Many have been praying for the health needs of former Grace Brethren International Missions executive director Tom Julien (pictured). Today Tom sent along the following update:

This is a brief message to bring you up to date on my health.

Because I was experiencing chest discomfort during our participation in the missionary conference in Columbus, Doris and I returned a day early (July 18) and stopped at the heart center at Lutheran hospital in Fort Wayne.

Providentially my own cardiologist was on duty; he scheduled me for a heart catheterization the next morning and found that three of my four bypasses (not heart valves) were clotted shut. It is impossible for them to be opened by stents, and the doctor is not favorable to surgery. After several days of observation I was released yesterday (Sunday).

He has asked me to put aside all responsibilities, at least for the present, while I follow a treatment of medication. On August 2 they will begin a non-invasive procedure called External Conterpulsation (ECP) to encourage the development of collaterals that will bypass the blockages. This is a new procedure but apparently has had encouraging results.

Thanks to all of you who have phoned or sent e-mails assuring us of concern and prayers. We are grateful.

Tom