My dear friends Ron and Lisa both broke their backs two weeks ago in a vehicular accident with eight of their children. We have so much in common that we naturally became friends after meeting ten years ago. They have adopted 10 children, they homeschool, they regularly attend church, and their older children attended AWANA. I asked you to pray for them two weeks ago when I didn’t have much information about their injuries. They are both currently wearing their molded plastic torso casts, which are not very comfortable. (I speak from experience because I wore one for six months just five years ago.) Ron has a compression fracture of lumbar one and Lisa has a 50% stenosis currently without nerve impingement, and a fracture of lumbar two. I thank you for your prayers. They read my blogs and your comments, and they were encouraged by your words of support.

Matthew 18:19-20 Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. (NIV)

Those of us with large families or special needs children know how packed our days can be. Ron and Lisa have five children who are functioning at a two to three year old level, so you can imagine what their daily schedule was like. The older four children still at home, adopted as a sibling group of five, have some issues as well. Those of us with special needs children are used to being autonomous and not depending on others.

Now imagine what it would be like if your doctor told you not to standup for more than five minutes at a time. On top of that, they cannot climb stairs, sleep prone in a bed, drive, or do any lifting. Can you imagine what it would be like having to depend on others to transport your children and yourself? Especially since those of us with special needs children, tend to have many appointments. What about depending on others for cleaning, vacuuming, laundry, washing dishes, grocery shopping, and cooking meals.

We might feel guilty for accepting or needing so much help and I believe that is true for Lisa. Lisa indicated that she wants to do more, but just washing her hair tends to wear her out. Between their family’s church home, our homeschool group, and our Foster Adoptive Family Resource & Support Center, their family’s needs are being met. They are a little overwhelmed with the show of love and support that they have been receiving. Lisa and Ron have always been so generous and willing to help others that now, their friends are returning that help in abundance with joy.

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.(NIV)

Read other blogs about the accident

Adoptive Prayer Partners Needed

Both Parents Have Broken Backs