mgpcpastor's blog

No news being good news, the lack of updates about Jozua is an indication that his condition has continued to improve at pace.
Here’s an open letter from Jozua’s father and mother, and below is a photo of a feature article that was published last week in our local paper. (It’s referred to in the open letter.)
I’m sure you’ll be encouraged, especially those of you depending on God’s presence and power in your own situations.
We know not every prayer gets answered like this, but we know every prayer is heard.

All,
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” – John 6:35
Here we are getting back to you in an email again. Since last email, when we were anticipating we would be going home in 2 days time, almost 3 weeks have passed already! Time seems to be going a lot faster home than in hospital – family life is a lot more dynamic than hospital life, I suppose.
It was great to return home after a 5 hour trip from Adelaide to Mount Gambier. Before that we had many ‘farewell’ teas in Adelaide with friends. Busy in a pleasant way. We said goodbye to many in the hospital, PICU, Kate Hill and the adolescent ward. It was with some sadness (however strange this may sound) to leave the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where they cared so well for Jozua over this period of time.
Jozua enjoyed the trip home, questioning what his siblings’ issue had been with doing that return trip every weekend over the previous 4 weeks. We celebrated Jozua’ return by doing nothing special on the Saturday afternoon (cleaning up and home duties) and a meal at the local Chinese restaurant at night. It was great to be home again, I must say.
On Sunday we were all exited to go to church, meeting many of our friends who had been, and continue to be, praying for Jozua and his family, as well as been encouraged by the peace that God’s grace gives us. The Heidelberg Question and answer 1 was the confession of faith, and among other beautiful songs we sang about the 10,000 reasons for my heart to sing. All people were taken by the fact how well Jozua was (and is), taking into account the accident he had had only 10 weeks earlier. God has done a miracle, and we should look at Him, Creator and sustainer of life. Jozua feels a bit overpowered by the fact that people look at him, but we continue to say that Jozua has just been a tool in God’s hands to show His wonders and make us more reliant on Him. It is great to be on the receiving end and to witness answer to prayer.
On Monday Jozua went back to school, up till recess. He enjoyed being back with his classmates (in hospital it seems to be adults talking to you all the time, and they do not know too much about Minecraft, Pokemon, or other 13 year old interests). Happened to be starting with a double lesson PE. Jozua then managed to run 1,500 meters, and he declared at home “And I was not even the last one to finish” (apologies to those who finished after Jozua). So is good to see how well Jozua is mixing in and how well he has been welcomed back at the school.
Last week Jozua went back to school till lunch time. In the afternoon there are regular sessions with speech pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, filled up with homeschooling by dad (supposedly I am a touch teacher – I would argue that is because I lack teacher’s training and at the same time know the student rather well). Jozua is keen to go back to school fulltime. What we have to manage with the school, rehab, classmates and at home is to ensure Jozua is picking up the social clues, the cognitive skills and a good understanding of the matters presented to him in such a way that he can provide the proper responses to the situation at hand, and be able to do that easily and quickly. We are very encouraged by his progress and are also very thankful for his increased openness towards others and the world around him.
Today, our local newspaper, The Border Watch, featured Jozua on the frontpage, taking the news of his wonderful recovery to the whole town and region.
It feels like this stage of Jozua’s life and our lives is coming to a close. Not a time we will forget at any time, for all great results of this: Jozua healthy and well and a witness of God’s healing hand, our family and many with us drawn closer to our creator and God, the experience of so much love and care by the local community and the church world-wide. We are blessed indeed!
Hereby we want to thank you all for your love and care and prayers – You have been a great support to us and we pray the peace of the Lord be with you all!

Cheers, Jeroen & Diana

If you click on this image it should get bigger so you can read the text more easily.