Dear Friends,
Please read the newsletter below to hear how the Adams family is doing. There have been approximately $5000 of recent medical bills, not including all the extended care needed for Sherry’s broken arm. There have been contributions of over $1000 toward these bills, so there is again some outstanding debt. As always, prayers, and contributions are deeply appreciated!!
Filed under: Uncategorized on February 5th, 2009 | No Comments »
“…Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
January and February 2009
Happy 2009!
We hope that this letter finds you doing well, and that your 2009 is not only happy but healthy! Seems like only yesterday we were planning for Y2K, and the changing of the century! We have had an old-fashioned North Dakota winter, with many blizzards, temps way below zero, ice, sleet, and high wind. The past few days have seemed hot with temps in the 30’s! Thanks for all the cards, letters, and pictures over the holidays.
Steven did make it home for the holidays, which was nice. He was pretty sick when he arrived home, but after much sleep, and lots of food, and a good dose of antibiotics, he perked up. He is back in Omaha, and getting into full swing with his classes. He is now a reporter for the University paper. We had a nice visit, and seemed like the time flew by.
Mindy is still having lots of health problems and ended up back at the hospital in December, only two weeks after her last hospital trip. She then got bronchitis. It was good that she had a break from school, but has now been diagnosed with mono. She just cannot get her full strength back. She is in her last semester for her Psychology degree, and has worked so hard. She and Ian both just had their 25th birthdays. Ian is doing well, and loves his work. He still is volunteering at the fire department as well. Their puppy, Dudley, keeps them busy.
With the bad storms, we have had to cancel both the December and January teen activities, which has been a little frustrating. So far the February activity is still a go.
Dean has kept busy trying to keep us shoveled out, keeping my car running, and keeping furnaces functioning at the school. He has also gone ice fishing a few times, which is where he writes many of his sermons…..not many distractions on the ice. HA!
I ended up being a casualty of the winter of 2008/2009, as I fell on the ice and fractured my humorous…which I tell people, what other bone would I break…HA! This was only three weeks after I broke two toes. I do not want to believe that I am a klutz, just not real graceful. My arm is still not totally healed, as I had some nerve damage by the elbow, and I struggle with numb fingers. I had some great news though, a few days ago. I was offered the Executive Director/Administrator job for our health unit starting May 1st. I am both excited and nervous, but it is a lot more secure and a huge step up. I will still do a lot of the same things I do now, which is also great.
Well, do keep in touch….always good to hear from you. God watch over you and keep you safe in His care!
Love Always,
Dean, Sherry, Steven, Mindy and Ian
Filed under: Uncategorized on February 5th, 2009 | No Comments »
Filed under: Uncategorized on December 13th, 2008 | No Comments »
Dear Friends,
Please take a moment to read Sherry’s newsletter posted just below this note.
Since receiving this newsletter I have an update on Mindy’s health. She continues to feel bad and was taken to the hospital again. She was very sick with food poisoning after attending a friend’s birthday party. She became severely dehydrated and required lots of IV fluids. She was also given a nausea drug commonly used by chemo patients. This episode exhausted her system once again and will make any little infections very hard to fight for awhile. Please pray for her to be much better soon and also pray for Ian, her husband, who found this round of her illness quite frightening. We need your prayers all the time!
Steven is doing well, his new medicine is working.
Sherry’s car recently had a $200 master cylinder job and the next day wouldn’t start again! It was returned to the shop for a new diagnosis.
Of course all of these things cost money! Again the relief of the old debts makes a huge difference, but please realize that the holiday season and the current economic crisis cause already strained situations to quickly become unmanageable. Please continue to help this family keep their heads above water. Send a bit of Christmas cheer as you remember your friends and family!!
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!! THE PERCELLS, FOR THE ADAMS
Filed under: Uncategorized on December 13th, 2008 | No Comments »
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
November/December 2008
Happy Holidays to Each of you. We hope that this finds you doing well, as another year quickly comes to an end. Our year has been filled with many highs and lows, and I think about the one thing that has been constant through all these times, and that is Jesus and God. How very fortunate we are, and how truly blessed.
We had a nice Thanksgiving with Dean’s mom, Mindy and Ian and my sister Gina and her family. It was hard not having Steven home, but thankfully he was taken care of in Omaha. He will be able to come home on December 20th, and we are all pretty excited. He has been doing pretty well. He is on some new medicine for his migraines and so hopefully that will help, especially with finals rapidly approaching.
Mindy still hasn’t been well. She ended up at the hospital after passing out. Her blood sugar bottomed out, and she also needed fluids, so was put on IV’s. A few days later she ended up with the flu. She is pretty worn out, and looking forward to the semester ending. She will be on her last class next semester. She is still working in the rehab center, and loves it. Ian has been keeping busy with his job as well. Rent keeps going up because of the oil boom, so he is working 6 days a week.
We are starting the teen activities in December, which we are looking forward to. They are always a lot of fun, and keep us young.
I did see the specialist, and found that the bad infections ended up causing the nerves in my face to be inflamed. I am on a new medicine, but still don’t feel 100%. At least, no surgery right now, which is good since my car has issues…..not sure what we’ll do with that right now. My college class ends also. I wished I had another one to teach next semester, as I really enjoyed the kids.
Dean got his three deer, and has been making lots of jerky, and slim jims, and such. He was pretty excited. He is still keeping busy with preaching and teaching.
We do not know what lies ahead in 2009, but we know God will be there. Thanks so much for being a part of our lives, and God bless you in the upcoming year.
Love Always, Dean Sherry Steven Mindy and Ian
Filed under: Uncategorized on December 13th, 2008 | No Comments »
Dear Friends,
At this time of Thanksgiving it seems appropriate to remember again all that God has done for us this year. One of the greatest stories of gratitude we know is what He has done, through so many of you, for the Adams Family. We thank Him and all of you again for the wonderful efforts to clear the old debts and help Dean and Sherry have a fresh start.
In the past couple of weeks Sherry has continued to fight the sinus infections she has been having. Surgery is being considered soon. Mindy also is still suffering from infections and fatigue. The tests, treatment and medications they have needed have cost more than 1000 dollars already. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?! I mean, that is still a significant amount of money, but nowhere near the old figures. As you do your holiday giving this year, please keep in mind the importance of continued contributions to this need. The bills will add up again, it is inevitable with the illness they live with. But there is no need for them to ever accumulate like before. So little can make such a big difference. So as we rejoice that the Adams are entering the new year without huge debts for the first time in many, many years, let’s do what we can to keep it that way! When someone asks what you want for Christmas please direct them to this website to spread a bit of cheer in your name!
A Very Merry Christmas to all of you!!!
From the Percells
Filed under: Uncategorized on November 29th, 2008 | No Comments »
Below you will find the October newsletter and update on the Adams lives. As you can see, they have suffered the sudden loss of Dean’s father and some new health issues. Today I received word that Mindy fainted at home and had to be taken to the hospital. She had very low blood sugar and signs of dehydration.
Sherry’s doctor has ordered a Cat scan of Sherry’s sinuses and will then decide if she needs sinus surgery. We really appreciate your prayers for both of these concerns. As well as prayers and contributions to keep the new medical costs of their care manageable.
The Adams and all the rest of us continue to be VERY thankful for the relief of all the old medical debts. In this season of Thanksgiving we feel so much gratitude to God and all of you!
Filed under: Uncategorized on November 6th, 2008 | No Comments »
“The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, O Lord, hast not forsaken those who see Thee.”
Psalm 9:9-10
September and October 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
I am sorry this letter is late in coming, but the last few weeks have been rather trying. Although, we have not written, you have not been far from our thoughts, and, as always, you are in our prayers.
On October 2nd, Dean’s dad passed away unexpectedly. He had been in Bismarck for a biopsy, and had some complications from the anesthesia. So he was in the hospital there until Oct. 2nd. He was doing well so they sent him home on that day. He was good at home for about two hours, and then he just couldn’t breathe, so he was taken to the Dickinson hospital and died an hour later. Dean was able to do the service and I sang, so although hard, it made it a much more personal ceremony. Steven was able to come home, so all of the grandkids were there, which made it nice for Dean’s mom. We were so glad that if it had to happen, Dean’s mom wasn’t alone. So many things in life change, so it is such a comfort to know that one thing that we can trust to never change is God.
During all this, I came down with a sinus infection, which then spread to my ear and eye. The oral antibiotics had not worked, so I was on IV antibiotics for 5 days. It was outpatient, so I didn’t have to stay in the hospital. Then this week, Oct. 28, while at a conference in Bismarck, my face/eye, etc., started swelling again, so I went to the hospital, (fortunately it was across the street from the conference) as I had to be on the IV antibiotic again, as well as a second antibiotic and steroids. I was not admitted, just went in daily. I am back in Dickinson and I see a specialist in November, and it looks like I may have to have surgery on that sinus. Hopefully not, we’ll keep you posted.
Mindy and Steven both took their grandpa’s death quite hard. Steven was sick the entire trip back for the funeral, which I think in part, was due to lack of sleep and also the news. It was good though that he got to come home as, he won’t get to come home until Christmas. Mindy has also still not been real well. She just doesn’t seem to be able to get her strength back. After the funeral, she and Ian left for Colorado for Ian’s sister’s wedding, which I heard was a blast.
Dean went out to hunt pheasants last Saturday, which I think was good for him. I think he needed time alone to kind of reflect on everything that had transpired over the past few weeks. He and Duchess (his hunting dog) had a great time, and happily brought home their quota of pheasants.
We haven’t been able to do much with the teens yet, but hope to start up the teen activities again in December. That always helps brighten one’s day. Hopefully the weather will cooperate for those that drive over to Dickinson.
As November approaches, and Thanksgiving is around the corner, we are mindful of all that we have to be thankful for, and each of you tops that list. God bless you and keep you safe in His care!
Love and prayers,
Dean, Sherry, Steven, Mindy and Ian
Filed under: Uncategorized on November 6th, 2008 | No Comments »
We are sad to report that Dean Adams father died very suddenly this week. Sherry asks that we pray for the family at this difficult time. Mindy has been sick again and this will certainly be a hard week. Dean will be speaking the funeral early this week. Sherry was unable to write her monthly report this week because of this, but we wanted you all to know what had happened and to be praying for the comfort and health needed at this time.
Thank you for your love and concern. Jennie Percell
Filed under: Uncategorized on October 5th, 2008 | No Comments »
This is the most exciting post we have had the privilege of writing. It is the post we prayed we would be writing when we put up the website. Please read every word of the letter below from Sherry Adams. We share her awe at the generosity of so many wonderful people. A year ago in mid September we began to pray and to fast to God that He would pay off all the old debts the Adams had weighing on their shoulders. WE ASKED HIM TO DO THAT IN ONE YEAR. As you will see in the letter below, He has answered. No one could convince me that the date of this incredible donation is a coincidence!!!
I read this verse the other night and must put it here:
“….On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. as you help by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. “ 2 Cor. 1:10-11
Please share in our joy and thanksgiving for this year of giving, praying, encouraging and finally succeeding in making a real difference. We salute everyone of you who prayed, sent notes, wrote checks, and loved this family. We are so grateful for the North Dakota churches and many others who were helping long before we posted the page and in ways we will never know.
We will continue to post updates and monthly reports from Sherry. Of course, the bills will keep coming, as the illness continues to challenge Mindy and Steven. There will be more to do. But today we will pause to be grateful and happy!!!! Please share this message of joy and goodness. Too often in our world we only tell the sad things.
With great thanksgiving,
Jennie and Nate Percell
Filed under: Uncategorized on September 22nd, 2008 | 1 Comment »