From Charles Ashman (pictured), retired FGBC pastor, associate to the Fellowship Coordinator, and coordinator of the FGBC’s Paraclete ministry to churches in transition or conflict:
As many of you have heard, one week ago today I began an unusual journey into the land of WUZTS.
On August 22 I had a carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand. All went well and I was recuperating at home being comforted by my dear wife, Frances, and Vicodin pain pills.
On August 24, while sitting before my computer, I began to phase in and out of awareness. I took my blood pressure and it was very low. My good wife rushed me to the ER at the local hospital. After some tests it was decided that I had a “Silent Heart Attack” and I was rushed by ambulance to the Fort Wayne Cardiac center at Lutheran Hospital.
I spent the next five days in the Cardiac Care Unit getting my blood pressure up, being weaned off dopamine and undergoing EKGs, sonograms, nuclear test and chemical stress tests and ultimately a heart catheterization. The last they did after I signed my life into the hands of God and the cardiologist doctors to do what was necessary if vessels needed to be cleared – rotoroot, scrape, sand, balloon blow, stint or, after further consultation, surgery.
Through all this we were wondering WUZTS HAPPENING?
Since I am sitting here working with my faithful companion, Toshiba Laptop, you are right to conclude that the results of all these tests were most encouraging – no blockage, heart function good with a few minor function adjustments that can be handled with medication. Conclusion: The sudden drop in blood pressure must have been a side effect of the narcotic pain medicine.
In all of this the Lord was so good and literally hundreds of wonderful people were involved in attending to my needs. God gave me and Frances peace of mind knowing that all was in the controlling hands of a loving, gracious and omnipotent God.
I had many opportunities to witness to EMS attendants, the ambulance crew, hospital workers, nurses, and doctors (at least a half-dozen different cardiologists). Sometimes fine Christian nurses and I mutually encouraged one another with God’s Word.
I had many hours to lie and visualize pages of my Bible and gather strength, hope and assurance from the Lord’s words He had privileged me to memorize through the many years of our communing together. When one nurse said to me, “Maybe you’ll get to go home soon,” I said to her, “I know I’m going to one of my homes soon – either my earthly home in Winona Lake or my other home in heaven with the Lord. And I am excited about the possibility of going to either – sooner or later.”
I want to thank all of you who receive this message for your love, concern and especially for your prayers. There is no more encouraging force on earth, except God Himself, than that of a loving spouse, a loving family and wonderful friends who care and let you know via their kind words, and powerful prayers.
I thank God for you all. May He bless you all greatly.
HIS and yours,
Charles Ashman