Sunday, February 20, 2011

Malaria



Patton is better. He had malaria and was very ill for 3 days; not eating, not keeping anything down, high fever and sleeping all the time. I am thankful for good medicine that is available and your prayers. He never developed cerebral malaria, which is the life threatening stage. He is now laughing, playful and catching up with his eating. Yesterday he told me he was dreaming of steak.

As a physician, knowing what malaria can do, his illness scared me. It also underscored for me one of the key reasons we are here. Malaria takes the lives of nearly 1 million children a year. Most of these children live in Africa. Most of these children would not die if they were given the correct medicine in time. Each and everyone of these children are dear to God.

Thanks for praying for Patton. Please pray for the children who live in Africa and do not have a daddy who is a doctor, or any access to good medical care for that matter. Pray for improvement in the healthcare system here to serve them better. Pray for people from countries overloaded with medicines and medical care to come and serve here.

Thank you for supporting us to be here so that we can fight for these little ones. Thank you to Saint James United Methodist Church who sent money to by medicines and nets to protect the little ones. Thank you for praying!

2 comments:

  1. We have been thinking and praying for you guys over the past few weeks. I am so encouraged that Patton is recovering. You guys are amazing! I am encouraged frequently as I hear about your faith, struggles and sacrifices. Thank you for continuing to share your journey through the blog and newsletters. Lots of love . . .

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  2. There's a stomach bug going around here, made me think of this post and to give thanks for the access we have to medical care and even that our bodies are nourished enough to fight diseases that are deadly in other parts of the world.

    I'm so grateful for you Johnsons! Thanks for being honest about the joys and the sorrows and the pains of ministering where you are. You spur me on to love and good deeds; praying that God will give you ever increasing faith. To Him be the glory!

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