April 11: Update on Jonatán

Yesterday was a fairly quiet day; Jona seemed to be extra tired and napped off and on most of the morning and into early afternoon. Seeing him like that was very difficult for us, making us extra thankful for his “alert” time, especially today.

After not resting very well during the night two nights ago, he seemed to have a more restful night last night. We’re thankful! As I posted on FaceBook: “Rest is certainly not to be taken for granted!”

Visitors have also been a blessing!

We’re especially thankful for Ron Hamilton (“Patch the Pirate”) who came this afternoon with his wife and son, Jason, to sing several encouraging songs, including Jona’s current favorites: Bow the Knee and Be Still, my Soul. What a blessing! We can only imagine what Heaven will be like when we who have been redeemed sing together in our Savior’s presence...

Read Ron Hamilton’s story – and find out how he learned to “rejoice in the Lord” in the middle of his trials!

We were deeply moved by the Hamiltons’ heart-felt, humble, and gracious ministry to us...

Jona was especially blessed by their ministry – and Marcos was delighted to have Patch the Pirate here, too!

Patch the Pirate was also a highlight for our Little Princess!

April 9: Update on Jonatán

We are praising our gracious God for continuing to answer prayer: Jona's Grandma Torres and Aunt Julia arrived this morning, and we've been enjoying a day together as extended extended family!

"How is Jona doing?" We, too, wonder. It's really hard to know... His body is growing weaker by the day, but his spirit is growing stronger and stronger and stronger. God's enabling grace continually amazes us!

A number of friends and classmates stopped by today; Jona continues to be encouraged.

By the way, check yesterday's post for pictures of last night's Skyped Sophomore Class Party. What a blessing technology like this can be!

Yes, we have abundant reasons to praise our God!

If you are new to reading this blog and especially Jona's story, you will probably find the following posts helpful:

August 9, 2009: The beginning of this chapter in Jonatan's life

August 29, 2009: Jonatan's testimony

October 7, 2009: Focusing on God's truths

November 26, 2009: So much to be thankful for

December 10, 2009: Seeking the LORD and resting in Him

November 5, 2010: Trusting our Good Shepherd

November 25, 2010: So much to be thankful for

April 3, 2011: Praying realistically

Once again, pray for a restful night... (Rest is certainly not to be taken for granted!)

Please continue to pray for Jona and for all of us; we are waiting on our Good Shepherd for the answer that will most glorify Him, knowing that it will also be His best for us all.

April 8: Update on Jonatán

The day began with the following FaceBook status:

Please PRAY for Jonatan David Torres; he had a good, restful night but is now struggling (more than "usual") to breathe...

By God's grace, tonight's FaceBook status reads:

Thank-you for praying for Jonatan David Torres today. His breathing improved as the day went on, and he was encouraged by a conference call that included him in this evening's Sophomore Class Party at BJA.

Please pray now for another restful night, free of complications...

Thank-you for praying so faithfully! God is working...

“Bow the Knee!”

We’ve been singing another of Jona’s favorite hymns. I’m struck by the significance – for all of us (including you!) – of the last line of the chorus (highlighted in bold font below):

What a privilege to come into God’s presence,
Just to linger with the One who set me free.
As I lift my eyes and see His awesome glory,
I remember who He is and bow the knee.

Bow the knee! Bow the knee!
He is King of all the Ages! Bow the knee!
God alone on His throne!
See Him high and lifted up and bow the knee!
Kneel before Him; all adore Him.
As you live to love Him more, bow the knee.

In His hand He holds the power of creation.
With His voice He spoke, and all things came to be.
Yet He hears each simple prayer I bring before Him
When I humbly seek His face and bow the knee.

Bow the knee! Bow the knee!
He is King of all the Ages! Bow the knee!
God alone on His throne!
See Him high and lifted up and bow the knee!
Kneel before Him; all adore Him.
As you live to love Him more, bow the knee.

Bow the knee!

Words and music by Ron Hamilton

April 7: Update on Jonatán

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

(Psalm 136)

We invite you to continue praising the Lord with us!

We are, once again, thankful for another good night. Jona was able to sleep several stretches, lying down – a real answer to prayer since it is often very difficult for him to find a comfortable position and really rest.

We were in contact with the airlines today – and were able to arrange earlier flights for Jona's Grandma Torres and Aunt Julia. They are now scheduled to arrive on Saturday, April 9 – two days sooner than originally planned!

Praise the LORD!

Please continue to pray; we are waiting on our Good Shepherd for the answer that will most glorify His Name, knowing that it will also be His best for us all.

April 6: Update on Jonatán

We're thankful for another good night. Jona did start coughing this morning, however...

We continue to wait on the LORD for His best for us all.

We certainly appreciate your praying! Thank-you for leaving encouraging notes, too. Computer time is often limited these days, but we are encouraged as we read each note.

Please continue to pray...

Praise the Lord with us! Esteban's sister and mother were given airline miles to purchase tickets and are scheduled to arrive in Greenville on Monday, April 11.

Not only was Julia granted a visa, she was given a ten-year visa! God answered exceeding abundantly above anything we could ask or even think! (Ephesians 3)

Please pray that we would be able to arrange earlier flights for them. We've been in daily contact with the airlines, but representatives insist that the earliest available flights out of Uruguay are on Sunday, April 10. (Does anyone have "connections" with United Airlines?!)

Please continue to pray for strength for Jona – and for restful sleep, especially at night.

We are thankful for God's good hand on our lives; we praise Him for His sustaining grace, and we know He will continue to deal mercifully with us. We are believing His good words:

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136)

April 5: Update on Jonatán

After a rough beginning last night, Jona was eventually able to rest well. This morning, he told me: “I found a comfortable position and was able to sleep.” God answered prayer! And Jona has had a good day today, too.

When you read about “good” days, please keep in mind that we’re thinking back to eleven evenings ago when we were seeing signs that should have meant it was Jona’s last evening with us. God has given us eleven “bonus” days with him... Then again, He has given every one of us eleven “bonus” days. Only God knows the number of our days – and yours, too! (Psalm 139)

We are thankful for Jona’s continued ministry – to us as his extended family as well as to innumerable folks literally around the world! And we’re thankful for the precious moments we’ve enjoyed especially in the past few days, singing favorite hymns as a family and sharing passages – especially from the Psalms.

So many have encouraged us, letting us know that you pray for Jona when the Lord awakens you in the middle of the night. Several have commented that sleeplessness or interruptions are unusual for you, and you have taken the opportunity to pray for Jona and for us. We appreciate your praying – more than words could possibly say...

And now, night is once again upon us... With the darkening sky come the challenges of once again trying to find a comfortable position and rest in sleep; we appreciate your continued prayers for Jona...

Please do pray for another restful night.