First Sunday of Advent

I find myself coming back to this reading again and again over the past few days:

Waiting with Patience
by Henri Nouwen from Bread for the Journey

"How do we wait for God? We wait with patience. But patience does not mean passivity. Waiting patiently is not like waiting for the bus to come, the rain to stop, or the sun to rise. It is an active waiting in which we live the present moment to the full in order to find there the signs of the One we are waiting for.

"The word patience comes from the Latin verb patior, which means "to suffer". Waiting patiently is suffering through the present moment, tasting it to the full, and letting the seeds that are sown in the ground on which we stand grow into strong plants. Waiting patiently always means paying attention to what is happening right before our eyes and seeing there the first rays of God's glorious coming."


等候與忍耐
(Waiting with Patience…by Henri Nouwen from Bread for the Journey)

“我們應如何等候神？”我們以忍耐等候，但等候不代表被動，耐心的等候不只是等巴士到站，等雨停或太陽初昇，而是有力的盼望，努力的活出當下，好讓我們發現我們所等待的那一位，所顯示的印証。

忍耐的拉丁字源代表“受苦”，忍耐等候代表我們雖受苦於當下，卻堅毅的活著，等待那己撒於地土的種子，茁壯破土而出；忍耐等候，也表示我們留意眼下週遭所遇之事，讓我們可注視神所發出的第一道榮光。

(Chinese translation by The Oaks)

prayer update 091128am

Dad's been blessed with various types of external stimulation over the past 11 days, including visits from close friends and family, with the blessings of prayers, scripture, physical touch, words of encouragement, love song sung, and recorded sweet messages from granddaughter! Dad continues to show small movements at the right time to let us know that he appreciates the love received.

In recent days, we thank God also for leading to us a knowledgeable friend to help with dad's situation. Dad has been responding to the different pressure point simulations. We feel that God is helping us to stay hopeful partly through the alternative report of this knowledgeable friend.

We continue to pray that God will wake dad up when the timing is right.

過去11天，不同的外界刺激，包括親友的探訪、禱告、讀經、觸摸、說話的鼓勵、聖詩、及孫女的甜甜錄音，均祝福著父親，於不同微妙的時刻，父親都有些微的肢體反應，讓我們知道他感謝這各樣的祝福。

過去幾日，我們感謝神差了一位奇妙的朋友，使我們對父親的狀況有多點了解，父親的身體對某些點壓有反應，這好像是神讓我們從這另類的觀察，得以保持我們的信心，我們會繼續祈求神於祂所定的時間裡，使父親甦醒。
(Translation by The Oaks)

Meeting with Dr. Wong 091127

Met with Dr. Wong this afternoon. He has a way of bringing us back to his reality each time. His message is still the same, asking us to "hope for the best, and prepare for the worst". He said that not much has changed in the past few days, and his coma scale still fluctuates around 3-4 out of 15, of which we have been aware.

Within the doc's very grim message, we were able to pick out the positive news that according to dad's recent brain scan, it showed minimal brain damage caused by the blood built up before the initial surgery (but perhaps damage only from the period of lack of oxygen). Dr. Wong also shared that the next steps for dad include weaning him off the breathing machine, and also the drainage tube from his brain. He laid out upcoming problems to be expected, including pneumonia and other complications. He said there's nothing much more they could do in the meantime, except to wait for dad to wake up.

When asked what family members could do besides waiting, he said, "pray"!! Really, that's what he prescribed for us!! So we'll faithfully continue with our daily doses of prayer!

今天下午與黃醫生會面，如常的，他總叫我們要面對現實，現時可說的，只是“希望最好，但預備最壞的”。醫生說父親的情況於過去幾天沒有甚麼轉變，昏迷指數仍是徘徊於 3 – 4之間〈15分滿分〉。

跟醫生的對話裏，我們稍安慰的，是父親最近的腦掃描顯示，中風血塊所造成的腦部破壞不算嚴重〈但腦缺氧所造成的損害則仍未可知〉。黃醫生說未來可以造的，只是逐步把呼吸機拿走，把腦液導管除去。醫生也說到可見的問題是，肺炎和其他併發症，他說現除了等待父親自己醒來，旁人沒甚麼可做。

當問到除了等之外，可有甚麼可做，醫生只說祈禱。醫生只是開了這劑祈禱葯，就讓我們每天憑信祈求。
(Chinese translation by The Oaks)

prayer update 091127 am

“Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” – James 5:16 (The Message)

In our prayer with family this morning, we were led to pray not only for dad but for each other as well. We believe that healing and wholeness is found in relationships.

That said, we are so grateful of the community of believers whom God has led to praying for dad together. Dad showed increased movement and reflex last night with his legs, chest, neck & head, mouth & tongue. We thank God that he’s giving us small signs of His great work (not only limited to dad’s healing, of course)!

Praise be to God, now and always.


｢所以你們應當彼此認罪，互相代求，這樣你們就可以痊愈。義人祈禱所發出的力量，是大有功效的。｣ (雅各書5:16)

今早與家人祈禱的時候，我們被感動不單為父親祈求，也彼此代求。我們相信醫治與圓滿源自我們的關係。

雖然如此，我們仍是為着上帝感動眾多的信徒群體為父親祈禱獻上感恩。昨晚父親在腿、胸部、頸和頭、口和舌的動作與反射比前增加。我們感謝上帝讓我們看見祂奇妙大工的小記號 (那當然不只限於父親得醫治)！

讚美主。
(Chinese translation by The Oaks)

prayer update 091126 am

Thank God for the surgery performed on dad yesterday. He now has a tube near his throat for airflow, and a new tube for draining excess liquid from his head.

We continue to pray that he’d wake up from his coma.

We pray also that his high fever and chest infection can be controlled with medications.

prayer update 091125 am

In our family morning prayer today, I was struck with the thought that when we are able to appreciate and value dad for the person that he is and the gifts that he brings, he would wake up to a better reality than the one he’s known!

Also in the same period of time, we received word from the hospital that they’ll perform on dad today the tracheostomy procedure for mechanical ventilation, and an additional surgery for helping drain excess liquid from his brain area. As he’ll be under general anesthesia during the surgery, the hospital called to warn us of the many risks involved.

Please pray that God will protect dad during and after the surgery today, and that he’d become better because of it.

prayer update 091124

Thank God that Dad's pneumonia continues to be under control, and that he’s looking less pale than before.

Talked with the attending doctor tonight. He said that the trial weaning off of dad’s drainage tube has caused his conscious level to go back down to 3 out of 15. Please pray that the doctors will find a successful alternative.

Dad’s blood pressure continues to fluctuate, but is said to be at a normal range. Please continue to pray for a strong heart for dad.

prayer update 091123

Dad was much calmer last night, without the frustration of chest hiccups from the previous day. According to the Glasgow coma scale, however, he’s back down to 3-4 yesterday.

The doctor said that it’d take a miracle for his recovery, so we’ll continue to pray to our God of miracles on this day:

Pray that dad will adjust well to the slow removal of the drainage tube from his brain area over the next while, that he’s able to create enough pressure on his own to get rid of the excess liquid there.

Pray that his chest infection can be minimized.

Thank God that he no longer requires medication for his previously low blood pressure. Pray that his heart will becomes stronger and stronger.


父親肺部呼吸不暢，已較昨天舒緩，但他的復蘇指數（Glasgow coma scale）卻降囘3-4 分。醫生說父親需要一個神蹟才能康復。為此，我們會繼續為這神蹟祈禱。

祈求父親能適應因移除腦液導管的不適， 並他的腦部可自行調節囘正常的腦壓，使腦內多餘的液體排走。

祈求父親的肺部不適可減少。

感謝神，父親已不用注射對付低血壓的葯物，祈求他的心臟可恢復正常運作的強度。

（Translation by The Oaks)

Prayer Update 091122

We're joined together in worshipping of our Lord today.

Dad is still in coma last we saw him. Please pray that he’ll show an increase in motor, eye and verbal response in the coming days.

Please pray that God will empower him in his upcoming fight against pneumonia.

Please continue to pray for the regeneration of the brain stem and the middle brain cells, and for a strong heart that lasts.


家人們今天一起去敬拜主。

父親仍在昏迷。請為他在未來日子在手腳、眼部和語言的反應有所增加祈禱。

請為上帝賜能力給父親對抗肺炎祈禱。

請持續為父親腦幹及中腦細胞的再造和健壯的心臟功能祈禱。
(Translation by The Oaks)

Summary of the interview with Dr Wong 091120 - by Sonia from PES

Dr will consider to have a small incision on his throat (tracheostomy ) to connect the airway to the respirator. This procedure is not urgent and may be carried out next week.

Risks of the operation are explained and considered as rare, perforate to the upper lobe of the lungs, tear the artery, constriction of the trachea may happen in long term. But the immediate benefits are more weighed, usually patient need to be on respirator more than a week, Benny is the case that Dr recommends to have tracheostomy. Because it facilitates the nursing care, mainly to aspirate the sputum that is to relieve the symptoms of infection. And if the patient arouse and able to breathe on himself, it’s more safe for the wean off respirator period.

His conscious level is still described as in coma. Dr said they usually employ the Glasglow scale for assessment of the conscious level, which may not best suit post- stroke patient but as a common language between the medical team. The full mark is 15 for a normal person with all motor, sensory and verbal responses. Benny is regarded as 5-6 now while just after operation was 3. Dr said he responds to pain and have some minor movements. But still they regard the progress is slow. If he can open eyes and response to verbal stimulation, that will be more positive.

The damage to the cerebellum due to stroke is not fatal but the pressure that inserted to the brain stem and middle brain is more crucial. Since the cerebellum is more in supporting function, while the brain stem controls the functions of the vital organs. Dr said the operation relieved the pressure and then we have to wait for the response of the brain. 70-80% cases Dr Wong encountered did not recover, of course, he admits there is miracle. In the meantime, Dr said it’s OK to have some gentle stimulation to Benny, in whatever ways that we like.

Chest infection is unavoidable as a bedridden patient and on respirator (because the lungs can’t be fully expanded and have effective exchange of air). Even with antibiotics, the infection won’t be cured. It just prevent deterioration. And chest infection can be fatal.

There was a minor heart attack during the operation. Benny's heart beat has been unstable after operation. Dr has infused medication to stabilize the condition.

Sonia

prayer update 091120

The message that our family received from above this morning - Pray for awakening for dad as well as the people of God!



Please pray specifically for the regeneration of the brain stem and the middle brain cells.

Pray that the lung infection can be minimized, and its function will not deteriorate.

Pray that dad's heart will regain its full strength again.

Pray that His body and soul will continue to be breathed by God.


======================================

20091120斗叔代禱事項摘要：

斗叔仍陷昏迷狀態，蘇醒指數略有進展，手術後是3，現在是5 -6。請為下列需要祈禱：


1. 家人領受需要同時為斗叔和神子民的蘇醒祈禱。

2. 請為斗叔腦幹和中腦細胞的再生祈禱。

3. 請為斗叔肺部所受的影響盡量減至最低祈禱，使肺功能不致轉差。

4. 請為斗叔心臟重新得力祈禱。

5. 求主將氣息繼續吹進斗叔身體和心靈。

Translation by The Oaks

Benny Chin's update 091119

God is good! Praise God that the healing is already taking place in dad’s body.

Last night when we visited dad, he was able to move his fingers and shoulders. Many brothers and sisters mentioned that dad has been able to respond to them with some motions here and there.

Josh arrived at the hospital from Vancouver at around 8pm last night. Dad managed to gently squeeze our hands and tried to connect with us through his limited motions.

We went to the hospital around noon time today and were denied the visit. Perhaps it is not advisable to visit dad other than the regular visiting hours (6pm-8pm) anymore.

The latest update is from tonight’s visit. Dad is still in coma. We did not get to see the doctor today, and have requested to make an appointment with him. We were told by the nurse that his right side is more responsive than his left, and from the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) dad has progressed from 3 out of 15 to 5 out of 15. We noticed that he can move his right fingers more than yesterday, and was able to lift up his left hand for a few centimeters.

Please continue to pray for dad’s awakening (the sooner, the better)! Pray that no further bleeding will occur in his brain during this critical period; lung infection will be minimal; heart can regain its full strength again.


In Him,
Tien, Patrick, and Josh

The Oaks - Pls pray for Benny Chin 091118

Pls find latest of Benny as prepared by his beloved daughter and son-in-law. If you want to leave messages to the Chins, pls write to The Oaks Secretariat at info@theoaksnet.org. Thank you for your love and care to the Chins at this very critical moment.


Blessings,
The Oaks Team in Hong Kong.


=======================================


To God be the glory!

The God that we believe in is the same God that breathes life into humanity, parts the migthy sea, resurrects death, and fills those who's asleep with the Holy Spirit!!

Tien's father, Benny, had a stroke around 2pm yesterday afternoon (Nov 17). He was delivered to the hospital within one hour. The doctor made a diagnosis from the brain scan and had operation to clear the blood from his brain. An abnormal blood vessel broke during the operation so there was a massive cerebral haemorrhage, which the doctor was able stop and 90% of the blood clots was cleared.

After we learned the news from our family in Hong Kong, we went on the next avaliabe flight and arrived in Hong Kong at around 2am this morning. We went to visit dad at QE hospital this morning, and met with the surgeon who performed the operation. Based on dad's response, the doctor provided us with a synopsis of dad's situation. Dad is still in coma, and he has to rely on the respiratory machine to breathe. The doctor said it is up to dad to come around... He made a minor remark that brain stroke is a serious condition, that the majority of patients do not have full recovery. The nurse in the Special Care Ward told us to make sure all the close relatives come back to see him as soon as possible. Josh is schedule to come back
from Canada tonight.

However, in the midst of uncertainty and fear, we give thanks to the Lord for He is alive and sovereign. His comfort has been with our family throughout the whole process. Praise God that when the stroke happened, a friend was with him and was able to get him the medical attention he needed right away. Praise God that the surgeon, who is a Christian, was the neurologist who happened to be on duty at that very moment. Therefore, they were able to put dad on operation table within 3 hours, which is a very desirable situation. While the family in Hong Kong were praying yesterday, the Lord gave them Psalm 118, which was the same passage that Patrick's colleague shared during devotion yesterday morning. We feel that God's comfort is tender and gentle. And today while our cousin Camellia was praying with dad, our aunt felt some motion that caused his bed to move.

Life is in our Lord's hand, and we believe that we can experience his grace on earth as it is in heaven!

Please pray for dad that he will be awakened. Pray that our family will come closer to God and to each other through this incidence. Pray that the Lord will be acknowledged in the whole process. Pray that God will manifest his healing power on dad's body, as well as Christ's.


In Him,

Patrick, Tien (and Josh)

______________________________________


斗叔女兒女婿電郵大意如下：

1. 斗叔於昨(17/11)午因腦中風在香港被送往醫院，情況危急。昨日 黃昏腦專科醫生為他進行腦部手術，清除血塊，手術期間一條畸型血管 再次爆破，帶來大量出血，但醫生立時對應止血，並已清除百分之九十的血塊。

2. 他已於昨晚返回深切治療部護理，現仍陷入昏迷狀態，倚靠呼 吸機協助呼吸。

3. 主診醫生說腦中風是嚴峻的，大部份病人難以完全康復。

4. 斗叔女兒女婿外孫女已於昨晚抵港，兒子現從加拿大回來，將 於今晚抵達。

5. 感謝上帝在事件中帶給家人的安慰，並在危難中給斗叔的保守 眷顧。他出事時有朋友在旁協助他進醫院，腦專科醫生恰巧在當值，進醫 院三小時內便安排到手術室做手術，主理的醫護人員又恰巧是基督徒。

6. 昨天上帝以詩篇118篇安慰家人，那恰巧也是女婿於昨日早上從 同事聆聽的信息。今早家人在病房為斗叔祈禱時，家人感到床在震動。

7. 家人相信斗叔生命在主手中，請為斗叔甦醒祈禱，並願此事將 家人更緊的靠在一起，與上帝更親近。

8. 祈求主的作為在整個過程被人認識，並祈求上帝彰顯衪醫治的 大能在斗叔身上。