A PRAYER FOR HEALING AND WHOLENESS
Angela Johnson, a single mother with two children, asks for the prayers of the MAX community.  As a result of abuse in her life, she suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome, depression and panic disorder.  Unable to work, she lives on a small monthly disability income.  Her very limited income has resulted in a considerable debt load for her.  Angela has a dream, a dream of finding a living situation which would allow her to return to school to receive training in order to minister to abused women. 

A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT & AFTERMATH
On May 30, 77 year old MAX member and prominent Cambridge, Ontario business man, Richard Schiedel, was involved in a horrific head on automobile collision near Hamilton, Ontario.  Richard was airlifted to Hamilton General Hospital where he remained in a medically induced coma for several days before undergoing surgery for internal injuries in addition to extensive bruising, five broken ribs and a severe laceration to his left arm.  Complications required a second surgery which resulted in a Sepsis infection and another induced coma.  As of June 22, Richard is awake, coherent and again breathing on his own.

WEATHER HAVOC IN WESTERN CANADA
Heavy, voluminous, and persistent rains since mid-June have created enormous difficulties across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.  Flooding creeks and rivers, failed reservoirs and more water than storm sewers could accommodate, resulted in damage to thousands of homes.  Near the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, the Trans-Canada highway has been closed because a large sinkhole, created by flood waters, destroyed a significant stretch of highway.  Many communities have declared a state of local emergency and are making application to their respective province for funding assistance under provincial/federal Disaster Recovery programs.  A number of the communities affected, including Lethbridge, Coaldale, Taber, Medicine Hat in Alberta; Swift Current and Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, have sizeable numbers of MAX Constituents. 

 

Farmers also have been severely impacted.  In addition to damage to buildings, crops have drowned and many fields remain unplanted.  An agricultural official in Saskatchewan estimates that "the number of acres left unseeded and now under water is expected to be a staggering 10 million acres while crops already seeded are also being flooded out."  We ask our readers to remember these areas of Canada and all of the people across North America who have experienced damage, lost homes, lost crops, lost income and face monstrous cleanup challenges over the coming months due to inclement weather.
 

UPDATES
Rachel Medernach:  As reported in earlier emails, Rachel, a young mother from near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, received catastrophic head trauma and skull injuries in an ATV accident last October.  Her family is delighted to report that she recently had a titanium plate surgically inserted to replace her broken skull.  Thankfully, Rachel was able to return home recently.  Her parents report that, "She is not walking yet and her cognitive abilities remain weak.  She continues to receive rehab at home and is getting stronger, but she still needs a lot of prayer support."  In a June 22 visit to her surgeon, he expressed pleasure with the way she is healing.  Funds raised by friends and family are supporting her current in-home rehabilitative treatments.  We celebrate Rachel's return home to her family and her continued progress in healing.  We invite readers to remember Rachel and her family in her continued healing process.
 
Josh and Angela Hiebert, Abbotsford, British Columbia: (November 2009)  Josh, a young man nearing completion of his Chiropractic studies program, is battling with Leukemia and currently faces lengthy intense chemotherapy.   Angela, his wife, shares the following update in a recent email.  "As we approach the one-year date of Joshua's diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, we are reminded of the blessings and support that have been provided to us from many sources. We have been truly blessed in the midst of this anguishing journey.  At the end of June, Joshua begins his sixth and final phase of chemotherapy treatment.  This phase will take two years to complete and we are hopeful that this part of treatment will allow for a better sense of well being for Joshua as he rebuilds his strength and energy- mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually."   Angela's mother adds her comments.  "We appreciate the opportunity to share our story with the Support Network, knowing that many prayers are being lifted up on their behalf.  Thank you for your continued prayers for Joshua and Angela.  God is the Master healer.  The journey is long but as Angela says, 'we are conquering the leukemia one day at a time'." 

 

Continue to pray for Joshua and Angela and their families as they devote their energy and support towards Joshua's treatment and recovery. 

 

Emilee Bender-Betik: (May 27) After a courageous two year struggle with brain cancer, 32 year old Emilee Bender passed away on June 27.  Emilee was the daughter of Ken and Linda Bender and beloved wife of Nick Betik.   Her father Ken was a long time director of the Mennonite Aid Union and agent for MAX Canada.  We pray for the family as they prepare for Emilee's funeral on July 1 at Breslau Mennonite Church near Kitchener, Ontario.