Lori or Lavonne. 
-If you'd like to give Jennifer a card to let her know you're thinking of her and praying for her, please give cards to one of the Elders or Deacons. 
Again, Jennifer is so thankful for all of the love and support. 

Thursday, Aug 13

Scott and I spoke with Jennifer this morning.  She was finally able to get about 6 hours of sleep last night and felt a little more fresh this morning.  Her stomach was also feeling better.  In addition, there were some very neat ways that God has provided for specific financial needs. 
This morning, there wasn't much news to report on Brian.  Jennifer said that the nurses told her his right eye has been "fixed" since he arrived at the hospital.  The doctor believes this is due to cornea damage and that he will likely lose some use of that eye.  However, the other eye seems to be responsive.  Tonight, the doctors planned to begin reducing the sedatives to see what will happen.

The nursing staff has made a decision that Brian's condition is critical enough that they will not allow any visitors outside of family.  Brian's blood pressure was spiking whenever he had visitors.  Jennifer is also still trying to rest and take care of several business manners.  She asks that she still have no calls or visitors, especially since she is sleeping when she can.  Furthermore, if she is away from Brian, her phone needs to be free for the hospital to reach her. 
If you would like to get a card to Jennifer, please mail it to:
Jennifer Devilbiss
C/O Scott Bleeker
122 Rusty Allen Place
Anchorage, AK 99504

Every couple of days or so, Scott, Dan, or Greg will take whatever cards we receive over to the hospital and drop them off for Jennifer.  You can also give a card for Jennifer to Sonya or I on Sunday.

As mentioned in previous updates, financial needs are a concern.  Many of you have asked how you can contribute financially.  Lori and Lavonne are no longer taking cash donations for a basket.  A very nice basket and all the cash donations received so far were delivered to Jennifer yesterday.  If you'd still like to contribute, there are a few options.  One option is to include a check for Jennifer in a card and mail it to the above address.  In addition, Brian's family will possibly be setting up a bank account for donations.  I will pass along information on the bank account when it becomes available. Finally, another option is to contribute to the church deacon's fund.  Again, I will send out more information (hopefully tomorrow) about contributing to the deacon's fund. 
If you are looking for another option to serve, Sonya and Deanna are coordinating meals for Jennifer's mom who is taking care of the children and has also recently had a double knee replacement. Jennifer would really like for Karianne to be able to see Brian.  Please pray that the ICU staff would allow that (ICU rules are no one under 12 is admitted). 
Please continue to keep Jennifer and Brian in your prayers.  Also, praise God for His provision.