We all witness and experience tragedies; in our families, our communities and throughout the world.  Our news media are full of tragic stories.  In this issue of the Support Network Ministry email, we want to celebrate and give thanks for three potential tragedies that have turned into good news stories.  Each of the following families have expressed profound thanksgiving.  We ask readers to join with them. 

A Tragedy Averted

An explosion caused by spilled fuel contacting a furnace pilot light while repairing his skidoo, created a very close call for MAX Canada member Ron Mayman on Saturday, March 1st.  While the building he was working in was destroyed, Ron narrowly escaped, suffering burns to his face and hands.  It could have been so much worse!  Hospitalized for four days, the Mayman's have been informed that Ron should not experience scarring from the burns on his face or hands.  Owner of A-One Concrete, Ron hopes the healing will allow him to return to work within six weeks.  Ron and his wife Sue are extremely grateful that the injuries are not worse, and for the wonderful support already received from their faith community, Wanner Mennonite Church in Cambridge.  We ask you to join the Maymans and their faith community in their thanksgiving that a greater tragedy was avoided, and in prayer for Ron's full and speedy recovery.

A Very Close Call

On February 19th, MAX Canada member Fred Martin was cutting down a broken tree. As the tree fell, a broken upper portion came down and struck Fred on the forehead and face causing serious life-threatening injuries.  On their arrival, rescue crews doubted Fred's survival, given the scene they encountered.  Although Fred lost consciousness in the ambulance and had some memory gaps, he remained conscious through most of the ordeal and exhibited his classic sense of humour with rescuers and medical staff.  Rushed to Grand River Hospital in Kitchener and then to McMaster Hospital in Hamilton, surgeons were able to intervene quickly and effectively.  On February 25th, they reconstructed his nose and his face and also reassembled his skull.  Fred is truly the recipient of several miracles:

• The very fact that he survived is a miracle.
• The fact that in spite of the severe trauma there is no brain damage or impairment.
• The Miracle of efficient rescue crews and modern surgery.
• The amazing surgical skills which mean there will be no disfigurement from the incident.
• A supportive neighbourhood and faith community which surrounded the family with care and support.

Fred has returned home and is recovering well.  He and his wife Judy have four children at home and are members of the Stanley Park Community Church in Kitchener.  Let us share the family's thanksgiving for the remarkable survival and recovery Fred has experienced.  Pray for Judy, who leaves a recovering husband this week for a long-planned trip to Ecuador to visit a sister doing mission work there. 

A Welcome Prognosis

Breast cancer is a fact of life for all communities and many families.  Ken and Julie Wall offer thanks to God for "the best possible scenario", when Judy underwent a mastectomy on February 13th.  Fearing the worst, they were greatly relieved to discover that the cancer was non-invasive and all tests on the lymph nodes were negative.  Let's celebrate with them in prayerful thanksgiving.  Ken and Julie, MAX Canada members, have a large farming operation in the Port Burwell area of Ontario.  They are members of Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church.

The Lord will watch over your life; the lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and for evermore. 

Psalm 121: 7b-8